• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Protecting You
  • Do Something Positive
  • Wiki
Beat Bullying

Beat Bullying

Shaping Attitudes and Changing Behaviors

  • Mental Health
  • Therapy
  • Depression
  • Statistics
  • Online Therapist
Home » Mental Health » What is Brainspotting and How Does it Work?

What is Brainspotting and How Does it Work?

December 27, 2022 by Angel Rivera

Table of Contents

  • Brainspotting: What is it?
  • Brainspotting Theory
    • How Does Brainspotting Suggest the Mind Works?
  • How Does Brainspotting Cause Change?
  • What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?
    • Techniques Used in Brainspotting
  • Does Brainspotting Work?
  • What Kinds of Concerns is Brainspotting Best for?
  • How are Brainspotting Therapists Trained?
  • Concerns/Limitations of Brainspotting
  • Important Practitioners in Brainspotting
  • How to Find a Therapist
    • What Should I be looking for in an LMHP?
    • Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist
  • Final Thoughts on Brainspotting
  • Resources

Brainspotting is a new treatment approach which works by identifying, processing, and releasing stored negative or traumatic experiences from the brain to help affected individuals heal from within. It also promotes healing for individuals suffering from physical pain.

Brainspotting: What is it?

Brainspotting is a new model of psychotherapy created to help people overcome negative and traumatic emotions, physical trauma, as well as psychologically-induced physical pain. Brainspotting was created by David Grand, PhD. in 2003 as a result of his work with people who had experienced traumatic events such as Hurricane Katrina, the attacks on the World Trade Center, as well as war veterans. Many mental health professionals have found brainspotting to be an effective form of treatment for several mental health problems and physical illnesses.

Brainspotting Theory

Brainspotting theory suggests that the brain can heal itself from inside. It aims to stimulate the brain’s healing ability by evoking and releasing the negative emotions and experiences that have been stored in it. It does this by identifying an eye position that triggers and releases these emotions.

This procedure is based on a concept that an individual’s direction of gaze can affect how they feel. It lends to the theory that the eyes have an intense relationship with the brain. Furthermore, brainspotting is based on the fact that trauma is stored in the body and can be activated or triggered at a certain eye position.

The brainspotting therapist uses a pointer to direct the gaze of people in therapy across their field of vision until an eye position is reached that activates a certain traumatic memory or emotion. This helps the therapists to assess an individual’s emotions on a much deeper level and evaluate the psychological effects of a traumatic experience on an individual.

How Does Brainspotting Suggest the Mind Works?

Brainspotting suggests that when an individual experiences a traumatic event, such as a sexual abuse, the negative experiences around the event are stored as memories in the brain.

The individual may attempt to suppress those memories to be able to cope and lead a normal life. The traumatized individual, not having the means to properly deal with the trauma, stores it within and struggles with it on a daily basis. The longer these memories are held on to in the brain, the more they create distortions in the individual’s mental processes, leading to a mental health disorder.

Brainspotting helps the individual assess, process, and release these stored emotions to begin their journey to recovery.

This therapy suggests that by determining an individual’s brainspot, the brain can be stimulated to heal itself.

Dr. Grand defines a “brainspot” as the eye position related to the energetic and emotional activation of a traumatic/emotionally charged issue within the brain, most likely in the amygdala, the hippocampus, or the orbitofrontal cortex of the limbic system, these are the parts of the brain which regulate emotion, motivation, impulse control, and memory. He further notes that a brainspot is the physiological subsystem holding emotional experience in memory form.

How Does Brainspotting Cause Change?

Brainspotting aims to release the negative emotions and experiences that have been stored in the brain. For example, a war veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder undergoes brainspotting. During the procedure, the therapist will help him or her to focus on the brainspot which evokes the negative experiences during the traumatic event, such as the moment when a bomb exploded in their camp killing a number of his colleagues. Once the veteran recalls the event, the therapist helps them to process the negative emotions associated with it and, ultimately, release them. This creates a mental environment for quick healing.

Brainspotting works by tapping directly into the parts of the brain regulating emotions, memories, as well as the neurohormonal network of the brain. This, therefore, means that brainspotting promotes both mental and physical healing by regulating the brain’s control of the body.

What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?

Brainspotting may be done with one or both eyes. It is performed by a trained brainspotting therapist who, waving a pointer in front of the patient’s eyes, slowly guides the gaze of the person in therapy across the length of their visual field, to identify the brainspot. When the pointer comes across the brainspot, the deep brain will reflexively send signals to the therapist that a brainspot has been detected. These reflexive signals occur without the patient’s knowledge and may include an eye twitch facial tic, pupillary dilation or constriction, yawns, swallows, foot movement, or coughs. However, changes in facial expressions are the strongest signals of a brainspot.

