Brainspotting Therapy - San Francisco Bay Area
Harness your body’s natural self-healing ability to overcome trauma, anxiety & depression.
Culturally affirming and trauma-informed IFS & Brainspotting Therapy for adults in Walnut Creek, Oakland, & online throughout California.
Brainspotting Therapy is a potent therapeutic method for shifting habits, healing trauma, and finding relief from emotional distress.
Have you ever found yourself in situations where driven by the intensity of the moment, you acted or spoke in a way that felt intuitively right at the time? Yet, upon reflection, you were left pondering, "Why did I behave that way? Why did I do that? Why did I say that?”
For instance:
A slight misunderstanding with your partner escalated into a lingering emotional distance that endured for a month.
Despite your best efforts to stay composed, the anxiety and nervousness seem uncontrollable, affecting your performance during the job interview.
You have a personal project you're passionate about, such as writing a book or starting a blog. Still, you keep finding other tasks or distractions to occupy your time, delaying the progress and fulfillment of your creative aspirations.
During a casual conversation about a shared project, a colleague offers a minor suggestion for improvement, and you find yourself overwhelmed with anger at this slight critique, reacting more strongly than the situation calls for.
These are just a few examples of emotional reactivity, hypervigilance, or overwhelm that Brainspotting can help soothe and resolve.
Dusting Off the Mental Attic: Brainspotting for Stress Reduction & Emotional Clarity
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As a therapist, I frequently work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and heightened emotional reactions. These struggles can significantly complicate already demanding life situations and relationships.
When overloaded by stress, our psyche becomes an attic of emotions, cluttered and disarrayed. Amidst the chaos, our natural inclination is to temporarily shelve these emotions, hoping to revisit them when things are calmer. Yet, the revisit seldom happens, and the emotional clutter accumulates, much like the dust and cobwebs in a neglected attic. By then, it seems and feels like chaos.
Here's the silver lining: Brainspotting is a valuable tool that facilitates a deep emotional cleansing journey. Think of it as a lantern in the attic of your mind, illuminating the cluttered corners and helping you navigate through the labyrinth of emotional reactivity. It paves the way out of self-sabotaging tendencies, allowing you to clear out the dust and cobwebs that obscure your true Self.
What is Brainspotting Therapy?
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Brainspotting (BSP) is a "brain-body based" relational therapy designed to facilitate healing from anxiety, depression, and trauma and enhance creativity and performance. Discovered in 2003 by Dr. David Grand, a psychotherapist and a distinguished EMDR practitioner, Brainspotting has transformed therapeutic approaches by recognizing the profound link between our visual focus and emotional experiences.
At its core, Brainspotting operates on the fundamental principle that "where you look affects how you feel." This insight was born from Dr. Grand's extensive work with patients, revealing that our gaze and its direction can profoundly influence our emotional state. It's a phenomenon observed naturally in the "thousand-yard stare," often seen in people struggling with PTSD or complex trauma, who appear emotionally detached from their surroundings, blankly gaze into space, and emotions, memories, or sensations play out like vivid flashbacks.
This process, known as gazespotting, is an instinctive mechanism of the nervous system as it processes and navigates through the complexities of our internal experiences. Brainspotting delves deep into this innate response, identifying specific eye positions correlated with unconscious emotional encounters. By focusing on these eye positions related to distressing issues, we can effectively release the emotional and physical stress associated with those issues.
In a nutshell, Brainspotting is aptly described as an advanced brain-body therapy, meticulously targeting the identification, processing, and release of trauma and residual emotional stress. It accesses parts of the brain that traditional talk therapy and most other therapeutic modalities often do not access. Brainspotting embraces bilateral stimulation, compassionate dual attunement, and brain-body processing, offering a comprehensive approach to reprocessing adverse experiences and reshaping emotional reactions.
Brainspotting illuminates a fundamental truth:
We cannot simply reason or talk our way into feeling better.
Instead, Brainspotting therapy guides us to the source of our experiences and enables exploration of the depths of the subconscious, ensuring a more efficient and profoundly healing journey.
