A Revolutionary Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change
Brainspotting was founded and developed from 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D, over 25,000 therapists now have completed training worldwide.
Brainspotting (BSP) is a transformative therapy treatment that helps identify, process, and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional or body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of challenging symptoms.
Brainspotting (BSP) and healing through Brainspotting is different from other psychotherapies and healing modalities in a variety of ways. It strategically utilises the client’s visual field to access their brain’s self-scanning and self-healing properties.
Brainspotting therapy training will give you advanced Brainspotting techniques, trauma resolution training, Therapy grounded in the latest neurobiological developments/discoveries, and Brainspotting techniques for emotional regulation using focused mindfulness. Within Brainspotting, it is both acknowledged and embraced that we are working in a field of uncertainty.
Brainspotting emphasises the importance of present awareness, completely integrating the therapist’s relational and neurobiological attunement to the client in the enhanced therapeutic relationship to process issues and parts that are looking to heal.
Healing through Brainspotting encompasses a full spectrum of possible interventions with clients, according to their needs, from the most activated to the most resourced use of eye position and body experience. It is specifically and intentionally designed to be integrated with other methods making Brainspotting for mental health professionals, and other healers, a natural and essential integrative trauma healing training.
Dr. Grand is a psychotherapist, writer, lecturer, performance coach and humanitarian famous for the discovery and development of the internationally acclaimed Brainspotting method, which brings about life-changing breakthroughs. Dr. Grand developed Brainspotting based on his observations of how eye positions and the visual field can impact the processing and resolution of traumatic experiences. Since its development, Brainspotting has gained recognition and popularity within the field of psychology, and it continues to be utilized by therapists worldwide as an effective therapeutic approach for trauma treatment and emotional healing.
Dr. Grand’s expertise lies in understanding the brain-body connection and the role of neurobiology in healing. With decades of experience, he has trained thousands of therapists worldwide in Brainspotting and has conducted extensive research on its effectiveness. Dr. Grand’s work has had a profound impact on trauma treatment, providing therapists with a powerful tool to help clients heal and thrive. He continues to actively promote Brainspotting through workshops, training programs, and professional collaborations, further advancing the field of trauma therapy.
In the context of Brainspotting therapy, a “Brainspot” refers to a specific eye position that is targeted during the therapeutic process. Brainspots are identified based on subtle eye movements, known as “oculomotor reflexes,” which indicate areas of heightened brain activity related to unresolved trauma or emotional distress.
By focusing on these Brainspots, individuals can access and process deep-seated emotions, memories, and sensations associated with their traumatic experiences. Brainspotting leverages the brain’s natural healing abilities by engaging specific neural pathways through visual stimulation.
As a powerful therapeutic technique, Brainspotting enables individuals to address unresolved emotional material and promote healing and emotional resolution.
Brainspotting can be effective in treating a wide range of psychological and emotional issues. While individual experiences may vary, Brainspotting has shown promise in addressing the following concerns:
Trauma: Brainspotting is particularly well-suited for trauma processing and healing. It can help individuals process and release the emotional impact of various types of trauma, such as childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat-related experiences.
Anxiety and Phobias: Brainspotting can assist in alleviating anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. It helps individuals identify and process the underlying fears and triggers contributing to their anxiety.
Depression: Brainspotting can be beneficial for individuals experiencing depression by facilitating the release of underlying emotional pain and promoting a sense of emotional resilience and empowerment.
Addiction and Substance Abuse: Brainspotting can complement addiction treatment by addressing the underlying emotional issues and trauma that may contribute to addictive behaviours. It aids in resolving cravings, reducing triggers, and supporting relapse prevention.
Performance Anxiety: Brainspotting can help individuals overcome performance anxiety in various domains, such as sports, public speaking, artistic performances, or academic pursuits. It assists in accessing and processing the underlying fears and self-limiting beliefs that hinder performance.
ADD/ADHD: Brainspotting works deep into the subcortex which interfaces with the central nervous system. Through this access point, the client can work into the deeper causes that influence their impulsivity, inattention or hyperactivity. Brainspotting appreciates, but seeks to work beyond, oversimplified diagnostic terms to meet the person’s individual presentation which is always as unique as a fingerprint.
Grief and Loss: Brainspotting can support individuals in navigating the grieving process and healing from the emotional pain associated with loss. It allows for the release of suppressed emotions and facilitates the integration of the loss into one’s life.
Self-Esteem and Personal Growth: Brainspotting can promote personal growth and enhance self-esteem by helping individuals uncover and process self-limiting beliefs, past traumas, and emotional blocks that hinder their development and self-worth.
Stress Management: Brainspotting techniques can be effective in managing stress and promoting relaxation. It helps individuals identify and process the underlying sources of stress and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
It’s important to note that while Brainspotting has shown promising results for these issues, each individual’s response may vary. It is recommended to consult with a certified Brainspotting therapist to determine if it is the appropriate approach for your specific needs and circumstances.
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself. This is done by identifying and focusing on specific eye positions, called “brainspots,” that correspond to areas in the brain where unresolved trauma or emotional distress is stored. Once a brainspot is identified, the client is encouraged to maintain focus on these brainspots to help them access and process deep-seated emotions, sensations, and memories, leading to healing and emotional resolution.
Brainspotting is rooted in the understanding of the brain-body connection and utilizes the visual field to engage the limbic system and facilitate neurobiological healing. Brainspotting is a nonverbal therapy approach that can complement and enhance traditional talk therapy, offering a powerful tool for trauma processing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.
Brainspotting harnesses the brain’s natural healing abilities by leveraging the connection between the visual field, eye positions, and the brain’s processing of emotional experiences.
Some of the key factors that contribute to the effectiveness of Brainspotting:
Neurobiological Engagement: Brainspotting engages the brain’s limbic system, which is involved in emotional regulation and memory processing. By focusing attention on specific Brainspots, Brainspotting activates neural networks associated with unresolved trauma or emotional distress. This activation facilitates the release, reprocessing, and integration of emotional material at a neurobiological level, leading to emotional healing and resolution.
Accessing Unconscious Material: Brainspotting enables access to deep-seated emotions, memories, and beliefs that may be stored in the subconscious or unconscious mind. By targeting specific eye positions, Brainspotting bypasses the limitations of verbal communication and allows individuals to connect with and process material that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone.
Nonverbal and Experiential Approach: Brainspotting acknowledges the importance of nonverbal and experiential processing in healing. By accessing emotions and sensations stored in the body, Brainspotting offers a holistic approach that complements traditional talk therapy. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with expressing their emotions verbally.
Client Therapist Alliance and Empowerment: Brainspotting facilitates a supportive and nonjudgmental presence for the client which creates a safe space for exploration and processing, fostering trust and empowerment in the client’s healing journey. This enhances the therapeutic relationship and alliance between the client and the therapist play a significant role in the effectiveness of Brainspotting.
Client-Centered Process: Brainspotting promotes autonomy and self-discovery, honouring the client’s autonomy and self-discovery. This creates a client-led process, where the therapist follows the client’s inner experience and pace.
Yes absolutely. In recent times Brainspotting has been used more widely online and has proven to be very effective in many cases.
