Have you ever noticed a person’s eyes when you ask them about a certain detail or memory, they look in a certain direction? You may have noticed yourself doing this as well. This is a natural response your brain uses to access and process information. Over the past two decades there is a therapeutic intervention that utilizes this process called Brainspotting. Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand, Ph.D. when he was working with a professional ice skater who was struggling with performing the triple loop. After utilizing Brainspotting, the ice skater successfully performed the triple loop. Since then, thousands of therapists worldwide have been trained in and are utilizing Brainspotting.
Brainspotting uses eye position to attend to the body and central nervous system to access and process trauma or concerns that are stored deep within the body and brain. People can still experience traumatic symptoms long after the trauma event has taken place. For example, I was in a car accident on the interstate six years ago. I was hit by someone merging lanes while I was in their blind spot. To this day, I still find myself tensing up and becoming somewhat hypervigilant whenever I am on the interstate and find myself in someone’s blind spot. Thank God for those sensors we have nowadays! My brain and body have stored the information from that event to keep me safe on the road, even though I have not gotten into an accident like that since. It is just how the brain works to help us survive.
Whether you want to process some deep trauma or gain better understanding about a concern, Brainspotting can be useful for a wide variety of people and issues. It is a very flexible method and can be integrated into other forms of therapy.
Brainspotting usually involves a pointer to help you find a “brain spot” in which you can process your issue. I will introduce and review Brainspotting with my clients and see if they want to use it in their treatment. I have found most people want to give it a try. Many of them have felt better after just one session and want to use it again. As the client, you will take the lead in what is processed. I would suggest let your brain take you where it takes you. Your brain will bring up what it needs to process your concern or trauma and it is my job to follow your lead and attune to you. After you are done with your processing there will be a few minutes of debriefing and feedback. As the clinician, it is my job to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to process your concerns and guide you in doing what God has created your brain to do. Brainspotting can be used with couples, families, and individuals across a wide spectrum of issues. If you want to process things on a deeper level, heal, and gain better understanding of yourself and your concerns, then Brainspotting may be for you.
