Brainspotting
What in the world is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a form of therapy that came about in the early 2000s from David Grand, Ph.D. The term "brain spots" refers to eye positions that allow you more access to bodily sensations and emotions. This intervention has been found to be an effective treatment, particularly for cases of trauma. And although the term "brainspotting" can be intimidating, here is how the process usually goes:
◽️ You'll be guided to feel in a more relaxed and mindful state.
◽️ Once there, you'll point out which part of your body you feel the most discomfort in.
◽️ You'll be guided to find where your eyes focus when you experience distress (i.e., your brain spot) and to concentrate on that point.
◽️ You and your therapist will then focus on the feelings that arise from that part of your body.
◽️ After which, you'll be processing how the experience was for you.
Apart from trauma, brainspotting can also help with other mental health concerns or issues causing you to feel “stuck”.
Miranda Campbell, MSM, MSW, LCSW
Why I think brainspotting is an important tool
(especially for the BIPOC Community)
Being trained in Brainspotting has been a game changer for me, and especially the people I work with. What I appreciate most about it is the premise that the client’s brain and body has the power to heal itself. Just like our physical health is protected by our antibodies, we all have inherent mental protectors that can help our minds heal just as well. So when it comes to therapy with Brainspotting - my role is simply to help facilitate that process.
The reason why Brainspotting is so impactful, especially for the Black Community is that we are often taught from a young age to keep our “business” private. This teaching is still a barrier for many who know they could benefit from help, but choose not to do so because they don’t want anyone knowing the details of what they went through or are going through currently.
When we use Brainspotting in sessions, it is not necessary for you to (re)tell what traumatic event you are focusing on. For many of us, we don’t have access to the words anyway! Instead, I will help you be more in tune with what is coming up in your body and help you get further along in the internal processing of the event(s) likely quicker than we would in traditional talk therapy.
How Therapy at PORT Works
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Inquire
Use our online contact form and let us know which of our Therapists you would like to work with. We will promptly connect you to your preferred provider for your brief free phone consultation. We want to go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable from the start.
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Get to the Root
Your therapy will likely start out with having sessions either weekly or biweekly. With your Therapist, you will get a better understanding of your presenting concerns and how they came about. Your therapist will also help you assess your level of coping and teach you additional strategies.
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Do the Work
The bulk of your experience will be in doing the work, both in & out of sessions. You will work through implementing techniques to improve your mood and engagement in relationships in session, while completing tasks assigned by your therapist to further your progress.
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Have Better Relationships
This is the point where you get to be #RelationshipGoals. You are having fewer therapy sessions and experiencing emotional healing from past relationship trauma. You are in a place where you are feeling more competent to handle whatever comes next.