Tapping into the Brain's Healing Potential: How Brainspotting Therapy Works
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Brainspotting is a mindful, non-invasive, yet potent therapeutic technique grounded in the latest neuroscientific insights into how our minds and bodies store and process our lived experiences, memories, emotions, and trauma.
What happens in the brain during Brainspotting?
At its core, Brainspotting capitalizes on the brain's innate capacity for healing, delving into the subcortical brain—the primitive brain, encompassing the right brain, limbic system, and brainstem/midbrain. This domain harbors our trauma and plays a vital role in regulation, distinguishing itself from the neocortex, the hub of higher cognitive functions like perception, decision-making, and language. By directly tapping into the limbic system, Brainspotting has the potential to efficiently release and regulate the emotional intensity associated with trauma, ultimately leading to the relief of symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Brainspotting has demonstrated the ability to initiate neuroplasticity in the brain, facilitating the formation of new neural pathways and restructuring traumatic experiences more beneficially and adaptively. This rewiring results in sustained shifts in emotional and physiological reactions, providing a ray of hope for people navigating the aftermath of trauma.
What are Brainspots?
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Central to Brainspotting is the notion of "brainspots," specific eye positions intricately linked to brain areas where traumatic memories and emotional experiences reside. We each possess brainspots associated with distinct emotional states, thoughts, beliefs, and lived experiences. Moreover, these brainspots aren't rigid; we can still feel certain emotions while looking elsewhere, but the emotional connection is more accessible when gazing in a particular direction.
For instance, when dealing with a significant life event, such as navigating the challenges of starting a new job, the location of one's brainspot may shift depending on which aspect of the experience is being processed. It might revolve around concerns about meeting new colleagues, the excitement of taking on new responsibilities, visualizing the workspace, or reflecting on the relief from unemployment.
Or we are processing the aftermath of a relationship ending. In that case, the location of our brainspot may shift depending on what aspect of the experience we are exploring at that moment. It might revolve around regrets about unresolved issues, missing their companionship, envisioning the future without the person, or acknowledging the relief from a toxic dynamic.
Once we pinpoint a brainspot and allow ourselves to witness and embrace the passing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without passing judgment, something extraordinary begins to happen. The emotional intensity that once seemed overwhelming gradually starts to lose its grip on us as we fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
Initially distressing emotions, like stormy waves crashing against the shore, can transform into a more comforting and stabilizing state, resembling the gentle ebb and flow of the tide. We evolve from being tossed and turned by triggering events to standing firm, rooted in a greater sense of calm, clarity, and readiness to engage with life.
At the heart of Brainspotting therapy lies conscious mindfulness, an intentional observation of where our eyes go during deep contemplation beyond casual glances. We focus on that particular spot until we've deeply absorbed and thoroughly processed the profound experiences it holds. Like an artist meticulously working on a canvas, we invest our focus and care into processing the intricate details of our inner world, bringing about a sense of clarity and understanding that can pave the way to healing and growth.
Brainspots aren’t limited to locating trauma. There are countless spots in our visual field that can help us access different Parts of ourselves.
What does a Brainspotting session look like?
Identifying the Topic/Concern
In a Brainspotting session, we prioritize flexibility and a personalized approach tailored to your needs. We will likely begin with a discussion to identify the specific issue or concern you'd like to process with Brainspotting during our time together. I'll gently guide you to observe the areas in your body where you feel the most activation while discussing the focal point of concern.
Working from an Activation Spot
Once we've pinpointed the areas in your body where you sense this activation - for instance, it could be a lump in your throat, a heaviness in your chest, or a tightness in your jaw - I'll guide you to gauge the intensity of these sensations on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 signifies the most intensity. This initial assessment provides a starting point (baseline), helping us track our progress throughout the session.
