Brainspotting is an extremely powerful, focused and effective psychotherapeutic method that takes place within a safe and harmonious therapeutic relationship.
Brainspotting directly accesses the deeper regions of the brain and enables the recognition, processing and release of the deeper neurobiological origins of trauma and dissociation, as well as the origins of a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms that are beyond the reach of consciousness, and thus language and thinking capabilities.
The method is aligned with the latest neuroscientific findings on brain function and the deep processing of psychological trauma.
Its efficiency is confirmed by the latest research on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychological trauma.
Psychological trauma is a physiological reaction with psychological consequences
Traumatic stress from an external event is experienced within, so it is important that healing and transformation take place within the body and in a therapeutic relationship which is secure and supportive. The process aims at accessing the frozen content in the deeper areas of the brain and providing a safe space for the body and brain to process the frozen content and bring the whole system back to its natural, i.e. balanced state.
Brainspotting is based on the natural law ‘You feel depending on where you look’
Brainspotting is based on the assumption that every experience in our life is stored in our body and brain, even if we do not remember it. It can be accessed by contacting the sensation in the body and choosing the appropriate eye position.
The capability to self-heal
The body has the capability to heal itself, and with proper support in a secure environment, it can heal psychological symptoms in the same way it heals physiological illnesses. Brainspotting activates and stimulates the natural healing power of the body and brain and supports the body to return to its state before the traumatic experience.
Brainspotting offers an opportunity to get rid of a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms:
anxiety, inner restlessness, depressive mood, unfounded fears, phobias, feelings of shame and guilt, problems with experiencing and expressing emotions, low self-esteem, limiting beliefs about oneself and others, burnout, psychosomatic illnesses, issues with attention and concentration, stuttering, addictions, and repetitive dysfunctional patterns in relation to oneself and others.
Brainspotting shows excellent results in accessing, processing and releasing unconscious experiences of the pre-verbal period (up to the age of three), developmental and transgenerational trauma, as well as trauma resulting from physical illness, accidents, war and natural disasters.
Brainspotting is also extremely effective in strengthening one’s inner resources that help the individual to deal with painful emotional content.
In each of us, there is a source of creative energy that can be expressed in a wide variety of ways. If for various reasons it has not had the opportunity to develop, this part can be severely suppressed. Consequently, we may feel that something is missing and that we are not living our lives fully and creatively.
Brainspotting is extremely effective in accessing, processing and freeing ourselves from internal blockages that prevent us from getting in touch with this part of ourselves. Thus, it opens up space for the recognition of, connection with, and expression of this part of our psyche.
That is why it is very popular with artists and athletes.
Choosing the topic
In a safe therapeutic relationship and with a sense of inner security, the client chooses the topic they want to focus on in therapy. They can choose anything that interferes with their life: bodily sensations, pain, dreams, beliefs, memories, etc.
When choosing a topic, the individual directs attention to the response in the body and is open to the bodily sensations that arise.
Connection with painful sensation and selection of eye position
When connected with a painful sensation, the client naturally or with the therapist’s help chooses the optimal eye position, during which they feel even more connected to the topic and their sensations. In this way, they access the frozen part of the painful experience in the brain, where the emotional pain is stored with all the sensations, emotional and physical.
Processing
In the state of a mindful, present and curious observer, the client opens a space within to connect with the frozen painful content with all their feelings. Thus, the client enables the body to process and free itself from trapped emotional pain and integrate it in a new way.
The therapist is fully present and mindful, following the client’s internal process and supporting it.
Integration
With the release of emotional pain in the brain, the related part of the body relaxes, which consequently results in physical well-being and a fresh experience of self.
- The feelings of being trapped turn into the feeling of choice and freedom.
- The feelings of fear are replaced by feelings of empowerment and security.
- One’s self-confidence and trust in one’s capabilities are strengthened.
- The inner sense of security and balance is enhanced.
- The feeling of completeness and self-centeredness heightens.
- The need to avoid and withdraw from stressful circumstances is reduced.
- One becomes aware of choice and freedom in their relationships.
- Feelings of guilt and shame are reduced or disappear.
- The sense of self-worth increases.
- Self-acceptance and inner experience deepen.
- The connection with one’s spiritual part is intensified.
- The connection with one’s authenticity and the need to live based on it is strengthened.
- The client is discovering, reconnecting with and developing their potential.
- The connection with vital energy deepens and the desire to live more creatively is enhanced.
- The immune system is strengthened and physical health improves.