By finding the brainspot, the therapist triggers the somatosensory experiences in the patient. The therapist then tells the patient to hold that eye position while focusing on the experiences and emotions invoked. The therapist and the patient work closely to determine the brainspot. The patient lets the therapist know when he or she feels a heightened intensity during the brain scan, which corresponds to the brainspot. Over time, accessing these experiences in a safe environment in a therapy session helps the brain release the traumatic emotions and memories, and initiate a self-healing process.

Techniques Used in Brainspotting

Some of the techniques used outside and inside window, bioLateral sound, one eye and rolling, Z axis, integrative model, dual attunement, and neurophysiology. BioLateral sound is a technique of brainspotting which follows the same pattern as eye movement with a pointer. BioLateral sound uses sound waves which moves back and forth across the patient’s audio field at a steady state until it reaches a point where the patient’s negative experiences are triggered.

Brainspotting

Does Brainspotting Work?

Brainspotting has been found to be an effective therapy to help people that have experienced traumatic events recover. It is a model of therapy which is well known for its fast results and positive outcome. Therapists have been increasingly incorporating brainspotting to treat psychological and mental concerns. It is also used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of physical pain and injuries. Therapists also use brainspotting to treat certain symptoms, such as low motivation, poor concentration, stress, and certain emotional disturbances.

What Kinds of Concerns is Brainspotting Best for?

Brainspotting is suitable as a treatment for all forms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and physical trauma, anxiety disorders, anger issues, substance use disorder, chronic fatigue and chronic pain syndromes, impulse control disorders, all types of phobias, and sports performance anxiety issues.

How are Brainspotting Therapists Trained?

Individuals who wish to acquire a certification in brainspotting should ideally have a primary degree or certification in clinical psychology, psychology, medicine, psychiatry, or other allied mental health professions. The requirements to become a certified brainspotting specialist include:

  • Completion of brainspotting phase 1 and 2 trainings
  • Completion of a minimum of five hours of consultation from a brainspotting practitioner, with the last hour including a formal review of the applicant’s knowledge and skills in brainspotting.
  • At least fifty hours of practice with brainspotting, with each session documented in a consulting form.
  • Certification awarded by Brainspotting Trainings, Inc.

Concerns/Limitations of Brainspotting

Although still a novel field, some studies have reported positive results in patients who have undergone brainspotting therapy. However, a small size of studies done on brainspotting is the limitation to demonstrate the demerits of the model vis-à-vis other methods of therapy available. With more studies on the efficacy of brainspotting underway, these issues will be addressed.

Important Practitioners in Brainspotting

Dr. Grand developed brainspotting and organizes trainings for therapists who want to be specialists in brainspotting. Dr. Grand is a licensed clinical social worker with a Ph.D. and he developed the brainspotting and BioLateral sound therapy approaches to promote recovery in patients who have experienced traumatic events. He is the author of Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change and Emotional Healing at Warp Speed. His clients include survivors of natural disasters and terrorist attacks, professional athletes, and business leaders who seek to achieve emotional and professional breakthroughs. Other certified brainspotting practitioners include Dr. Roby Abeles, a clinical psychologist in Australia, and Roainne Ahn, based in the United States.

How to Find a Therapist

There are many ways to find a good brainspotting practitioner, however, one of the best ways is by speaking with former clients of a practitioner. You can also check through the directory of brainspotting practitioners for those available near you.

What Should I be looking for in an LMHP?

The essential factors you need to consider before choosing a brainspotting therapist include:

  • Certification – Your chosen brainspotting therapist should be certified in the techniques of brainspotting.
  • Empathy – You need to find someone with whom you are comfortable discussing your concerns with and who is compassionate and patient during the process of recovery.
  • Knowledgeable – Your prospective therapist must be knowledgeable and show enough understanding of your concern.
  • Communication – Your prospective therapist should be able to clearly explain the brainspotting procedure, its benefits, limitations, and possible outcomes.

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

These are essential questions to ask a potential therapist before proceeding with a brainspotting therapy:

  • What may be responsible for my symptoms?
  • Can I overcome these negative experiences and emotions?
  • How will brainspotting help my condition?
  • How long will a session of brainspotting therapy last?
  • How many sessions of brainspotting are needed to resolve my symptoms?
  • How long have you been providing this service?
  • What types of brainspotting technique do you use?
  • Will the brainspotting procedure be performed by me or a provider?
  • Any lifestyle changes to make my brain training more effective?
  • Do you have any references or fellow practitioner I could speak to?

Final Thoughts on Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused therapy approach which works by helping an individual locate, process, and release sources of emotional and physical pain and trauma where it has been suppressed in the brain. This treatment approach is effective for treating patients who have experienced physical or psychological trauma, as well as emotional disturbances, anxiety disorders, and phobias. However, the limited data on brainspotting restricts information on the possible drawbacks and complications of this procedure.

