The latest brain science has taught us that trauma is stored in our bodies. Brainspotting accesses a deeper part of the brain, the mid-brain, that is difficult to access with traditional talk therapy alone. By tuning into bodily sensations during brainspotting sessions, clients can access and release stored trauma and tension held in the body. Early findings suggest that Brainspotting shows strong potential for treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, with some studies indicating it may be as effective as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.

Brainspotting is helpful for a range of conditions:

• Trauma

• Anxiety

• PTSD and C-PTSD

• Anger issues

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Phobias

• Substance abuse

• Chronic pain

• Physical ailments 

• Sports performance issues

Not at all! Brainspotting may sound intimidating, but it is incredibly gentle. My clients experience a decrease in tension, stress, and pain by the end of our sessions. They often report feeling physically relaxed and calm.

Yes! Brainspotting is incredibly effective virtually. Joining our session from a space that you feel safe, comfortable, and surrounded by pets or comfort items can add to the therapeutic experience.

I find that Brainspotting works best if you are in a cozy, quiet space and joining our therapy session by a laptop or tablet. It helps to have a larger screen.

Yes! Music has therapeutic benefits, and we use a special kind of music called biolateral sounds. This music shifts the sound back and forth between the left and right ears. This stimulates bilateral brain communication, enhances relaxation, and helps with emotional processing. It also helps to regulate the nervous system.

It’s not necessary to listen to biolateral music during Brainspotting, but I find that it really deepens the experiences and adds to the therapeutic benefits.

It can help to show up to session with something uncomfortable or distressing you would like to work on. I’ll ask you to notice the sensations in your body. If noticing body sensations is difficult for you like it is for many people, we will take our time and go at your pace. These body sensations could include pain, tension, discomfort, nausea, tightness, or any number of other sensations. I may notice where your eyes are looking while you talk, and I might ask you to keep your eyes located in that place. I might move my pointer across the screen and have you follow the pointer with your eyes while I look for reflexes from your body.

With the music playing, I will have you focus your gaze on the pointer for a little while. You can talk as much or as little as you would like. I will check in on your periodically to see how you are doing and what you are noticing. This could include body sensations, emotions, or thoughts. This is where your body gets to speak and where the “magic” happens! Your body will know what it needs to heal, and it will do that during the focused mindfulness. I will be right there supporting you with anything that comes up. By the end of session, most people feel much better than when the session began.

Brainspotting is a new and cutting edge therapy that was developed by therapist David Grand in 2003.

For context, DBT therapy was developed in 1993, EMDR therapy was developed in 1987, and CBT therapy was developed in the 1960’s. These therapy models are 33, 39, and 56+ years old.

Many therapists and health professionals aren’t familiar with some of the newer therapy models, but Brainspotting is quickly gaining popularity because of its benefits.

Yes! I take BCBS/Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and Carelon. I suggest checking with your insurance plan to determine if therapy is covered and if you have a co-pay. If you’re not sure, we can run an insurance check before your first session to find out.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through the contact form or schedule a call—I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way. If you have insurance, we’ll check your insurance coverage to find out if you have a co-pay. Once you’re ready, we can schedule a first session.