Exploring experiences that can be difficult to put into words
Sometimes an experience is hard to explain. You may notice a strong emotional or physical response without fully understanding why it is happening. You may have talked about an experience many times but still feel that there is more to explore.
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that some trained clinicians use to help clients work with distressing experiences and emotional responses. At Anchored Hope Therapy, Brainspotting may be incorporated into trauma-informed psychotherapy as part of an individualized approach to care.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a psychotherapy approach developed to help people explore emotional and bodily responses associated with distressing experiences. It uses the relationship between eye position, attention, and internal experience as part of the therapeutic process.
A trained therapist guides the process while helping you notice what comes up and remain connected to your experience. The approach can involve less verbal processing than some forms of traditional talk therapy, although conversation and reflection may still be part of the session.
What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?
Your therapist will explain the approach and collaborate with you to identify what you would like to explore. Depending on the clinician's training and method, the session may involve identifying a relevant eye position, noticing your internal experience, and allowing time to explore responses at a manageable pace.
You remain involved in the process and can communicate what you are experiencing. Preparation, a sense of collaboration, and attention to your comfort are important parts of trauma-informed care.
Brainspotting or EMDR: What Is the Difference?
Brainspotting and EMDR both support trauma-focused work, but the structure of a session can feel different. EMDR Therapy generally follows a defined treatment protocol, using bilateral stimulation while a client focuses on aspects of a distressing memory or experience. Brainspotting is typically less protocol-driven and uses eye position, mindful attention, and awareness of bodily and emotional responses to guide the process.
In Brainspotting, the therapist and client may spend more time noticing what emerges as attention rests on a particular eye position, with the process shaped around the client's experience. Both approaches are offered by appropriately trained clinicians, and the choice depends on your history, preferences, goals, and what feels supportive in the therapeutic relationship.
Find a Brainspotting Therapist in Annapolis
Anchored Hope Therapy provides integrative, trauma-informed psychotherapy in Annapolis, Maryland. Explore our therapist bios to learn which clinicians offer Brainspotting, their areas of focus, and the ages they work with.
Further reading: What is Brainspotting? with David Grand, PhD