Brainspotting (BSP) is a relatively new technique and growing field that is used to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
There is little peer-reviewed evidence backing up claims that Brainspotting is an effective treatment for mental health disorders. However, a few studies report that brain-spotting can reduce symptoms of trauma.
Explore what brainspotting is, how it works, and the research behind it.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a form of alternative therapy primarily used to treat trauma. However, some patients with depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain have found it helpful in reducing their symptoms.
It is based on the idea that various eye movements and positions correlate to “spots” in the brain. These spots are thought to hold traumatic memories and emotional distress that lead to symptoms of mental health issues.
Developed by psychotherapist David Grand in 2003, it pulls from foundational elements of EMDR. When working with his patients during EMDR sessions, Dr. Grand found that different emotional reactions or sensations were evoked when patients focused on a visual spot. By having his clients focus on these spots during sessions, he found they significantly reduced their symptoms.
Although similar, unlike EMDR, brain-spotting does not require memory recall. Rather than focusing on guided eye movements, it focuses on fixed visual locations.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
A brain spotting therapy session (BSP) will be guided under the care of a licensed therapist. They will use cues, noises, tapping, and vibrations to help clients focus on spots in their visual fields.
Some of the techniques used during a brain spotting session include:
- Mindfulness: Tuning into bodily sensations and mediating communication between the brain and body
- Resource Spotting: Patient will identify spots in their visual field that promote positive feelings and empowerment
- Visual Field Spotting: Eye movements will target “brain spots” in the visual field that trigger emotional, psychological, or physical responses
- Dual Attunement Framing: Therapist will help patients attune to their internal sensations, addressing both the mental and physical aspects of healing from trauma
What Research Backs Up Brainspotting?
Although there is limited research to back up brain spotting, many trauma survivors have reported a reduction in symptoms, although this is often paired with other forms of therapy, such as EMDR or CBT.
In one study, clients who underwent Brainspotting reported a 50% reduction in their symptoms of trauma after completing their sessions.
Another study conducted showed that brain-spotting for PTSD was just as effective as EMDR. However, some researchers have criticized this evidence, citing the study was conducted by an affiliate of the Brainspotting Institute.
Is Brainspotting Evidence-Based Then?
Although many patients self-report the success of brain spotting, technically, it is not evidence-based. Most researchers in the field call this a “grey area”, citing the lack of peer-reviewed evidence.
There is currently not enough research to claim brain spotting as an “evidence-based” therapy, such as with EMDR, CBT, or DBT.
Benefits of Brainspotting for Mental Health
Although clinical research is limited around brain spotting, patients report several benefits after their sessions and an overall reduction in symptoms of mental health problems.
Some of the benefits patients have reported after brain spotting sessions include:
- Developing mindfulness and better awareness of their body
- Increases connection and communication between the brain and body
- Some report relief in chronic physical pain
- Easier to process traumatic experiences stored deep in long-term memories
- Better quality of sleep
- Lower emotional reactivity
- Reduction in negative thinking patterns
- Increased energy
- Decreased levels of anxiety
Effectiveness of Brainspotting
Although there is little research on this treatment, clinical settings have shown that brain-spotting therapy training is effective in helping people process distress, traumatic memories, and negative experiences. It is especially effective when paired with other forms of therapy, such as EMDR or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The more peer-reviewed papers on a therapy, the better; however, just because this treatment lacks research doesn’t mean it isn’t a valuable tool for some patients who have found relief.
Brainspotting vs EMDR
The concepts of brain spotting were taken from evidence-based EMDR therapy. They both are used to treat trauma by using visual cues and bilateral stimulation of the brain. Although some of the techniques are similar, there are several differences between the two:
| Brainspotting | EMDR |
| Fixed eye positions | Guided eye movements |
| History is not required. Nervous system responses are observed during the session | Medical/psychological history is taken before the session |
| Focus on physical sensations in the body and emotions | Focus on memory recall, images, and emotions |
| Requires no target memory | Targets a memory of trauma to de-sensitize the emotional distress associated with it |
Brainspotting Therapy in Utah
Harper Clinic understands the difficulty in treating trauma and offers alternative therapies such as Brainspotting to process emotional distress, reduce symptoms, and improve one’s overall health.
Get in touch with us through text, phone call, or our direct Vagaro booking. We will verify insurance, schedule your first consultation, and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs.
Sources
Psychotherapeutic Techniques for Distressing Memories: A Comparative Study between EMDR, Brainspotting, and Body Scan Meditation. 2022. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
