Brainspotting is a powerful brain/body focused technique that identifies, processes, and releases deep neurophysiological and emotionally based negative self-beliefs, problematic behaviors, and performance blocks.

Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to target "brainspots", which are areas of the mind that store thoughts and emotions. By focusing on these brainspots, clients can uncover hidden mental challenges. Brainspotting works by accessing the subcortical brain, which is something that talk therapy cannot access. Talk therapy is helpful, but the emotional and physical trauma response cannot be healed through talk therapy alone.

In Brainspotting, the practitioner guides the client to center on the present-moment experience, focusing their eye-gaze in one spot while remaining in a subcortical state. Brainspotting allows the practitioner and client to enter deep into the amygdala where neurophysiological and emotionally based negative self-beliefs, problematic behaviors, and performance blocks are stored. 

The practitioner supports the client’s self-observation or “processing” of deeply stored memories within a “dual attunement” frame.

In Brainspotting, the expression “dual attunement” refers to a process that is both relational and neurological, through which the practitioner continuously tries to remain connected to the client relationally, as well as to the client’s brain-body response in session.

The eyes are an extension of our brain. When a fetus is developing in the womb, the eyes literally emerge from the brain and hold thousands of neurotransmitters. So, when we utilize approaches that involve the eyes, we are able to have direct access to the brain.  

According to current research, Brainspotting has been shown to be one of the most highly rated and effective forms of accessing deeply stored somatic memories.

People report having deeper and more profound releases with Brainspotting as compared to other brain-based, body based and traditional approaches.

The brain is resourcing and re-stabilizing during Brainspotting. Many clients compare Brainspotting to running a marathon and report feeling very physically and mentally tired after a Brainspotting session.

The brain re-stabilizing process often continues to occur after the session has ended and clients may be in a subcortical state from 1 hour to 72 hours after a Brainspotting Intensive. 

A doorway has opened, and information will continue to come up for release. Some clients report the following side effects for up to 72 hours after a Brainspotting Intensive:

• Tired

• Brain Fog

• Sleepy

• Crying

• Irritability

• Uncontrollable yawning

• Vivid Dreams

It is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery immediately following a Brainspotting Coaching Intensive and that you wait to resume these activities until you feel fully alert and capable.

If you have a history of trauma or mental illness it is recommended that you schedule a session with your psychotherapist in the days following a Brainspotting Coaching Intensive session to talk about any new information that comes up after the Brainspotting Coaching Intensive has ended.

The current evidence shows that Brainspotting is effective in helping people process distressing memories. In addition, the theoretical mechanisms of Brainspotting are well-grounded in scientific evidence, and detailed neurological explanations of the Brainspotting process have been discussed widely in academic literature.

Brainspotting was discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003 and is considered a cutting edge and efficacious neurophysiological technique.

For more information see the links below:

https://brainspotting.com/about-brainspotting/research-and-case-studies/

Yes! The power of Brainspotting is just as effective virtually as it is in person. Your session will be conducted via zoom.

Yes! Brainspotting Coaching Intensives are available worldwide.

Brainspotting Coaching Intensives are not recommended for individuals with the following conditions. These individuals should seek a more gentle and slower approach to Brainspotting via weekly therapy.  

• Bipolar Disorder

• Schizophrenia

• History of Suicide Attempts

• Current Suicidal Ideation

• History of Seizures

Brainspotting Coaching Intensives are NOT a replacement for therapy. Brainspotting Coaching Intensives are NOT a treatment for mental illness or physical illness.