What is Brainspotting and how did it develop?

Brainspotting Therapy is a cutting edge approach to overcoming trauma, emotional distress, and addictive patterns. This groundbreaking method delves deep into the core of your subconscious, unlocking unexplored pathways to recovery and personal growth. Ideal for those who have reached a plateau or feel unfulfilled in their healing journey, Brainspotting promises lasting results by redefining the limits of traditional therapeutic practices. Brainspotting was developed by David Grand, PhD in 2003 and has roots in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, relational and insight-oriented therapy. 

Dr. Grand discovered Brainspotting while he was working with a 16-year-old figure ice skater who could not master a triple loop. She experienced dissociative issues and episodes where she lost sensation in her legs or failed to recall well-practiced routines. Although initially considered rooted in physical causes, it became evident that the underlying factors were dissociative in nature. David Grand dedicated a year of treatment, unraveling a potential connection between her symptoms and experiences of maternal rejection, injuries, and past athletic setbacks.

During a therapy session, Dr. Grand prompted the skater to visualize a particularly challenging maneuver, pinpointing the critical moment where she believed failure was imminent. At this juncture, Dr. Grand instructed the skater to track his finger's movements with her eyes. Suddenly, the skater´s eyes began to flicker intensely and ten minutes later the process stopped and the ocular blockage stopped. Much to her delight, the skater reported successfully completing the previously unattainable sequence multiple times the very next day. 

Grand's discovery sparked a determined pursuit to validate his hypothesis with several types of eye movements and body positions. Through collaboration with fellow professionals and meticulous examination of diverse cases, he amassed a compelling body of evidence for the power of Brainspotting therapy in healing a vast spectrum of mental health challenges.

The results were remarkable; his clients reported feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded after just a few sessions utilizing the new technique. Dr. Grand named this technique "Brainspotting," and since then it has become an invaluable tool for therapists around the world. It has been used successfully to treat PTSD, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions experienced by individuals who have experienced trauma or emotional distress.

‍

How does Brainspotting work?

Defined as an advanced brain-body therapy Brainspotting focuses on identifying, processing and releasing trauma, tension and stored stress. It is based on the idea that our brain stores all our memories, even if those memories are buried deep within the subconscious mind. It recognizes that eye positions correlate with unconscious, emotional experiences. By focusing on an eye position related to a traumatic event, we release the stress and tension around the issue thereby reprocessing negative experiences and rewiring the brain.

By working with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems within the central nervous system it is possible to locate, process and release traumatic events and symptoms that are usually out of reach for the conscious mind and its language capacity. 

Brainspotting delves deeper into the mind's core than conventional talk therapy. It unleashes the brain's potential to reprocess adverse experiences and reshapes emotional responses, fostering a healthier and more resilient Self. 

‍

What is a “Brainspot”?

The eye position which is related to the emotional activation of the traumatic event within the brain (most likely in the amygdala, the hippocampus, or the orbitofrontal cortex of the limbic system) is called the “brainspot”. It unlocks the traumatic experiences, bringing them into the realm of conscious processing and healing. By combining sustained mindful focus, brainspotting encourages the release of deeply held imprints, guiding the body and mind towards a balanced state by down-regulating the amygdala. 

Brainspotting goes beyond simply activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The transformative neurobiological process facilitates the transmutation of implicit (unconscious) memories into explicit (conscious) awareness, empowering individuals to overcome past traumas and embrace progress in their lives.

A brainspot, once engaged, facilitates the process of liberating trapped emotional energy, subsequently promoting holistic recovery. Clients usually experience involuntary autonomic reactions including eye twitches, wobbles, freezes, blinks, facial twitches, brow furrowing, swallows, yawns, coughs or body shifting. The empathetic and attentive support of a therapist further bolsters the brain's sense of security, crucial in addressing the embedded trauma. Scientific evidence highlights the vital role of genuine human connection in the recuperative journey from traumatic experiences.

Diving into the therapeutic world of Brainspotting, individuals experiencing stagnation in their healing journey or seeking alternatives to traditional methods may discover untapped potential for profound transformation and enhanced well-being. As Brainspotting navigates the mind's intricate landscape, it invokes a deeper, more impactful release compared to other brain-based, body-based and conventional therapies. Beyond the session, the brain continues its quest for balance, integrating newfound resources and continuing to pursue further healing and self-discovery.

In the realm of holistic health, innovative brain-body therapies are gaining prominence for addressing both simple and complex challenges. As one such emerging approach, Brainspotting holds promising potential in alleviating trauma, anxiety, depression, and daily stressors. This powerful technique not only uncovers new insights through sensory and nonverbal cues but also leads to internal transformations and issue neutralization over time, whether it be during a session or even years later. 

Red Beard Somatic Therapy has several experienced practitioners that specialize in Brainspotting and can help you explore its possibilities. Together we create a safe holding space for you to connect with yourself. We are dedicated to empowering you so that you can live your life to the fullest, have nurturing relationships and achieve your goals.

Start your healing journey today and book your free consultation call now!