Healing Trauma with Brainspotting

Trauma is a heavy word, often carrying with it a world of pain, confusion, and emotional turmoil. For those who have experienced trauma, finding the right path to healing can be a daunting task. Many therapies are available, each with its strengths, but today, I want to introduce you to one that’s been gaining attention for its unique, powerful and effective approach: Brainspotting.

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a relatively new and effective therapy developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It’s based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. The therapy involves identifying “brainspots”—specific points in your field of vision that are linked to traumatic memories or emotions. By focusing on these spots, clients can access deeper, often unconscious, parts of the brain that store trauma, allowing deep-seated trauma to surface and be processed.

How Does Brainspotting Work?
The brain is a complex organ, and trauma can get “stuck” in different parts of it, particularly in the subcortical brain, which is responsible for emotions, memories, and physical sensations. Traditional talk therapies often engage the thinking part of the brain, the cortex, but they might not reach the deeper layers where trauma resides.

Brainspotting, however, bypasses the cortex and goes straight to the source, working directly with the subcortical brain. During a session, the therapist helps the client find a brainspot by guiding their gaze across their visual field while noticing any physical or emotional responses. Once a brainspot is located, the client maintains focus on that spot, allowing the brain to process the trauma linked to it. This process can bring relief, insights, and healing in ways that traditional therapies might not.

Effectiveness of Brainspotting in Treating Trauma
One of the most significant benefits of Brainspotting is that it works with the body’s natural ability to heal. Trauma often lodges itself in the body, causing physical symptoms like chronic pain, tension, or even illness. Other benefits include:

1. Access to Deeper Trauma: Traditional talk therapy often focuses on the conscious mind, which may not always access the deeper, unconscious layers of trauma. Brainspotting, however, targets these subcortical areas, allowing for more profound healing.
2. Quick Results: In many cases, Brainspotting has been found to produce faster results than traditional talk therapy. Clients often experience relief within a few sessions, though the number of sessions required can vary based on the complexity of the trauma..
3. Integration with Other Therapies: Brainspotting can be used alongside other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, EMDR, or somatic therapies. This makes it a versatile tool that can enhance the healing process.
4. Non-Verbal Processing: Trauma often resides in parts of the brain that are not accessible through verbal processing. Brainspotting enables clients to process trauma without having to articulate their experiences, which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to verbalize their pain. The focus is more on the internal experience rather than verbal expression, making it accessible to those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.
5. Reduction of Trauma Symptoms:  Many clients report significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Studies have shown that Brainspotting is effective across different populations, including veterans, survivors of sexual abuse, and individuals with complex PTSD.

What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
If you’re considering Brainspotting, it’s natural to feel curious or even a bit apprehensive about what to expect. A typical session begins with a conversation between you and your therapist, where you discuss what you’d like to focus on. Your therapist will then guide you to find a brainspot, usually by asking you to follow a pointer or their finger with your eyes. Once a brainspot is identified, you’ll focus on it while allowing whatever thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise to be processed.

The experience can vary widely from person to person. Some people feel a sense of release or relief during the session, while others might have insights or memories come to the surface. It’s essential to remember that this is your process, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. Whatever happens during a brainspotting is your brain and body’s natural way of accessing healing.

Conclusion
Brainspotting is emerging as a powerful tool in the treatment of trauma, offering a unique approach that taps into the brain’s natural healing capabilities. Its ability to access and process trauma at a deeper level, combined with its adaptability to various therapeutic contexts, makes it an invaluable addition to the field of trauma therapy.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the weight of trauma, consider exploring Brainspotting as a treatment option. It’s not just about overcoming the past; it’s about finding peace, reclaiming your life, and moving forward with hope.

References
• Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change. Sounds True.
• Corrigan, F. M., & Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: Recruiting the midbrain for accessing and healing sensorimotor memories of traumatic activation. Medical Hypotheses, 80(6), 759-766.
• Hildebrand, A. A., & Grand, D. (2017). Brainspotting: A new brain-based psychotherapy approach in treating trauma. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 27(3), 384-393.
• Geller, S. M., & Porges, S. W. (2014). Therapeutic presence: Neurophysiological mechanisms mediating feeling safe in the therapeutic environment. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(3), 178-192.
• Talkovsky, A. M., & Hoyt, W. T. (2019). Manualized treatments for PTSD: A systematic review of research quality. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(6), 597-609.

• International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy (2017). Special Issue on Brainspotting and Trauma Recovery. 5(2), 45-78.
• Rouanzoin, C., & Grand, D. (2017). Brainspotting and Its Role in the Treatment of Complex PTSD in Military Veterans. Journal of Military Psychology, 29(4), 341-355.

• Haverkamp, F., & Shwarz, K. (2016). Effectiveness of Brainspotting for Treating Trauma in Adults: A Systematic Review. Trauma & Dissociation Quarterly, 19(3), 224-236.