Brainspotting Therapy: What Is It and How Can It Help Heal Trauma?
Lauren Davis, MS, LPC-Associate, NCC, CCPS-C
Martinique Nicol, MS, LMFT-Associate
Brainspotting therapy is based on the concept of “Where you look affects how you feel.” It is a relatively new type of brain-body therapy, but it can be extremely effective for helping people cope with a variety of mental health concerns. It is designed to access and release trauma at a brain level, focusing on physical actions to release emotion.
This type of therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in a few ways, but the main difference is that the focus isn’t on conversation and can be client-led. It’s about allowing your mind and body to connect, returning you to the moment of the trauma, and providing you a safe space for your mind to process the event or events that have impacted your well-being.
How Brainspotting Works
Dr. David Grand discovered Brainspotting in 2003 while he was using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) techniques with 9/11 survivors.
EMDR involves moving your eyes in a way that helps your brain reprocess a traumatic memory, while SE is based on the idea that stress and trauma that are stored in the body need to be released.
Brainspotting uses techniques and concepts from both of these practices. Like SE, it focuses on relieving trauma stored in the brain, not just in your conscious thought. And like EMDR, Brainspotting uses eye movement to find what are called “brainspots” to access the subcortical part of the brain where trauma, intense experiences, or painful emotions can become trapped.
Put simply, Brainspotting taps into the body’s ability to mend itself, healing trauma throughout all layers of the brain.
What can Brainspotting help with?
Though Brainspotting can be helpful for many individuals for a variety of different reasons, it is particularly helpful for those who have:
Suffered trauma (including betrayal trauma, childhood trauma, complex trauma, and other forms of trauma)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Difficulty tapping into their emotions
Other areas where Brainspotting may be helpful include:
Anxiety and depression
Chronic pain and stress
Sleep
Addiction
Creative blocks
Improving performance (academic or sports)
Brainspotting vs traditional talk therapy
Every type of scientifically backed therapy has its place when it comes to the care journey. It's less about finding the most effective or "best" form out there, and more about discovering what techniques and practices work for you in the life stage you are in.
For some, having in-depth conversations around current behaviors or past experiences through talk therapy is critical for reframing how they think and feel about an event.
For others, expressing painful experiences verbally can be overwhelming or not as beneficial. Approaches like Brainspotting focus on releasing these emotions through physical actions, making it more intense than talk therapy, but often more effective.
Remember, everyone’s road to healing is different. One of these approaches may work better for you, but also keep in mind that you may benefit from a mix of both. Talking with a therapist about your concerns is the best way to create a care plan that will work best for you.
What to expect during a Brainspotting session
Deciding to participate in a Brainspotting session is a major step towards healing. While you may feel some nerves if this is your first time, know that your therapist is there to help you and that you are in control. Communication regarding what you are comfortable with and what topics you are okay addressing is key, just like in a talk therapy session.
Your therapist will walk you through the specific steps before you get started, but here is a general layout of how a session is usually conducted.
Directing your gaze
Your therapist may use a pointer stick or some other tool to guide your gaze in search of an emotional trigger.
Exploring stored emotions
Once a trigger is found, your therapist will encourage you to unpack the emotions stored there. They may also direct you to explore feelings or sensations in your body.
This is done to give your brain a "second chance” to process a traumatic event it wasn’t able to before. For example, if you were in a car accident, you may have had too many distractions, like injuries or insurance paperwork, to process the emotional impact of what you experienced. This part of the exercise puts your brain back in the mindset it was in during or just after the event, allowing you to cope in a safe space without the additional stress.
Retreating to resource spots
Brainspotting sessions can be emotionally and physically intense. To help alleviate any stress and to manage feelings of overwhelm, a “resource spot” can be used to help ground you. Unlike the brainspots that bring you back into moments of trauma, resource spots are brainspots that anchor you to memories of peace and happiness, whether from your childhood or even a calm evening you had the week before. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, your therapist will guide you to one of these resource spots to protect your well-being throughout the process. The memory doesn't have to be anything spectacular, just one in which you felt safe and secure.
Practicing self-care
It’s often a good idea to have a self-care plan following a therapy appointment, especially Brainspotting sessions, since they can be more physically and emotionally demanding than talk therapy. Consider setting aside time after your session to go on a walk, talk with a loved one, or engage in a hobby. Taking care of yourself is vital for ensuring all the hard work you put in during therapy sessions pays off in the long run.
Can Brainspotting be done virtually?
Yes, you can participate in Brainspotting virtually through a phone, laptop, or tablet, though you may need a few additional items. These include:
BioLateral audio track. Your therapist will be able to guide you on where to find and download this.
Headphones. Ensure they are not noise-canceling. You need to be able to listen to a recording as well as hear your therapist.
Ask your therapist if you need anything beyond these two standard items.
Get started at the Institute for Relational Recovery
Brainspotting is an excellent tool, whether you are looking to recover from a traumatic event, cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, or would simply like to improve your creativity. No matter the reason, Institute for Relational Recovery is here to help.
We currently have two therapists, Lauren Davis and Martinique Nicol, who specialize in Brainspotting.
If you live in Texas and want to work with a therapist individually, with a group, or both, contact us on our contact page or call (214) 906-5138.
About the Authors
Lauren Davis, MS, LPC-Associate, NCC, CCPS-C
(Appointments available online and in person)
Lauren specializes in helping adults and young adults navigate life’s challenges, including relationship issues (infidelity, sex addiction, and other compulsive behaviors), life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress, with a special focus on racial identity and marginalization.
Lauren is trained in Brainspotting and is a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Candidate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, a CACREP-accredited program. Lauren has worked at various organizations, including Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center and SafeHaven, where she supported individuals, couples, and groups through various therapeutic interventions.
As a counselor, she deeply values a collaborative partnership where she can help her clients navigate life’s challenges and discover their path to personal growth and fulfillment.
To learn more about Lauren Davis or to get in contact, click HERE.
Martinique Nicol, MS, LMFT-Associate
(Appointments available online and in person)
Martinique Nicol specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families cope with concerns like trauma, eating disorders, chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, and more. She prides herself on providing inclusive and affirming support for the black and brown community, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and all other marginalized groups.
Martinique is trained in Brainspotting and has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Penn State University. She also has a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, specializing in marriage and family from Southern Methodist University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy at Texas Woman’s University.
Martinique takes inspiration from Toni Morrison’s quote, "If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it," to guide her approach to therapy. In her view, by surrendering to the winds of life, individuals can navigate their journeys with resilience and adaptability, ultimately nurturing a more profound insight into themselves and their potential for personal growth.
To learn more about Martinique Nicol, or to get in contact, click HERE.