Brainspotting (BSP) is a healing technique that uses specific eye positions, or "brainspots," to help individuals access and process emotional and physical pain, trauma, dissociation and other challenging life experiences. It was discovered by psychotherapist David Grand in 2003 and is rooted in the understanding that the brain's natural ability to heal itself can be tapped into through the visual field.
 

How it works

 

1. Identifying a Brainspot

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At the beginning of a session we will support you to identify a specific spot in the visual field that corresponds to a brain region where unresolved trauma or emotional distress is stored.

2. Focusing on the Brainspot

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Once the brainspot is identified you will be encouraged to maintain focus on it with your eyes whilst paying attention to sensations that arise including emotions and memories.

3. Neurobiological Healing

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By focusing on the brainspot with the support of an attuned practitioner, you begin to activate the body and psyche's self healing abilities leading to freedom from historical events that have been waiting to be fully processed. 

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Benefits and Applications

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Trauma processing - BSP can be particularly effective in helping individuals process overwhelming life situations stored in the deep subcortical part of the brain including traumas such as abandonment, high stress environments, attachment injuries and social injustices.

 

Emotional regulation - BSP can support individuals to discover fluidity of emotions and reduce symptoms such as pain, fatigue, addiction, low self esteem, anxiety and depression to name but a few.

 

Performance enhancement - BSP has also been used to improve performance in various areas including athletics and creative pursuits. 

 

Body/mind connection- BSP supports the interconnectedness of the brain and body by acknowledging that emotions and trauma can be stored in the body as well as the mind. 

 

Considerations​

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Brainspotting is not suitable for individuals with severe PTSD or other complex mental health challenges. Though BSP is considered a gentle and non-invasive approach to trauma processing, it is recommended that those with complex mental health challenges seek out more specialised professional support/guidance before working with BSP.