Brainspotting
a brain-based tool to support the therapy relationship.
What is Brainspotting, and what makes it different than other types of therapy?
Brainspotting is a powerful treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neuro-physiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms.
It’s different from other therapy models in that it puts the client in control and the therapist acts in a supportive, collaborative role. This method involves identifying relevant eye position that has a connection to the “felt sense” in the body. The client then uses focused attention to process and release the negative energy associated with those emotions.
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.”
— Thomas Merton
How does Brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by identifying something called brainspots, while processing different events, experiences, and/or emotions with a trained brainspotting therapist.
A “Brainspot” is the eye position related to the energetic/emotional activation of a traumatic or emotionally charged issue within the brain. Brainspotting targets the right hemisphere, the brain stem, and the limbic system.
When a Brainspot is stimulated, the deep brain reflexively signals to the therapist that an area of significance has been located. There are a number of reflexive responses including eye twitches, wobbles, freezes, blinks, facial tics, sniffs, swallows, yawns, coughs, head nods, foot movement, and body shifting.
Brainspotting is a powerful tool that can be used to strengthen our natural resources and resilience.
It can help with:
PTSD and CPTSD
Accidents
Anxiety
Trauma
Divorce, Separation
Success
Performance
Decision-making and Indecision
Conflict (internal or external)
Death anxiety or fear
Depression
Grief and mourning
Generational trauma
Relationship problems, difficulties, and crossroads
Brainspotting for First Responders and Infertility Support
I offer extended 90-minute Brainspotting sessions to allow for deeper processing without the limitations of the standard 50-minute therapy hour. This added time creates space for the nervous system to slow down, access core material, and begin to release long-held patterns. These longer sessions can be especially valuable for those navigating cumulative trauma, complex grief, or emotionally charged transitions.
Brainspotting can be a powerful tool for:
First responders processing critical incidents, moral injury, or feelings of betrayal by their departments
Spouses of first responders coping with emotional disconnection, vicarious trauma, or the weight of constantly being “on alert”
Individuals facing transitions, such as retirement, returning to duty, or preparing for promotional exams
Couples navigating infertility or pregnancy loss, especially when grief feels stuck, unacknowledged, or too painful to speak
Clients estranged from family, managing unresolved attachment wounds, identity shifts, or internalized shame
Cycle breakers working to release generational trauma or long-standing family roles
Professionals struggling with performance anxiety, especially in high-stress, high-responsibility roles
Brainspotting is not just about insight—it’s about accessing the body’s natural ability to process and heal. If traditional talk therapy hasn’t been enough, Brainspotting may be the deeper work you've been looking for.
