Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a trauma treatment, which can work as a stand-alone therapy or be integrated with other therapeutic approaches. It can work more quickly than traditional talking therapies, and is typically a short-term therapy with a focus on a specific issue.
​
It is not counselling and can be more accurately described as a 'neuro-therapy', an approach to working with your mind and whole nervous system. It shares some similarities with Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and can be described as an evolution of EMDR, allowing traumatic feelings to be safely accessed and reprocessed alongside a qualified therapist.
​
In a Brainspotting session you will be asked what you would like to focus on. This may include issues such as childhood trauma, more recent traumatic events, bereavement, relationship breakdowns or any other life experiences which have impacted you. In a sessions we will work together gently to help you safely access, reprocess and move forward from the trauma of challenging life experiences.
​
Typically a session will start with some exploration of the issue. I will ask you to talk a little about what you would like to work on. As you start to think about the issue we will notice together what your physiological responses are to the feelings you are experiencing. You will be asked to be aware of the level of emotion and physical sensations in your body. We will then work together to find a 'brainspot' which is an eye position for you to hold whilst we continue to explore the issue. Sometimes clients will talk through this process, describing their thoughts, feelings and and images which come to mind. At other times clients will process internally, just holding focus without speaking.
​
There is no correct way to experience a Brainspotting session. I will not ask you direct questions, or ask you to describe any traumatic events. You will have autonomy to only explore what you would like to in your own time, and when you feel ready. Often clients cry during session, or feel deep physical or emotional release. I will hold a safe space for you to lean into and stay with your feelings, so you feel supported throughout the process. I will also work with you to help you feel resourced and grounded before you leave the session.
​
You will be invited to wear headphones during the session to listen to a very quiet bilateral music. Bilateral music helps the brain process the stress or traumatic memories so that a person can eventually think about the stressful memories without triggering severe anxiety or stress. You will be asked to hold a focus on a specific eye position which we will identify together, and which is informed by the level of emotional activation you are experiencing.
​
Brainspotting is suitable for anyone, but I would not recommend for those experiencing an acute mental health episode, in current crisis or currently in recovery from addiction.
​
Here is a useful video from a Brainspotting Practitioner which explains more:
​
​
For online sessions we recommend you have a quiet and private space, with any item you find comforting to hand. You can chose to have your camera on or off, and communicate through speaking or via the chat function. For all sessions I encourage you to move around the space, or take movement breaks, if it helps you to feel comfortable.
​
Brainspotting sessions are 60 minutes in duration, and can be in-person in Hereford or online via Zoom.
​
Please feel free to contact us for a free 30 minute initial assessment, where you can ask any questions to help you decide if the sessions would be helpful for you.