Unlike typical talk therapies, brainspotting targets deep parts of the brain that hold unconscious memories and complex emotions to support non-verbal trauma processing.
Developed in 2003 by Dave Grand, brainspotting uses fixed eye positions, “brainspots” linked to memories of trauma, and is growing in recognition as an effective therapy for trauma, especially when combined with Accelerated Resolution Therapy or EMDR [1].
Read on to understand more about this growing therapy and how it can be an effective trauma treatment.
What is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting is an alternative therapy, growing in popularity, primarily used to treat trauma. However, patients with depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain have found relief with brainspotting therapy. Drawing on the foundations of EMDR, brainspotting was created by EMDR therapist David Grand in 2003 when he noticed specific eye positions helped his clients access deeper memory processing.
Brainspotting uses fixed eye positions that correlate with “spots” in the brain. These spots are thought to store trauma and emotional distress, evoking different emotional reactions or sensations. In some small clinical studies, brainspotting has been shown to improve PTSD symptoms among participants just after three sessions [1].
Side Effects of Brain Spotting
Brainspotting is considered safe, and typically has few side effects. It is not physically painful; however, some patients report mood swings, emotional distress, or irritability following their session. However, these often subside within the day.
A trained brainspotting therapist helps guide you back to a grounded state. They can support you in managing negative feelings that emerge and ease racing thoughts, and they’ll sit with you after the session for a moment if you feel any distress. Brainspotting therapy is most effective when combined with conventional treatment such as EMDR, ART, CBT, or DBT.
How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?
Brainspotting sessions are guided under the supervision of a licensed brainspotting therapist from the International Brainspotting Association (IBA) [2]. During sessions, therapists use visual cues, tapping, and vibrations to help patients focus on spots in the visual field.
Therapists also encourage patients to tune into their bodily sensations to facilitate communication between the brain and body. Brainspotting can also be used to identify visual spots that evoke positive feelings of stress relief, encouragement, and empowerment.
Several techniques are used throughout brainspotting sessions to help patients identify these spots. These include:
- Bilateral stimulation: Auditory stimulation, such as tapping and vibrations, is used to trigger emotional or sensory responses.
- Dual Attunement Frame: The therapist helps the patient attune their thoughts to sensations in the body
- Mindfulness: Patient is encouraged to become mindful of memories or experiences that trigger negative sensations or emotional reactions
- Resource Spotting: Identify areas of the visual field that promote positive feelings and resilience
What Conditions Is Brainspotting Therapy Used To Treat?
Brainspotting was originally developed to treat trauma and is widely used as a supportive therapy for PTSD; however, several patients report that it has supported their recovery journey from other mental health challenges. Brainspotting allows the mind to “self-scan” and unlock parts of the brain where traumatic memories are stored.
Brainspotting for Trauma and PTSD
Growing research points to how brainspotting can support trauma healing. One pilot study found an improvement in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in patients with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Brainspots are thought to be linked to trauma “capsules” in the subcortical regions of the brain, the amygdala and midbrain. While holding the gaze on the spot, the trauma memory can be accessed safely for emotional release and nervous system reset [3].
Brainspotting for Depression
Patients have reported that Brainspotting helps identify and release sources of depression, stress, and emotional pain, rather than just managing symptoms. It also promotes self-awareness by assisting the patient in gaining new insights into their emotions, triggers, and behaviors.
Brainspotting for Anxiety
Brainspotting can target the mind-body sensations of anxiety, such as a tight chest, shakiness, or racing thoughts, and helps identify related brain spots. The therapy can help patients become more aware of underlying emotional challenges or implicit memories that fuel anxious thought cycles.
EMDR vs ART vs Brainspotting
Brainspotting is most successful when combined with evidence-based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Both are effective trauma treatments with clinically supported, promising results. However, they differ in their approaches and session structures.
| Therapy | EMDR | ART | Brainspotting |
| Method Used | Guided memory recall with a therapist uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements and tapping sounds) | Guided eye movements and scene visualization similar to EMDR, but no verbal memory recall | Fixed gaze on the brainspot rather than eye movements |
| Role of Therapist | Follows an 8-phase structured protocol and gives directions throughout | Directive, protocol-driven, actively guides imagery shifts | More client-centered, but directive in which the therapist helps the patient find and “hold” their brainspot |
| Session Structure | 60 to 90-minute sessions, usually 6 to 12 sessions needed to achieve results | 60 to 75-minute sessions, usually 2 to 5 sessions needed to achieve results | 60 to 90-minute sessions, usually 3 to 10 sessions needed to achieve results |
| Evidence-Based? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best Suited For | PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD | PTSD, depression, OCD, anxiety, trauma, especially single incidents, or when quick results are needed | Trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain |
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Sources
[1] What is Brainspotting? Brainspotting.com.
[2] Brainspotting International. Brainspotting.com.
[3] Horton, L. et al. 2024. Brainspotting: A Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). International Body Psychotherapy Journal.