What to Expect from Brainspotting Therapy

Brainspotting therapy is a specialized therapy technique focused on bypassing the “thinking” part of our brain to access the deeper emotional and body-based parts of the brain. This technique uses spots in a person’s visual field to help them process difficult issues they would like to work on, including trauma. These are called “Brainspots,” as our eyes are connected to the part of our brain responsible for emotions, our sense of self, and where unprocessed trauma is stored.

The systemic issues that oppress BIPOC women can leave a heavy burden. This technique can support the healing journey for BIPOC women and the unique challenges women of color face on a daily basis. Supporting women in processing the impact of trauma, processing grief or loss, and managing anxiety can lead to transforming results. Even if it’s as simple as feeling stuck or unhappy with where you are in life, this modality can help us better process our emotions and work towards healing.

Here’s what happens in the Brainspotting session:

Although your therapist is guiding you, much of the process is self-directed. You might start with some relaxing breathing or a way to become grounded. Your therapist may have you use a special kind of music called “biolateral” music to enhance your process.

Once you have settled into a more mindful state, you will identify a place in your body where you feel the most activation around the issue you want to work on. You rank the activation on a scale of 1 to 10.

With the therapist’s help, you will then find your “brainspot,” or where your eyes naturally focus on when the activation is the strongest. You will be guided to focus on this spot with your eyes, oftentimes with the help of a pointer.

Once the brainspot is found, your therapist will invite you to simply notice the thoughts, feelings, and body sensations that are coming up as your eyes are fixed on the brainspot.

You will then take some time to process the issue or experience you want to work on, noticing all that is connected to this issue and what it may mean for you.

At the end of the session, you will again rate your level of activation—oftentimes, it will be lower than it was when you started, but not always. Either way, you just helped your brain tap into its natural ability to heal. This is the most empowering kind of healing.

Curious if Brainspotting would be a good fit for you?

The Empowered Mind Therapy Center team is devoted to supporting women of color on their path to healing and living a more fulfilled life. Our Client Care Coordinator is ready to connect you with a therapist who is the best fit for you, your unique experience, needs, and goals. Click here to schedule a free consultation or to learn more about how our team can support you.