Brainspotting Therapy
We experience the effects of past traumas even though we do not think about these past traumas in the present time. We might be overly aware of certain discomforts, fears, and hyper-vigilance that cause us to avoid certain people and situations. We may avoid conversations or learning new skills that would help us grow because we fear becoming upset.
Eventually, life becomes smaller, and our potential for joy and growth diminishes. Traditional talk therapy may seem overwhelming and stressful, but there are many ways to comprehend unprocessed trauma that may better suit your comfort needs.
What is Brainspotting Therapy?
Where your eyes look can connect you with past trauma or negative experiences that are stored in your brain. Brainspotting Therapy is an effective, evidence-based therapy that utilizes your visual field to locate unresolved issues hidden in the subcortical brain.
This part of the brain controls all bodily functions and is the seat of instinct, thought, creativity, and spirituality. Brain spots are where we look and are the keys to this process. The goal of brainspotting is accessing and releasing historical traumas, often in as short as a few sessions.
Where You Look Affects How You Feel
The concept of brainspotting was uncovered by David Grand, PhD, in 2003. He discovered that "Where you look affects how you feel." Brainspotting therapy appears to access the right brain, the limbic system, and the brainstem (midbrain). This physiological approach is based on eye position that leads to psychological development.
You can learn more about brainspotting at www.brainspotting.com
Brainspotting modalities can help with PTSD, ADHD, phobias, and more
Brainspotting is an effective therapeutic tool for many mental health issues, such as:
anxiety
past psychological trauma
emotional dysregulation
chronic pain
depression
sexual dysfunction
Brainspotting Therapy Shows Us How Our Present is Impacted by Our Past
Our behavior in the present shows us how we are impacted by past traumas and how they hold us back even when we can't remember or connect the dots to the past. We know we are having a more significant negative response to a person or situation than warranted, but we don't know why and are searching for ways around this. Brainspotting is one type of therapy that helps the healing process.
We can get to the parts of the brain and body that are still holding on to them and safely release them. We do this through increasing safety and resources in our therapy sessions so that your mind and body can unwind from this trauma and not feel like you are forcing or pushing it out of your system. We don't want to create more trauma or exacerbate the source of the problem. Instead, we create an environment that supports its resolution.
Limitations are Often Unconscious
These limitations from the past are often unconscious, blocked, or preverbal. They can't be accessed by talking about it. Brainspotting can access these parts frozen in time and space so they can be released in your nervous system and integrated into the current time. With an attuned and compassionate therapist, brainspotting is a phenomenal tool that can support this deeper processing.
"Without realizing that the past is constantly determining their present actions, they avoid learning anything about their history. They continue to live in their repressed childhood situation, ignoring the fact that it no longer exists, continuing to fear and avoid dangers that, although once real, have not been real for a long time."
― Alice Miller, The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self
Brainspotting vs. EMDR - Both are Targeted Processes
Brainspotting and EMDR are targeted processes that address these triggers so we don't have to suffer alone or waste our time talking about them repeatedly. Both are evidenced-based trauma therapies that show positive breakthroughs in your mental health. These processes are heavily researched and accepted as wonderful additions to your healing journey.
Both brainspotting therapy and EMDR use bilateral stimulation via sound to support the right and left sides of the brain. Most clients find listening to this music during brainspotting sessions soothing and supportive.
EMDR works with a specific protocol, while brainspotting is specific, and it also gives more space for your unique process to flow freely. Both techniques work well to resolve traumatic experiences.
What if EMDR hasn't worked for me?
Some clients report that EMDR hasn't worked for them or that they don't like it. Brainspotting often works well with these clients because it allows the brain and body to direct the process more than following a strict 8-step protocol such as EMDR. Some clients like to use both methods depending on the issue they are currently working on.
Access the Past to Overcome Trauma Inhibiting Your Sexual Health
As a licensed psychotherapist therapist, I specialize in sex therapy. I see many individuals and couples who struggle with emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual intimacy with a partner. You might feel disconnected or numb and don't know why. You might not be able to pinpoint moments in your past that formed this disconnection, but you know they stop you from creating the relationship you desire.
Or, you might have high anxiety and flashbacks that prevent you from getting closer to loved ones.
Addictions may develop because intimacy and vulnerability are too scary or unknown. The emotional distress caused by these circumstances and feelings often leads to shame, isolation, and self-loathing.
I can help you find a fulfilling, exciting, and joyous life by providing a kind, non-judgemental space.
Begin Brainspotting Therapy In Los Angeles, California
Past trauma can leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and struggling to connect in a meaningful way within your relationships. You may be unaware of this past pain. Brainspotting Therapy can help you process those buried emotions and allow you to connect with the people you love most in your life. It's not your fault that you're struggling, and I am here to help.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about brainspotting or other therapies. I offer complimentary consultations to explore your needs. I look forward to meeting you!
Learn More About Me and My Services
Begin aligning with your life and goals today
Other Therapy Services By Cindy Michel, M.A., LMFT, CST
Brainspotting Therapy may not be the only service that you're looking for. I also offer other types of therapy services online such as Individual and Couples Sex Therapy, Online Sex Therapy in California, New Mexico, and Florida, EMDR Therapy, Sexual Trauma Therapy, and Somatic Therapy. I also provide Sex Coaching Services. Please reach out if you want to learn more about my other services and explore if therapy or coaching is right for you.