Frost-covered tree glowing at twilight — representing deep brain processing

A Service of the Institute

Brainspotting

Accessing deep brain processing to release what words alone can't reach.

What Is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful, body-based therapy developed by Dr. David Grand. It works by identifying specific eye positions, called "brainspots," that correlate with stored trauma, pain, and emotional distress in the brain and body.

"Where you look affects how you feel."

Dr. David Grand

Brainspotting uses this connection between eye position and brain activity to access processing that goes deeper than traditional talk therapy can reach.

Mountain lake with perfect mirror reflection in the Canadian Rockies

How Does Brainspotting Work?

1

Identifying the brainspot

Using focused eye positioning to find the point that connects to the issue you're processing.

2

Focused mindfulness

Maintaining gentle attention on the brainspot while noticing what arises in your body, emotions, and thoughts.

3

Deep processing

Your brain does the work. Brainspotting creates the conditions for your own nervous system to process and release what's been stored.

4

Integration

As processing occurs, pain patterns, emotional charge, and trauma responses begin to shift and resolve.

Snow-covered Rocky Mountain peak towering over forest

Brainspotting for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain often has deep roots in the nervous system. Trauma, stress, and emotional experiences get stored in the body and fuel ongoing pain signals. Brainspotting is particularly effective at accessing these subcortical processes that maintain pain patterns.

Many clients report experiencing a noticeable shift in their pain during or after Brainspotting sessions. This isn't about analyzing the pain. It's about giving your brain the opportunity to process and release it at a level that cognitive approaches alone can't reach.

What Brainspotting Can Help With

  • Chronic pain and persistent physical symptoms
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Emotional distress that feels "stuck"
  • Performance anxiety
  • Stress-related physical symptoms

What to Expect

Brainspotting uniquely integrates the adaptive and calming functions of the brain with associations that elicit chronic symptoms. People often describe Brainspotting as helping them to move through the "difficult stuff" with greater efficiency and confidence. Sessions typically last 50 minutes, and most clients begin to notice shifts within the first few sessions.

Snow-capped mountain peak bathed in golden sunset light

Curious About Brainspotting?

Book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll talk about whether Brainspotting might be the right approach for what you're experiencing.

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