Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach developed by American psychologist David Grand in 2003. It is used to address and treat various forms of trauma, as well as other emotional and psychological challenges. The main goal of Brainspotting is to access and process information stored in the brain related to traumatic or emotionally charged experiences.
While it is true that eliminating difficult moments can be a very complicated task, Brainspotting is a therapeutic modality that provides innovative results. In this Psychology-Online article, we explain What is Brainspotting and how does it work?.
What is Brainspotting?
The etymological meaning of the word Brainspotting is “brain point“. Later, psychology took this meaning and implemented it in the approach to traumatic experiences. Brainspotting was discovered in 2003 by psychologist David Grand, while carrying out (Desensitization and Reprocessing by Eye Movements).
In short, Brainspotting is based on the idea that traumatic events and intense emotional experiences They are stored in the brain and can become trapped or not be processed properly. These “brainspots” are specific areas of the brain where memories and emotions associated with a traumatic event or significant experience are concentrated.
In general terms, psychotherapist David Grand understood that the impact of traumatic events that occurred at some point in life was less when the range of eye movements was reduced. This leads us to think about the role of the mind’s defense mechanisms in situations of great suffering and difficult to process.
Who is Brainspotting for?
Brainspotting is aimed at people who have experienced trauma or emotionally intense events, as well as those facing emotional and psychological challenges. It can be useful for individuals of all ages, from children to older adults.
The approach is commonly used in the treatment of , but has also been successfully applied in a wide range of situations, such as childhood trauma, accidents, abuse, loss, anxiety and depression problemsphobias and eating disorders, among others.
Brainspotting can be beneficial both for those who have tried other forms of therapy without obtaining the desired results, and for those who are looking for an innovative and effective therapeutic approach. It is important to note that Brainspotting is performed in collaboration with a therapist trained in this technique, since involves working with intense emotional experiences and it is necessary to have specific knowledge to facilitate the healing process.
How the Brainspotting technique works in clinical psychology
The Brainspotting technique in clinical psychology is based on the idea that traumatic events and emotionally charged experiences are stored in the brain and may not be processed properly. The objective of Brainspotting is access these “brainspots” specifics and the emotions associated with the trauma.
Next, we explain how Brainspotting works through its different stages:
- Preparation: The psychologist establishes a relationship of trust with the client and explores history and past experiences that may be related to the current problem. The therapeutic objectives are discussed and the basic principles of Brainspotting are explained.
- Brainspot Identification: The therapist guides the client to focus on their internal experience and the bodily sensations associated with the problem or trauma. Through questions, observation, and feedback, the therapist helps the client identify brainspots, which are specific points in the visual field where emotions and related memories are activated.
- Stabilization: Before beginning deep trauma processing, the psychologist helps the client develop and internal resources to ensure their stability during the therapeutic process.
- bilateral stimulation: Once the brainspot has been identified, the therapist uses different techniques to stimulate the processing and release of associated emotions and memories. This may include eye movements, bilateral sounds, tactile touches, or other forms of bilateral stimulation.
- Processing and release: By focusing on the brainspot and allowing emotional and somatic responses to unfold, the process of processing and releasing trauma or emotional blockage stored in the brain is activated. The therapist supports the client in the process, providing support and facilitating integration and emotional healing.
Throughout the Brainspotting sessions, different brainspots related to the trauma or specific problem are worked on, thus allowing more complete processing and a reduction in associated symptoms. It is important to highlight that Brainspotting must be performed by trained therapists in this technique to facilitate the therapeutic process being safe and effective.
This clinical approach is very effective, but it is important to clarify that There is no set time for Brainspotting therapy to work.since the results will depend on factors unrelated to it, such as the frequency of the sessions, the degree of acceptance of the person, age, previous therapeutic experiences or pre-existing diseases, among others.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Rodríguez Álvarez, M. (2016). Two techniques to work on trauma: Hypnosis and Brainspotting. Hypnological Magazine, 9 (2), 4-10.
- Santana Llerena, B. (2020). Application of Brainspotting in the Treatment of Traumatic Events. Indo-American Technological University. Faculty of Human and Health Sciences.