Brainspotting: Unlocking Trauma Through the Power of the Mind-Body Connection

By Joy Plote, Coda Counselor | The Space Between

Brainspotting, a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. David Grand, is revolutionizing the way trauma, emotional pain, and psychological issues are processed. Rooted in neuroscience, Brainspotting focuses on identifying and working with “brainspots,” specific eye positions that correlate with unresolved trauma or emotional experiences. By targeting these brainspots, this therapy allows individuals to process and release trauma in a profound and healing way.

Here’s an exploration of Brainspotting, the concept of brainspots, and how this innovative therapy aids in trauma recovery.

The Concept of Brainspots

What is a Brainspot?

A brainspot is a particular eye position that activates unresolved trauma or emotional memories in the brain. These spots are identified based on the client’s internal experience, often through their gaze and associated body sensations. Essentially, brainspots act as gateways to stored emotional and sensory experiences that the brain has not yet fully processed.

Link to the Subcortical Brain

Brainspotting is unique in its ability to access the subcortical brain, which includes the amygdala and other regions associated with emotional and sensory processing. The subcortical brain is where trauma is often stored, making it the ideal target for effective healing. By bypassing the cognitive brain and working directly with the subcortical areas, Brainspotting allows for a deep release of emotional pain and integration of traumatic memories.

The Role of Eye Positions

Brainspotting capitalizes on the connection between eye positions and neural activation. A therapist helps the client explore various eye positions, observing physiological and emotional responses to identify brainspots. These spots are then used as focal points during therapy to access and process specific traumatic memories or emotional triggers.

The Dual Attunement Process

Central to Brainspotting is the concept of dual attunement. This involves the therapist attuning simultaneously to the client’s internal experience and their own therapeutic presence. By maintaining this deep connection, the therapist can guide the client through their healing journey with empathy and responsiveness, helping them identify and process changes in their emotional and physical states.

How Brainspotting Helps Process Trauma

Accessing Subcortical Activation

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting bypasses cognitive processing and works directly with the subcortical brain. This allows clients to access trauma that might otherwise remain hidden or difficult to articulate. By targeting these deeper layers of the brain, Brainspotting promotes a more direct and effective release of emotional pain.

Facilitating Desensitization

By focusing on brainspots, the therapy helps desensitize the emotional and somatic charge of trauma. Clients can process their experiences without becoming overwhelmed, leading to a more manageable and holistic healing process.

Targeting Specific Traumatic Memories

Brainspots often correlate with specific traumatic events or unresolved emotional experiences. This makes Brainspotting a focused and personalized approach, enabling clients to work on the particular memories or triggers that are most distressing to them.

Integration of Dual Attention

The integration of dual attention—where both the client and therapist stay attuned to the present moment and the emotional experience—supports the healing process. This creates a balance between processing distress and fostering emotional regulation, helping clients move toward resolution and growth.

The Mind-Body Connection in Brainspotting

Brainspotting emphasizes the intimate connection between the mind and body, recognizing that trauma is stored not only in thoughts but also in physical sensations and emotions. This understanding creates a holistic approach to healing, where clients can process trauma through both their mental and physical experiences.

Processing Through Eye Positions

Eye positions play a key role in Brainspotting’s holistic methodology. By using visual focus to access specific areas of the brain, Brainspotting facilitates the release of trauma held in the body. This approach enhances the mind-body connection, allowing clients to experience profound emotional and physical healing.

A Client-Centered Approach to Healing

One of Brainspotting’s greatest strengths is its client-centered nature. The therapy empowers individuals to guide the process by tuning into their unique brainspots and emotional experiences. This self-directed approach fosters a sense of safety, control, and empowerment, creating an environment where clients can explore their trauma at their own pace.

Why Choose Brainspotting?

Brainspotting has shown promising results for a wide range of individuals, including those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Its ability to work directly with the brain’s emotional processing centers makes it a highly effective and innovative therapy.

While Brainspotting may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, its focus on the mind-body connection, subcortical activation, and client empowerment makes it a transformative option for many seeking deep and lasting healing.

Final Thoughts

Brainspotting is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach that uses eye positions and the mind-body connection to access and release unresolved trauma. By focusing on brainspots and engaging the subcortical brain, this therapy bypasses traditional verbal processing and provides a deeply personal, client-centered pathway to healing. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, emotional pain, or psychological challenges, Brainspotting offers a safe and effective way to unlock your body’s natural capacity to heal.

If you’re considering Brainspotting, seek a skilled and trained therapist who can provide the support and guidance you need on your journey toward emotional freedom and resilience.