What Is Brainspotting? When Your Body Still Feels What Your Mind Wants to Move Past
Published: August 17, 2026 | Updated: August 17, 2026
By BrainBody Wellness Counseling
Clinically reviewed by Ali Schilling-Iverson, Psy.D.
You understand what happened. You may have talked about it, analyzed it, or told yourself it is time to move forward. Yet a certain memory, conversation, place, or feeling can still make your heart race, your chest tighten, or your mind shut down.
Sometimes emotional pain is difficult to explain because it is not experienced through thoughts alone. It may also appear through muscle tension, panic, irritability, shame, numbness, or the feeling that your body is always preparing for danger.
Brainspotting is a therapy approach that may help people explore these emotional and physical responses without requiring them to explain every detail perfectly.
What Is Brainspotting and How Does It Work?
Brainspotting is a focused psychotherapy method developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is based on the theory that where you look may affect how you connect with emotions, memories, and physical sensations.
During a session, your therapist helps you identify a point in your visual field, known as a “brainspot,” that appears connected to the concern you want to explore. You may gently focus on that point while noticing thoughts, emotions, images, or sensations that arise.
The therapist does not tell you what to feel or force you to relive painful details. Instead, they stay present and attentive while helping you process the experience at a pace that feels manageable.
What Happens During a Brainspotting Session?
Every session is tailored to the client, but the process may include:
Identifying an emotion, memory, or situation to explore
Noticing where distress appears in your body
Rating the intensity of the feeling
Locating a visual point connected to the emotional activation
Observing thoughts, memories, and sensations without judgment
Using grounding skills and pauses when needed
Some therapists also use bilateral sound through headphones, although it is not required in every session.
You remain in control throughout the process. You can pause, adjust your focus, or tell your therapist when something feels overwhelming. Trauma-informed therapy should always feel collaborative.
Why Can Eye Position Feel Connected to Emotion?
You may notice that your eyes naturally move when you are remembering something, managing a strong emotion, or searching for the right words. Brainspotting uses this possible connection between visual attention and internal experience as part of the therapeutic process.
The exact neurological mechanisms behind Brainspotting have not been fully established. The idea that a particular eye position directly accesses a stored location in the brain remains a clinical theory rather than a confirmed scientific fact.
However, some clients find that sustained attention, body awareness, and the steady presence of a therapist create space to explore emotions that are difficult to reach through conversation alone.
What Concerns May Brainspotting Support?
Trained clinicians may incorporate Brainspotting into counseling for:
Trauma and distressing experiences
Anxiety or panic
Grief and loss
Emotional overwhelm
Shame or low self-worth
Performance anxiety
Stress-related physical reactions
Feeling stuck, numb, or disconnected
Brainspotting is not a cure or the right approach for everyone. A therapist should first assess your concerns, coping resources, treatment history, safety, and goals.
Is Brainspotting Evidence-Based?
Research on Brainspotting is still emerging. A 2022 study of 40 non-clinical adults found that one Brainspotting session was associated with reduced distress related to upsetting memories. However, the study was small and did not establish Brainspotting as a treatment for a specific mental health disorder. Review the study on PubMed.
A 2023 systematic review found that body- and movement-oriented interventions may help reduce PTSD symptoms. Researchers also noted concerns about study quality and emphasized the need for stronger controlled trials and long-term follow-up. Read the systematic review.
Brainspotting currently has a smaller research base than established trauma treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR. Clients deserve a balanced explanation of the possible benefits, limitations, and alternatives before deciding whether to try it.
Brainspotting and EMDR: What Is the Difference?
Brainspotting and EMDR may both be used to process distressing experiences, but they follow different methods.
EMDR uses a structured eight-phase protocol and bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping. Brainspotting typically involves maintaining visual attention on a selected point while noticing emotional and physical responses.
EMDR has been researched more extensively and is included in professional PTSD treatment guidelines. The American Psychological Association describes it as a structured psychotherapy that may help people process traumatic memories.
A knowledgeable therapist can help you compare your options and choose an approach aligned with your needs.
Meet Jennifer Salazar, LPC: Brainspotting Therapy in Arizona
Jennifer Salazar, LPC, is a certified trauma specialist at BrainBody Wellness Counseling who works with children ages eight and older, teens, and adults.
Jennifer offers Brainspotting as part of her personalized, trauma-informed approach. Depending on a client’s needs and goals, she may also incorporate CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP, and HeartMath to help clients manage stress, develop coping skills, and feel more grounded.
Jennifer understands that healing is not one-size-fits-all. She creates a supportive environment where clients can move at a comfortable pace while building greater confidence in their ability to handle difficult emotions and experiences.
Explore Brainspotting at BrainBody Wellness Counseling
You do not need to tell your story perfectly for therapy to be meaningful. Healing may begin with simply noticing what is happening inside you—with curiosity, compassion, and the support of someone trained to help.
If you are interested in working with Jennifer Salazar, LPC, or want to learn whether Brainspotting may fit your needs, contact BrainBody Wellness Counseling or complete our therapist match form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
Not always. Brainspotting may involve less detailed storytelling than some therapies, although your therapist will still need enough information to provide safe and appropriate care.
How many Brainspotting sessions will I need?
There is no standard number. Treatment length depends on your goals, history, symptoms, and response to therapy.
Can Brainspotting make emotions feel stronger?
Strong emotions, memories, fatigue, or body sensations may arise during or after a session. Your therapist should prepare you, provide grounding support, and adjust the pace when needed.
Does Jennifer Salazar offer Brainspotting therapy?
Yes. Jennifer Salazar, LPC, offers Brainspotting as one of several approaches available to clients at BrainBody Wellness Counseling. Contact the practice to confirm her current availability and service options.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized mental health or medical advice. Results vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency in the United States, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
