Healing With Your Eyes Open: An Intro to Brainspotting

by: Danny Chulack, AMFT

When I first explain Brainspotting to friends, family, or potential clients, I often see their surprise at how such a simple technique can effectively resolve trauma. Some even call it “magic” or “woo-woo,” but the truth is, Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that has helped many people around the world process trauma, break free from feeling "stuck," and find a sense of calm and grounding in their lives.

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand, a psychotherapist, writer, and lecturer, who, in the early 2000s, was using EMDR with his clients. One day, while working with a client, instead of using the traditional bi-lateral eye movements of EMDR, Dr. Grand had his client focus on one specific spot. This seemed to trigger a noticeable reflex in her, and in that moment, she was able to process trauma that had been resistant to other methods, including EMDR. It was clear to both of them that they had discovered something truly transformative.

Since then, Brainspotting has evolved and expanded to address a variety of conditions, including OCD, personality disorders, chronic pain, and more. What’s particularly fascinating is that Brainspotting is deeply rooted in neuroscience.

The core idea of Brainspotting is simple:

“Where you look affects how you feel.”

During a Brainspotting session, the therapist and client work together to find an eye position that connects with the part of the brain holding onto trauma or emotional experiences. This process taps into the subcortical region of the brain, including the autonomic and limbic systems, which are key players in the body’s central nervous system. By doing this, Brainspotting activates the brain’s natural healing ability to process the trauma stored in those specific areas.

The Process

To begin the process, the Brainspotting practitioner helps the client connect with the somatic feeling of a trigger that has been affecting their well-being. Using a pointer, the therapist guides the client’s eyes to locate the "Brainspot" related to that trigger. Once the Brainspot is found, the client may experience waves of emotion, sometimes accompanied by vivid images or thoughts. This is a sign that the brain is processing the trauma. Many clients report feeling a sense of calm right after a session, and often, long-term changes take place in the brain, leading to reduced emotional triggers and less overwhelming feelings.

Brainspotting (along with other somatic approaches like EMDR and Somatic Experiencing), can be especially helpful for clients who feel stuck despite having a lot of insight. For those who understand their patterns but still find their trauma holds them back, these methods offer a "bottom-up" approach that allows the body to lead in processing trauma. With the clients I work with, I have found that Brainspotting often leads to deeper healing and lasting change, bypassing the limits of traditional talk therapy.

If you’re ready to explore Brainspotting to process past traumas, feel more at ease in your daily life, or simply get unstuck, I’d be honored to help you on your journey toward healing and peace.

---

Click here to inquire about a session with Danny Chulack, SPCC's trained Brainspotting therapist!