Working from a Resource Spot
For people with a history of complex trauma, starting with areas of activation can sometimes feel overwhelming. In these cases, we can shift our approach and pay attention to where in your body you experience the most calm or sense of grounding while exploring the particular issue. So, rather than seeking areas of heightened activation, we'll identify places that exude a sense of calmness, groundedness, or neutrality and initiate the processing from that vantage point. It's about creating a safe and manageable starting point for your healing journey.
Locating the Brainspot & Processing Subcortically
Once we've determined whether we're starting from a point of activation or a resource spot, I'll guide you in identifying the brainspot. Using a pointer, we'll scan your visual field, exploring both horizontally and vertically. During this process, I'll remain attuned to subtle cues in your facial expressions, eye movements, and body language. When focusing on activation, our goal is to pinpoint the spot where you experience the highest activation or intensity. Conversely, when working from a resourced spot, we aim to find the place within you where you feel the most calm and grounded. Once we've located the brainspot, I'll invite you to focus on that spot by keeping your eyes on the pointer. This brainspot will serve as a focal point as we engage in the processing phase.
How Brainspotting is different from traditional talk therapy
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Brainspotting sets itself apart from traditional talk therapy, where the therapist often takes a more active role. In a Brainspotting session, my role as your therapist is more akin to staying at the tail of the comet, a term commonly used in the Brainspotting community. My job is to create a space where your brain and body can actively engage in the healing process. Throughout this process, I prioritize maintaining a compassionate and non-judgmental presence, all while remaining finely attuned to your responses and unique needs. Periodically, I might check in to gauge what's happening within your body and emotions.
In addition, the level of verbal engagement in our session is entirely in your hands - you decide how much or how little you wish to share. This could involve internal processing or verbally sharing your thoughts and experiences as they arise. Brainspotting values your pace and sense of control throughout the session.
Ending the Brainspotting therapy session
As we approach the conclusion of the session, we'll conduct a brief check-in to guide you back to the present moment. We'll take a moment for a short processing, exploring how you're feeling physically and emotionally. I may provide some grounding techniques to assist in bringing you back to the here and now.
The use of biolateral music during a Brainspotting session
Utilizing headphones to listen to bilateral music during the processing phase is beneficial for some people. Biolateral music is specially crafted to assist your brain in its processing efforts by stimulating both hemispheres through sound. If you're open to it, I'll invite you to wear headphones and share links to this type of music to enhance your processing experience. However, please note that using bilateral music is optional and is meant to complement the session, ensuring it's tailored to your preferences and needs.
What will I feel like after the Brainspotting session?
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Each person's experience with Brainspotting is a unique and personalized journey, and the spectrum of responses can be wide and diverse.
For some, the aftermath of a session may bring about a profound sense of calm and relaxation. You may leave feeling revitalized and centered, ready to continue your day. Or you may find yourself tired, signaling the need for a well-deserved rest or nap.
It's common for some people not to notice an immediate shift during the session. Instead, they might find their thoughts and feelings gradually surfacing over the next day or two, revealing the subtle shifts that have taken root. Conversely, a few people may initially express increased irritability, moodiness, or edginess, though this is typically a short-lived response as they navigate the emotions stirred during the session.
Dreams can also play a significant role post-Brainspotting. Many clients report having dreams related to the specific issue we worked on, providing further insights and opportunities for exploration.
From a physiological standpoint, it's common for people to experience increased thirst after a Brainspotting session. Hydration, therefore, should be a priority in the aftermath of your session to support your body and mind. Fatigue, too, is a frequently encountered sensation, which is entirely understandable given the effort your brain has expended during the session.
In addition to thirst and fatigue, you may also notice sensations such as lightheadedness, yawning, or even tears. These physical and emotional responses are all part of the healing process and are to be expected as you progress on your journey towards well-being.
Common issues Brainspotting can help with:
PTSD.
Overwhelm and stress.
Big emotions like anxiety, anger, grief, and shame.
Fears & phobias.
Numbness and emotional detachment.
Low self-esteem.
Behaviors that are hard to control, such as binging, irritability, and procrastination to name a few.
