Many people carry the weight of their past, burdened by traumatic events that leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Nearly everyone has faced such moments—small or profound—that stir sadness, anger, anxiety, or a mix of complex feelings. Even years later, these experiences quietly shape daily life in ways we might not fully recognize.
A minor incident, like tripping on a sidewalk in front of a crowd, or a major one, like enduring parental abuse, can cast long shadows. These traumas freeze in the body, prompting us to disconnect when similar situations arise. The person who stumbled might grow wary of crowds; the one abused might struggle with trust, avoiding closeness. To shed these intense emotions, we must move the trauma through the body—unfreezing it. One powerful method for this is Brainspotting therapy.
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting (BSP), derived from EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, harnesses the body’s response to past physical and emotional stress to treat trauma effectively. This technique allows clients to pinpoint the source of their pain, addressing traumas and mental health challenges directly. Guided by a BSP therapist, clients identify “brainspots”—fixed eye positions tied to areas of the brain where frozen, often unconscious memories linger. Through focused mindfulness, they gently process the sensations, thoughts, and emotions linked to these memories. The therapist, attuned to the client’s energy field, tracks subtle body movements and facial expressions to locate and heal this stress. By targeting brainspots, BSP unlocks painful emotions, traumatic memories, and even physical effects of trauma, reaching beyond what talk therapy alone can achieve.
How Brainspotting Heals Trauma
Traumatic memories often stay locked away, inaccessible to conscious thought. BSP practitioners, with extensive training, help clients face these safely. They calm the brain’s trauma-storing regions, allowing gentle access without the fear of reliving pain. Beyond healing, BSP strengthens positive emotions and beliefs, offering fresh perspectives on past events. As a society, we’re rarely taught to sit with discomfort—distraction is our default. Yet, BSP creates a safe space to confront unease, easing intense feelings and their physical toll. Clients at The Viva Center find it transforms how they process both small stumbles and deep wounds.
A Student’s Experience with Brainspotting
I’m Jeremy Horne, a psychology student at Howard University, and I’ve experienced BSP’s impact firsthand. College life brings overwhelming pressure to succeed, especially with past academic setbacks weighing me down. I felt stretched thin—too much to do, too little time, and a nagging fear of failure. A brief BSP session shifted that. It quieted my mind, stirred deep sensations, and lightened my stress. The worry and tension didn’t vanish, but they eased enough for me to relax and stay productive. BSP gave me room to breathe.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
If past traumas or current distress—big or small—hold you back, Brainspotting therapy could offer relief. At The Viva Center, our BSP-trained therapists guide clients past anger, anxiety, and sadness toward healing. Don’t let the weight of yesterday overwhelm you. Ready to move forward? Book a consult with us today.
