WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING?

Hello! I have a new offering in my practice for you. It is called Brainspotting. Brainspotting accesses the deeper, emotional parts of the brain, including the limbic system, which holds onto trauma and stress. Unlike talk therapy, which engages the thinking brain (prefrontal cortex), Brainspotting works directly with the emotional and survival brain, helping to release stuck feelings without overanalyzing them.

Have you ever noticed how your eyes naturally drift when you're deep in thought? Or how certain memories feel more intense when you look in a particular direction? This isn’t random—it’s actually your brain processing something deeper than words can explain. This is the foundation of Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy that helps people heal anxiety, trauma, and emotional blocks faster than traditional talk therapy.

What Does a Session Feel Like?

Every experience is unique, but many people describe Brainspotting as a gentle yet deep process. You don’t have to relive past trauma or explain everything in detail. Instead, you allow your brain and body to do the healing naturally.

During a session, you may feel emotions surfacing, body sensations shifting, or even moments of deep relaxation. The therapist is there to hold space and guide you, but your brain does the work in its own way and time. Many people report feeling a sense of relief, clarity, or emotional "lightness" after a session. Some notice immediate changes, while others experience shifts over the following days or weeks.

If you feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, stress, or emotional pain that don’t seem to change with traditional therapy, Brainspotting could be worth exploring. It’s a powerful tool that helps you process what words can’t always reach.

How It Works:

• Brainspotting was discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003.

• It accesses the subcortical brain, where trauma and emotions are stored.

• Your therapist helps you locate a “brainspot” by guiding your eye movements.

• Once found, your brain naturally processes and releases stored emotional energy.

Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain. It is especially helpful for:

✅ Individuals with anxiety, PTSD, and emotional blocks

✅ Those who feel traditional therapy hasn’t worked for them 

✅ People who find it hard to talk about their trauma 

✅ Anyone dealing with chronic stress, performance anxiety, or creative blocks

A Real-Life Success Story

One of my clients had been struggling with severe anxiety for years. She had tried everything—medication, traditional therapy, mindfulness—but still felt stuck. In our first Brainspotting session, she found a brainspot that triggered unexpected emotions. By the end of the session, she felt lighter, like she had finally released something she had been holding onto for years. After a few sessions, her anxiety significantly decreased, and she felt more present and in control of her life.

Common Questions About Brainspotting

“How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?”While both therapies access the deeper brain, EMDR follows a structured protocol with bilateral stimulation, whereas Brainspotting allows for deeper, more organic processing of stored trauma.

“Is Brainspotting backed by science?”Yes! Research shows it activates deep subcortical brain areas responsible for trauma storage and healing.

“What if I don’t feel anything during a session?” That’s okay! The brain continues processing in the background and shifts often happen subtly over time.

Want to Experience Brainspotting for Yourself?

If you’re curious whether Brainspotting can help you, I offer free consultations to explore if it’s the right fit. Reach out to me at openheart4me@gmail.com to schedule or ask a question!

Stay mindful and be kind to yourself.

 Peace - Stacey