Brainspotting Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Brainspotting is one of the many therapeutic services offered by our holistic team of psychotherapists here at The Holding Space. To find out more about this service, read below
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a form of therapy that uses the brain-body connection to help process trauma. This is different from traditional talk therapy, which relies on the conscious mind and its cognitive and verbal capacities for processing.
Brainspotting’s somatic focus allows people to find and deal with experiences and symptoms that exist beneath the level of verbal cognition, making them out of reach of the conscious mind. This deeper processing has the potential to heal on a psychological, emotional, and physical level.
Brainspotting & EMDR
For those thinking, “That sounds a lot like EMDR,” in some ways, you are correct! Brainspotting does have many similarities to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), and, in fact, it was developed by the same clinician! (Thank you, Dr. David Grand!)
However, Brainspotting and EMDR involve different methods, and they are considered separate treatment modalities.
How does Brainspotting Therapy work?
Brainspotting works by using what you see to find specific spots in your field of vision, called 'brainspots,' where you might feel stuck or fixated. These brainspots connect to areas in the body where trauma may be stuck.
It offers an avenue to access trauma that doesn’t always involve talking about details. Rather, people talk about the somatic/sensory experience of their trauma. They then direct purposeful, visual attention toward their brainspots.
This dual focus allows for new integrations in the body. It also helps to decondition maladaptive emotional and physiological responses, i.e., trauma responses. Thus, Brainspotting therapy involves processing and healing the impacts of trauma on the body, which then helps to heal its impacts on the mind.
What does Brainspotting Therapy look like?
Brainspotting is typically a short-term—1-3 sessions—treatment modality. It can be offered independently or as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan. Here at The Holding Space, our approach to Brainspotting is like the latter, such that we use it and other treatment modalities as necessary throughout an individual’s long-term psychotherapy treatment. We do this, in part, because of the importance of developing a safe working alliance before diving deep into trauma. Once the therapeutic relationship has been established, a typical Brainspotting therapy session will involve:
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Using relaxation techniques or guided imagery to make you feel at ease before starting (with or without the facilitation of the therapist)
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Identifying an issue/trauma memory/emotional response that is causing discomfort
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Finding the discomfort/feelings in your body
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Finding your brainspot (with guidance from the therapist)
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Holding your visual attention on your brainspot while focusing on your bodily senses/experiences
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Using mindfulness to allow, observe, and accept what comes up (with encouragement from the therapist)
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Processing thoughts and feelings that came up during the intervention (with facilitation from the therapist)
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Collaborating with the therapist to determine further treatment
Who does Brainspotting work for?
While it was first developed for working with trauma, it is now believed that Brainspotting may be valuable for working with a number of issues that involve being, in some way or another, “stuck.” For example:
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Stuck in a trauma response pattern
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Set in a pattern of poor relationships
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Stuck in a pattern of addictive behaviors
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Set in a pattern of depressed mood or symptoms
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Stuck in a pattern of anxious mood or symptoms
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Stuck in a pattern of emotional dysregulation
Begin Brainspotting Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Looking to begin brainspotting? If you have been carrying the weight of unresolved trauma or emotional struggles it may be time to explore the transformative power of Brainspotting therapy. Brainspotting offers a unique approach to healing that does not involve talking about painful memories. Here at the Holding Space, our team of caring and skilled therapists can help you take the first step to a happier life. To find out if Brainspotting therapy might be a fit for your individual needs follow the steps below:
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Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation.
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Speak with a compassionate brainspotting therapist.
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Start your healing journey.
Other Therapy Services Offered at The Holding Space in Los Angeles, CA
At the Holding Space, we offer more than just Brainspotting therapy in Los Angeles, CA. We provide many other forms of therapy to help people effectively manage their mental health issues. We also specialize in other therapy services including Anxiety treatment, Depression treatment, Relational therapy, Sex and Intimacy therapy, LGBTQ+ Affirmative therapy, Art Therapy, and Therapy for Addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-based practice and take the first step to a happier, more fulfilling future.