Should I Try Brainspotting Therapy?

Medically reviewed by Aleesha Grier, PsyD

Brainspotting is an effective therapeutic intervention for healing the effects of psychological trauma. Through brainspotting, a person is led by a trained mental health professional to develop an awareness of the places in the body where trauma sits and then release the pain associated with the traumatic experience.

This article will explain the brainspotting therapy technique, describe what happens during a typical session, and offer approaches to self-care after brainspotting. It will also list options for finding a certified brainspotting therapist.

Brainspotting Therapy Technique

Brainspotting is a safe and effective intervention for treating trauma responses, and it is as effective as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Brainspotting works by identifying places in the body where trauma exists to process it and release any emotional or physical pain associated with the trauma. Brainspotting is typically used to help those who have had traumatic experiences, but some evidence also shows that it may be effective for those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Therapeutic interventions that incorporate the brain, like brainspotting, tend to be more effective at treating trauma than GAD because they target the places in the body where the brain has created a somatic (physical) response to the traumatic experience. Without intervention, the brain holds onto these traumatic memories and their resulting physical reactions.

Important components of brainspotting are the supportive presence of a mental health professional and being attuned to the body to make observations throughout the session.

Does It Work?

Brainspotting is shown to work as well or better than other evidence-based interventions for treating trauma, like EMDR. Those with a positive experience with brainspotting see a significant reduction in unpleasant symptoms over a short time. Though it doesn't work for everyone, brainspotting is a safe and effective treatment option for trauma disorders and other mental illnesses.

What Happens During a Brainspotting Session?

Before beginning brainspotting techniques, you will work with a mental health provider to develop stabilization and relaxation exercises to help encourage grounding as needed throughout the sessions.

Once brainspotting begins, the mental health provider uses a light or pointer to guide your vision from right to left to find a specific position dubbed "the brainspot." The purpose of finding the right brainspot is to allow the release of stored traumatic memories.

This spot is located by determining which visual location feels the most calming and which feels the most activated or distressing. The spot that causes the most distress is the brainspot. Throughout the process, you will hear bilateral sounds moving rhythmically between the left and right ears. As this happens, you are asked to focus on the sensations and feelings that arise in the body.

During a brainspotting session, the mental health provider does not ask you to describe your trauma or experience during treatment. This differs from other clinical interventions that treat trauma, like EMDR and psychotherapy.

What to Do After Brainspotting Therapy

It can be helpful to plan how to spend your time immediately following a brainspotting session, especially if it's the first. Planning some downtime after a session can help you adjust to any feelings that come up afterward. Here are some things to consider:

• Don't schedule anything important or that requires deep thought following a brainspotting session.

• Give yourself time to nap or rest.

• Try low-key activities, like taking a walk, reading, or yoga.

• Have in mind someone you can call or talk to if you feel like connecting or plan a place to go if you'd rather be alone to process your experience.

• Know what you can do to help calm yourself if you experience any anxiety, such as grounding exercises or deep breathing.

Takeaway

It's normal to experience a range of reactions after a brainspotting session. Many people feel physically and mentally tired afterward, while others experience increased anxiety or other responses.

How to Find a Certified Brainspotting Therapist

There are several places to find a certified brainspotting therapist. To become certified, therapists must take extensive training and receive supervision in providing brainspotting to clients for a minimum number of hours. Brainspotting.com is a website dedicated specifically to the brainspotting intervention. It includes information about brainspotting and has a directory to search for certified therapists.

You can also use other search tools, such as the one available on the Psychology Today website. Be sure to narrow your search by searching for "brainspotting". It's essential to find a therapist who has completed their certification in brainspotting or who is under the supervision of a certified brainspotting therapist.

Summary

Brainspotting is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to treating trauma. It works by identifying the brainspot where trauma memories are stuck and releasing them through listening to bilateral sounds. While most people feel relief after a brainspotting treatment, feeling tired, drained, or anxious is common. Brainspotting therapy should only be provided by a licensed mental health professional who is certified in the technique.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.