The Relationship Between Brainspotting and EMDR
Brainspotting and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are both highly effective trauma therapies that use eye positions and bilateral stimulation. In fact, Brainspotting evolved from EMDR—but they are distinct approaches with important differences.
The Common Ground
Both therapies:
- Use eye positions to access and process trauma
- Incorporate bilateral stimulation (visual, auditory, or tactile)
- Work with the subcortical brain where trauma is stored
- Are evidence-based and effective for PTSD and trauma
- Don't require extensive verbal processing or storytelling
- Can produce rapid, lasting results
Both modalities recognize that trauma is stored neurologically and somatically—in the brain and body—and that talking alone isn't always sufficient to heal it.
Key Differences
Eye Movement Approach
EMDR: Eyes move back and forth, following the therapist's fingers or a light bar. The movement is continuous and bilateral.
Brainspotting: Eyes find and hold a fixed position—the "brainspot." No movement required once the spot is found.
Therapeutic Structure
EMDR: Uses an 8-phase protocol with specific procedures. More therapist-directed with standardized components.
Brainspotting: More fluid and client-directed. The therapist follows the client's process rather than adhering to a rigid protocol.
Processing Depth
EMDR: Often processes specific traumatic memories one at a time.
Brainspotting: Can access broader, deeper activation in the nervous system. May process multiple layers simultaneously.
Client's Role
EMDR: Client provides SUDs (distress) ratings and reports content during processing.
Brainspotting: Client's internal experience guides the process. Less verbal interaction during processing.
Session Feel
EMDR: More active, with regular check-ins and therapist prompts.
Brainspotting: Quieter, more meditative. Client processes internally with minimal interruption.
Somatic Focus
EMDR: Includes body scan but primarily cognitive-emotional focus.
Brainspotting: Strong somatic (body-based) focus from start to finish. Body sensation guides the entire process.
When Brainspotting May Be Preferred
Brainspotting might be especially helpful if you:
- Find it hard to talk about your trauma - Brainspotting requires less verbal processing
- Have tried EMDR with limited success - Brainspotting can access material EMDR couldn't reach
- Experience preverbal or body-held trauma - The somatic focus is powerful for early trauma
- Prefer a less structured approach - Brainspotting flows more organically
- Get distracted by eye movements - The fixed gaze allows deeper focus
- Want to work with resources and performance - Expansion Brainspotting is unique to this modality
When EMDR May Be Preferred
EMDR might be especially helpful if you:
- Prefer a structured approach - The 8-phase protocol provides clear steps
- Want to target specific traumatic memories - EMDR's protocol is designed for this
- Like to talk through your processing - EMDR includes more verbal interaction
- Have single-incident trauma - EMDR's protocol works well for discrete events
- Find movement calming - The bilateral eye movements can feel soothing
Can You Do Both?
Yes! Many therapists are trained in both modalities and can integrate them based on what serves each client best.
Some clients start with EMDR and later discover Brainspotting accesses deeper material. Others begin with Brainspotting and occasionally use EMDR techniques for specific memories.
As a therapist trained in Brainspotting, I focus primarily on this modality because I've found it to be exceptionally effective—particularly for complex trauma, body-held trauma, and working with highly sensitive people. However, understanding EMDR helps me explain the relationship between the two approaches and honor clients' previous experiences.
Curious About Brainspotting?
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how Brainspotting works and whether it's the right approach for you.
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