Brainspotting- A New Trauma Treatment

Brainspotting is a quickly becoming the newest treatment modality for trauma and trauma related disorders. I am currently in training to learn how to use this promising new treatment with clients struggling to address PTSD. What is this new treatment?

According to David Grand, Ph.D, the developer of the Brainspotting technique:

“A “Brainspot” is the eye position which is related to the energetic/emotional activation of a traumatic/emotionally charged issue within the brain, most likely in the amygdala, the hippocampus, or the orbitofrontal cortex of the limbic system. Located by eye position, paired with externally observed and internally experienced reflexive responses, a Brainspot is actually a physiological subsystem holding emotional experience in memory form.”

The technique has roots in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).It provides a neurobiological tool for accessing and treating a wide range of somatic and emotionally-based conditions. It seems that Brainspotting acts as a stimulant to the body’s own natural ability to heal itself from trauma. Brainspotting has also been shown to help reduce physical pain and tension caused by physical symptoms.

Brainspotting works by directly tapping into the brain’s autonomic and limbic systems, located within the central nervous system. Because of this, it can be considered aphysiological treatment, and provides physical benefits as well as psychological and emotional. Brainspotting works as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment. It works by assessing what a person’s core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, are. It can also work for a variety of other symptoms.

Once it identifies the sources of these ailments and pains, it simultaneously treats whatever symptoms it has diagnosed as well. Part of the treatment can include playing Biolateral sound, which can enhance the beneficial effects of Brainspotting through it’s powerful and focused healing properties.

In addition to being both a treatment and diagnostic tool, Brainspotting also functions as a neurobiological tool as it identifies, processes, and loosens up the symptoms that are hidden away in the unconscious mind. This promotes a healthy clinical relationship between Brainspotting and healing.