Brainspotting

What In The World Is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a form of therapy that came about in the early 2000s from David Grand, Ph.D. The term "brain spots" refers to eye positions that allow you more access to bodily sensations and emotions. This intervention has been found to be an effective treatment, particularly for cases of trauma. And although the term "brainspotting" can be intimidating, here is how the process usually goes:

◽️ You'll be guided to feel in a more relaxed and mindful state.

◽️ Once there, you'll point out which part of your body you feel the most discomfort in.

◽️ You'll be guided to find where your eyes focus when you experience distress (i.e., your brain spot) and to concentrate on that point.

◽️ You and your therapist will then focus on the feelings that arise from that part of your body.

◽️ After which, you'll be processing how the experience was for you.

Apart from trauma, brainspotting can also help with other mental health concerns or issues causing you to feel “stuck”.

What is Brainspotting Good For

  • Healing without the trauma of retelling

  • Learning to trust yourself to sit in difficult emotions

  • Replacing internal tension with a sense of groundedness and calm

  • Internalizing a more healthy understanding of what you’ve grown through

Why I Think Brainspotting Is An Important Tool

(especially for the BIPOC Community)

Being trained in Brainspotting has been a game changer for me, and especially the people I work with. What I appreciate most about it is the premise that the client’s brain and body has the power to heal itself. Just like our physical health is protected by our antibodies, we all have inherent mental protectors that can help our minds heal just as well. So when it comes to therapy with Brainspotting - my role is simply to help facilitate that process.

The reason why Brainspotting is so impactful, especially for the Black Community is that we are often taught from a young age to keep our “business” private. This teaching is still a barrier for many who know they could benefit from help, but choose not to do so because they don’t want anyone knowing the details of what they went through or are going through currently.

When we use Brainspotting in sessions, it is not necessary for you to (re)tell what traumatic event you are focusing on. For many of us, we don’t have access to the words anyway! Instead, I will help you be more in tune with what is coming up in your body and help you get further along in the internal processing of the event(s) likely quicker than we would in traditional talk therapy.