BSP

06/05/2023

I get a lot of questions asking, “What is Brainspotting” and “How does it work.” Below is some background information, what happens during a session, the role of the therapist, and what Brainspotting can be used for.

Background information on Brainspotting:

Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is a technique that aims to access and process unresolved trauma, negative emotions, and distressing memories that are stored in the brain and body. Brainspotting is grounded in the understanding that traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on the nervous system and can be stored in the subcortical areas of the brain.

Brainspotting recognizes the profound connection between the brain and the body in the experience of processing trauma. Traumatic experiences are not solely stored as memories in the brain but are also held in the body as somatic sensations and physical tension. By accessing the subcortical brain structures, Brainspotting allows for a more holistic and comprehensive approach to healing.

What happens during a Brainspotting Session:

When beginning Brainspotting, the first step is that the client communicates to the therapist the specific issues that are causing distress and then the client and therapist together will work towards identifying the associated emotions that come along with it and how strong they are. Next the therapist will guide the client in identifying a "brainspot." This brainspot is an eye position that activates the neural networks associated with the targeted issue or emotional distress. The client's gaze is then held on the brainspot while they access and process the related emotions, sensations, and memories that arise.

By maintaining a focused gaze on the brainspot, the client allows their brain's natural healing mechanisms to take effect. This process can lead to the release of emotional and physical tension and the reprocessing of traumatic memories.

By accessing specific Brainspots, the therapeutic process initiates trauma processing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on the neocortex, Brainspotting aims to reach the subcortical areas of the brain.

The role of the Therapist:

The therapist remains primarily quiet and provides a safe and supportive environment as the client explores their inner experiences and allows the brain's natural healing mechanisms to take place. The goal is to facilitate the release of emotional and physical tension, reprocess traumatic memories, and promote healing and integration. This is the time when you can express your feelings and thoughts out loud, internally, or through a combination of both.

What happens after a Brainspotting session:

Afterwards, one can experience emotional release, physical sensations (feelings of lightness, warmth, relaxation, or tension release in different parts of the body. These physical sensations often accompany the processing and release of stored trauma or emotional tension), increased self-awareness and insight into one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and Integration and Processing (Brainspotting sessions stimulate the brain's natural processing mechanisms, which continue to work after the session has ended). It is important to practice self-care after Brainspotting (drinking lots of fluid and rest is recommended).

What Can Brainspotting Help With?

Brainspotting has been shown to be effective in treating many issues including but not limited to: PTSD, Complex Trauma, Public Speaking, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Chronic Pain, OCD, Insomnia, and Low Self-Esteem.

“Where you look affects how you feel.” - David Grand

You are probably wondering have I ever had Brainspotting done on me. The answer is YES.

During my Brainspotting session, I felt a mixture of me being nervous but curious. I sat comfortably, and my therapist guided me through the process. We began by discussing the specific issue that was bothering me.

As we started the Brainspotting technique, my therapist asked me to bring the specific issue to mind and notice any emotions or physical sensations that arose. With my eyes focused on a specific point in my visual field, I could feel the intensity of the issue building within me. It was as if the Brainspot we had identified allowed me to access the core of my emotions and experiences associated with this particular issue.

As the session progressed, I noticed a mix of emotions flooding through me. Memories, images, and sensations connected to this issue surfaced in my mind. It was both challenging and liberating to explore these deep layers of my inner self that had been previously inaccessible to me. The therapist remained by my side, offering a comforting presence and allowing the process to unfold naturally.

During moments of silence, I found myself verbalizing my thoughts and emotions, giving voice to the unspoken parts of my experience. It felt empowering to have the freedom to express myself authentically without judgment or interruption.

By the end of the session, I experienced a sense of relief and lightness. Although the issue that I was facing was not completely resolved in that one session, I could feel a shift within myself. The therapeutic journey of Brainspotting had opened up new possibilities for healing and growth, and I felt hopeful about the progress we had made.

I am hoping that this information that I have provided to you has been helpful and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health

4/22/2023

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of taking care of ourselves (I KNOW I DO!). We often prioritize work, relationships, and other obligations, neglecting our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. However, self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining good mental health and overall well-being. By engaging in regular self-care practices, we can better manage stress, improve our mood, and foster resilience.

So, what is self-care? Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities that prioritize our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It involves intentionally taking care of ourselves to enhance our quality of life. The practices that fall under self-care can vary from person to person, and it's important to personalize our routines to meet our unique needs and preferences.

Some key self-care practices include regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. Exercise releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress. Adequate sleep is crucial for proper brain function and emotional regulation. Eating a balanced diet contributes to overall well-being and helps maintain energy levels. Practicing mindfulness encourages us to live in the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress. Setting boundaries in relationships allows us to prioritize our needs and maintain healthy connections.

It's essential to identify the activities that bring us joy and relaxation when personalizing our self-care routines. Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it's important to find what works best for us. By consistently prioritizing our self-care needs, we develop a stronger sense of self and greater emotional resilience, leading to a happier and healthier life.

So, why is self-care so crucial for our mental health and well-being? When we neglect our self-care needs, we may experience burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Self-care helps us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve our mood. It's not selfish or indulgent; it's a necessity.

Furthermore, by prioritizing our self-care needs, we can achieve a greater sense of balance and fulfillment in our lives. We become better equipped to handle the challenges of daily life and develop greater emotional resilience. This, in turn, leads to better relationships, improved productivity, and a greater sense of purpose.

In conclusion, self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining good mental health and overall well-being. By engaging in regular self-care practices, we can better manage stress, improve our mood, and foster resilience. It's not selfish or indulgent; it's a necessity. So, take the time to personalize your self-care routine and prioritize your well-being. You deserve it!