What is Brainspotting?
- Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach where a trained therapist helps you identify a specific “brainspot” — a certain eye position that seems to correlate with an internal, unresolved experience (often trauma or emotional pain). Once the spot is located, the client holds that gaze while mindfully noticing whatever comes up emotionally or physically.
- The process is thought to access deep, subcortical parts of the brain where trauma and distressing memories can be stored — areas that aren’t as easily reached through traditional talk therapy.
How was it developed
- Origin: Developed in 2003 by David Grand, PhD, a psychotherapist and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner.
- Discovery: During an EMDR session, Grand noticed that when his client’s eyes paused on a specific point, her emotional processing deepened significantly. He began experimenting with intentionally holding these gaze positions instead of moving the eyes back and forth.
- Evolution: Over time, Grand refined the method, integrating it with somatic awareness and elements from trauma therapy, creating what he called Brainspotting.
How does it work?
While research is still emerging, the working hypothesis is:
- Eye position → brain activation: Specific gaze directions are linked to neural networks holding certain memories or emotional states.
- Subcortical access: Holding the gaze keeps attention on those networks, engaging the midbrain and limbic system (where emotional and procedural memories are stored).
- Neurobiological release: Paired with mindful awareness and a safe therapeutic presence, the brain can reprocess the stored trauma — reducing its emotional charge and integrating it into the person’s broader life narrative.
- Body connection: Because trauma often lives in the body, clients are encouraged to notice sensations, which helps release physical tension and emotional patterns.