Resources

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/brainspotting-therapy

https://vantagepointrecovery.com/what-is-brainspotting-therapy/

https://www.drdiane.com/about/our-approach/therapies/brainspotting/

http://healingtraumacenter.com/brainspotting-2/

https://brainspotting.com/about-bsp/david-grand-phd/

https://brainspotting.com/get-certified/

https://brainspotting.com/directory/?cn-s=&cn-cat=4

Filed Under: Mental Health Tagged With: migrate

Recent Posts

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Personality Tests
  • Methaqualone
  • Psychiatrist Austin Texas
  • Psychiatrist Seattle
  • Psychiatrist San Antonio
  • LGBT Depression
  • Teen Depression
  • Best CBD Gummies
  • How To Find The Best Psychiatrist Near Me In 2023
  • Online Therapist: Is this the right option for you?
  • Treatment Resistant Depression: Be Brave Enough to Find the Solution!
  • A Ketamine Nasal Spray Is Now FDA-Approved: Can Esketamine Help You?
  • Exercise and Mental Health: The Perfect Mix
  • Top 5 Mental Health Podcasts
  • The Right Dose For You: CBD Dosage Calculator
  • The Full Story on Full Spectrum CBD Oil
  • What the Science Says: CBD Clinical Trials
  • Making the Switch: CBD Oil and Antidepressants
  • CBD Drug Interactions
  • CBD Oil for Anxiety: What you need to know
  • The Benefits of Journaling
  • The Different Benefits Of Laughter
  • Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
  • Stress Management
  • Medical Marijuana 
  • Coping Skills
  • Positive Affirmations: Talking Yourself Into Wellness
  • Meditation 101 – Your Guide to Beginning the Practice
  • CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Depression
  • The DA Fast Guide to Personality Disorders
  • Family Stress
  • Trazodone for Sleep
  • How Can an Online Psychiatrist Help You?
  • The Guide to Spiritual Counseling
  • Is Life Coaching Legitimate?
  • The Guide to Divorce Counseling
  • Helpful Tips for Panic Attack Treatment
  • Know Before You Go: Counseling Center
  • Emotional Support Animal – Help for Depression
  • How to Get Started With OCD Treatment
  • 5 Powerful Ways to Start Dealing With Social Anxiety
  • How to Deal with Anxiety: 7 Steps to Start Using Now
  • Getting Your Relationship Back on Track with Couples Counseling
  • What is Anxiety Therapy and How Can It Help?
  • The Guide to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Everything You Need To Know About Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • The Guide to Psychodrama
  • What is Brainspotting and How Does it Work?
  • Everything About Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • The Guide to Holotropic Breathwork
  • Understanding the Truth Behind Hypnotherapy
  • Everything You Need To Know About Autogenic Training
  • Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • 7 Tips for Dating Someone with Depression
  • Fast Guide to Neuropsychology
  • Beginner’s Guide to the Gottman Method
  • Guide to Psychodynamic Therapy
  • The Guide to Existential Therapy
  • What’s Dream Analysis and How Does It Really Work?
  • How to Break Up with Someone: 6 Helpful Steps
  • The Benefits of Music Therapy
  • How Narrative Therapy Works
  • What is Neurofeedback?
  • How to Survive a Loveless Marriage
  • Encopresis: Involuntary Soiling
  • What is a Therapy Appointment Really Like?
  • What You Can Do About Low Testosterone and Depression
  • Is it the Erectile Dysfunction or the Depression?
  • 7 Tips for Dealing With Depression
  • What is Circadian Rhythm Disorder?
  • Cataplexy: Narcoleptic Paralysis
  • CBD Oil: A Cure for Depression?
  • What is Rumination Disorder?
  •  Dyspareunia: Painful Intercourse
  • What is Dissociative Amnesia?
  • Depression Test: Are You Depressed?
  • Hypersomnia: Disruptive Oversleeping
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder
  • Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder
  • What is Folie à Deux?
  • Kleptomania 
  • Brief Psychotic Disorder
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Expressive Language Disorder
  • Sick or Stubborn? Selective Mutism
  • Always Aroused: Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Clinical Anger Issues
  • When Your Child Has Conduct Disorder
  • Acute Stress Disorder: Is This a Nervous Breakdown?
  • My Mystery Pain: Somatic Symptom Disorder
  • Misophonia
  • Am I a Hypochondriac? Living with Illness Anxiety Disorder
  • What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?
  • Muscle Dysmorphia: A Brief Guide
  • Hypervigilance: A Guide to Understanding
  • Anhedonia: What To Do When You’ve Lost Your Joy
  • Cyclothymia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

