Brainspotting
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is an advanced therapeutic modality that involves identifying and processing traumatic or emotionally charged experiences. The therapist assists the client in identifying brainspots that are connected to the physiological and emotional activation related to the trauma. BSP helps individuals to process and overcome unresolved issues quickly without needing to utilize talk therapy.
How does Brainspotting work?
Sessions address the body’s central nervous system and assist in creating new neural pathways. In brainspotting, the therapist guides the client in identifying specific eye positions (brainspots) associated with emotional distress or trauma. By maintaining focus on these spots, the client can access and process unprocessed emotions, memories, or sensations. The bilateral stimulation facilitates the release and resolution of emotional issues, promoting healing and integration. It's considered a neurobiological tool within the framework of psychotherapy.
What does a Brainspotting session entail?
Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. Dr. Grand, a psychotherapist and researcher, who drew upon eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic experiencing. The development of brainspotting was influenced by the understanding that eye positions are connected to the processing of trauma and emotional experiences. Since its inception, brainspotting has gained recognition in the field of psychotherapy as an effective method for addressing trauma and other psychological challenges.
What is the History of Brainspotting?
In a BSP session, a therapist holds a pointer and guides the client’s eyes across a field of vision while the client discloses a particular event. The “brainspot” is a certain visual point at which the client has a strong emotional reaction while bringing up a traumatic memory or triggering uncomfortable somatic responses. Bilateral stimulation assists the client in allowing their logical and emotional brain to correctly explore and process the sensations, emotions, and memories linked to the trauma. The bilateral stimulation involved, combined with sustained attention on the identified brainspots, activates the brain's natural ability to heal and integrate unresolved issues. Essentially, it helps individuals access and process challenging emotions, fostering a therapeutic release and resolution.