Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It’s designed to help people process and heal from trauma, emotional distress, and psychological blocks by accessing deeper parts of the brain through specific eye positions.
How it works:
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The therapist helps the client identify a “brainspot”—a particular eye position that correlates with the activation of a traumatic memory or emotional experience.
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While the client maintains focus on that spot, the therapist supports the client in staying present and attuned to their internal experience (bodily sensations, emotions, images, thoughts).
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This process is believed to tap into the brain’s self-healing capacities, especially areas involved in processing trauma that are not always accessible through talk therapy alone.
Key aspects:
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Bottom-up approach: Brainspotting targets the subcortical (deeper, nonverbal) areas of the brain where trauma is stored.
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Mind-body connection: The technique emphasizes bodily awareness, encouraging clients to notice sensations and emotional shifts.
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Gentle and client-led: Clients are not required to talk in detail about their trauma. The therapist follows the client’s process rather than directing it.
What it helps with:
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Trauma and PTSD
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Anxiety and depression
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Performance issues (athletics, creativity, public speaking)
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Chronic pain or somatic symptoms
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Grief and loss
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Attachment wounds and relational issues
Summary:
Brainspotting is a powerful, neurobiologically informed therapy that allows people to access, process, and release trauma or emotional blocks by working with where they look and what they feel. It’s often described as deep, focused, and transformative.