Understanding EMDR and Brainspotting as Somatic Psychotherapies
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are therapeutic approaches to process trauma. They are considered forms of somatic psychotherapy because they involve both the body and the mind in the healing process. Let's explore how these therapies fit into the field of somatic therapy and the experts who developed and supported them.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind. It recognizes that trauma and stress are in our thoughts and in our bodies. This type of therapy aims to integrate body sensations with emotional healing. It engages both the physical and mental aspects of trauma. This duality helps patients recover more completely.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The therapy involves thinking about a traumatic event while receiving bilateral stimulation. Stimulating one side of the brain and then the other is believed to help the brain integrate traumatic memories.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
When a person experiences trauma, the brain sometimes has trouble processing the event. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. EMDR allows the brain to reprocess the traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. During a session, a therapist guides the patient to recall the trauma while engaging in eye movements. Over time, this process helps to lessen the distress associated with the memory.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is another therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand. It is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. During a session, a therapist helps the patient find a “brain spot." This refers to a specific eye position that relates to an unresolved trauma. By focusing on this spot, the brain can process and release the trauma.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
In Brainspotting, the therapist uses a pointer to guide the patient’s gaze. The intensity of an emotional response pair with an eye position, or "brain spot." The client maintains this eye position and mindfully processes associations that arise. This rewires the brain as it works through the unresolved issues. Brainspotting taps into the body’s natural ability to heal from trauma.
Insights from Experts
Dr. David Grand is the creator of Brainspotting. He developed this technique while conducting EMDR with clients. He noticed strong emotional reactions when their eyes focused on certain points. Dr. Grand realized the neurobiological connection of these spots to traumatic memories. He discovered that processing on these "brain spots" could facilitate healing. He has trained many therapists in Brainspotting, helping spread this effective technique worldwide.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a well-known psychiatrist. He has studied trauma extensively. His book, "The Body Keeps the Score," explains how trauma affects the body and brain. Dr. van der Kolk supports the use of EMDR and Brainspotting to help the brain reprocess trauma. He believes understanding trauma's impact on the brain is crucial for effective treatment.
Dr. Pat Ogden is a pioneer in the field of somatic psychology. She developed Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which integrates body awareness into trauma therapy. Dr. Ogden’s work emphasizes the importance of physical movement in healing. Her approach complements EMDR and Brainspotting.
Dr. Peter Levine is another key figure in the field of trauma therapy. He developed Somatic Experiencing. This method focuses on the body's physiological responses to trauma. Dr. Levine's work focuses on releasing trauma "stuck" in the body. His approach helps individuals release this trapped energy through body awareness and movement. Obviously, this modality also aligns well with the principles of EMDR and Brainspotting.
Why Are These Therapies Important?
Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life. It can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Traditional talk therapy alone doesn’t address the deep-rooted effects of trauma on the brain and body. EMDR and Brainspotting offer alternative ways to process and heal from traumatic experiences. They are particularly effective for people struggling to find relief from other approaches.
Personal Stories of Healing
Many people have shared how these therapies have changed their lives. For instance, a person who has been in a car accident might have flashbacks and anxiety about driving. After a few sessions of EMDR, these symptoms might decrease significantly. Similarly, chronic childhood trauma may be processed through Brainspotting.
These modalities are frequently used with great success in community tragedies. For example, NewTown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation conducted a study on various therapeutic interventions used after the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Brainspotting was rated “very effective” more frequently than any of the 15 other treatments. Other modalities included were EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and traditional talk therapy.
Conclusion
EMDR and Brainspotting are innovative therapies that offer hope to trauma survivors. These techniques were developed by Francine Shapiro and Dr. David Grand, respectively. They are widely supported by experts in somatic healing. By understanding and reprocessing traumatic memories, individuals can find relief and move forward with their lives. If you are dealing with trauma, you might consider exploring these therapies at Rezak Therapy as a path to healing.
Begin Healing With Somatic Therapy in Pasadena, CA
Are you ready to break free from the grip of trauma? Experience the transformative power of somatic therapy techniques like EMDR and Brainspotting, and start your journey toward healing. Reach out to Rezak Therapy to discover how these innovative therapies can help you reclaim your life and inner peace. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Somatic Therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with a skilled somatic therapist.
Start healing from your trauma.
Other Services Offered at Rezak Therapy in Pasadena, CA
At Rezak Therapy, we're here to help you align with your most authentic self. In addition to healing from trauma with Somatic Therapy, our Holistic Therapy approaches include talk therapy and depth psychotherapy. 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 somatic therapy and our other services check out our blog.
