Why Brainspotting?

Sometimes we understand why we feel the way we do, but understanding alone does not always change how our nervous system responds. Difficult experiences can leave us with emotional and physical reactions that feel automatic, even when we logically know we are safe or want to respond differently.

Brainspotting is a trauma-informed therapeutic approach designed to help access and process experiences that may be difficult to reach through conversation alone.

How Does Brainspotting Work?

Brainspotting is based on the idea that where you look can influence what you feel. During a session, your therapist helps you identify a specific point in your visual field, called a “brainspot,” that appears connected to an emotional, physical, or traumatic experience.

Rather than requiring you to explain every detail of what happened, Brainspotting allows you to notice what comes up while your therapist provides a safe, supportive presence. Thoughts, emotions, memories, images, or physical sensations may emerge as your brain and body work through the material at your own pace.

Brainspotting is intentionally less directive than many traditional therapies. You do not have to find the “right” words, tell your entire story, or force yourself to think differently. The goal is to create space for deeper processing while maintaining safety, choice, and control throughout the experience.

What Can Brainspotting Help With?

Brainspotting may be used with concerns such as trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, difficult or overwhelming memories, emotional triggers, chronic stress, shame and negative self-beliefs, relationship wounds, performance anxiety, and experiences that continue to feel unresolved despite understanding them intellectually.

Brainspotting can also be integrated with traditional talk therapy rather than replacing it. Together, you and your therapist can determine whether Brainspotting fits your needs, comfort level, and goals for therapy.