My once thought happily ever after came to a horrifying end in late 2021. The details are too gruesome for now, but the betrayal trauma I experienced as my marriage fell apart shattered my trust and left me feeling lost. This was a new and unsettling feeling for me, as I had always been an optimist who saw the best in people.
Desperate to find myself again, I turned to mental health professionals for guidance on how to restore some sense of normalcy. This led me to my first virtual brainspotting therapy session, a unique approach to trauma therapy that involves focusing on a specific point to release pain.
Experts in this article include Ajita Robinson, PhD, a grief and trauma therapist, Brooke Schwartz, LCSW, a psychotherapist, David Grand, PhD, the founder of brainspotting therapy, Kendra Kubala, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Tracy Gantlin-Monroy, LPC, a certified brainspotting practitioner.
Brainspotting therapy, though unconventional, had a profound impact on my life. This alternative therapy involves focusing on a fixed point in space, allowing unwanted feelings to surface and be processed under the guidance of a therapist.
The theory behind brainspotting is that locating and focusing on a designated spot can access unprocessed trauma in the brain. This process helps individuals process their trauma, leading to a reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
During a session, the therapist guides the client to find their “brainspot” and maintain focus on it while processing their emotions. This allows the trauma to feel more distant and less threatening, leading to healing and relief.
A typical brainspotting session involves discussing emotions, focusing on specific feelings, and then using bilateral sounds to aid in the processing of trauma. The therapist assists the client in locating their gaze spot and supports them as they work through their emotions.
These sessions can be challenging but ultimately rewarding, as the client experiences a sense of release and healing. As someone who has tried brainspotting therapy, I can attest to its transformative power and the profound impact it had on my recovery process.
