Brainspotting

What is Brainspotting?

By: Olivia Bornhoft

At Day by Day, the integration of mind and body lies at the core of all of our offerings. Given the inextricable connection between the two, we believe that when treating ailments of the mind, the healing of its physical manifestations follow (and vice versa). We strive to provide modern, research based, and effective treatment for all of our clients and that is why our therapists continue to specialize in cutting-edge techniques! 

Brainspotting is a new and integrative therapeutic technique discovered by Dr. David Grand, PhD. This technique helps the individual identify, process, and release the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma by way of locating a ‘Brainspot’ in their visual field. 

These spots hold traumatic memories that are often out of reach of the conscious mind and live deeply within the brain and body. This technique works off the theory that emotions and trauma can become stored within the body, ultimately causing a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms over time. 

In short, a Brainspot is the corresponding eye position to the emotional activation of a traumatic memory or stressor within the brain. These memories are often found deep within the brain in the amygdala, hippocampus, and limbic system.

So, by locating the Brainspot in the individual's visual field, you are simultaneously locating the spot within the brain where the memory or trauma lies. This trauma can leave that area of the brain in fight, flight, or freeze mode for long periods of time if the emotions & associated physical sensations aren’t released. 

In order to find a Brainspot, the individual will think about a certain traumatic event or stressor they’re dealing with in life and notice where they feel the distress in their body and how intense it is. While they have the stressor in mind and are activated thinking about it, the therapist will slowly move a pointer across their visual field while the individual keeps their eyes on the pointer. 

When a Brainspot is stimulated, the therapist (and sometimes the individual) is able to perceive physical reflexive actions that signal that the spot has been found. These actions can be anything from an eye twitch or furrowing of the brow to a head nod or body shifting.

Once the Brainspot has been located, the client will continue to stimulate the spot by holding their gaze in that specific position while they focus internally on the sensory experience and feelings that arise. As the client focuses on the felt sensation of the trauma or stress within that Brainspot, a deep healing process will begin to take place in the brain. This processing brings about an unlearning of conditioned, maladaptive emotional responses, creating space for the body to heal itself. 

Brainspotting goes to the root of the reflexive trauma response and works to dismantle unhealthy coping mechanisms and somatosensory distress. So, by the end of the session, you will often notice that your level of distress is lower and that a feeling of ease has settled within your mind and body.

As an integrative, therapeutic technique, we believe Brainspotting to be an excellent complement to psychotherapy and can have the power to take your healing to the next level. If you’re interested in hearing more about Brainspotting or looking to schedule, reach out to our office or fill out an intake form on our website under the ‘Contact Us’ tab. 

Let us help you care for yourself!