"Brainspotting” is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. Brainspotting uses biolateral sound, which is deep, direct, and powerful yet focused and containing.

While talk therapy alone taps into the front of the brain and the language centers, BSP accesses the deep brain where trauma reactions & memories are stored - outside of language. With BSP you don't need to know the source of the emotion or feeling for the body-centered, experiential process to resolve the strong emotions and memories.

When a trauma is experienced, of any sort and magnitude, our nervous system creates a flight, fight or freeze response.  When we go to the “freeze” response, our brain does not adequately process this experience.  Rather, our brain can hold these memories and experiences deep within our unconscious mind and leave you feeling “stuck”. Our physical bodies can also “hold” the memories which may produce physical symptoms or negatively impact our performance. 

The technique of brainspotting is a mind-body technique and when used in the context of a connected therapeutic relationship it helps to locate this neural network of memories, by visually finding “brain spots” or visual spots.  The idea is “where you look effects how you feel.” Locating the brain spot, or where you look as you recall an emotionally charged event, helps to locate and activate the neural network in the brain.

This process was created by David Grand, Ph.D., following years of experiences working with individuals with trauma. The approach has been researched and found to be one of the most effective treatments for trauma.  In addition to trauma, brainspotting can be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief, performance enhancement, relationship issues, and chronic pain.

Benefits of Brainspotting

  • Reduction in pain.

  • Memories become less painful.

  • Negative thought patterns are reduced.

  • Better sleep.

  • Increased energy.

Brainspotting via Telehealth

Session Set-Up

Your therapist will review everything to expect and what you will need prior to your session.

What will you need?

  • A device that can play audio (a cell phone with app capability, iPod, etc).

  • A device for the telehealth session.

  • Brainspotting soundtrack, link will be sent to you by your therapist via Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube.

  • Headphones. (Please note: in order for the track to be effective, both ears need to receive the audio equally and the audio sound needs to be in stereo.)

Helpful Additions

  • Sticky notes, or something that can help mark spots in your field of vision outside of the telehealth screen.

  • Tissues.

  • Water (for drinking).

  • A blanket, sweatshirt, or some other means for temperature control.

  • A sleep mask, bandana, or something else to cover one eye, if the brainspotting session involves isolating vision to one eye.

If you are interested in starting your brainspotting journey, we invite you to contact us, 833-HEAL-ATL or email us when you're ready and we will get you scheduled with one of our compassionate therapists.  We look forward to working with you!  

*Currently the Heal ATL therapists that offer brainspotting are Jordan Beckum and Shambria Stoll.