Brainspotting Therapy in Little Rock
Brainspotting for Complex PTSD: How It Works and What to Expect
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) can feel overwhelming — persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, emotional numbness, and difficulty managing everyday life. Traditional talk therapy sometimes isn’t enough to access and process the deep layers of trauma stored in the brain and body. That’s where Brainspotting comes in, a powerful therapeutic approach designed to help clients heal from trauma at a deep, neurobiological level.
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting (BSP) is a cutting-edge, trauma-focused therapy developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It works by identifying and processing “brainspots” — specific eye positions that correlate with areas in the brain where trauma is stored. By focusing on these spots, the brain can access and release trauma that might be difficult to reach through words alone.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting uses the client’s eye position as a gateway to tap into deep emotional and physiological experiences. This allows for more efficient processing of traumatic memories, sensations, and feelings.
Why Brainspotting Therapy Is Effective for Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD often results from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing stressful environments. The trauma can become deeply embedded in the brain and body, causing symptoms like:
Hypervigilance and anxiety
Emotional dysregulation
Flashbacks and intrusive memories
Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
Dissociation and numbness
Brainspotting therapy helps because it directly accesses the brain’s emotional processing centers in a way that is both nonverbal and client-led. This somatic therapy allows trauma to be released safely without overwhelming the client. The gentle focus on eye positions helps the brain reconnect and integrate traumatic memories, reducing symptoms and increasing emotional regulation over time.
What Happens in a Brainspotting Therapy Session?
Each Brainspotting session is unique, but generally it follows these steps:
Check-in: The therapist and client talk briefly about current feelings or experiences. This helps set the intention for the session.
Finding the Brainspot: Using either a pointer or the therapist’s finger, the therapist guides the client’s eye movement slowly to find the “brainspot” — the eye position linked to where the trauma is stored. The client’s bodily sensations, emotions, or subtle cues (like blinking or changes in breathing) guide this process.
Focusing: Once the brainspot is found, the client maintains gentle eye fixation on that spot while internally observing any thoughts, images, emotions, or bodily sensations that arise. There’s no fixed time limit for how long the client will hold their gaze on the brainspot. Usually, clients focus for a few minutes at a time, often between 3 and 10 minutes. The therapist closely watches for signs that the client might be becoming overwhelmed or need a break. Clients might also naturally feel ready to pause or shift focus when their body signals completion or fatigue. During this phase, the therapist offers support but the client leads the process.
Processing: As the brain processes the trauma, intense feelings may come up. The therapist helps the client stay grounded and present. Over time, distress lessens and new insights or emotional shifts can happen.
Closing: The session ends with grounding exercises or discussion about what the client experienced and how they feel.
How to Prepare for Your Brainspotting Therapy Appointment
Stay curious and present: Allow yourself to notice whatever comes up—sensations, memories, or emotions—without judgment.
Follow your body’s cues: Brainspotting is a somatic therapy, meaning it pays attention to what your body feels. You might notice tightness, warmth, or other physical feelings; simply observe them.
Maintain gentle focus on the eye position: The therapist will guide you to hold your gaze in a particular spot. It’s okay if your eyes move slightly or if you blink often.
Communicate your experience: Let your therapist know what you are feeling or if you need a break.
Trust the process: Healing happens naturally as your brain processes trauma. You don’t need to force anything or analyze thoughts — just be present with your experience.
Talking vs. Silence in Brainspotting Therapy
One of the unique aspects of Brainspotting is the balance of silence and communication between client and therapist:
Client’s role: During the core processing phase, clients generally remain mostly silent, maintaining gentle eye focus on the brainspot. This silence allows deep emotional and physical processing without interruption. Some clients may softly verbalize thoughts, feelings, or images as they arise, but this is usually minimal and spontaneous. Clients are encouraged to notice whatever comes up without needing to explain or analyze it.
Therapist’s role: Therapists usually stay quiet and attuned during processing, focusing on the client’s subtle body language, breathing, and emotional shifts. Verbal communication from the therapist is minimal and supportive, such as gentle encouragement (“You’re doing well”) or grounding reminders (“Just notice what you’re feeling”). The therapist avoids over-talking or analyzing during this phase to allow the client’s brain to do its natural work.
This quiet, mindful environment helps the brain access and release trauma in a safe and natural way.
Healing Complex PTSD with Brainspotting at Flourish Counseling
Brainspotting offers a powerful, body-centered approach to healing Complex PTSD by accessing and processing trauma stored deep in the brain and nervous system. Sessions are collaborative and paced by your readiness, with the therapist supporting your safe exploration of difficult emotions and sensations. Many clients find Brainspotting helps reduce trauma symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and foster a renewed sense of safety and self-understanding.
If you are navigating the symptoms of Complex PTSD, Brainspotting therapy at Flourish Counseling may offer a compassionate, neuroscience-informed path toward healing.