Do you ever feel like some emotions or memories are stuck deep inside you, even when you try to talk about them? Do you want to know how modern therapy helps the brain heal without forcing you to relive painful experiences? If yes, then understanding what is brain spotting can open the door to a powerful and gentle approach to emotional healing.
Brainspotting is a focused therapeutic method designed to help people process trauma, emotional pain, and even physical symptoms by working with the brain’s natural ability to heal. Instead of relying only on talking, it uses eye positions called brainspots to access areas of the brain where unprocessed experiences are stored.
What Is Brain Spotting and Where Did It Come From?
To understand what is brain spotting, it helps to know its origin. Brainspotting therapy was developed in 2003 by Dr. David Grand, PhD, during his work with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). He noticed that when a client’s eyes naturally paused at a certain point, deeper emotional processing occurred. That moment led to the discovery of Brainspotting.
This therapy is based on a simple but powerful principle:
“Where you look affects how you feel.”
How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?
At its core, what is brain spotting really about accessing the brain body connection. Trauma and intense emotions are often stored in the subcortical brain the part responsible for survival responses, emotions, and physical sensations.
The Brainspotting Process
- A therapist helps identify a specific eye position linked to emotional or physical distress
- The client gently focuses on that spot
- The brain’s natural self healing process activates
- Unprocessed trauma begins to release without forcing detailed verbal recall
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting works from the bottom up, meaning it starts with the body and nervous system rather than the conscious mind.
Why Brainspotting Is Different From Talk Therapy
When people ask what is brain spotting, they often compare it to talk therapy. Traditional therapy is considered “top-down,” focusing on thoughts and reasoning. Brainspotting is “bottom up,” directly engaging the midbrain and nervous system.
This makes it especially helpful for people who:
- Struggle to explain their feelings
- Feel overwhelmed when talking about trauma
- Experience physical symptoms linked to emotional stress
Conditions Brainspotting Is Commonly Used For
Understanding what is brain spotting also means knowing what it can support. While originally developed for trauma, it is now used for a wide range of concerns:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and chronic stress
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Chronic physical pain
- Performance and creativity blocks
What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?
A typical session is calm, guided, and client-centered. To clearly explain what is brain spotting, here’s what a session may look like:
- You begin with grounding techniques like breathing
- You identify where distress is felt in your body
- A therapist helps locate the brainspot
- You hold your gaze on that spot while staying mindful
- Bilateral sound (optional) may be used to regulate the nervous system
- Processing happens naturally, without forcing memories
Many people report feeling lighter, calmer, or emotionally released afterward.
Is Brainspotting Effective?
Research on Brainspotting is still developing, but early studies suggest positive outcomes. Small studies have shown reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, sometimes within just a few sessions.
While more large scale research is needed, many therapists and clients report long term improvement, especially when Brainspotting is combined with other evidence based therapies.
Brainspotting vs EMDR
People curious about what is brain spotting often ask how it compares to EMDR.
- EMDR uses rapid eye movements and structured phases
- Brainspotting uses fixed eye positions and a more flexible approach
- Brainspotting does not require detailed verbal retelling of trauma
Both therapies aim to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, but Brainspotting is often described as gentler and more intuitive.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Brainspotting is generally considered safe when done with a trained professional. Some people may feel emotionally tired or sensitive after a session, which is a normal part of processing.
Because this therapy accesses deep emotional material, it is not recommended during acute psychiatric crises without proper clinical support.
Who Should Consider Brainspotting?
If you’re still wondering what is brain spotting and whether it’s right for you, it may be worth considering if you:
- Feel stuck despite trying other therapies
- Experience trauma related symptoms
- Want a body based approach to healing
- Prefer less verbal processing
Final Takeaway
So, what is brain spotting? It is a modern, brain based therapy that helps release trauma by working with eye positions, body awareness, and the brain’s natural healing systems. Rather than forcing memories to surface, it allows healing to unfold safely and organically.
As awareness grows, Brainspotting continues to gain recognition as a promising option for trauma and emotional recovery especially for those who need a gentler path to healing.
Related Article:
Doesn’t Overthinking Cause Anxiety? Here’s What Therapists Say
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