Brainspotting is a type of therapy that uses eye movement, bilateral sound, and therapist guidance to help people access and process traumatic memories and emotions. It is a relatively new therapy, but it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Brainspotting is based on the idea that the brain stores memories and emotions in specific locations, or "brainspots." When a person is triggered by a reminder of a traumatic event, their eyes will naturally move to the brainspot associated with that event. Brainspotting therapists use this natural eye movement to help their clients access and process the traumatic memory.
In addition to eye movement, brainspotting also uses bilateral sound. Bilateral sound is a type of sound that is played in alternating ears. This type of sound helps to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, which can help to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.
Brainspotting is a gentle and effective therapy that can help people to heal from trauma and move on with their lives. If you are struggling with a traumatic memory or emotion, brainspotting may be a helpful treatment option for you.
How does Brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by stimulating the brain's visual system and limbic system, which are responsible for processing emotions and memories. When a client is in a brainspotting session, the therapist will identify a "brainspot," which is a specific location in the client's visual field that is associated with the traumatic memory or emotion. The therapist will then use eye movement, bilateral sound, and therapist guidance to help the client access and process the memory or emotion.
Brainspotting can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma. It can help clients to release the emotional and physical pain associated with the trauma, and to develop new coping skills. Brainspotting can also help clients to improve their self-esteem and sense of well-being.
Who can benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting can be beneficial for a variety of people, including those who have experienced:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Performance anxiety
- Learning disabilities
- Relationship problems
- Sexual abuse
How many Brainspotting sessions do I need?
The number of brainspotting sessions you need will vary depending on the severity of your trauma and your individual needs. However, most people find that they need between 6 and 12 sessions to achieve significant results.
What are the risks of Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a generally safe and effective therapy. However, there are some potential risks, including:
- Emotional distress
- Flashbacks
- Increased anxiety
- Headaches
- Dizziness
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your therapist.
If you are interested in learning more about Brainspotting, please reach out to me and we can talk about whether or not this modality is right for you.
