Sometimes we know things logically – “I’m safe right now” or “this happened in the past”– but our bodies don’t get the message. Instead, we may still feel overwhelmed, anxious, or dysregulated. This may present as heart racing, dizziness, uncontrolled breathing, or simply general discomfort.  This disconnect can be frustrating and confusing, especially when we have gained insight through talk therapy or other forms of treatment.

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This is where Brainspotting can be helpful.

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Brainspotting is a brain-based, somatic therapy that helps us access and process experiences that are stored in the body and emotional brain. Trauma, anxiety, and painful life events don’t just live in our minds- they are held in our body and nervous system. Brainspotting gently supports the body in doing what it already knows how to do: heal.  

Brainspotting allows folks to tune into internal sensations, emotions, and memories at their own pace. This approach is built on the idea that to move forward, we must allow emotions to flow through the body, processing what has been held inside. Brainspotting uses specific points in your field of vision, called brainspots, that are connected to how the brain stores traumatic experiences.

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What might a session look like?

In session, your therapist may hold up a pointer or guide your gaze to help identify a brainspot connected to what you are experiencing. From there, you are invited to be curious and notice what comes up, without judgment or pressure to perform. Clients may experience a natural rise and fall of emotional activation, allowing emotions to move through rather than stay stuck. The client is always in control, and the session can move at the client’s pace.

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If talk therapy has not fully addressed what your body is holding, Brainspotting may offer another path toward healing, one that honors both your mind and our body.

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If you are curious about whether Brainspotting may be a good fit for you, I invite you to reach out. We can talk through what you are experiencing and explore together whether this approach feels supportive for your healing.