WHAT IS IT?
Developed by psychologist David Grand, Brainspotting is an outgrowth of EMDR and is similar to EMDR (see EMDR). Brainspotting helps with the same things that EMDR does. In addition, for many people Brainspotting creates a deeper connection to the material being worked on and seems to help people process more deeply. Brainspotting also seems better suited to problems that don't (appear to) have a related memory.

IN THE WORDS OF DAVID GRAND
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 is a simultaneous form of diagnosis and treatment, enhanced with Biolateral sound, which is deep, direct, and powerful yet focused and containing.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Brainspotting reduces or eliminates emotional distress and negative thinking linked to memories of specific events or people. It usually works quickly and thoroughly. For most people, 1-3 Brainspotting sessions will relieve most or all of the distress from one specific incident. In addition, there are one or more intake sessions prior to Brainspotting work.

HOW WOULD A BRAINSPOTTING SESSION DIFFER FROM EMDR?
The session would be like an EMDR session using headphones for bi-lateral stimulation. In addition, the client is guided to focus their gaze on a pointer or other spot in the room as they think of the material being worked on.

WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING LIKE?
Individual experiences of vary. Generally, as the process begins, one becomes more aware of the event or distressing response. As the session continues, the distressing feelings and thoughts fade, often completely and new insights emerge.

WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS DOES Brainspotting HELP?
For most people, Brainspotting will do the following:

• relieve distressing memories and responses from abuse, neglect, assault, divorce,deaths, and other relationship trauma and loss
• help people recover from alcoholic, distant, or critical parents
• reduce chronic fear, anxiety, anger
• reduce reaction to conflict and criticism
• help people to feel safer around others in specific situations and to relax in general
• help people to like themselves more and be more intimate
• reduce or eliminate anxiety or depression from accidents, surgery, illness