“In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.”
Bessel A. Van Der Kolk
BRAINSPOTTING
For many clients, past and present emotions and traumas find their repressed holders in the body in the form of somatic tensions and complaints. Brainspotting, similar to EMDR as a somatic modality, is an excellent tool in helping clients release stored trauma from the body.
Rather than starting with a specific memory, eye gaze points in conjunction with somatic tensions are used as the starting point, as a bottom up approach to addressing trauma.
Similarly to the skepticism that comes with EMDR, Brainspotting often surprises clients and it is often also referred to as “wild and hallucinogenic without the drugs!” It, too, can produce quick and dramatic insights and therapeutic change.
Brainspotting is best utilized with clients to treat:
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Trauma
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PTSD
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Somatic Complaints
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Improvement of autoimmune symptoms
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Grief
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Depression
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Engaging in Parts Work and Locating the Higher Self
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Addressing Ambivalence
