Brainspotting therapy seeks to aid individuals that have gone through some form of trauma while also trying to address the emotional, psychological, and physical pain associated with it. This article dive deep into the current methods designed to help people with difficult times like Brainspotting Therapy, as well as other types available within the psychological field.
What is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting therapy, commonly known as BPT, is a distinct kind of therapy created by David Grand in 2003. This approach seeks to help participants who have gone through trauma by first locating “brainspots,” areas in the mind that could have some relatives emotions and feelings, and working from there. Using a client’s eye to aid in emotionally stabling exercises softens feelings associated with painful memories.
There is more than one type of therapy for trauma and a range of established techniques designed to assist people trying to heal. Therapists spend time listening to their patients and talking them through their struggles, allowing them to express what they are going through. In contrast, Brainspotting seeks to solve the issue by working directly with the body and brain. Using soft forms of touch, Grand explains what could be described as “where you look affects how you feel,” which allows the brain’s emotional section to respond optimally. Attention is first directed to the deepest layer of the brain, where traumatic experiences are stored to enable targeted healing.
The Research of Brainspotting
It is crucial to know the Brainspotting technique’s neurobiological basis in order to appreciate it fully. Trauma continues to reside in subcortical region structures like the basal ganglia, amygdala, hippocampus and brainstem. These areas are more primitive and protective in nature. This means they operate on a survival or instinct level, mostly ignoring the logical functioning of the neocortex. This explains how trauma can be profoundly felt but not understood.
Brainspotting as It Relates to Trauma
A brainspot is a specific location that corresponds with an emotion, marked by the position of a person’s eye. The therapist locates these brainspots during therapy by paying close attention to some motoric emotional expressions, like facial movements or breathing, or muscle movement twitches. The clients are able to work through emotions and memories that they weren’t able to access prior by focusing on these spots. This type of therapy allows these feelings and memories to be processed in a safe way.
The emotional charge and level of stress experienced in relation to the trauma is often reduced through brainspotting therapy. It achieves this by the brain’s natural ability to neuroplasticity, which refers to the organ’s capability to resolve, heal, reorganize and renew itself.
How Brainspotting Works
Like other forms of therapy, Brainspotting is conducted with the client and therapist working together. A session starts when the therapist first creates a safe, calming place where the client feels comfortable. With the use of a pointer or finger, the therapist attempts to find eye positions (brainspots) that relate to strong emotional or physical responses and deeper meanings.
The patient needs to pay attention to their feelings, body movements, and even their thoughts while they fix their gaze on the brainspot that was chosen. The client should not attempt to construct verbal narratives or analyses; instead, he or she should let his or her body Work through the trauma in the way it sees fit.
The Role of the Therapist and the Client
During the session, the therapist steps back and becomes an observer while the client is walking through the healing process as soothing sounds fill the space. The therapist, in essence, ceases to control the situation. In contrast, the client should be encouraged to become more in tune with their body and trust the mind’s ability to enact change.
This strategy focuses on the therapeutic alliance highlighting the collaboration between a client’s self-awareness and the therapist’s guidance in safety construction and brainspot identification.
Advantages of Brainspotting for Trauma Recovery
Brainspotting Therapy has multiple advantages for people recovering from trauma. The impact of this therapy transcends the emotional domain to physical and psychological wellness.
1. Emotional Healing
Mental health practitioners trained in brainspotting can allow repressed emotions to emerge safely within a healing context leading to deep emotional release and relief. Many clients report a feeling of being ‘lighter’ or more at ease following sessions.
2. Psychological Resilience
Clients are likely to experience fewer anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after the work of subcortical trauma accessing and processing. Clients tend to adopt improved insightful coping strategies along healthy clarity pertaining to self-experiences.
3. Physical Wellbeing
Chronic trauma may lead to chronic pain, consistent headaches, or fatigue. Brainspotting therapy is known to treat trauma-related physical symptoms by resolving the underlying issues.
Case Example
Consider Sarah, a woman experiencing high anxiety following a traumatic vehicle accident. While talk therapies provided some relief, her anxiety was still triggered on a daily basis. After only a couple of Brainspotting sessions, Sarah reported being able to drive again and experiencing significantly lower anxiety levels.
What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
If you’re looking into Brainspotting Therapy, it is understandable to feel a bit curious—or even a little apprehensive—about what is ahead.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
• Will it feel overwhelming? While Brainspotting can elicit strong emotions, therapists are trained to tend to your needs, and maintain a safe, supportive environment that helps you feel centered.
• Is it like hypnosis?: No. This is not hypnosis. You will remain fully awake and in control throughout the entire experience.
• Do I need to keep sharing my story?: Not at all! Unlike traditional psychotherapis, Brainspotting does not require storytelling.
Preparing for a Brainspotting Session
• Settle in and remove judgment for any emotions you may experience.
• Emotions can be experienced more freely as long as they are free from judgment.
• Step into comfortable clothing that will help you relax.
• While the Brainspotting process may seem strange at first, it should be trusted.
Searching for a Brainspotting Certified Therapist
Choosing the right therapist is crucial for effective trauma recovery. Make sure that they are mental health professionals and have undergone Brainspotting training and certification. Websites such as the official Brainspotting directory (brainspotting.com) can assist you in finding certified practitioners within your locality.
The rapport that you share with the therapist has a significant impact on the healing process. Before starting the therapy, schedule for an initial meeting so that you can gauge if your therapist makes you feel dignified and respected.
Brainspotting Makes Healing Possible
Trauma can feel consumed, but it does not have to define one’s life. Navigating while using the brain offers powerful healing, which enables deep rooted healing. Whether in need of emotional relief, better psychological agility, or alleviation from physical ailment, brainspotting is capable of fostering everlasting change.
Remember, the journey to healing starts with having the right support. With the help of a professional, explore Brainspotting Therapy as it promises healing.
