Brainspotting Therapy: What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Session
Brainspotting is an emerging therapy approach designed to help individuals process trauma and emotional distress. Brainspotting developed partially from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses eye positioning to access unresolved trauma. The core principle is that where you look can influence how you feel. By identifying specific points in your visual field connected to distressing memories, brainspotting helps your brain process trauma more effectively.
Research on brainspotting is still developing, but early studies suggest it may benefit people with post-traumatic stress disorder. It offers an alternative to individuals who haven't found relief through traditional treatments. Understanding what happens before, during, and after a session can help ease concerns and prepare you for the experience.
Before Your First Session
Look for a mental health professional trained in brainspotting. You can search the official brainspotting directory or ask potential therapists about their training.
Identifying Your Focus
Brainspotting is most effective when you have specific traumatic memories to process. Instead of wanting to address general anxiety, identify a particular incident that triggers anxious feelings. Reflect on specific memories or experiences you'd like to work through before your first session.
Building Therapeutic Rapport
Your therapist may spend the first few sessions building trust and safety with you. This foundation is essential for effective brainspotting work.
During a Brainspotting Session
You'll begin by identifying a specific problem, memory, or distressing emotion. Your therapist will ask you to rate your level of distress on a scale from zero to ten.
Tuning Into Body Sensations
Next, you'll pay attention to physical sensations related to the issue. These might include tension, heaviness, or tightness. Your body's responses provide important information about where trauma is stored.
Locating Your Brainspot
Your therapist will help you find a brainspot by guiding your eyes to different positions in your visual field. They may use a pointer to help you identify the spot most connected to your distress. Some therapists use additional techniques, such as bilateral sounds through headphones.
Maintaining Focus
Once you've identified the brainspot, you'll keep your gaze fixed on that point while allowing thoughts, emotions, and sensations to surface naturally. Your therapist will remain present and supportive but may speak minimally during this processing time.
Re-Rating Your Distress
After processing, you'll rate your distress level again. Many individuals notice a reduction in intensity.
After Your Session
You may feel tired, emotionally raw, or surprisingly calm after a session. Some individuals experience relief, while others notice that emotions continue to surface. All of these reactions are normal parts of the healing process.
Continued Processing
Your brain may continue working on the material you addressed even after the session ends. You might have dreams related to the topic or notice shifts in how you feel about the memory. This ongoing processing is a sign that the therapy is working.
Self-Care
Give yourself permission to rest and engage in gentle self-care after sessions. Activities such as taking a walk, journaling, or spending time in nature can support your healing process. Avoid scheduling demanding tasks immediately after brainspotting appointments when possible.
Communication with Your Therapist
Stay in touch with your therapist about any changes or developments you notice between sessions. If you experience concerning symptoms or feel overwhelmed, reach out for guidance.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
Brainspotting may appeal to you if you've experienced trauma and haven't found relief through traditional treatments. It's particularly worth considering if you have specific distressing memories you want to process or prefer less verbal therapy approaches.
If you're interested in exploring brainspotting therapy as part of your healing journey, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. Reach out today, and together we can discuss whether this approach aligns with your treatment goals.
