Sometimes what is causing you distress does not have clear words attached to it. You may know something is wrong. You may feel it in your body. But when you try to talk through it, the words do not come, or they do not seem to reach the part of you that is actually affected. Brainspotting is a therapy approach that works below the level of conversation, accessing the brain and body’s own capacity to process and release stored distress.
At Artisan Counseling, our licensed counselors trained in brainspotting use it as part of individual counseling for clients who are looking for a body-based, neurologically informed approach to healing.
Brainspotting was developed in 2003 by psychocounselor David Grand. It is based on the observation that where you look affects how you feel. During a brainspotting session, your counselor helps you locate a specific eye position, called a brainspot, that correlates with the activation of a stored distressing experience. Holding your gaze on that spot allows your brain to process what is stored there.
The approach is grounded in the principle that trauma and emotional distress are held not only in the mind but in the body and the deeper structures of the brain. Traditional talk therapy engages the neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for language and logic. Brainspotting accesses the subcortical brain, where emotional memories, survival responses and implicit experiences are stored.
Research on brainspotting is growing. A study published in Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology found that brainspotting produced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and general psychological distress. It is used by counselors in clinical, performance and rehabilitation settings.
Brainspotting and EMDR both use eye positioning and the brain’s processing capacity to address distress. They share some theoretical ground, and brainspotting was originally discovered during an EMDR session. However, the two approaches differ in how they are applied.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol with structured sets of bilateral stimulation. The counselor guides the process through specific steps and checks in between sets.
Brainspotting is less structured. Once the brainspot is identified, the counselor holds space while your brain processes at its own pace. There is less verbal exchange during processing, and the counselor follows your lead rather than directing the sequence. Some counselors describe brainspotting as working deeper and with fewer procedural steps.
Neither approach is better than the other. They are different tools, and your counselor will recommend the one that fits your situation. Some clients use both at different stages of treatment.
Brainspotting is used to address a range of concerns that involve stored distress in the brain and body. You may benefit from brainspotting if you are dealing with:
Brainspotting is also used by clients who have tried talk therapy and found it helpful but incomplete. If you have a good knowledge of your patterns but still feel stuck in your emotional or physical responses, brainspotting may reach what conversation alone does not.
A brainspotting session looks and feels different from traditional talk therapy. Here is what you can expect.
Setting up. Your counselor will begin by checking in with you about what you want to focus on. This could be a specific memory, a recurring feeling, a body sensation or a general sense of distress. You do not need to have a clear narrative prepared.
Finding the brainspot. Your counselor will guide you through a process of locating the eye position connected to the distress you are focusing on. This may be done by having you follow a pointer while noticing where the activation feels strongest in your body, or by observing your reflexive eye responses. Some counselors use a method called “outside window,” where they identify the spot based on your visible reactions.
Processing. Once the brainspot is identified, you hold your gaze on that position while your brain processes what is stored there. This phase is quiet. Your counselor is present and attuned but does not direct the process. You may experience shifts in emotion, body sensation, imagery or thought. Some clients feel deep relaxation. Others experience temporary increases in distress before relief.
Many counselors use bilateral sound, typically delivered through headphones, during processing to support the brain’s activity.
Closing. Your counselor will guide you back to a grounded state before the session ends. You may discuss what came up during processing, or you may not. There is no requirement to verbalize everything that happened.
After the session. It is common to feel tired after a brainspotting session. Some clients notice continued processing in the hours or days following, which may include vivid dreams, shifts in mood or changes in how a memory feels. Your counselor will prepare you for this and check in at the next session.
Sessions are typically 50 to 60 minutes and can take place in person or through telehealth.
Brainspotting is supported by a growing body of research and is used by licensed counselors in clinical practice worldwide. While the evidence base is newer compared to some other modalities, studies continue to support its effectiveness for trauma and distress reduction.
No. Much of the processing in brainspotting happens internally. Your counselor will check in with you periodically, but you do not need to narrate your experience as it unfolds.
This varies. Some clients experience a noticeable shift in one to three sessions. Others with more layered histories may need more time. Your counselor will work with you to determine the right pace.
Yes. Many counselors use brainspotting alongside talk therapy, CBT or other modalities. It can serve as one part of a broader treatment plan.
Experiences vary. Some clients describe warmth, tingling, emotional release or a sense of heaviness. Others notice memories, images or thoughts surfacing. The process is different for each person and can vary from session to session.
Yes. Brainspotting can be adapted for telehealth sessions. Your counselor will explain any modifications to the process.
Brainspotting is delivered within the context of licensed therapy and is typically billed as a standard therapy session. Most insurance plans cover it. Contact our office at 757.503.2819 to verify your benefits.