Q & A— Brainspotting:
Healing Trauma Through the Eyes

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a trauma treatment tool that uses eye gazing to process and integrate difficult and traumatic experiences stuck in the nervous system. Brainspotting is used in treating emotional, psychological, and somatic trauma, making it an effective tool for addressing chronic stress and bodily tension linked to past experiences.

 

Who created Brainspotting? 

Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand, a psychotherapist and performance coach, in 2003. While working with a client using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), he noticed that certain eye positions seemed to correlate with the activation and resolution of traumatic experiences. This discovery led to the development of Brainspotting as a distinct therapeutic approach. 

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Over the years, Dr. Grand has worked with a diverse range of clients, from trauma survivors to elite athletes and performers, helping them access deeper levels of healing and performance potential. His method has been particularly effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and performance-related stress. Through his work, he has refined Brainspotting into a flexible and powerful tool that adapts to the unique needs of each individual. 

 

What is a brain spot?

A brain spot is a specific eye position that correlates to neural pathways related to distressing and traumatic experiences. Brain spots can be associated with emotional, psychological, somatic distress and symptoms.

 

How does Brainspotting work?

The process begins with the therapist helping the client identify a brain spot by observing eye positions and tracking somatic cues. Once located, the client maintains a focused gaze on the spot, activating the brain's natural reprocessing ability. As the client stays with their internal experience, insights emerge and distress gradually decreases, allowing for the integration of previously overwhelming material.

 

Do I need to talk during Brainspotting?

No, Brainspotting is a deeply somatic and experiential process that does not require extensive verbal processing. Clients can process trauma and emotions without needing to articulate everything verbally, making it a useful approach for individuals who struggle to put their experiences into words. Brainspotting is also a helpful tool for individuals who can’t articulate their experience but feel it in their body; helping bypass the verbal barrier that talk therapy can’t access. 

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What concerns can Brainspotting help with?

Brainspotting is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and depression

• Chronic pain

• Performance blocks (athletic, artistic, or professional)

• Stress and burnout

• Phobias and fears

• Grief and loss

 

Is Brainspotting only for trauma, or can it help with other challenges?

Brainspotting is not limited to trauma therapy. It is also widely used to enhance creativity, improve focus, and support personal growth. Many performers, athletes, and creatives use Brainspotting to overcome mental blocks and achieve peak performance.

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How is Brainspotting different from EMDR or traditional talk therapy?

Brainspotting, like EMDR, is a bottom-up somatic therapy that prioritizes processing distress through the body and nervous system rather than cognitive reasoning. However, Brainspotting differs from EMDR in the following ways:

• More organic and client-led: Unlike EMDR, which follows a structured protocol using bilateral stimulation, Brainspotting allows the client’s process to unfold organically. Brainspotting follows the client’s lead with the therapist playing a supportive role. In EMDR, the therapist guides the process in collaboration with the client.

• Deep engagement with interoception: Brainspotting enhances the ability to sense and track bodily sensations (interoception), increasing the mind-body connection along with self-awareness of personal needs. 

• Attuned presence over protocol: The therapist provides attuned relational support rather than following a scripted set of steps. This free form processing invites the client to follow their inner guidance and needs based on interoceptive feedback, personal rhythm, and deep attunement with the unique signature of their body’s rhythm. 

 

How do I know if Brainspotting is right for me?

If you are looking for a therapeutic approach that goes beyond talking, one that directly engages the body’s innate healing intelligence, Brainspotting may be a good fit for you. It is especially beneficial for those who:

• Feel stuck in traditional talk therapy

• Struggle with verbalizing their experiences

• Want to process trauma in a more embodied way

• Are seeking a deeper connection between mind and body

• Desire a self-paced style of processing ​

 

Is Brainspotting backed by science?

Yes, Brainspotting is grounded in neuroscience and trauma research. Studies suggest that it activates deep subcortical brain structures involved in trauma storage and processing. By accessing these areas, Brainspotting helps rewire the brain and nervous system, integrating previously stuck trauma responses.

 

Ready to explore Brainspotting?

If you are curious about how Brainspotting can support your healing journey, schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your specific goals and needs. Healing is within reach—sometimes all it takes is finding the right support.

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