We know how to treat PTSD…We have great successes with methods like EMDR, Brainspotting Neurofeedback, Internal Family Systems Therapy…
The American Psychosocial Association (APA) defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event.” Unfortunately, many people are struggling with psychological trauma—it can manifest itself in myriad ways, with both short-term and long-term effects. Brainspotting (BSP) is an innovative technique designed to help people access and deal with their trauma.
At Improving Lives Counseling Services, we are committed to helping people get the information, tools, and resources that they need to find the best available support option. Here, you will find an overview of brainspotting, its history, and how the therapy can be used to help people identify, access, and deal with unprocessed trauma.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting (BSP) is a revolutionary form of talk therapy designed to help people access and deal with trauma through fixed eye positions. Developed by David Grand Ph.D. nearly two decades ago, there are now more than 13,000 therapists offering BSP around the globe. The core thesis of brainspotting is best explained by Dr. Grand “where you look affects how you feel.”
How Does Brainspotting Work?
One of the keys with brainspotting is the connection between the mind and the body. The position of the eyes can impact the subcortical brain, which in turn will affect what you remember, how you think, and how you feel. While talk therapy sessions are also unique, the general overview of a BSP session is as follows:
Client approaches an issue that they would like to discuss and/or explore;
A trained BSP therapist helps them ground themselves to their physical feelings;
Client focuses on the uneasy or unsteady feelings within their body;
BSP therapist identifies specific unsteady eye movements in certain position; and
Brainspotting therapist helps the client work through and process their issue, with a focus on eye positioning.
As with other forms of talk therapy, both the client and the professional brainspotting therapist have an important role to play. Awareness between the mind and body connection of trauma is essential.
Can I Benefit from Brainspotting?
BSP has been shown to help many people access, understand, and process their trauma. It may benefit someone with deep trauma, addiction, or other mental challenges. Still, every person’s needs are unique. Whether you can benefit from brainspotting, another type of talk therapy, or another form of counseling depends on many differences. If you are considering brainspotting or any other type of talk therapy, it is also best to sit down with an experienced professional who can help you find the best counseling option for your specific needs.
Get Help From a Professional Counselor in Oklahoma
At Improving Lives Counseling Services, we have helped thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds find solutions to help them live their highest quality of life and reach their full potential. Contact us to learn more or schedule a confidential initial appointment. With office locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Coweta, Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Norman, Owasso, Stillwater, and beyond, we are well-positioned to provide trauma counseling services throughout Oklahoma.