Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a focused type of trauma therapy developed by David Grand, Ph.D. Similar to EMDR Therapy, brainspotting is grounded in an understanding of the neurobiological imprint of trauma and the need for tools that address the unconscious impact of trauma, beyond the reach of more cognitive interventions. Brainspotting therapy uses intentionally focused eye movement to support clients in accessing both the felt sense of trauma and their own internal resources (like a calm state). The integration of bilateral sound and the pendulation between these two states helps facilitate trauma processing — in mind and body — and is often found to be gentler than cognitive and exposure-based approaches.

One reported benefit of brainspotting is its emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, specifically on the therapist’s mindful attention to the client’s emotional and somatic states, moment-by-moment. Robert Scaer, MD, author of The Trauma Spectrum, writes: “Brainspotting is based on the profound attunement of the therapist with the patient, finding a somatic cue and extinguishing it by down-regulating the amygdala.” What this means in practice is that trauma held in the nervous system can finally be released, bringing relief to physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms.

Browse the practitioners listed here to learn about their background and approach, or contact us to find the right match for your needs.