Brain Spotting Therapy at Riverside

 Brainspotting is a powerful, brain-body based therapy that helps process trauma and emotional distress without requiring you to fully retell or relive difficult experiences. Developed by David Grand, PhD, it evolved from EMDR and works by identifying “brainspots” in the visual field that connect to unprocessed trauma stored in the subcortical brain. This approach is grounded in the understanding that trauma is not only psychological—it is also held in the body. When the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, it can shift into survival states (fight, flight, or freeze), leaving emotional and physical stress “stuck.” 

Brainspotting helps the brain and body safely release this stored activation and restore balance. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting is a “bottom-up” approach, meaning it works directly with the nervous system and midbrain regions involved in regulation, memory, and sensory processing. It supports deep healing without needing extensive verbal processing.

What a Session Looks Like

Sessions are guided but often internally focused. You may begin with grounding and bilateral music to support nervous system regulation. Together with your therapist, you will notice where distress is held in the body and identify eye positions (“brainspots”) linked to that activation.

By gently holding focus on these points, the brain is supported in processing unresolved material at its own pace. Over time, distress levels typically decrease, and clients often report a sense of emotional relief, calm, or physical release.

After a session, it is common to feel tired, emotional, or reflective as the nervous system continues processing.

What Brain Spotting Can Help With

Brainspotting can be effective for a wide range of concerns, including:

Trauma and PTSD 

Anxiety and chronic stress 

Depression and mood dysregulation 

Attachment and relational wounds 

Substance use and addictive patterns 

Chronic pain and somatic symptoms 

Benefits

Clients often experience:

Reduced emotional intensity around memories 

Improved sleep and regulation 

Decreased anxiety and reactivity 

Greater sense of calm and clarity 

Relief from long-held physical tension 

Research is still emerging, but early studies and clinical outcomes suggest Brain spotting may significantly reduce trauma-related symptoms and support lasting change.

Getting Started

Brain spotting is a specialized therapy offered by trained clinicians. At Riverside Counseling, sessions are tailored to your nervous system’s pace, with a focus on safety, stabilization, and sustainable healing. Most clients notice meaningful shifts within a short course of treatment, though length varies based on individual needs.