What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms.
How Brainspotting Works
Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is based on the profound discovery that "where you look affects how you feel." By identifying specific eye positions that correspond to neural pathways in the brain, therapists can help clients access and process deep-seated trauma and emotional issues more effectively than traditional talk therapy alone.
The Science Behind Brainspotting
Brainspotting works with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems within the body's central nervous system. This allows for the processing of trauma and emotional experiences that are stored in the subcortical brain - the part of the brain that doesn't respond well to talk therapy alone.
What Happens in a Session
During a Brainspotting session, your therapist will:
- Help you identify an issue or feeling you want to work on
- Guide you to notice where you feel it in your body
- Use a pointer to help you find the eye position (brainspot) where you feel the issue most strongly
- Support you as you process the experience while maintaining that eye position
- Allow your brain to heal itself at its own pace
Key Principles
Brain-Body Connection
Brainspotting recognizes that trauma is stored in both the brain and the body, requiring a holistic approach to healing.
Natural Healing
The brain has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right conditions and support.
Client-Centered
You remain in control of the process, working at your own pace with your therapist's guidance.
Subcortical Processing
Accesses deeper brain structures where trauma is stored, beyond what talk therapy can reach.
What Brainspotting Can Help With
Trauma & PTSD
- • Childhood trauma
- • Complex PTSD
- • Single-incident trauma
- • Developmental trauma
Anxiety & Stress
- • Panic attacks
- • Generalized anxiety
- • Performance anxiety
- • Social anxiety
Emotional Issues
- • Depression
- • Grief and loss
- • Anger issues
- • Emotional regulation
Other Conditions
- • Chronic pain
- • Addictions
- • Phobias
- • Creative blocks
Why Choose Brainspotting?
Faster Than Traditional Therapy
Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy alone.
Gentle Yet Powerful
You don't have to relive traumatic experiences in detail. Brainspotting works with your natural healing process.
Neuroscience-Informed
Brainspotting is grounded in neuroscience research on trauma processing and the brain-body connection.
Works When Other Methods Haven't
Many clients find relief with Brainspotting after other therapeutic approaches haven't fully addressed their issues.
Ready to Experience Brainspotting?
Find a certified Brainspotting therapist in Oakland and the East Bay.
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