Brainspotting Therapy™ (BSP) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003 that targets the deep, often subconscious, sources of emotional and physical distress by using specific eye positions within the client’s visual field. These positions, known as “brainspots,” are believed to correlate with areas in the subcortical brain (including the amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and brainstem) where trauma and strong emotions are stored. By focusing on these spots, clients can access and process traumatic memories and emotional pain that may otherwise be difficult to articulate or resolve through traditional talk therapy.

Key Features and Mechanisms

• Eye Position and Visual Field: The therapist guides the client to find eye positions that activate or intensify emotional or physical sensations related to trauma or distress. Alternatively, “resourcing” spots can be used to promote calm and safety during the session.
• Mindfulness and Body Awareness: While maintaining the identified eye position, the client pays attention to internal experiences—thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations—facilitating deep processing and integration of traumatic material.
• Brain-Body Integration: BSP engages both the brain and body, leveraging the nervous system’s natural ability to self-heal and restore equilibrium.
• Non-Verbal and Relational: Unlike traditional talk therapy, BSP does not rely heavily on verbal communication, making it suitable for clients who struggle to express their experiences in words.
• Integration with Other Modalities: BSP can be combined with other therapies, such as expressive arts therapy or bilateral sound (music or nature sounds that alternate between ears), to enhance healing and support the parasympathetic nervous system.
• Dual Attunement Frame: The effectiveness of Brainspotting comes from what’s called the dual attunement frame. Within this frame, a relational attunement is established between the client and therapist. The safe, grounded, presence of the therapist creates a neurobiological attunement with the client’s internal, felt sense of what’s happening in their body and brain which then allows for the cultivation of a felt sense of safety in the client. This felt sense of safety offers the client a deeper sense of acceptance, compassion and freedom to explore their emotions and pain.

Applications

Brainspotting is effective for a wide range of issues, including:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks
• Chronic pain
• Addiction
• Emotional regulation problems
• Grief and life transitions
• Performance anxiety in sports, arts, and public speaking.

Who Can Benefit?

BSP is suitable for anyone seeking change at a deep, neurological level, particularly those who have not found relief through other forms of therapy. It is especially helpful for individuals with unresolved trauma, anxiety, phobias, addictions, depression, or somatic pain. It is also used by athletes, performers, and professionals to manage performance anxiety and enhance creative potential.