What You Need to Know About Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a type of psychotherapy that uses eye position to access emotional and body-based memories stored deep within the brain. As the eyes hold a fixed position, the therapist helps the client process the memories and emotions that surface. When the eyes become fixed in one position, it activates the reticular activating system (RAS) in the brainstem. The RAS acts as a filter for consciousness and can restrict or allow access to information. By activating it through eye fixation, Brainspotting allows therapists and clients to access deep-seated memories and emotions that are typically out of conscious awareness.
Brainspotting allows therapists and clients to understand the mind-body connection better and facilitate deep healing. Tapping into the brain and body's innate abilities can help people overcome challenging life experiences and psychological distress.
How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?
Brainspotting therapy works by identifying eye positions that correspond with inner experiences. As your eyes move, your brain is activated in different ways. When a therapist notices your eyes fixating on a particular spot, your brain has activated an inner experience—like a memory, emotion, or thought. The therapist then guides you through focusing your awareness on that inner experience.
Identifying Brainspots
The first step is finding your "brainspots"—the eye positions linked to active inner experiences. Your therapist may move a pointer in front of your eyes while you report any inner experiences that arise. They may also observe your eye movements during an open discussion about an emotional topic. When your eyes remain fixed in one spot, that indicates a brainspot.
Processing Inner Experiences
Once a brainspot is located, the therapist keeps the pointer fixed. While focusing on the pointer, you describe any memories, emotions, sensations, or thoughts in your mind. The therapist helps you gain insight and work through these inner experiences. Staying focused on the brainspot, rather than moving your eyes around, helps to deepen the processing.
Releasing Emotions and Insights
As you explore the inner experience linked to a brainspot, emotions often arise and are released. You may gain new insights into yourself, your relationships, and events from your past. Releasing these emotions and gaining clarity on your inner experiences leads to a calmer, more centered state of being. Processing one brainspot at a time, Brainspotting helps you work through deep-rooted issues at your own pace.
The Benefits and Effectiveness of Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a relatively new form of therapy that can be highly effective for treating a range of issues. The biggest benefits of Brainspotting include:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Brainspotting can significantly decrease feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety by helping you process emotions and trauma. Studies show that Brainspotting activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind.
Treatment for PTSD
Brainspotting is especially useful for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By helping you access and release traumatic memories, Brainspotting can help reduce PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. Some research shows that Brainspotting for PTSD can be even more effective than traditional exposure therapy.
Improved Focus and Performance
Brainspotting works by helping you overcome emotional blocks and break negative thought patterns. This can enhance your ability to focus, make decisions, and access your potential. Athletes, executives, and creatives often use Brainspotting to improve performance and get into a "flow state."
Pain Relief
Brainspotting has been shown to help reduce chronic pain in some people. By changing the brain’s perception of pain signals, Brainspotting may make pain feel less intense and intrusive.
While more research is still needed, the initial findings are promising. If you're curious about trying it, book a consultation with us. The worst that can happen is you feel a little silly. But the potential benefits make it worth a shot, especially if traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you progress.
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