Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a powerful, body-based psychotherapy that helps access and process experiences that are often stored beneath conscious awareness. It is especially helpful for trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and stress-related physical symptoms that don’t always respond to talk therapy alone.
Brainspotting works with the nervous system and the body, not just thoughts. Rather than analyzing or re-telling your story, this approach allows the brain and body to process what has been held or “stuck,” supporting a return to balance and regulation.
How Brainspotting Works
Brainspotting is based on the understanding that “where we look affects how we feel”. The eyes are directly connected to the deeper, subcortical parts of the brain where trauma, emotions, and survival responses are stored.
During a Brainspotting session:
We identify a specific issue you’d like to work on and notice how it shows up in your body
A particular eye position (a “brainspot”) is located that corresponds with the stored experience
While holding that eye position, you gently track your internal experience as your brain engages its natural self-scanning and healing capacity
This process allows the nervous system to process and release stored survival energy at a physiological level, often without needing many words. Clients may notice shifts in emotions, body sensations, memories, or perspective as the brain intuitively heals at its own pace.
Developed by David Grand, PhD
A Bottom-Up,
Nervous-System-Based Approach
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily works from the top down (through thinking and language), Brainspotting is a bottom-up approach. It accesses the midbrain and limbic system, areas responsible for emotion regulation, trauma responses, and survival states.
Brainspotting works with both emotional and physical experiences, recognizing that trauma and stress live in the body as well as the mind.
What Brainspotting
Can Help With:
Brainspotting has been shown to be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety, panic, and chronic stress
Emotional overwhelm and dissociation
Grief and loss
Medical trauma and chronic pain
ADHD and difficulty with focus or regulation
Performance blocks and perfectionism
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Brainspotting sessions are often quiet, focused, and internally guided. You may notice shifts in body sensations, emotions, thoughts, or images as your brain processes. Some clients describe the experience as subtle, others as deeply impactful—there’s no “right” way for it to feel.
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Brainspotting may be a good fit if:
You understand what’s wrong but still feel stuck
Anxiety or trauma feels more physical than cognitive
Talking alone hasn’t led to lasting change
Your reactions or symptoms feel automatic or out of your control
We’ll always decide collaboratively whether Brainspotting feels supportive and appropriate for you. It’s never forced and can be introduced gradually.
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Brainspotting and EMDR are both trauma-informed, brain-based therapies that help the nervous system process stored experiences rather than just talking about them. EMDR uses a structured protocol with bilateral stimulation, while Brainspotting is more flexible and internally guided, allowing the brain to lead the process at its own pace. Many clients experience Brainspotting as gentler and less directive, though both approaches can be highly effective.
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No. Brainspotting does not require retelling or verbalizing details of traumatic experiences. Processing often happens at a physiological level, which can be especially helpful for clients who find it hard to put their experiences into words.
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This varies from person to person. Some clients notice shifts in a few sessions, while others integrate Brainspotting into longer-term therapy. We’ll regularly check in and adjust based on your goals, readiness, and response.
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Yes. Brainspotting is a collaborative, paced approach that prioritizes safety and nervous system regulation. We use resourcing and grounding throughout the process, and you remain in control at all times.
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Absolutely. Brainspotting integrates well with ACT, mindfulness, parts-informed work, and nature-informed therapy. It’s one tool among many, used intentionally and when it feels aligned with your needs.