During my practicum, I was looking for a resource to help my clients with traumatic experiences and stumbled upon a free training on Brainspotting (BSP). Brainspotting is similar to EMDR in several ways but less structured and more responsive to the client. Dr. David Grand, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained psychotherapist, discovered BSP in 2003. Grand created a modified version of EMDR in an effort to slow the process for those needing a gentler approach. While using this version of EMDR with a client who suffered from past trauma and a mental block in sports performance, Grand noticed a subtle reaction. The client’s eyes wobbled at the same location each time she completed a set of bilateral eye movements. Grand decided to have the client hold her eyes at this fixed location for an extended period of time. Through this alteration, the client experienced a deeper processing and healing of past trauma along with breakthrough in her sports performance issue. Grand continued to experiment with having other clients hold their eyes at significant fixed locations and noticed the same results—deeper or accelerated processing of issues, emotions, and trauma (2013). Grand reached out to other colleagues to see if they had similar results, and they did (2013).
Grand discovered that eye position has an impact on how we feel and that by finding the eye position that coordinates with where trauma is stored in the brain allows the body to process and release the trauma (2013). This finding was later confirmed through studies and further collaboration with peers (D’Atoni et al., 2022). Grand uses the term “activation” to define emotional distress. He noticed that clients could identify eye positions where they sensed stronger activation. Having clients process (notice and talk about their internal sensations, emotions, or thoughts) while fixing their eyes in an identified location, allows the level of the client’s activation to decrease and resolve. Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk reports that the human body internally records our life experiences (2014). Our central nervous system responds to present events that mirror past experiences with similar sensations; traumatic or painful experiences have a cumulative effect on our body if not properly processed. Dr. Grand noticed in his experiences with clients that what is stored in the body is stored in the brain and vice versa (Grand & Goldberg, 2011). By using these “brain spots” to locate where the trauma is held in the body and brain, therapists are able to precisely focus the processing, and clients are able to clear distress and resolve painful experiences.
I must admit that I held a healthy sense of skepticism when beginning training. The thought that the participants and instructors were either acting or overstating the effectiveness kept replaying in my mind. At the end of the first session it was time to practice what we were learning. We paired off and found separate rooms for privacy. I decided to take the therapist’s role first, and surprisingly, my partner reported processing the event and her distress clearing. I asked her if she was faking to make me feel I was “doing it right” or if she was saying the “right things” to get through the exercise faster. She assured me she was authentically reporting her experience. Next, it was my turn to process a traumatic event. This was when I realized how powerful and effective the intervention is. I could barely believe it, but the beauty of BSP is that it is built around what our bodies are designed to do. We are intricately complex in how our minds, bodies, and nerves interact and record out history. Our body literally does the work for us. I began the next session with a commitment to learn as much as I could to benefit my clients.
Brainspotting, like EMDR, is a “bottom-up” processing intervention. This means that instead of reasoning through the experience logically by using our upper brain, the subcortex is allowed to process the trauma and discharge the trigger using the body. Van Der Kolk found in his research that merely talking about trauma is never as effective as allowing the body to process the trauma experientially (2014). Brainspotting utilizes multiple techniques that are the result of the therapist and client instinctually trying something a little different. Examples of this include having only one eye open, closing both eyes, moving the pointer closer or farther away from the eyes, or performing a routine while maintaining eye position. Each subtle distinction can be tested in the session to determine its usefulness. The client learns to trust his or her body through this process and is able to sense what feels “right” to achieve his or her goals.
Brainspotting is so versatile in how it can be used. In his book with Sports Psychologist Dr. Alan Goldberg, Grand shares how Brainspotting is not simply for processing trauma but is also effective in improving performance and creativity, especially for top tier athletes, performers, and artists (2011). Brainspotting has been useful in helping actors, singers, athletes overcome mental blocks and expand their talents. Clients can increase confidence, competence, and excellence in their natural talents with BSP. As a therapist, I love that this tool is not only used to heal but also used to help clients flourish.
A Brainspotting session may look a little different from client to client, but consists of a few key components. The therapist seeks to understand and attune to the client. This is one of the most essential ingredients in the success of BSP. Having a highly attuned therapeutic relationship allows the client to feel safe during processing while the therapist notices changes in the client and collaborates to guide the process. The client will be asked to rate his or her level of activation. The therapist uses a pointer to help the client find and focus on a fixed location in his or her field of vision. The client can process from a “resource” spot or an “activation” spot. (A resource spot indicates where the client feels strong, grounded, confident, or safe; an activation spot is where the client feels the strongest level of disturbance.) As the session continues, the therapist will check in with the client to ask what the client is noticing in his or her thoughts, body sensations, or emotional state. This is a mindful awareness that involves curiosity without judgment. The client follows the connections made and trusts his or her body to sense what is needed. The therapist may ask additional questions but tries not to hinder or interrupt processing. Near the end of the session, the client is asked to rate the level of activation again. If the event is not fully processed, the therapist will help the client regulate before finally closing with a discussion of the client’s experience. The discussion will include what came up during processing, how the client felt and is feeling, insights or interpretations came through the experience, etc. If the event was not resolved during the session, the client and therapist will continue treatment as needed.
In my experience, the activation level has always decreased from the original rating at the end of the session. After a session, the client may experience fatigue, sensitivity to emotions, or continued processing. My clients have found it useful to take it easy, do a low-key activity, or relax afterwards. My clients who have done BSP have also commented at how surprised they are that this treatment really works.
Research has shown that with BSP, less sessions are needed than with traditional talk therapy, and clients continue to have decreased levels of activation on follow-up sessions months after treatment has been completed (D’Atoni et al., 2022). Brainspotting has been useful in treating grief, chronic pain, trauma, PTSD, sports traumatic stress disorder (STSD), repetitive sports performance problems (RSPPs), anxiety, depression, attachment issues, creativity, OCD, and other issues.
If you experience any of these symptoms or want to expand your creativity and are interested in giving Brainspotting Therapy a try, call us at (615) 377-1153 to schedule an appointment with a Brainspotting-trained therapist.
Resources:
For more information on BSP therapy, see the following links:
Brainspotting.com covers more details and descriptions of the treatment.
“Brainspotting: What Is a Brain Spot?” video with founder, Dr. David Grand
“Brainspotting: Who Does Brainspotting Work With?” video with founder, Dr. David Grand
References:
D’Atoni, F., Matiz, A., Fabbro, F., Crescentini, C. (2022). Psychotherapeutic techniques
for distressing memories: A comparative study between EMDR, Brainspotting,
and Body Scan Meditation. International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health 19(1142). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031142
Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective
change. Sounds True.
Grand, D., & Goldberg, A. S. (2011). This is your brain on sports: Beating blocks,
slumps and performance anxiety for good! Dog Ear Publishing.
Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the
healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
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