What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that operates on the principle that where a person directs their gaze can influence their emotions, thoughts, sensations, and memories. Here's how it works and how it can help heal trauma:

Brainspotting is based on the understanding that our visual field is connected to various parts of the brain, including those associated with emotions and memories. When we focus our gaze on specific points (or "brainspots"), it can activate neural networks linked to unresolved trauma or emotional experiences. Brainspotting sessions are useful addition to trauma counseling.

By guiding the client's gaze to different spots while they tune into their internal experiences, therapists can help access subcortical brain regions where trauma is stored. These areas, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, play key roles in processing emotions and memories.

Brainspotting involves a dual attunement process, where both the therapist and the client are attuned to the client's inner experience. This heightened state of attunement facilitates the processing and integration of traumatic memories and emotions.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the neocortex (the thinking part of the brain), Brainspotting utilizes bottom-up processing. This means it begins with activating the lower, more primitive parts of the brain associated with emotions and survival instincts before integrating higher cognitive functions.

Through the focused attention on brainspots associated with trauma, clients can experience a release of trapped emotions and sensations. This process allows for the reprocessing and integration of traumatic memories, leading to healing and resolution.

Overall, Brainspotting harnesses the relationship between eye gaze and brain activity to access and process trauma at a deep level. By engaging both the body and the mind in the therapeutic process, it offers a unique and effective approach to trauma treatment.