What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting was discovered in 2003 by Dr. David Grand while conducting a session of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy. Since then, he and other practitioners around the world have extended and developed this unique way of working therapeutically. It is a way of working that recognises the brain-body connection and, like other holistic approaches, allows the therapy work to tap into both conscious and unconscious phenomena. While there is absolutely no substitute for an attuned and compassionate therapy relationship, Brainspotting can complement and enhance this by helping to identify, process and release core sources of psychological or emotional pain.

how does it work

When using Brainspotting in a session, I will usually ask you to identify an issue you would like to begin working with. I will then invite you to notice any physical sensations or emotions that come up when you think of that issue. Throughout the work, we will stay attuned to these sensations and feelings. Once we have a focus for the session, we will then find a “brainspot”, which is a very specific position of your eye, and which indicates areas of heightened brain activity related to unresolved trauma or emotional distress. I will then ask you to maintain your focus on that brainspot to help access deep-seated emotions, memories or sensations.

what can it help with

Brainspotting has shown positive results with a range of issues. It seems to be particularly well-suited for helping to work with trauma processing, alleviating fears and phobias, deeper seated emotional pain underlying depression and transforming limiting beliefs. It has also shown promising results when complementing addiction treatment.

I have satisfied the requirements necessary to become an Accredited Brainspotting Therapist and regularly weave it into my work when appropriate.