Trauma, difficult lived experiences, & painful memories.
Creativity (dissolving creative blocks, and enhancing performance).
Difficulty in relationships and boundaries, over-extending oneself, loneliness, feeling misunderstood.
FAQs about Brainspotting Therapy
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Brainspotting and EMDR share numerous similarities, with Brainspotting actually emerging from the expertise of an EMDR therapist.
However, EMDR has a more structured set-up protocol with a predefined sequence of steps and activities for progression.
On the contrary, Brainspotting offers a more flexible approach with a less rigid structure.
Both are effective bottom-up, brain-based therapies! It’s a matter of personal preference to explore what suits you best.
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The frequency of Brainspotting sessions varies from person to person. While some experience noticeable changes after just one session, others may observe significant improvements over a span of four to eight sessions.
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In 2003, Dr. David Grand came across a significant breakthrough, paving the way for the development of Brainspotting. This fresh approach evolved from his earlier endeavors, combining elements from Natural Flow EMDR, somatic experiencing, and insight-oriented therapy.
Picture this: during an EMDR session, Dr. Grand worked with an Olympic-level figure skater grappling with a challenge—she aced a more difficult triple jump but couldn't nail the triple loop.
While going through the EMDR process, something caught Dr. Grand's attention. Instead of the usual back-and-forth eye movement, the skater fixed her eyes to a specific spot. Surprisingly, this tweak allowed her to process deeper. The result? A significant transformation in both her mindset and performance and her nailing the triple loop.
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Brainspotting offers versatility, functioning independently as a standalone therapy and as a complementary approach alongside various therapeutic modalities.
As a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I often collaborate with my clients to seamlessly integrate parts work with Brainspotting, creating a synergistic approach called Parts Spotting.
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Indeed, in Brainspotting, verbal communication is not a requirement.
Consider the nature of dreaming – your eyes are closed, and silence prevails, yet your mind remains remarkably active.
Similarly, during a Brainspotting session, the mind can efficiently process information without the necessity of spoken words. In fact, the absence of verbal communication allows for swifter information processing than the alternative of narrating every detail during the session.
Moreover, different people respond uniquely; some find articulating their thoughts activates them, some find it beneficial and share while they are processing, while others feel that speaking disrupts the process.
Thus, it’s crucial to discern what proves most beneficial for your Brainspotting experience and attune to that during the session.
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Engaging in Brainspotting is flexible, allowing you to keep your eyes open or closed.
People may notice tiredness or heaviness in their eyes during the process, prompting some to find relief and enhance their experience by closing their eyes.
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Therapists often share their training and experience levels on their websites. In cases where this information isn't readily available, feel free to inquire directly about a therapist's training and their experience incorporating Brainspotting into their practice.
Brainspotting training typically consists of phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. Therapists may indicate the completion of specific phases on their websites. Certified Brainspotters, for instance, have successfully finished Phases 1 and 2, along with fulfilling consultation hours and conducting sessions with clients.
I've undergone training in Phases 1, 2, and 3 and pursued specialized training in Expansion Brainspotting, Parts Spotting—a unique blend of IFS therapy and Brainspotting, and Brainspotting for Grief.
I’m currently in the certification process and aim to achieve Brainspotting certification by the summer of 2024.
Useful Resources on Brainspotting
Welcome! I’m Anny.
I'm a licensed psychotherapist certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and trained in Brainspotting therapy. Not to mention a fantasy novel nerd, human and dog mother, and feta cheese aficionado.
I know in my bones what it is like to come from a challenging and painful background. As a relational trauma therapist, I have the honor of helping people heal their childhood wounds so that they create lives full of possibility and choice.
In our work together, I bring my full Self, meaning I'm right there with you every step of the way. I'm not a "blank slate" and will offer reflections and personal examples that may shed some light on your experiences, moments of "stuckness," and isolation.
I can hold intensity. There's no such thing as "being too much or too needy." I will laugh with you. I will curse with you. And welcome all parts of you wholeheartedly.