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Brainspotting
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a gentle, body-based therapy that uses specific points in your visual field to help access emotions, physical sensations, and experiences that may be difficult to reach through conversation alone.
Brainspotting is based on the idea that “where you look affects how you feel.” By noticing where your eyes naturally focus while thinking about a concern, your therapist can help you identify a visual point that feels connected to what you are experiencing. Staying with that point may support the brain and nervous system as they process unresolved stress, trauma, and emotional patterns.
Brainspotting May Be Helpful For
Brainspotting May Be Helpful For
Trauma and distressing experiences
Anxiety and chronic stress
Grief and loss
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Emotional overwhelm
Performance anxiety or feeling blocked
Strong emotional or physical reactions
Experiences that feel difficult to put into words
Brainspotting can be used on its own or alongside traditional talk therapy, depending on your needs, comfort level, and treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during a Brainspotting session?
What should I expect during a Brainspotting session?
During a Brainspotting session, you remain awake, aware, and in control. Your therapist will help you identify an issue, emotion, memory, or physical sensation you would like to focus on and notice how it feels in your body.
Using a pointer or inviting you to follow a specific spot with your eyes, your therapist will help you identify a visual point that feels connected to your experience. You may then spend time gently noticing thoughts, emotions, memories, images, or physical sensations as they arise.
There is no pressure to talk continuously, explain everything, or remember every detail of an experience. Some clients talk throughout the process, while others find that less conversation allows them to stay more connected to what they are noticing internally.
The process is guided by your pace, consent, and nervous system cues. You may pause, slow down, shift you
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Brainspotting does not require you to describe every detail of a difficult or traumatic experience. You can share only what feels necessary and comfortable. The focus is often less on telling the full story and more on noticing what is happening internally.
Will I lose control or be hypnotized?
Will I lose control or be hypnotized?
No. Brainspotting is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and able to communicate throughout the session. You are always in control of what you share and whether you continue.
What might I notice during Brainspotting?
What might I notice during Brainspotting?
Experiences vary from person to person. You may notice emotions, memories, thoughts, images, changes in breathing, muscle tension, warmth, tingling, heaviness, or other physical sensations. You may also notice very little at first. There is no “right” way to experience Brainspotting.
What if I become overwhelmed?
What if I become overwhelmed?
Your therapist will help you stay within a pace that feels manageable. Grounding, slowing down, taking breaks, shifting attention, or stopping are always options. Brainspotting is not about pushing through distress or forcing yourself to relive an experience.
Do I have to keep looking at one spot?
Do I have to keep looking at one spot?
You will usually be invited to keep your eyes near a particular visual point, but you are not required to hold your gaze perfectly still. You can blink, look away, close your eyes, move, or take a break whenever needed.
Does Brainspotting work in virtual therapy?
Does Brainspotting work in virtual therapy?
Yes. Brainspotting can be adapted for virtual sessions. Your therapist may guide you in finding a visual point on your screen or within the space around you while continuing to support grounding, pacing, and emotional safety.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions. Some clients use Brainspotting for a specific concern, while others integrate it into ongoing therapy. The length of treatment depends on your goals, history, current stressors, and how your nervous system responds.
Will I feel better immediately afterward?
Will I feel better immediately afterward?
Some clients feel calmer, lighter, or more settled following a session. Others may feel tired, emotional, reflective, or notice that processing continues afterward. Your therapist can help you plan for grounding and self-care following the session.
Is Brainspotting right for everyone?
Is Brainspotting right for everyone?
Brainspotting may not be the right fit at every stage of therapy or for every client. Before beginning, we will discuss your goals, current coping resources, concerns, and preferences. You never have to participate in Brainspotting, and choosing traditional talk therapy is always an option.
A Collaborative and Individualized Process
Brainspotting is not something that is done to you. It is a collaborative process that honors your autonomy, internal experience, and natural capacity for healing.
We will decide together whether Brainspotting feels appropriate for your goals. You are welcome to ask questions, express hesitation, or change your mind at any point.
In-person brainspotting therapy is available in Centennial, Colorado. Secure virtual therapy sessions are available to teens, young adults, and adults located throughout Colorado.
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