What is Brainspotting?

Introduction to Brainspotting therapy by Andrea Freeman, LCSW, therapist for CPTSD, cycle breakers, and perinatal mental health in CA & WA.

Brainspotting Quick Facts:

• Brainspotting is based on the premise that "where you look affects how you feel."

• In a session, the therapist helps the client find an eye position that connects to trauma stored in the subcortical brain. They eye is a complex organ that is part of the central nervous system.

• Dr. David Grand developed this model is 2003 while working with a figure skater who was struggling to perform a jump after experiencing a fall. Dr. Grand noticed an eye wobble during an EMDR session with the client, and prompted her to hold that spot. This led to profound processing and the subsequent ability to once-again perform her jump.

• Dr. Grand has since used this modality to support healing for survivors of various tragedies and natural disasters. Brainspotting continues to grow in popularity among the therapist community due to its gentle but powerful effects.

Read more at www.Brainspotting.com

I Didn't Choose Brainspotting, It Chose Me

At some point mid-pandemic, I hit a wall. Many of us did. We were navigating work, family life, and the stress of the unknown, without access to many of the activities and supports that we typically relied on to help weather the chaos. After hearing whispers of Brainspotting therapy from other therapists, who often described it as a gentle approach that was great for addressing stubborn stress and trauma, I sought out a therapist who offered it as part of her repertoire. I'm not sure what drew me to Brainspotting over EMDR or the many other wonderful options out there. Sometimes things just call your name in life and you move forward to see what they have to say.

During my first Brainspotting session, I was (somewhat comically) naive, and had no idea what to expect. I hadn't really done a tone of research. Being asked by my therapist to stare at her metal stick seemed rather odd. However, as I stayed open to the process I began to notice waves of sensation moving through my body, and after the session ended, my emotions seemed to be especially charged. It felt a little unreal to notice such inner movement, but my intuition hinted that these shifts were meaningful. In the coming years, I pursued further Brainspotting therapy for myself and also worked towards professional certification.

Brainspotting in Action

I've since had the privilege of supporting clients in noticing their own inner shifts using Brainspotting. Because it is such a flexible and adaptable modality, there are countless ways it can be used. Some of the issues I have used Brainspotting to address include: grief, anxiety, addiction, negative core beliefs, trauma (childhood trauma, birth trauma, car accidents), and perinatal mood disorders. In addition to reducing the intensity around various issues, it can be used to help cultivate an embodied connection to various resources, such as an inner sensation of calm or grounded-ness, a soothing place or image, or even a spiritual guide or idea.

Brainspotting is considered inherently resourcing in that it meets needs for attunement and connection. While the client tracks their own inner experience, the therapist offers their presence and attention to the client. I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone how rare it is to have someone's full undivided attention, without pressure, expectation, or judgment. While the eye position does its job of activating the subcortical brain, the attunement between the client and therapist offers further support in helping the client move towards greater regulation and expanded nervous system capacity.

In my practice, where I specialize in treating CPTSD and various perinatal/parenting concerns, this approach allows us to target material for which there may not always be specific words or memories. Especially when distress is stemming from a long history of "tiny cuts," Brainspotting allows for processing that doesn't need a single outstanding memory to be useful, and can bring about significant shifts without the requirement of talking.

Results May Vary

While many people report feeling relief by the end of a session, it's also common that activation remains or even feels intensified at the end of session. In those cases, I offer support around grounding and follow-up care to ensure you are able to safely return to your daily life.

In contrast, some clients report noticing very little during a Brainspotting session. They may express uncertainty around the process or feel some skepticism. Because my personal orientation to therapy is integrative and flexible, I always follow a client's lead and if they decide Brainspotting is not for them, I will fully respect that.

For folks who do experience benefit, that can come in many forms, including:

• Feeling little or no distress when recalling a traumatic experience or memory

• Feeling more confident and at-ease about an upcoming event

• Noticing shifts in the ways they navigate relationships

• Patterns or anxieties that once felt incredibly "stuck" no longer feel like barriers

• More clarity around a particular issue or general life goals

Is Brainspotting also choosing you?

If this post sparked your curiosity, please feel welcomed to reach out for a consultation! I am always willing to answer any questions you might have to help you decide if Brainspotting therapy might be a good fit for you. Some clients may receive Brainspotting as part of an integrative treatment approach, and others see me for Brainspotting alone. Both are options, and I can't wait to explore this more with you.

Reach out here for a free consultation