New Pathways
Brainspotting
Brainspotting in Detail...
Benefits of a bottom up approach
All healing and therapeutic work aims to support people to move from emotional distress and imbalance to well-being and thriving. Therapies can be distinguished by whether they are ‘bottom up’ or ‘top-down’ approaches. Psychotherapies, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), are largely talk therapies, and are described as ‘top-down’ as they work with the higher thinking parts of the brain. They have an important role in supporting people to, for example, manage difficult emotions, understand themselves better, learn new ways of thinking, and develop resilience. ‘Bottom-up’ approaches, such as Brainspotting, are so named because they utilise the lower, subcortical parts of the brain such as the brain stem and limbic system. These regions are survival focused; the information they share with the higher, conscious part of our brain is filtered to what we need for our immediate survival. Brainspotting, as a ‘bottom up’ approach, accesses the 90-95% of the brain's informational systems which are outside of conscious awareness. This includes key areas of stored memories.
How does Brainspotting work?
When we experience high levels of stress memories are often stored in fragmented ways, frequently in the form of sensory experiences such as sounds, smells and accompanying emotions. These activating networks of information continue to impact us subconsciously through sensory triggers of the original trauma, leading people to continue to re-live the experience as if it were happening in the present moment.
Brainspotting accesses these traumatic memories which are stored in networks of activation in the midbrain, named 'brainspots.' David Grand discovered that the visual field could be used to connect with these 'brainspots'. He illustrated this by drawing attention to the fact that people’s natural eye gaze can go to different spots when recalling a story, naming an emotion or retrieving the answer to a question, demonstrating how our eyes scan our brains for information. He found that a pointer or gazespot could be used to access this material deep in the brain, enabling it to be released and for new neural pathways to form. The efficiency of this processing is aided by the fact that visual fixation gently quietens the cortical brain, creating a space where the deeper layers of the nervous system feel safe to reveal themselves. This by-passing of the protective systems allows stored experiences to be processed more effectively, allowing for greater healing.
This healing affects the whole body: through the eye and its nerve pathways, (the ocular nervous system), it is suggested that we can reach unprocessed trauma held in the entire nervous system. This is due to the connection between all the system's parts: the autonomic, central, peripheral, enteric, cardiac, sensory and motor systems. This demonstrates the power of Brainspotting as a mind-body approach.
How does Brainspotting work?
When we experience high levels of stress memories are often stored in fragmented ways, frequently in the form of sensory experiences such as sounds, smells and accompanying emotions. These activating networks of information continue to impact us subconsciously through sensory triggers of the original trauma, leading people to continue to re-live the experience as if it were happening in the present moment.
Brainspotting accesses these traumatic memories which are stored in networks of activation in the midbrain, named 'brainspots.' David Grand discovered that the visual field could be used to connect with these 'brainspots'. He illustrated this by drawing attention to the fact that people’s natural eye gaze can go to different spots when recalling a story, naming an emotion or retrieving the answer to a question, demonstrating how our eyes scan our brains for information. He found that a pointer or gazespot could be used to access this material deep in the brain, enabling it to be released and for new neural pathways to form. The efficiency of this processing is aided by the fact that visual fixation gently quietens the cortical brain, creating a space where the deeper layers of the nervous system feel safe to reveal themselves. This by-passing of the protective systems allows stored experiences to be processed more effectively, allowing for greater healing.
This healing affects the whole body: through the eye and its nerve pathways, (the ocular nervous system), it is suggested that we can reach unprocessed trauma held in the entire nervous system. This is due to the connection between all the system's parts: the autonomic, central, peripheral, enteric, cardiac, sensory and motor systems. This demonstrates the power of Brainspotting as a mind-body approach.
The importance of the client-therapist relationship
The quality of the relationship between client and therapist is at the heart of brainspotting, with the therapist placing the development of rapport and trust at the centre of the process. This relationship creates the sense of safety needed for the nervous system to be ready for healing. It supports the therapist to become a safe base from which the client can explore without fear of being judged or re-traumatised. The therapist is able to carefully follow the client’s brain-body experience through observation and tracking of their emotions, body sensations, and reflexive cues.
What does a Brainspotting session look like?
Your session will likely have the following components:
A gentle conversation about what brings you here and what you’d like to think about for the session. If you choose not to talk about a traumatic event, we can still work with your emotions and body sensations without going into details.
I’ll invite you to notice and name what you feel in your body and what emotions come up when you think about the situation.
I’ll help you find a “brainspot” that corresponds with these body sensations. This might be a spot that feels activating or a spot that feels calming and resourcing, depending on your situation and what seems most helpful.
Focused processing on this spot. I’ll support you to notice any sensations, thoughts or emotions that arise. I’ll encourage you to stay curious and give yourself time and space to notice what comes up.
During this time, you can talk as much or as little as you like. Quiet periods often allow deeper processing, but everyone is different. I’ll stay tuned in to you and follow your lead, checking in when it feels supportive. In Brainspotting we call this “staying in the tail of the comet”. You stay in control of how deep you go and I will be there alongside you helping you feel safe and supported.
At the end, I’ll check how activated you feel regarding the issue you shared at the beginning. Generally, by the end of the session, the sensations around the situation will have decreased in intensity or feel like they are gone. I’ll help you come back to the space and feel calm and grounded before you move on with your day.
You may have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing) as another approach to alleviate traumatic memories and the emotional distress and symptoms associated with them. The following information may be helpful to clarify where this approach and Brainspotting differ.
What are the differences between EMDR and Brainspotting?
EMDR
Brainspotting
Uses guided bilateral stimulation - eye movements, tactile taps or sounds.
The therapist follows a structured eight stepped protocol. The process is highly facilitated by the therapist.
May be better for those who have a preference for a more structured approach to therapy.
Largely focuses on specific traumatic memories and negative beliefs for safe reprocessing.
Uses specific eye positions linked to where trauma is held in the nervous system. Biolateral stimulation through music.
A fluid and flexible process. The client's nervous system dictates the pace and direction, with the therapist holding space for the client's self-healing.
May be better for those who like a more open, intuitive, form of therapy and/or may value less talking.
Deep body based processing (with somatic experiencing elements). Less talking.
Both Brainspotting and EMDR are powerful paths to healing. Essentially, the best therapy is the one that feels right for you.
Who can benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting may be a good fit if you:
Feel stuck with unresolved trauma or painful memories.
Live with anxiety, panic or low mood.
Experience low self-worth and limiting beliefs.
Have somatic symptoms or chronic pain that seem linked to stress.
Prefer a body-based approach, not just talking.
May have tried talk therapies but still feel stuck.
Sessions
I am currently working with teens age 16+ and adults, in the UK and internationally. Sessions are typically weekly or fortnightly and last an hour. Clients are welcome to book one or two sessions or a series of sessions. I have made the decision to offer a significantly reduced rate at this time whilst I am developing 'New Pathways'. The current charge is £40 per session. Some clients prefer a longer session of Brainspotting and this can be accommodated following discussion between client and therapist.
All sessions are currently online, allowing you to access brainspotting around your other commitments. All you need is a quiet place, a device, and a stable internet connection.
Discovery call
I understand how daunting it can be to think about making a change or explore something new. A phone call can be helpful to ask any questions you have and sense if you feel comfortable with a brainspotting practicioner. I offer a 15 minute call so you can consider if we might be a good fit. Please contact me at:
newpathwaysbrainspotting@yahoo.com
I will do my best to respond by the end of the day.