Brainspotting is a powerful, brain-based trauma therapy that works with the body and nervous system to access and process unhealed experiences. Below are answers to some of the most common questions clients have before starting Brainspotting.

At the beginning of a Brainspotting session, we first activate the issue you want to work on. This may be a memory, emotion, body sensation, or current stressor. You may be asked questions such as:

“What feels like the worst part of this?”
“What are you noticing in your body as we talk about this?”

You will be asked to rate your distress on a 1–10 SUDs scale at the beginning and end of the session to help track how much processing occurred.

Brainspots may be found using:

Therapist-guided eye positioning using a pointer and nervous system cues.
Client-led body awareness and subtle internal shifts.
Gazespotting, when your eyes naturally fix in a particular direction

You don’t need to do anything other than observe. Brainspotting works by allowing the brain and body to process naturally while you mindfully notice what arises. Thoughts, sensations, emotions, memories, and images may all come and go.

Some people imagine their passing thoughts, emotions, sensations, etc as clouds moving across the sky, leaves floating on a stream, or images playing on a screen. Your role is to notice without forcing or analyzing.

Either is fine. Some clients prefer silent processing, while others talk through what they notice. The process is guided by your comfort level, with minimal interruption.

No. Distraction is often a nervous system response. It may be your system attempting to regulate intensity. Gently noticing the distraction with curiosity can help you re-engage. Brief blinking while recalling the original issue can also help.

Brainspotting always moves at your pace. If intensity rises, we can slow down using grounding strategies, less activating eye positions, or regulation techniques. Your sense of safety and choice is always prioritized.

Deep processing can lead to fatigue or emotional sensitivity for up to 72 hours. Dreams, emotional release, or feeling raw can occur as the brain continues integrating. Journaling, rest, bilateral music, and avoiding substances can support this process.

Brainspotting may be helpful for individuals experiencing:

Trauma or PTSD
Developmental or attachment trauma
Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress
Grief and loss
Dissociation or emotional numbness
Performance blocks or creative shutdown
Somatic symptoms without clear medical explanation

It can be especially beneficial if talk therapy has felt limited or if you notice strong body-based reactions to stress.

Brainspotting may not be appropriate or may require careful pacing if you:

Are currently in active substance intoxication
Are experiencing unmanaged psychosis or mania
Prefer highly structured, skills-based therapy only

In these cases, stabilization or alternative approaches may be recommended first.

HOW DO WE FIND A BRAINSPOT?

ONCE A BRAINSPOT IS FOUND, WHAT DO I DO?

SHOULD I TALK OR PROCESS SILENTLY?

I GET DISTRACTED—AM I DOING IT WRONG?

WHAT IF I FEEL OVERWHELMED?

WHY AM I TIRED AFTER A SESSION?

WHO IS BRAINSPOTTING FOR?

WHO MIGHT BRAINSPOTTING NOT BE FOR?