Brainspotting?
Integrating Mind, Body, and Applied Neuroscience for Deep Trauma Healing
Trauma is not just a memory stored in our thoughts; it is a neurological event captured deep within the subcortical brain. When we experience overwhelming stress, our brains often bypass our conscious awareness and lock that trauma away in our survival centers. Traditional talk therapies can help us logically understand why we feel the way we do, but they often struggle to access these deep, non-verbal layers of the brain where trauma is actually held.
At Madrona Therapy NW, our Brainspotting approach bridges this gap. Grounded in the revolutionary framework discovered by Dr. David Grand, this cutting-edge modality operates on the principle that “where you look affects how you feel.” By utilizing your natural visual field, Brainspotting bypasses the thinking mind to directly access, process, and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain.
BRAIN-SPOTTING
FAQ
What is brainspotting?
During a Brainspotting session, you may bring in a specific issue, memory, or emotional experience that you would like to work on. Together we locate a “brainspot” connected to that experience.
A brainspot is simply a specific eye position that corresponds with where the brain is holding the emotional experience. Your eyes may remain open or closed during the process. What matters is the direction of your gaze, which helps activate deeper processing in the brain.
Once the brainspot is identified, you hold that eye position while allowing your brain and body to process the experience at their own pace.
Each person processes differently. Some people talk through what they are experiencing. Others notice body sensations, emotions, or memories emerging. Some clients process quietly and internally. All of these responses are normal.
How Brainspotting Therapy Works
During a Brainspotting session, you may bring in a specific issue, memory, or emotional experience that you would like to work on. Together we locate a “brainspot” connected to that experience.
A brainspot is simply a specific eye position that corresponds with where the brain is holding the emotional experience. Your eyes may remain open or closed during the process. What matters is the direction of your gaze, which helps activate deeper processing in the brain.
Once the brainspot is identified, you hold that eye position while allowing your brain and body to process the experience at their own pace.
Each person processes differently. Some people talk through what they are experiencing. Others notice body sensations, emotions, or memories emerging. Some clients process quietly and internally. All of these responses are normal.
Why Brainspotting Helps Trauma and PTSD
Trauma and stressful experiences are often stored in deeper parts of the brain that are responsible for emotion and survival responses. These areas operate differently from the thinking and reasoning part of the brain.
Many people can intellectually understand their experiences but still feel emotionally stuck. Brainspotting therapy helps access the emotional brain directly so the nervous system can complete the processing that may have been interrupted when the experience first occurred.
This is why Brainspotting is commonly used for:
• Trauma therapy
• CPTSD and PTSD
• Anxiety and chronic stress
• Emotional regulation
• Relationship and attachment wounds
• Processing overwhelming life events
What Happens During a Brainspotting Session
Once we locate the brainspot connected to the issue you are working on, you will maintain that eye position for a period of time while your brain processes the experience. Your body and nervous system naturally guide the process. Some clients experience emotional release, physical sensations, or insights. Others process more quietly. The goal is not to force anything to happen, but to create the right conditions for your brain to do the work it already knows how to do. At the end of the session, we take time to gently come out of the process and reflect on anything you noticed.
Brainspotting for Neurodivergent Clients
Many neurodivergent individuals find Brainspotting therapy especially helpful because it does not rely entirely on verbal processing.
Sessions can be adapted to support different sensory needs, communication styles, and ways of processing information so that the work feels accessible and supportive.
Is Brainspotting Intense?
Brainspotting can sometimes bring up strong emotions, but the process always moves at the pace your nervous system can tolerate.
You remain in control throughout the session. There are also different ways to structure Brainspotting work, including approaches that focus on internal resources and strengths before working with more difficult material.
This helps create a sense of stability and safety while processing deeper experiences.
What Can Brainspotting Help With?
Brainspotting therapy is used for a wide range of concerns, including:
• Trauma and complex trauma (CPTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Relationship challenges
• Emotional overwhelm
• Stress and burnout
• Boundary clarity
• Performance for athletes, artists, and professionals
• Processing difficult life experiences
Brainspotting Therapy in Washington (In Person or Virtual)
Brainspotting therapy is available both in person and through secure online sessions. Many clients find the approach effective whether they are attending therapy in person or virtually.
If you are looking for Brainspotting therapy to work through trauma, CPTSD, or emotional stress, this approach may be a helpful option.
Curious if Brainspotting Might Help?
The best way to understand Brainspotting is to experience it. Many people are surprised by how quickly their nervous system begins to process and release long held experiences once the right brainspot is located.
If you are interested in learning more about Brainspotting therapy or exploring whether it may be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out.