Brainspotting: A Holistic Therapy Treatment for Depression
Brainspotting can help people heal from depression and the trauma that may underlie it. It is also used to treat chronic PTSD, anxiety, grief, and dissociation. It is a relatively new method, developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. Brainspotting is unique because it connects the mind and body. It offers a holistic approach to addressing deep-seated emotional pain. This post explores how brainspotting as a holistic therapy works and the evidence supporting its effectiveness in the treatment of depression and trauma.
Origins and Discovery
Dr. David Grand is a trauma therapist who used to specialize primarily in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR involves clients moving their eyes in specific patterns while recalling traumatic events. It helps reprocess and reduce the emotional impact of these memories.
The creation of brainspotting was somewhat serendipitous. In 2003, Dr. Grand was working with a figure skater who had experienced a traumatic incident. While doing EMDR with her Dr. Grand noticed something unusual. He was moving his hand across her visual field to guide her eye movements. He realized a change when her eyes focused on a specific point. Her body showed intense and significant physical reactions.
Intrigued by this observation, Dr. Grand began to experiment with specific eye positions. He later called these eye positions “brainspots.” He noticed a variety of clients accessing and processing pain and trauma this way. This led him to develop a new therapeutic technique distinct from EMDR.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a somatic therapy that focuses on identifying and processing on "brainspots." These are specific eye positions linked to unprocessed trauma in the brain. During a session, the therapist helps the client find such a brainspot. Staring at the identified spot triggers emotional and physical responses. Working through these responses releases stored trauma and provides relief from symptoms.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
Brainspotting works by tapping into the brain's natural ability to heal itself. Below is a step-by-step look at how a typical brainspotting session might go.
Creating a Safe Space
A key component of brainspotting is creating a safe and supportive environment. Dr. Grand emphasized the importance of the therapist-client relationship. The holistic therapist is attuned to the client’s emotional and physical responses. This focus on safety and attunement is crucial. It helps clients feel secure enough to explore and process their traumatic memories.
Finding a Brainspot
Using a pointer or the client's gaze, the therapist helps the client find a brainspot. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. The client might notice a change as their eyes land on a brainspot. For example, they might experience increased tension or tingling in their body. They might start to cry, yawn, or feel a strong emotion. Sometimes they don't notice any difference, but an attuned therapist will observe subtle changes.
Processing the Trauma
The client focuses on the brainspot while the therapist provides support. The client may talk about the memories and feelings that come up. They might stay silent and experience the emotions. The brain is masterful at healing itself. The goal is to allow it to process and integrate the traumatic memories. Often only a few sessions can reduce their impact.
Closure and Reflection
The session ends with the therapist helping the client return to a calm state. They might take a moment to re-orient to the room. Time is often set aside to discuss what came up during the session and plan for future sessions if needed.
Addressing Various Mental Health Issues
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress
Repetitive traumatic experiences can cause the brain gets stuck in a state of high alert. This state occurs or remains even when there is no danger. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Complex post-traumatic stress results from prolonged and repeated trauma, often in childhood. Individuals with CPTSD face challenges that go beyond the symptoms of PTSD. Difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships are likely common. Brainspotting accesses the parts of the brain where traumatic memories are stored. It allows clients to process the memories in a safe environment. Over time, this can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms.
Anxiety
Anxiety involves a constant feeling of worry or fear that can interfere with daily life. Brainspotting can help identify the underlying causes of anxiety. By processing the related experiences, the anxiety is often reduced. This reduction makes daily stressors easier to manage.
Depression
Depression has a variety of symptoms. Persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness are common. Brainspotting can help by addressing the root causes of depression. For example, depression may be the result of unresolved grief or trauma. By processing these underlying issues, clients often feel relief from their depressive symptoms. They can then begin to regain a sense of hope and purpose.
Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss. It can become overwhelming and interfere with daily functioning. Brainspotting allows individuals to process their grief in a safe and supportive environment. It can help them move through the stages of grief and find a way to live with their loss.
Dissociation
Dissociation is a coping mechanism where a person disconnects to feel safe. They may lose touch with their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It is often a response to severe trauma. Brainspotting helps by creating a safe space to reconnect with emotions and memories. This can reduce dissociative episodes and help clients feel more grounded and present.
Research Studies
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2019 highlighted the integration of Brainspotting into treatment protocols for survivors of intimate partner violence. The study found significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD and depression. Similarly, another study was published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies in 2020. This study showed that Brainspotting could lead to significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms when incorporated into therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation prepared another valuable study in September 2016. It explored community needs after the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. Respondents were asked about a variety of therapy modalities they tried after these events. Brainspotting was reported highly effective by a higher percentage (59%) than any other trauma treatment modality. The 15 other modalities included Somatic Experiencing (40%), equine therapy (39%), EMDR (31%), and traditional talk therapy (29%).
Brain Imaging Studies
Brain imaging studies provide further evidence for the effectiveness of brainspotting. For example, functional MRI (fMRI) scans have shown changes in brain activity in areas associated with trauma processing after brainspotting sessions. This suggests that the therapy can help rewire the brain and promote healing.
Conclusion
Brainspotting is a powerful holistic therapy for treating trauma and its related conditions. It taps into the brain's natural ability to heal. It is a safe and effective way to process and integrate painful memories and emotions. Its foundation is in neurobiology and its effectiveness is supported by empirical research. With the help of a skilled holistic therapist at Rezak Therapy, brainspotting has the potential to transform the lives of individuals struggling with severe depression.
Overcome Your Depression With Holistic Therapy in Pasadena, CA
Discover the transformative power of holistic therapy with Brainspotting, a holistic approach created to help you overcome depression. Embrace a path to healing that connects mind and body, guiding you toward lasting emotional freedom. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Holistic Therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with a skilled holistic therapist.
Start healing from your depression symptoms.
Other Services Offered at Rezak Therapy in Pasadena, CA
At Rezak Therapy, we’re here to help you align with your most authentic self. Our holistic therapy approaches include talk therapy, somatic psychotherapy, and depth psychotherapy. In addition to holistic therapy to help you manage and heal from your depression, we also offer services for those struggling with post-traumatic stress, couples looking to increase intimacy in their relationships, and The Artists Way Group which is a 12-week adventure of artistic discovery and personal exploration. Our services are available both in-person in Pasadena and online for clients in Los Angeles and throughout California. For more on holistic therapy and our other services check out our blog.
