How Does Brainspotting Work?

 What is Brainspotting therapy?

Brainspotting is an effective therapeutic approach for processing trauma, which can be at the root of depression, anxiety, phobias, and addictions. It is used to address various types of trauma, including experiences of war, natural disasters, and abuse. Additionally, Brainspotting has been successfully applied to medical conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, fibromyalgia, headaches, and surgical preparation and recovery.

This method allows trauma to be released from either a distressed or calm state within the body. One of Brainspotting’s key strengths is that individuals do not need to re-experience traumatic events at the same intensity as the original trauma. This makes it possible to resolve trauma in a more contained and manageable way. Since trauma and stress can overwhelm the nervous system, Brainspotting, with the guidance of a therapist, helps clients process and release trauma while regulating their nervous system.

The process involves identifying a "brainspot," which is typically found by locating an eye position where emotions are most intensely felt. Alternatively, a brainspot can be identified from the body’s calmest state. This is done by observing reflexive movements such as blinking, swallowing, yawning, or slight head and body twitches. Neurologist Dr. Robert Scaer explains that the location of a brainspot is linked to the patient’s perception of the traumatic event and represents procedural memory associated with that experience.