What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful, brain‑based therapy discovered by Dr. David Grand. In simple terms, it uses a specific eye position—your “brainspot”—to access and process unhealed experiences and stuck activation in the body. As you hold gentle, mindful attention on what arises, your nervous system can finally complete what it couldn’t finish in the moment of stress or trauma.
How a Brainspotting Session Works
Step‑by‑step overview
- We set intention. You choose what you want support with—anything from anxiety spikes to a specific memory or performance block.
- We find your brainspot. Using a pointer or my hand, I guide your gaze until you notice a felt shift (more activation or more relief). That eye position is our access point.
- We stay with what arises. With compassionate attunement and resourcing, you track sensations, emotions, images, or thoughts—at a pace that feels safe.
- Your brain processes. Without over‑explaining or reliving, your system naturally unwinds the stuck material.
- We integrate. We close with grounding, reflection, and simple practices to support your nervous system between sessions.
Sessions are collaborative and client‑led. You’re in charge of how deep we go and when we pause. Safety and choice are central.
What Brainspotting Helps With
- Trauma and PTSD (including developmental, medical, and relational trauma)
- Anxiety, panic, chronic stress, and overwhelm
- Grief, loss, and life transitions
- Negative self‑beliefs, shame, and perfectionism
- Performance blocks (work, creative, athletic)
- Somatic symptoms linked to stress (tension, startle response, sleep disruption)
Because Brainspotting engages subcortical brain processes, we can reach and resolve patterns that traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t access on its own.
My Therapy Approach
I bring steady, non‑judgmental presence to every session. My style is trauma‑informed, attachment‑aware, and body‑based. I integrate Brainspotting with nervous‑system education, mindfulness, and practical tools you can use in daily life.
- Attuned and collaborative: You set the pace and I follow your system’s cues.
- Strength‑based: We build on what’s already working to create capacity and resilience.
- Holistic: We honor your mind, body, emotions, and relationships.
- Respectful and inclusive: I strive to provide a warm, culturally sensitive space for all identities and backgrounds.
If you’re new to somatic work, I’ll teach you simple ways to notice and name sensations so you feel oriented and empowered.
What to Expect
Before your first session
We’ll start with a brief consult to clarify your goals, answer questions, and decide if we’re a good fit. If we choose to work together, I’ll share how to prepare and what will help you feel comfortable.
During sessions
We’ll always begin with resourcing—orienting to what feels safe, steady, or neutral. From there, we’ll locate your brainspot and allow your system to process. You never have to describe details if you don’t want to.
After sessions
Expect gentle integration. You might feel lighter, tired, or more aware. I’ll offer grounding practices, hydration, rest, and simple journaling prompts to support your nervous system over the next 24–48 hours.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
Brainspotting may be a fit if you:
- Sense you’re “stuck” despite insight or prior therapy
- Prefer a gentler, non‑retraumatizing approach to trauma work
- Want to work with the body and nervous system, not just thoughts
- Are open to a focused, mindful process with strong therapist attunement
If that resonates, I’d love to connect and discuss the best next step for you.
Book a free consultation to get started.
Brainspotting vs. EMDR and Talk Therapy
- Compared to EMDR: Brainspotting uses a steady eye position rather than bilateral stimulation. Many clients find it quieter and easier to stay with their process.
- Compared to talk therapy: We don’t have to rehash stories in detail. By accessing subcortical processing, change can feel more organic and less cognitively effortful.
- In combination: Brainspotting pairs well with talk therapy skills, mindfulness, and lifestyle supports.
Ready to Begin?
I offer Brainspotting as a stand‑alone method or integrated within ongoing therapy. We’ll tailor the approach to your goals and comfort level.
Schedule a free consultation and let’s take the next step together.