About Angel Rivera

I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Psychiatrist with a mixture of strong clinical skills including Emergency Psychiatry, Consultation Liaison, Forensic Psychiatry, Telepsychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry training in treatment of the elderly. I have training in EMR records thus very comfortable in working with computers. I served the difficult to treat patients in challenging environments in outpatient and inpatient settings

Primary Sidebar

Search

Partnerships

In Partnership with Diabetic.org and HearingResearch.org

E-mail Newsletter

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • GitHub
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • WhatsApp
  • xing
  • YouTube

More to See

Methaqualone

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Psychiatrist Austin Texas

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Psychiatrist Seattle

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Psychiatrist San Antonio

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

LGBT Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Teen Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Best CBD Gummies

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How To Find The Best Psychiatrist Near Me In 2023

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Online Therapist: Is this the right option for you?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Treatment Resistant Depression: Be Brave Enough to Find the Solution!

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

A Ketamine Nasal Spray Is Now FDA-Approved: Can Esketamine Help You?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Exercise and Mental Health: The Perfect Mix

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Top 5 Mental Health Podcasts

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Right Dose For You: CBD Dosage Calculator

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Full Story on Full Spectrum CBD Oil

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What the Science Says: CBD Clinical Trials

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Making the Switch: CBD Oil and Antidepressants

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

CBD Drug Interactions

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

CBD Oil for Anxiety: What you need to know

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Benefits of Journaling

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Different Benefits Of Laughter

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Stress Management

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Medical Marijuana 

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Coping Skills

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

December 28, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Positive Affirmations: Talking Yourself Into Wellness

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Meditation 101 – Your Guide to Beginning the Practice

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The DA Fast Guide to Personality Disorders

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Family Stress

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Trazodone for Sleep

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How Can an Online Psychiatrist Help You?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Spiritual Counseling

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Is Life Coaching Legitimate?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Divorce Counseling

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Helpful Tips for Panic Attack Treatment

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Know Before You Go: Counseling Center

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Emotional Support Animal – Help for Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How to Get Started With OCD Treatment

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

5 Powerful Ways to Start Dealing With Social Anxiety

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How to Deal with Anxiety: 7 Steps to Start Using Now

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Getting Your Relationship Back on Track with Couples Counseling

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Anxiety Therapy and How Can It Help?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Everything You Need To Know About Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Psychodrama

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Brainspotting and How Does it Work?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Everything About Cognitive Processing Therapy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Holotropic Breathwork

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Understanding the Truth Behind Hypnotherapy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Everything You Need To Know About Autogenic Training

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

7 Tips for Dating Someone with Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Fast Guide to Neuropsychology

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Beginner’s Guide to the Gottman Method

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Guide to Psychodynamic Therapy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Guide to Existential Therapy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What’s Dream Analysis and How Does It Really Work?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How to Break Up with Someone: 6 Helpful Steps

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

The Benefits of Music Therapy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How Narrative Therapy Works

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Neurofeedback?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

How to Survive a Loveless Marriage

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Encopresis: Involuntary Soiling

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is a Therapy Appointment Really Like?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What You Can Do About Low Testosterone and Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Is it the Erectile Dysfunction or the Depression?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

7 Tips for Dealing With Depression

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Circadian Rhythm Disorder?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Cataplexy: Narcoleptic Paralysis

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

CBD Oil: A Cure for Depression?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Rumination Disorder?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

 Dyspareunia: Painful Intercourse

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Dissociative Amnesia?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Depression Test: Are You Depressed?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Hypersomnia: Disruptive Oversleeping

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What is Folie à Deux?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Kleptomania 

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Brief Psychotic Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Intellectual Disability

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Expressive Language Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Sick or Stubborn? Selective Mutism

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Always Aroused: Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Clinical Anger Issues

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

When Your Child Has Conduct Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Acute Stress Disorder: Is This a Nervous Breakdown?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

My Mystery Pain: Somatic Symptom Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Misophonia

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Am I a Hypochondriac? Living with Illness Anxiety Disorder

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Muscle Dysmorphia: A Brief Guide

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Hypervigilance: A Guide to Understanding

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Anhedonia: What To Do When You’ve Lost Your Joy

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Cyclothymia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Existential Depression: The Mental Illness of the Gifted & Talented

December 27, 2022 By Angel Rivera

Footer

About Us

BeatBullying is all about young people helping and supporting each other online.

If you’re being bullied, or are feeling a bit low, or are maybe troubled by something and you’re not sure what to do or who to talk to, then BeatBullying is where you can go for help.  It doesn’t matter how big or small you think the problem is, or whether you’re being targeted online or offline, our Mentors are here to listen and support you.

Recent

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Personality Tests
  • Methaqualone
  • Psychiatrist Austin Texas
  • Psychiatrist Seattle

Search

Copyright © 2023 · BeatBullying.org powered by BeatBullying.org