Brainspotting Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Compares to EMDR

Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful therapy method rooted in neuroscience, designed to help people process and release trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional pain. Discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting works by accessing the brain's self-healing potential through the simple yet profound principle: "Where you look affects how you feel." Therapists use specific eye positions called "brainspots" to help clients unlock deeply stored emotional experiences in the subcortical brain, where trauma often resides and is beyond the reach of traditional talk therapy.

The therapy begins with a discussion of the issue you want to work on, such as trauma, stress, performance anxiety, chronic pain, or creative blocks. The therapist uses a pointer or tracks your eye movements to help locate a specific eye position that triggers emotional activation. This is your "brainspot." You then focus your gaze on that spot while remaining connected to your internal experience, such as body sensations, emotions, memories, or thoughts—often without needing to verbalize them. As you focus, the brain begins to process and release stuck emotional material, leading to emotional relief, clarity, or even cathartic release.

Sessions are client-led, meaning you won’t have to talk through every detail of your trauma, which makes Brainspotting ideal for those who find traditional talk therapy overwhelming. Many clients experience quicker breakthroughs compared to traditional therapy, especially for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or attachment issues. Brainspotting also taps into body-based sensations, helping resolve trauma on both physical and emotional levels. The process helps regulate the nervous system, often using bilateral music or grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe and supported during the session.

Brainspotting and EMDR share similarities but also have differences. Both therapies target deeper parts of the brain to release trauma without relying solely on traditional talk therapy. Brainspotting uses eye positions (brainspots) as its main tool, while EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps. Brainspotting is more introspective and body-focused, while EMDR follows a structured protocol and encourages the recall of memories. Brainspotting is particularly useful for complex trauma, attachment wounds, and somatic issues, while EMDR is often used for PTSD, single-event trauma, and cognitive reprocessing.

Brainspotting can benefit individuals dealing with PTSD, complex trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or emotional numbness. It is also helpful for athletes, performers, and professionals seeking peak performance, as well as anyone who feels emotionally or physically "stuck."

If you’ve tried traditional therapy and feel stuck, or if you’re looking for a gentle, body-based method for emotional healing, Brainspotting could be the breakthrough you need. Whether you're healing trauma, managing anxiety, or unlocking creative potential, Brainspotting works with your brain’s natural ability to process and transform emotional pain into clarity, calm, and confidence.

Jocelyn Aleiadih, LCSW

www.yourlifepathcenter.com