What Is Brainspotting Therapy? A Deep Healing Approach for Trauma, Anxiety, and More

When we go through something painful or stressful, sometimes the memory of that event gets “stuck” in our bodies and nervous systems. Even if we try to forget it or move on, we might still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. That’s where Brainspotting comes in.

Brainspotting is a powerful and gentle therapy that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety, and other emotional pain by working with the mind and body together. It helps us access deeper parts of the brain where stuck emotions and memories live—places that talking alone can’t always reach.

At High Alpine Counseling, we use Brainspotting as one of our trusted tools to help clients move forward in their healing journey. Whether you're struggling with stress, past trauma, or anxiety that just won’t go away, Brainspotting may help you find relief and a new sense of peace.

The Theory Behind Brainspotting

Brainspotting was developed in 2003 by Dr. David Grand, a therapist and trauma expert. He discovered it while using another therapy method called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). One day, he noticed that when a client’s eyes were focused on a specific spot, they accessed deeper emotions and memories. From there, Brainspotting was born.

The idea behind Brainspotting is simple but powerful: “Where you look affects how you feel.”

When our eyes focus on certain positions in space, it can connect to brain pathways tied to certain memories or emotions. A “brainspot” is a spot in your visual field that, when you look at it, connects you to where that unresolved emotion or trauma is stored in your brain and body.

Brainspotting works with the deep brain—the parts responsible for emotion, memory, and body regulation. It taps into the subcortical brain, which is below the level of thinking and logic. This is where many of our emotional responses are stored, especially those related to trauma.

What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?

If you’re new to therapy or unsure what Brainspotting might be like, don’t worry—it’s a calm, client-centered process. Here's what you can expect in a typical Brainspotting session at High Alpine Counseling:

1. Check-in: We begin with a gentle conversation to see how you're feeling, what’s been coming up for you, and what you want to focus on in the session.

2. Finding the Brainspot: Using a pointer (like a small wand), your therapist will slowly move their hand across your field of vision while you notice how you feel. When something shifts—maybe you feel a sensation in your body, an emotion, or a memory—your therapist will help you hold your gaze at that spot. That’s your brainspot.

3. Processing: Once the brainspot is found, you’ll stay focused on it while tuning in to what comes up. This may include thoughts, body sensations, emotions, or images. You don’t have to explain everything or even talk much—your brain and body are doing the healing work behind the scenes.

4. Supportive Presence: Your therapist will be with you the whole time, holding a calm and supportive space. You’re in control of the pace, and you’ll never be pushed to go further than you’re ready for.

5. Closing: The session ends with grounding, reflection, and helping you feel safe and settled before you leave.

Brainspotting can be done with or without music, and some therapists use bilateral sounds (tones that move from ear to ear) to support the process. Each session is unique, and healing unfolds over time, depending on your needs and goals.

What Can Brainspotting Help With?

Brainspotting was originally developed to treat trauma, but it has since been used to support healing from a wide range of emotional and physical struggles. It can be helpful for:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Stress and burnout

• Performance anxiety (sports, public speaking, creativity)

• Attachment wounds and relational struggles

• Chronic pain or tension held in the body

• Childhood trauma or emotional neglect

• Emotional numbness or disconnection

Brainspotting works well for both single-event traumas (like car accidents) and complex, long-term trauma (like childhood abuse or emotional neglect). It’s also helpful when talk therapy hasn’t brought the kind of deep healing you’re looking for.

The Benefits of Brainspotting

People often describe Brainspotting as a powerful, emotional, and even life-changing experience. Some benefits include:

• Deeper emotional release: Brainspotting helps you access and release emotions that may have been buried or hard to reach.

• Feeling more present: Many clients report feeling calmer, clearer, and more connected to themselves after sessions.

• Reduced anxiety and trauma responses: Over time, the brain and nervous system become less reactive to stressors.

• More self-awareness: You may gain insight into old patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you.

• Faster healing for some clients: Because Brainspotting works with the body and the deeper brain, it can often reach areas of pain that talking alone can’t fully heal.

It’s important to remember that healing is not always linear. Some sessions may feel intense, while others feel calm and reflective. But over time, many people notice big shifts in how they feel, think, and respond to life.

Is Brainspotting Right for You?

If you’ve been feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, or held back by past trauma, Brainspotting may be a good fit for you. It’s especially helpful if:

• You’ve tried talk therapy but still feel something is missing

• You’re open to mind-body approaches to healing

• You want to process trauma in a gentle, contained way

• You notice physical symptoms connected to emotional stress

  
  

At High Alpine Counseling, we’re trained in Brainspotting and passionate about using it to help people find real, lasting relief. We create a safe, supportive space for you to explore your experiences and heal at your own pace.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to carry your pain alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, or simply feel like it’s time to explore deeper healing, Brainspotting might be the support you’ve been looking for.

At High Alpine Counseling, we’re here to help you feel grounded, empowered, and more connected to yourself.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about Brainspotting and other trauma-informed therapies we offer. Healing is possible—and we’d be honored to walk beside you on the path.