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Brainspotting is a powerful, focused mindfulness technique that helps you access your brain's natural ability to process and resolve challenges. Whether you're seeking peak performance, a transformative inner journey, or relief from the burdens of chronic illness, brainspotting can be a game-changer.

I want to highlight that brainspotting is an abstract experience and will be different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to process. Knowledge is power, so having some idea of what to expect may help to ease your mind and allow the session to flow freely- but each individual’s experience is unique so please understand that processing may look different for you. This is just a highlight of some common things that people experience during processing. To be clear this description is not a clinical explanation but rather a way to conceptualize the experience

We will being the session by discussing what you want to focus on. We will then use one or various techniques to locate the brain spot associated with your chosen topic. Think of the brain spot as a place in your visual field that opens a metaphorical file in your brain. 

We will then sit quietly and notice whatever comes up. In my experience, as we journey into brain spots, we encounter what I like to call capsules. It’s not uncommon to feel resistance as we approach these areas of stored emotions.

At a point in time, your nervous system may have encountered an event that caused it to responded in a way that stored these emotions for later processing. The experience was then stored in what we'll call capsules.

During processing you are encouraged to notice what you are feeling in your body. In brainspotting, we operate with the principle that the brain is the body, meaning that our sensations, emotions, and physical experiences are interconnected and processed through the nervous system. You are encouraged to feel your body and notice where else in the nervous system (other than the brain) that the capsule may also be stored.

Actually processing the information stored in a capsule can sound intimidating, but it’s quite intuitive. You simply notice what comes up and allow it. I will say it again because it’s really all you need to do in a brainspotting session- you simply notice what arises without judgment and allow the process to unfold.

This can look different for everybody. For some it is staring silently at the brain spot. Streaming tears can be a natural part of the process for some individuals, and I encourage everyone to have some tissues and a bottle of water on hand during their session. Shaking, trembling, rocking, pushing, tensing, grumbling, growling, moaning, groaning, burping, gagging, intense facial expressions, silent screams, and more are all completely normal. You may not experience any of these things or you may experience all of them! If you do please allow them to come up and through you, they are a natural part of your brain’s processing. 

During processing it’s common to encounter parts of ourselves. Parts are a natural part of your psyche. For more info on parts- check here. If or when you do encounter a part of yourself I encourage you to hear its story. Ask it how it’s doing, what it needs from you, or how you can help it. I didn’t know this when I tried my first brainspotting session and I attempted to squash several parts with an imagined anvil before I considered a gentler approach.

As you are processing we may speak a bit to guide you along. Some people do not need much verbal guidance while others do best with occasional nudging. If at any point in the session you feel I am talking too much- or not enough- please let me know! I want to support you in the best way possible. I also want to note that you can speak as little or as much as you’d like. Some people tend to vocalize their experience during processing while others find speaking pulls them out of the deep emotional brain where processing occurs. There is no right or wrong way to do things and each session may be vary greatly from sessions prior. 

You may wonder- if I am not speaking to you, then why am I even here? The role of the brainspotting practitioner is to hold space. As the practitioner my role is to create a supportive and grounded environment for your brain and body to process. In sessions, I aim to provide a calm and attuned presence, which can help your nervous system feel safe and supported. This sense of safety can allow processing to occur more freely, especially for emotions or experiences that may not have had the opportunity to fully resolve in the past. The connection between the practitioner and client often enhances the brain's natural ability to process and adapt. Please know that during our sessions you are in a sacred, judgment free place. 

After your session you may notice that you continue to process when in the presence of a safe person or even just alone. If you notice this, allowing the feelings to arise without judgment can often be helpful. 

Processing can sometimes be emotionally exhausting. I made this entire page here for how to handle any discomfort that may come up. And of course if you feel discomfort or emotional distress after a session, please consult with a medical or mental health professional as needed.

The descriptions provided here reflect my understanding of brainspotting as taught by David Grand and are not intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice.