Emotional pain, trauma, and anxiety often linger beneath the surface — buried in places words can’t always reach. Brainspotting Therapy is a powerful, neuroscience-based approach that helps people process those hidden emotions and heal from within. At Wishope Recovery, we believe recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms but finding freedom from the root cause — and Brainspotting offers just that.
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting Therapy (BSP) is a cutting-edge therapeutic technique that helps identify and release trauma stored in the body. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, it’s based on the idea that “where you look affects how you feel.”
During a session, a therapist helps you locate “brainspots” — eye positions connected to deep emotional experiences — to access and process unresolved trauma.
In simple terms:
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It links eye position to emotional activation in the brain.
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Helps process deep-seated trauma that traditional talk therapy might miss.
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It’s used for trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, and performance enhancement.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
Brainspotting uses your visual field as a gateway into your brain’s emotional processing centers. When your eyes focus on a specific point, it can activate parts of the brain where emotional pain or memory is stored.
The process:
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The therapist helps identify an eye position where you “feel” the emotion strongly.
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You stay focused on that spot while allowing emotions or sensations to surface.
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This activates the subcortical brain — the part responsible for trauma storage — allowing natural healing.
Key idea:
Instead of forcing thoughts or memories, the body leads the process — making Brainspotting gentle, non-invasive, and deeply effective.
What Issues Can Brainspotting Therapy Help With?
At Wishope Recovery, Brainspotting is used as part of an integrative treatment approach for various emotional and psychological challenges.
Brainspotting can help with:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression and mood disorders
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Substance use recovery and cravings
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Attachment wounds and relationship trauma
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Performance enhancement (sports, creativity, work)
Why it’s effective:
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Works faster and deeper than some traditional methods
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Addresses the root cause, not just symptoms
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Helps people feel safe while processing trauma
Brainspotting vs. EMDR: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder how Brainspotting Therapy differs from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Both are eye-based trauma therapies, but their approaches vary.
Main differences:
| Aspect | Brainspotting | EMDR |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Brain-body connection through “brainspots” | Structured reprocessing using eye movement |
| Process | Client-led, intuitive, and body-based | Therapist-guided with set protocols |
| Experience | Gentle, allows natural processing | Can be more directive and structured |
In short:
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EMDR works by reprocessing traumatic memories.
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Brainspotting helps your brain and body release the trauma directly.
Both can be effective — but Brainspotting often feels more natural and less intrusive.
What Happens During a Brainspotting Session?
If you’re new to Brainspotting, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable.
Typical session flow:
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Check-in – You discuss what you’d like to work on.
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Spotting – The therapist helps locate your “brainspot” using eye positions.
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Processing – You focus on the spot while emotions, sensations, or images arise.
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Integration – The therapist helps you ground and integrate the experience.
What it feels like:
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Calm and introspective
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Non-verbal and body-focused
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No pressure to talk or rehash painful memories
How Long Does Brainspotting Therapy Take?
The number of sessions varies depending on your personal goals and history.
Typically:
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Short-term relief may happen in a few sessions.
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Deeper healing may take weeks or months.
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Works well in combination with trauma-informed therapy or addiction recovery programs like those at Wishope Recovery.
At Wishope Recovery, our therapists tailor the pace to your comfort — ensuring every session feels safe and supportive.
Benefits of Brainspotting Therapy
Many people report profound shifts after Brainspotting — sometimes even after one session.
Key benefits:
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Reduces anxiety, fear, and emotional overwhelm
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Improves self-awareness and emotional regulation
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Enhances resilience and focus
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Supports addiction recovery by addressing root trauma
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Promotes deep, lasting healing
At Wishope Recovery, we integrate Brainspotting with other holistic therapies for a complete mind-body healing experience.
Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?
Almost anyone struggling with emotional pain, stress, or trauma can benefit — regardless of age or background.
Especially helpful for:
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People in addiction recovery
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Survivors of trauma or abuse
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Those feeling “stuck” in therapy
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First responders, healthcare workers, and veterans
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Artists, athletes, and performers seeking emotional clarity and performance growth
If traditional therapy hasn’t worked for you, Brainspotting might be the missing link.
How Wishope Recovery Uses Brainspotting Therapy
At Wishope Recovery, we integrate Brainspotting into personalized recovery plans. We understand that emotional trauma often drives addiction and mental health struggles — so healing the brain is key to long-term success.
Our approach includes:
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Certified Brainspotting therapists trained in trauma recovery
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Safe, compassionate environment for deep healing
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Integration with CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and holistic therapies
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Focus on empowerment and self-awareness
Our mission is simple: help you rediscover hope, balance, and inner peace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting Therapy
1. Is Brainspotting scientifically proven?
Yes. Research supports its effectiveness in reducing trauma symptoms, anxiety, and emotional distress by targeting the brain’s subcortical regions.
2. How is Brainspotting different from talk therapy?
Talk therapy engages the thinking brain, while Brainspotting works with the emotional brain — where trauma is actually stored.
3. Does Brainspotting bring up painful memories?
Sometimes emotions surface, but the process is gentle and guided by your body’s pace. You’re always in control.
4. Can Brainspotting help with addiction recovery?
Absolutely. By addressing underlying trauma, it reduces emotional triggers that lead to relapse — a core part of Wishope Recovery’s approach.
5. Is Brainspotting suitable for everyone?
Yes. It’s safe, adaptable, and effective for most people — including those who find traditional therapies overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Brainspotting Therapy offers a powerful pathway to healing — one that connects your mind, body, and emotions. At Wishope Recovery, we’ve seen firsthand how it helps people break free from trauma, regain balance, and rediscover hope.
If you’re ready to move beyond surviving and start truly healing, Brainspotting could be your next step toward transformation.