Texas Women’s Brainspotting Therapy for Addiction

What is Brainspotting (BSP) Therapy?

• Brainspotting is a therapeutic modality developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It recognizes that the position of the eyes can be used to locate and process traumatic memory and emotional trauma stored in the subcortical brain. This technique involves guiding the women’s eyes to specific eye positions, known as “brainspots,” that are connected to traumatic memories or painful emotions. By focusing attention on these spots, women can explore and process the troubling emotions associated with their trauma.
• Eye positions: Each eye position corresponds to different emotional parts and inner experiences. By locating and holding these positions, the therapist facilitates a deep connection between the women’s visual field and their emotional experience, allowing for the release of unprocessed traumas and the regulation of emotions associated with addiction.
• Bilateral sounds: Brainspotting often incorporates bilateral sounds. These sounds are designed to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, promoting greater integration and activation of the brain’s natural recovery processes. The combination of eye positions and bilateral sounds enhances the effectiveness of the therapy by engaging both the cognitive and sensory aspects of processing.
• Dual attunement: This refers to the therapist’s ability to simultaneously attune to the women’s inner experience and external expression. Dual attunement strengthens the mind-body connection, allowing women to access deeper levels of trauma and facilitating the processing and release of emotional distress associated with addiction.

The Difference Between Brainspotting and EMDR

Brainspotting and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both effective therapies for trauma processing. While they share some similarities, such as the focus on eye positions, brainspotting distinguishes itself by providing a more flexible and intuitive approach. In brainspotting, the therapist focuses the eye on a fixed gaze position, enabling women to naturally access the most relevant brain spot for their healing process. This unique characteristic allows for a more individualized and client-centered therapeutic experience.

How Brainspotting Helps Women With Trauma

Brainspotting works as a powerful tool for women to access and process deep-seated trauma. By guiding the woman’s eyes to specific brainspots linked to a traumatic memory or painful emotion, brainspotting enables them to explore and confront the troubling aspects of their past. This process allows for the uncovering and processing of unresolved traumas that may contribute to addictive behaviors.

During a brainspotting session, the therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for women to explore their troubling brainspots. These brainspots correlate with specific memories or emotions associated with trauma. By delving into these challenging areas, individuals can better understand their mental challenges, promoting healing and growth.

One of the primary goals of brainspotting is to enable women to regulate and retrain their emotional reactions. By focusing on a specific eye position, individuals can engage the subcortical brain, where unprocessed trauma is stored. This process helps release the trapped emotional energy and promotes a more adaptive response to triggering situations. Through brainspotting, women can break free from the cycle of addiction driven by unresolved trauma.

Traumatic experiences are not solely stored in the conscious mind but also in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting recognizes the importance of addressing the physical aspects of trauma. By targeting a specific eye position, this therapy activates a particular part of the brain regions, allowing for the release of deeply rooted trauma stored in the body. This somatic experiencing contributes to the overall healing process and enhances the effectiveness of addiction therapy.

In comparison to traditional talk therapy, brainspotting offers a more efficient and holistic approach. By combining emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of trauma healing, brainspotting facilitates faster processing and resolution of trauma. This comprehensive approach addresses the whole person, acknowledging the interconnectedness of emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

Benefits of Brainspotting Therapy for Women

There are many benefits of brainspotting. Here are a few:

• Increased Awareness of Stress and Anxiety: BSP therapy increases women’s awareness of stress and anxiety. By exploring troubling brainspots associated with trauma, individuals gain insight into the underlying causes of their emotional distress. This heightened awareness enables them to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their reliance on addictive substances.
• Overcoming Fears and Panic Associated with Trauma: Trauma often leads to the development of fears and panic responses. Brainspotting allows women to confront these fears in a safe and controlled environment. Through the exploration and processing of traumatic memories, individuals can gradually overcome the associated fears and panic, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and freedom from addiction.
• Improved Energy Levels and Decreased Negative Thoughts: Trauma and addiction can deplete one’s energy levels and contribute to negative thinking patterns. Brainspotting helps to restore energy levels and decrease negative thoughts.
• Complement Other Evidence-Based Therapies: BSP therapy can be used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies to enhance the overall effectiveness of addiction treatment. It complements modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
• Address Dual Diagnosis Through Brainspotting: Co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often accompany addiction. Brainspotting provides a valuable tool for addressing these co-occurring disorders.
• Alleviate Chronic Issues Such as Pain and Fatigue: Chronic issues like physical pain and fatigue can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and contribute to addiction. Brainspotting therapy recognizes the connection between the mind and body and addresses the physical manifestations of trauma.