A body-based, evidence-informed approach for processing distressing experiences and the physical tension that can come with them.
Brainspotting was developed by Dr David Grand in 2003, emerging from his work with EMDR. It is based on the idea that where you look can affect how you feel, and that particular eye positions may help you access and process difficult emotional experiences. Many people find it helpful for working through distressing experiences, performance blocks, and feelings that are hard to put into words.
How It Works
During a Brainspotting session, the therapist helps you identify a relevant issue and locate the associated body sensation. Using a pointer, the therapist guides you to find your brainspot, the eye position that activates the greatest charge in relation to the issue. You hold your gaze there while the therapist provides dual attunement. Biolateral sound is often used to support the process.
Phases of Treatment
Identifying the presenting issue and body activation
Finding the brainspot
Sustained focused processing
Integration and titration
Who This Helps
Trauma and PTSD. Distress from frightening or overwhelming events that still feels present today.
Performance anxiety and blocks. Fear, freezing, or blocks that hold back your performance.
Creative blocks. Feeling stuck or unable to access your creative flow.
Somatic symptoms. Physical sensations and tension linked to unprocessed emotion.
Grief and complicated loss. Loss that feels stuck, prolonged, or especially hard to move through.
Experiences that are hard to put into words. Distress you feel strongly but cannot easily describe or explain.
What to Expect
Brainspotting is a quieter, more internal experience than traditional talk therapy. You do not need to narrate or analyse in detail; much of the work happens through what you notice in your body rather than through detailed talking. Many clients describe a sense of release or shift following sessions.
Further reading
An Introduction to EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy for trauma and deeply ingrained negative beliefs.
The Feelings Wheel: A Tool for Naming What You Feel: Most of us reach for words like fine, stressed, or bad to describe complex inner experiences. The Feelings Wheel offers a more precise vocabulary for what is actually happening inside.