Brainspotting - Fort Worth

Are you looking for a powerful and transformative approach to mental health counseling? We offer Brainspotting therapy, a cutting-edge technique designed to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that reduces troubling symptoms related to trauma, stress, and emotional issues. Brainspotting operates on the premise that eye positions and the field of vision can be used to locate and access traumatic or emotionally charged memories, allowing them to be processed and resolved.

How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?

Brainspotting is rooted in the idea that our brains can become overwhelmed by traumatic or distressing events, leading to the encapsulation or entrapment of these events within our minds. These events become “stuck.” These unresolved experiences can continue to influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the here and now.

What Can I Expect During a Brainspotting Session?

• Finding the "Brainspot": The therapist helps the client identify a specific point in their visual field, often by following their gaze or focusing on a specific spot in the room. This spot is called the "brainspot."

• Internal Experience: Once the brainspot is identified, the client is encouraged to notice their internal experiences, including thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and memories that come up as they maintain their gaze on the brainspot.

• Processing: The client's brain naturally begins to process the emotions and memories associated with the issue at hand. This processing may involve the release of trapped emotions or the integration of previously fragmented memories.

• Dual Attunement: During this process, the therapist maintains a dual attunement, meaning they are attuned to both the client's internal experience and their own intuition and therapeutic skills. The therapist may use techniques such as bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping or auditory cues) to support the client's processing.

• Integration: As the client's brain processes and integrates the traumatic or distressing material, they may experience relief, insights, or a reduction in the emotional intensity associated with the issue.

• Closure: The session is closed with grounding exercises to help the client return to a state of emotional equilibrium. The therapist and client may also discuss any insights or experiences that emerged during the session.

Is Brainspotting Evidence-Based?

Yes! Brainspotting therapy is considered a legitimate and evidence-based therapy approach. It has been used successfully in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.

What can Brainspotting treat?

Brainspotting for Depression

Brainspotting can be a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals struggling with depression, especially when depression is related to past trauma or emotional experiences. Ultimately, Brainspotting can be a valuable tool in addressing the emotional underpinnings of depression and supporting individuals on their journey toward improved mental health and well-being.

Brainspotting for Grief

Brainspotting can be a helpful therapeutic approach for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Grief is a complex and deeply emotional process, and Brainspotting can assist in processing the associated emotions and facilitating healing. It's important to understand that grief is a highly individualized experience, and the duration and intensity of grief can vary from person to person. This therapeutic approach can help individuals honor their grief, process their emotions, and find a path toward healing and resilience.

How Many Sessions of Brainspotting Will I Need?

It's essential to understand that Brainspotting is a highly individualized therapy. The specific brainspot and the experiences that emerge during a session can vary from person to person. The number of sessions needed depends on the complexity of the client's issues and their progress in processing them.Your counselor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your specific needs and goals.

How Long Do Brainspotting Side Effects Last?

After a Brainspotting session, some clients report feeling completely calm and relaxed, while others may report feeling tired and ready to go home to take a nap. Others report not feeling any different, but find themselves thinking about things over the next day or two. It is important to notice and keep track of any changes you experiences so you and your clinician can discuss that at the beginning of your session.

Dangers of Brainspotting

It's crucial for individuals considering Brainspotting to work with a licensed and experienced therapist who is certified in this technique. This ensures that the therapy is conducted safely and effectively, with the therapist attuned to the client's specific needs and responses. As with any mental health treatment, open communication between the client and therapist is key to addressing concerns and ensuring a positive therapeutic experience.

Brainspotting vs. EMDR

Both Brainspotting and EMDR are effective therapies for trauma and anxiety. While EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, Brainspotting focuses on specific eye positions or "brainspots" to process trauma. The choice between the two may depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it's best to discuss this with a qualified therapist.

Brainspotting Equipment

The most critical "equipment" in Brainspotting is the therapist's training, expertise, and ability to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Some therapists use a pointer or similar device to help clients find their brainspots and maintain their gaze at the desired position. In some cases, therapists may use devices that provide bilateral auditory or tactile stimulation to support the client's processing during Brainspotting. For example, they might use headphones with alternating sounds or a handheld device that provides gentle tapping on each side of the body.

Get Started

Ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery? We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Brainspotting therapists. We believe that healing is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to take the first step towards a happier, healthier you!