What’s the Easiest Way to Explain Brainspotting?
Brainspotting a brain-based therapy with bilateral brain stimulation initiated with music and combining the strengths of brain-based and talk therapies. You might go down memory lane or feel sensations in your body all while accessing the subcortex, where trauma is stored. Brainspotting can help heal the unrealized mental and physical imprints left by trauma.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic modality originating from EMDR (another research backed therapy) that identifies and processes emotional and physical trauma stored in the brain and body. Through focused eye positions and mindful attunement, Brainspotting helps access deeper parts of the nervous system where unresolved experiences may remain held.
How Does Brainspotting Work with Addiction?
Addiction modalities and treatment have evolved and improved since the late 1800 and early 1900s. Ongoing research and studies have helped experts identify and implement evidence-based methods and types of treatment to help people address and overcome addiction, mental health and trauma. Brain-based therapy is one of the fastest-growing areas in the field of psychological health. The Brainspotting method was discovered in 2003 by psychotherapist, humanitarian and author Dr. David Grand, PhD, LCSW as a tool to ease suffering.
Brainspotting is primarily a trauma therapy, but it is highly versatile. It is commonly used to address:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
- Substance use disorders and addiction recovery
- Chronic physical pain
- Sports or performance anxiety
What a Brainspotting Session is Like
A typical session begins with breathwork, bilateral music and grounding techniques to help you feel calm, present, and supported. Together, you and your therapist will identify a specific issue to focus on, assess your level of distress, and use eye position to locate the activating brainspot.
Once the brainspot is identified, the brain begins processing on a deeper level. During this process, you may notice memories, emotions, images, or physical sensations surfacing and shifting. Many clients experience meaningful emotional and physiological relief after only a few sessions.
How Brainspotting Can Help
Brainspotting supports healing by helping clients process experiences beyond and alongside more traditional talk therapy.
Trauma & PTSD
Process unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and distress in a safe and supportive environment.
Anxiety & Stress
Reduce chronic stress responses, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation.
Performance & Creativity
Address blocks impacting performance, confidence, focus, and personal growth.
Begin Your Brainspotting Therapy Journey
Discover a deeper path toward emotional healing, resilience, and lasting recovery through Brainspotting therapy. Many of Santé’s clinical therapists are Brainspotting practitioners. Call Santé Center for Healing today to see how your recovery journey could be positively impacted through Brainspotting.