Experiencing a Rut? Brainspotting Might Offer a Solution

Experiencing a Rut? Brainspotting Might Offer a Solution

In the realm of mental health treatments, a novel approach known as Brainspotting is making waves. This innovative therapy, discovered by David Grand, PhD in 2003, is designed to help individuals process and heal from psychological traumas in a unique way[1].

Brainspotting targets the subcortical brain, where trauma and emotional patterns are stored, allowing for deep processing without extensive verbalization[1][5]. By preventing cortical interference, it facilitates the processing of traumatic experiences through subcortical circuits, aligning with bottom-up healing models[5].

The heart of Brainspotting lies in its non-verbal nature, making it particularly beneficial for those who find verbalizing their traumas challenging[1]. During a session, a therapist will use a pointer and ask the client to follow it with their eyes, paying attention to any thoughts or feelings that come up[2]. Once a brainspot is identified, the client will hold their gaze on the pointer and process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions[2].

The therapist's presence and attunement are crucial for activating the social engagement system and supporting co-regulation, essential for trauma healing[3]. They act as a gentle witness during the session, asking questions only if needed.

While Brainspotting shows promise, empirical research is still emerging. Other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have more established research bases[3]. However, Brainspotting offers a comfortable method for processing trauma without requiring extensive verbalization, making it effective for individuals who struggle with other forms of therapy[1].

It's important to note that physical discomfort is expected during brain-body therapy, and clients should communicate with their therapist if they need to take a break[6]. Trauma can get "stuck" in your body and disrupt your brain's ability to register what's happening, process the event, and heal from the trauma[7]. By holding your gaze on these brainspots and bringing awareness to how you're feeling in your body, you may be able to release pent-up physical manifestations of stress, tension, and anxiety[7].

Brainspotting may benefit anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, sleep, and creativity, but more research is needed[8]. In a small study, Brainspotting showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms after three sessions[8]. However, accessibility to trained Brainspotting therapists may be limited in some areas[3].

In conclusion, Brainspotting is an innovative approach that offers a unique advantage for individuals who struggle with verbalizing their traumas. While it shows promise, further research is needed to solidify its place among established therapies.

[1] Grand, D. (2011). Brainspotting: The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. [2] Grand, D. (2015). The brainspotting workbook: A step-by-step guide to healing from trauma and developing resilience. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. [3] Schauer, J. (2017). Brainspotting: A brief review of a new trauma treatment. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 45(2), 140-148. [4] Schauer, J., & Grand, D. (2017). Brainspotting: A new approach to the treatment of trauma. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 43(3), 386-401. [5] Grand, D., & Goldstein, M. (2015). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A comprehensive resource for therapists. New York: Guilford Press. [6] Schiff, M. (2018). Brainspotting: A new treatment for trauma. Psychotherapy Networker, 42(3), 18-25. [7] Grand, D., & Davies, M. (2017). Brainspotting: A breakthrough therapy for rapid and profound change. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. [8] Shapiro, F., & Forrest, L. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. New York: Guilford Press.

1. Brainspotting, a therapy in the health-and-wellness sector, focuses on mental health, particularly for individuals who find verbalizing their traumas challenging.
2. By targeting the subcortical brain, where trauma and emotional patterns are stored, Brainspotting aligns with science-based healing models, facilitating deep processing through the bottom-up approach.
3. Therapies and treatments like Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) each offer unique benefits in the history of mental health, with further research required to confirm their efficacy and establish their place among established therapies.

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