Brainspotting (BSP) is a cutting-edge mind-body therapy designed to help people process unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and distressing experiences. Developed by licensed psychotherapist David Grand, PhD, Brainspotting identifies specific eye positions—called brainspots—that are linked to stored memories and emotions. By focusing on these brainspots in a safe, therapeutic setting, patients can access and release deeply rooted trauma that traditional talk therapy may not reach.
Brainspotting is used by mental health professionals worldwide to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related disorders. At Aliya Mental Health, we offer professional Brainspotting treatment to help patients heal from traumatic experiences and achieve lasting emotional wellness.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a form of trauma treatment that helps the brain naturally process unresolved trauma. During a Brainspotting session, a therapist guides a client to maintain visual focus on a specific point, or “spot,” while exploring thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.
Brainspotting works by targeting the sensorimotor memories of traumatic experiences that often remain stored in the body and mind. By recruiting the midbrain for accessing these memories of traumatic activation, brainspotting helps individuals process and release unresolved trauma. This approach allows the brain to tap into healing sensorimotor memories, facilitating emotional and physiological integration and supporting deeper, more lasting recovery from trauma.
This process taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal, allowing traumatic memories, anxiety, and other emotional stressors to surface and release without re-traumatization. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting works with both the conscious mind and the deeper somatic cues stored in the body.
What Is a Brainspot?
A brainspot is a visual point in a person’s field of vision that activates a targeted memory or emotional experience. When a therapist helps a client identify brainspots, they are locating the eye position that corresponds to an unresolved trauma or emotional trigger. By focusing on this point, the brain can process and rewire the traumatic experience, reducing its emotional charge.
What Does Brainspotting Treat?
Brainspotting is highly effective for individuals struggling with trauma and a wide range of mental health disorders, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Dissociative disorders
- Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders
- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
- Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)
- Adjustment disorders
- Substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions
Brainspotting is also used to treat performance anxiety, phobias, grief, and chronic pain, making it a versatile bsp treatment for trauma-related issues.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
Brainspotting works by using eye positions to access areas of the brain where trauma is stored. The therapist helps the client focus on a brainspot while tracking somatic experiencing signals—such as changes in breathing, heart rate, or muscle tension. This activates the brain’s natural self-scanning and healing abilities, allowing the nervous system to process traumatic memories.
What Do You Feel During Brainspotting?
patients often feel a mix of emotions and physical sensations, such as tingling, warmth, or a sense of release. Some may experience deep relaxation, while others may temporarily feel emotional intensity as trauma surfaces and processes.
How Long Does a Brainspotting Session Last?
A typical Brainspotting treatment session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on the individual’s needs, history of trauma, and treatment goals.
Who Benefits from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting can benefit anyone seeking relief from trauma, emotional distress, or chronic stress. It is especially effective for:
- Survivors of traumatic experiences, including abuse, accidents, or natural disasters
- Individuals with trauma-related disorders like PTSD or C-PTSD
- People with anxiety, depression, or unresolved grief
- Those struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions
- patients who have tried traditional EMDR or talk therapy without full success
Brainspotting FAQ
Both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting help process trauma using eye-based techniques. EMDR relies on bilateral stimulation, while Brainspotting uses fixed eye positions (brainspots) to access and release trauma.
No. Brainspotting is not hypnosis. patients remain fully conscious and aware while focusing on specific visual points.
Self-directed Brainspotting, or “self-scanning,” is not recommended without a licensed psychotherapist. Professional guidance ensures emotional safety and effective processing.
Brainspotting may not be suitable for individuals experiencing active psychosis, severe dissociation, or those without stable support systems. A mental health professional will assess readiness before beginning BSP treatment.
Some patients talk during sessions, while others remain mostly silent. The therapist supports whatever feels natural for the client.
Progress can be felt through reduced anxiety, fewer trauma triggers, improved mood, and an overall sense of emotional relief. patients may notice changes within a few sessions, though results vary.
Brainspotting Treatment at Aliya Mental Health
At Aliya Mental Health, our experienced therapists integrate Brainspotting therapy into personalized treatment plans for trauma and mental health recovery. We combine BSP with research-based therapies such as traditional EMDR, somatic experiencing, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to create a comprehensive path to healing.
Whether you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, PTSD, or anxiety, our holistic approach ensures that both mind and body receive the care they need.
Comprehensive Treatment for PTSD Near Me
If you’re struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), our trauma-focused treatment programs can help. Using research-based therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting, pioneered by Dr. David Grand, we target the midbrain for accessing and healing sensorimotor memories. These approaches help you process traumatic events, reduce distress, and support lasting recovery.
Explore different types of therapy designed to help you access and heal sensorimotor memories, regain control over your emotional responses, and move forward in your recovery journey. Take the first step today and connect with our compassionate team to start healing.
Aliya Mental Health provides Brainspotting treatment for PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring conditions at locations across the United States. If you’re searching for professional Brainspotting therapy or other trauma-informed care, our team is here to help you begin your journey to recovery.