By Kate Kolskog, Registered Psychologist
The human brain is an incredible piece of machinery that controls all of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. However, when we experience trauma, our brain can become stuck in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and pain that can be difficult to break. Thankfully, there are many different forms of therapy available to help individuals who are struggling with the effects of trauma, including a relatively new method called brainspotting.
Brainspotting was developed by therapist David Grand in 2003 as a way to help individuals who are struggling with traumatic memories, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on exploring emotions and thoughts, brainspotting focuses on identifying physical spots in the body where feelings of discomfort, tension, or pain seem to be stored. By deliberately focusing on these spots, it is possible to activate the body's natural healing processes and release tension and pain.
During a brainspotting session, the therapist will guide the client to identify an activation and a physical spot in their body where they are experiencing tension or discomfort. This could be anything from a feeling of tightness in the chest to a knot in the stomach. The client will then be asked to focus on their brain spot and physical spot while the therapist uses a variety of techniques to help them feel more relaxed and present in the moment.
One of the most powerful aspects of brainspotting is that it does not require the client to talk about the trauma or painful memories. Instead, the therapist helps the client to process these feelings and emotions in a non-verbal way. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their feelings or who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
In addition to helping individuals heal from trauma, brainspotting has also been found to be effective in treating a range of other psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. This is because it helps individuals to access the deeper parts of their brain and nervous system that are responsible for regulating emotions, behaviour, and overall well-being.
While brainspotting is still a relatively new form of therapy, it has shown great promise in helping individuals to heal from trauma and other psychological issues. However, it is important to note that brainspotting is not a quick fix or a magic solution. Like any form of therapy, it requires time, commitment, and a willingness to be open and vulnerable in order to be effective.
If you are struggling with the effects of trauma or other psychological issues, brainspotting may be a helpful tool to explore. By focusing on the physical sensations and feelings in the body, brainspotting can help individuals to access deeper parts of the brain and nervous system, leading to greater feelings of calm, peace, and overall well-being. While it may be a relatively new form of therapy, it has shown great promise in helping individuals to heal from even the most difficult and complex emotional experiences.