Brainspotting
“Brainspotting is based on the profound attunement of the therapist with the patient, finding a somatic cue and extinguishing it by down-regulating the amygdala. It isn’t just PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) activation that is facilitated, it is homeostasis.”
-- Robert Scaer, MD, “The Trauma Spectrum"
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a therapy technique that helps people process and heal from emotional and physical pain, trauma, and other difficult symptoms. It works by using eye positions (or "brainspots") to tap into deep parts of the brain that store unprocessed experiences.
Brainspotting is often used for:
PTSD and trauma
Anxiety and depression
Chronic pain
Performance enhancement (e.g., for athletes, musicians, public speakers)
Stress and emotional regulation
With the help of a trained therapist and calming sounds, Brainspotting allows people to access and release emotions that are often buried beyond conscious awareness. It connects directly with the brain and body, helping to heal at a deeper level than just talking about feelings. While it’s a powerful tool, the relationship with a caring and skilled therapist is key to feeling safe and supported during the process.
Referenced from: https://brainspotting.com/about-brainspotting/research-and-case-studies/
How does Brainspotting work?
Brainspotting involves identifying "brainspots," which are eye positions that correlate with stored emotional experiences or trauma in the brain. A therapist helps the client find these brainspots by guiding their eye movements while they focus on distressing thoughts, emotions, or body sensations. This process is believed to help access deeper parts of the brain, particularly the limbic system, where trauma and emotional pain are stored.
When a person focuses on a specific spot while being aware of their emotions and physical sensations, it helps activate deep parts of the brain linked to healing. This approach works on both a psychological and neurological level, allowing the brain to naturally process and release pain and trauma.
Resourcing – Building Support for Healing:
To prevent feeling overwhelmed during therapy, Brainspotting includes "resourcing." This means gathering tools and support systems to help the client feel safe while processing difficult emotions. Resourcing may include deep breathing, using calming mental images, listening to soothing bilateral sounds, or focusing on less intense Brainspots. The goal is to stay engaged in healing without becoming retraumatized.
The Therapist’s Role:
During Brainspotting, the therapist carefully observes and listens to the client, without making assumptions or interpretations. The client remains in control of their own healing process, creating a strong, trusting, and supportive environment.
What to Expect in a Session:
Some people worry about doing Brainspotting "correctly," but there’s no wrong way to do it. The best approach is to stay open and curious. Sessions often feel like a deep, timeless experience. Clients may notice physical sensations (like tingling, warmth, or numbness), vivid memories, or a range of emotions, from peace and joy to fear or anger. Any difficult emotions are balanced with resourcing, ensuring a safe and manageable process. By the end of a session, most people feel a sense of calm.
Brainspotting can be combined with talk therapy, and the number of sessions needed varies based on individual needs. The therapist and client work together to find the best approach for healing.
What Does a Brainspotting Session Look Like?
In a Brainspotting session, you’ll sit comfortably as your therapist guides you in noticing sensations, emotions, and thoughts connected to what you’d like to heal or explore. Using specific eye positions and gentle bilateral music, your therapist helps you stay attuned to your body’s signals as your brain naturally processes and integrates what’s ready to release.
There’s no right or wrong way to experience Brainspotting—each session unfolds uniquely at your pace. Many people describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded afterward, while others notice gradual shifts in how they respond to stress or emotional triggers over time.
Brainspotting can be seamlessly integrated with other modalities such as Internal Family Systems, somatic experiencing and sound healing to support deeper, more holistic healing. Clients often report increased emotional clarity, resilience, and an overall sense of balance as they continue their work.
Brainspotting Intensives vs. One-Hour Sessions
Brainspotting Intensives
A focused, retreat-like approach to healing
Brainspotting Intensives are extended therapy sessions designed to help you dive deeper and experience meaningful progress in a shorter period of time. Conducted in half-day or multi-day formats, intensives allow for sustained focus and integration without the stop-start rhythm of weekly sessions.
Who might benefit from intensives:
You’re ready to work on a specific issue such as trauma, anxiety, grief, or creative blocks.
You have limited availability during the week or are traveling for care.
You’ve done therapy before and are seeking accelerated progress.
You feel “stuck” and want a breakthrough in your healing.
What’s included:
Pre-Intensive Consultation (90 minutes): $275
Extended Brainspotting Reprocessing (3–4 hours): $700 per half-day
Integration & Aftercare Plan: Personalized tools and strategies for continued support
Benefits of Intensives:
Accelerated Results: Condense months of traditional therapy into focused hours of healing.
Extended Exploration: Ample time to stay with the process and go deeper.
Momentum & Depth: Sustained focus that promotes faster emotional integration.
Complementary to Talk Therapy: Deepens existing therapeutic work.
Weekend Appointments Available: Convenient scheduling for busy lives.
Investment:
Half-Day Intensive – $1,175
Includes pre-intensive, 3.5-hour therapy block, and post-intensive integration session.
Two Half-Day Intensives – $1,875
Includes pre-intensive, 7 hours of therapy across two days, and post-intensive integration session.
Self-pay only (not covered by insurance).
One-Hour Brainspotting Sessions
Steady, weekly progress at your own pace
Standard 50-minute Brainspotting sessions provide ongoing support and gradual progress. These sessions allow time between appointments for reflection, integration, and continued growth—ideal for those who prefer a gentle, consistent rhythm.
Who might benefit from weekly sessions:
You’re new to Brainspotting and want to move at a comfortable pace.
You’re addressing multiple areas of concern or life transitions.
You want steady, weekly connection and support.
You’d like to combine Brainspotting with talk therapy.
What to expect:
Collaborative assessment and goal setting
Grounding and regulation skills
Brainspotting reprocessing in smaller increments
Integration tools to apply between sessions
Benefits of weekly sessions:
Predictable pacing and structure
Space for reflection and skill practice
Long-term therapeutic relationship and flexibility
Insurance covered (standard session rates apply; co-pays may vary)
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Choose a Brainspotting Intensive if you’re looking for focused progress, a deeper experience, or a condensed healing timeframe.
Choose One-Hour Sessions if you prefer steady, ongoing support and time to integrate between sessions.
We have experienced clinicians who have been helping individuals overcome mental health concerns and are always learning and improving. Brainspotting gives them new tools to enhance their current methods or explore completely new approaches to therapy. Our clinicians have received training from Dr. David Grand Brainspotting International Organization by Tracy Gantlin-Monroy LPC, Lisa Larson LMFT, Serene Rene’ Calkins PT, Mary Jane O’Rourke LCSW LMT, Cherie Lindberg PHD, Heather Corbet, and Joy Myong.
Why do we offer Brainspotting?
Let us help you transform your life's path.
If you’re interested in Brainspotting treatment and looking for a therapist who can help you, please call 804-592-6620 or email us for your free, 15-minute consultation to see how our clinicians trained in Brainspotting may be able to help you.
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