What Is Brainspotting? How does it worK?

Brainspotting is a body based therapy that helps people process anxiety, stress, trauma, burnout and emotional overwhelm by accessing deeper parts of the brain and nervous system. Developed by Psychotherapist Dr. David Grand, Brainspotting is based on the understanding that where you look can influence what you feel.

A Brainspot is a specific eye position that may be connected to an emotional experience, physical sensation, memory or stress response. During a Brainspotting session, a therapist helps identify a Brainspot while you focus on an issue you would like to work through. As you maintain focus on that eye position, you are invited to notice thoughts, emotions, body sensations or memories that arise.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting does not rely solely on discussing or analyzing a problem. Instead, it combines focused mindfulness, somatic awareness and the therapist's attunement to support the brain and body's natural ability to process and heal.

Many people seek Brainspotting therapy when they feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm or trauma despite understanding their experiences intellectually. By working with both the mind and body, Brainspotting can help clients develop greater emotional regulation, resilience, and a sense of wellbeing.

At Healing with Love Therapy in Hamilton, Ontario, Brainspotting is offered as part of an integrative approach to psychotherapy that supports anxiety, burnout, stress management, trauma recovery and nervous system regulation.

Why I Chose to Train in Brainspotting

As a Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist, I am always looking to deepen my understanding of how stress, trauma and emotional experiences can affect both the mind and body.

My interest in Brainspotting began while exploring the connection between the nervous system, stored emotional experiences and body based approaches to healing. As I learned more about somatic therapies and nervous system regulation, I was introduced to the work of Dr. David Grand, the founder of Brainspotting.

During my Level 1 Brainspotting training, I had the opportunity to experience the approach firsthand. What stood out to me was how Brainspotting created space for processing beyond traditional cognitive discussion alone. This experience deepened my appreciation for the ways healing can occur through both awareness of the body and focused therapeutic presence.

Today, Brainspotting is one of the approaches I integrate into my work with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, trauma and emotional overwhelm.