Brainspotting Therapy at Vibrant Life Therapy

Brainspotting is an innovative, brain-based therapy that was discovered by David Grand in 2003. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the concept that where you direct your gaze can significantly influence how you feel. According to Grand in his 2013 work on Brainspotting, this therapy utilizes our field of vision to locate and address the traumas we hold in our brains. 

Brainspotting is a focused treatment method that effectively identifies, processes, and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional and bodily pain, trauma, dissociation, and various other challenging symptoms. It serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic process, often enhanced with biolateral sound, which provides a deep, direct, yet focused and contained experience. 

What to expect:

During your session, while I guide you, much of the process is self-directed. You will begin with some relaxing breathing exercises, possibly accompanied by bilateral sound—music that shifts from one ear to the other through headphones. As you settle into a more mindful state, you will identify the area in your body where you feel the most distress and rate it on a scale of one to ten. 

With my assistance, you will then locate your 'brain spot,' the point where your eyes naturally focus when your physical discomfort is at its peak. I will guide you to concentrate on this spot using a pointer, helping you identify where you feel 'stuck' or most activated. 

I may utilize either an 'Outside Window' or 'Inside Window' approach. In the 'Outside Window' method, I observe your gaze and suggest a point; in contrast, the 'Inside Window' method allows you to select the point to process. From this focal point, you will delve into the emotions that arise as you maintain your concentration. 

Afterward, you will take time to reflect on the entire experience and its potential meanings. At the end of the session, you will once again evaluate your level of distress, which will typically be lower than when you started. Many individuals report feeling a sense of release, either mentally or physically, which may manifest as a mild tingling sensation or mild shaking, similar to chills. 

Following the session, it is common to feel exhausted or more emotional than usual.