Brainspotting (BSP) is a new form of therapy that can help people process and overcome trauma. Developed by a psychotherapist who has spent years working with survivors of trauma, brainspotting has been used by many mental health professionals to effectively treat a variety of mental health issues.
How Does it Work?
Brainspotting is akin to EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Essentially, the direction in which people look or hold their gaze affects the way they feel.
During a brainspotting session, the therapist helps the client position their eyes in ways that allow them to target specific sources of negative emotions. The therapist will slowly guide the person’s eyes across their field of vision to find all the right “brainspots,” which will then activate a traumatic memory or painful emotion.
Recent evidence suggests that trauma is stored in the body and can even alter how the brain works. Many of my own clients have experienced how trauma affects their memory and even physical health. Brainspotting seems to be able to activate the body’s innate ability to heal itself and the trauma.
Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is recommended for anyone who has experienced either physical or emotional trauma. BSP has been shown to be effective for those with anxiety, ADHD, anger issues, phobias, substance abuse issues, impulse control issues, and more.
If you are suffering as a result of trauma, or are dealing with any of the mental health issues I’ve just listed, you may want to consider giving brainspotting a try. I am a licensed therapist who has been trained in brainspotting and would be happy to discuss treatment options. Please feel free to call my office or email me.
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