Brainspotting at
Covered Bridge Counseling

Brainspotting is a type of therapy that uses spots in a person’t visual field to help them process core traumas, accessing such trauma trapped in the subcortical brain, the area of the brain responsible for  motion, consciousness, emotions, and learning.

 

​Brainspotting works on the theory that feelings from trauma can become stuck in the body, leading to both physical and mental symptoms. Stress, trauma, and intense emotions can become “stuck” in our systems in a process that Brainspotting founder David Grand terms “frozen maladaptive homeostasis.” Our bodies are meant to be in a state of homeostasis, attempting to maintain a stable environment, but this particular kind of homeostasis is counterproductive and harmful to a healthy, functioning mind and body. Brainspotting accesses this stress and helps to integrate the processing of trauma that has been interrupted.

​

Integration of thoughts, feelings, somatic experiences, and information help in deeper, older parts of the body and brain. Brainspotting engages the visual field, physical body, and sensory systems to process and release symptoms including:

 

• Emotions that are dysregulated outside a normal window of affect

• Trauma

• Grief associated with loss and developmental trauma

• Somatic/Bodily Pain

​

What a Brainspotting Session May Look Like

 

Bilateral Audio - Clients will be offered headphones to provide bilateral sound, such as relaxing music or natural sounds, that alternate (or gently roll) between the left and right ears to create a sense of calm and to enhance connection between the hemispheres of the brain.

 

Identification of target - Once you have entered into a more mindful state, you will identify an issue, feelings, a place in your body where you notice associated physical sensations, or any other focus that presents itself in the moment.

 

Eye Position - You and your therapist will work to find a Brainspot, or where your eyes naturally focus when experiencing the maladaptive sensations, on which you will focus for processing.

 

Processing - Curiously observe and notice what happens with intentionally-focused mindfulness.

​

**During your session you may experience changes in feelings, somatic sensations, thoughts, and  memories.       My role is to provide a calm, attuned presence to support and hold space for whatever may arise during your      processing.

​

Following the session, you may feel exhausted or more emotional than usual. More difficult feelings may surface. This is all a natural part of the process and you will be given resources and tools to assist in your ongoing processing and well-being.