What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting works with the idea that the body holds experiences that the mind cannot fully process. By focusing on eye positions that correlate with emotional activation in the brain, Brainspotting helps you access and release stored trauma, tension, or emotional pain. Instead of relying solely on verbal conversation, the therapy allows the nervous system to guide the healing process.
This approach engages both the mind and body, helping you move through emotional material at a pace that feels manageable, grounded, and deeply restorative.
What Brainspotting Helps With
Brainspotting is used to treat a variety of emotional and psychological concerns, especially those rooted in unresolved trauma or overwhelming experiences. It can support:
- PTSD and trauma recovery
- Anxiety, panic, or chronic worry
- Emotional overwhelm or shutdown
- Negative self-beliefs
- Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
- Chronic stress or hypervigilance
- Grief and unresolved loss
- Performance anxiety or creative blocks
- Somatic symptoms related to emotional pain
- Relationship-related wounds
- Stress from medical events or major life transitions
Many people who feel stuck in traditional therapy find Brainspotting especially effective.
How Brainspotting Works
Brainspotting sessions involve identifying a “brainspot”—an eye position that activates emotional or physical sensations connected to a significant memory or feeling. Once identified, the therapist guides you into mindful awareness of your internal experience.
Locating the brainspot
You and your therapist work together to find the eye position that connects to the emotional material that needs processing.
Mindful presence and attunement
The therapist remains attuned and supportive while you observe thoughts, sensations, and emotions naturally arise.
Processing
Your brain processes the material internally, without needing to articulate every detail. This engages the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Integration
As the emotional charge decreases, you may notice relief, clarity, and a sense of grounding.
Brainspotting is gentle, deeply effective, and uniquely suited for people who feel overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy.
What to Expect in a Session
Brainspotting often feels different from other forms of therapy. Rather than focusing on conversation, much of the work happens internally with the support of your therapist.
You can expect:
A calm, grounding environment
The space is kept quiet, slow, and supportive to help your nervous system relax.
Minimal talking
The goal is not to retell trauma, but to allow the brain and body to process emotional material naturally.
Deep emotional insight
Many clients experience meaningful emotional shifts, relief, and increased clarity over time.
Attuned therapeutic presence
Your therapist guides the process through grounding, attunement, and supportive regulation—not pressure or force.
A pace that respects your limits
Your comfort and emotional safety come first, always.
Benefits of Brainspotting Therapy
Clients often describe Brainspotting as transformative, especially when other approaches have not provided enough relief. Benefits commonly include:
- Reduced emotional intensity surrounding traumatic memories
- Increased emotional regulation and stability
- Relief from anxiety, panic, and chronic tension
- Improved sense of calm and internal safety
- Greater self-awareness and insight
- Resolution of long-standing emotional blocks
- Strengthened resilience
- Healthier responses to stress and triggers
- More grounded, embodied presence
Brainspotting offers a path toward deeper healing by working with the parts of the brain responsible for unresolved emotional pain.
Who Brainspotting Is For
Brainspotting is well-suited for individuals who:
- Have experienced trauma or overwhelming events
- Feel stuck in traditional talk therapy
- Notice strong emotional or physical reactions to certain memories
- Struggle with anxiety or chronic stress
- Want a body-based approach to healing
- Prefer a quiet, focused, experiential style of therapy
- Seek deep emotional processing without needing to relive every detail
This specialty is appropriate for adults, teens, and older children who can engage in focused, attuned therapeutic work.
Telehealth and In-Person Options
Brainspotting can be effectively offered through Telehealth (Zoom) for clients across California. Many clients appreciate the comfort, privacy, and convenience of connecting from home
Limited in-person sessions are available in the Citrus Heights, CA office for those who prefer face-to-face support.
Why Choose Us for Brainspotting Therapy
Our therapists are trained in Brainspotting and provide a deeply attuned, trauma-informed approach to healing. We prioritize emotional safety, grounding techniques, and a strong therapeutic relationship so you can explore difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and empowering. Whether you’re working through trauma, anxiety, or chronic emotional patterns, Brainspotting offers a gentle yet powerful path toward integration and relief.