Brainspotting and EMDR : Which Therapy is Right for You?
If you’re dealing with the aftereffects of trauma, you’re not alone. You might feel overwhelmed by the many psychotherapeutic approaches to choose from. Two therapies use the brain’s processes to address trauma and other issues: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and brainspotting. Though they’re similar, they take different approaches to healing trauma.
What is EMDR?
EMDR, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the ’80s, has since grown in popularity for treating trauma. With a therapist, the client recalls their traumatic memory or their feelings associated with it while engaging in bilateral stimulation at the same time. This means both sides of the brain are stimulated, typically by moving the eyes side to side, tapping from left to right, or using auditory tones. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so that they no longer have a lingering harmful effect.
How EMDR works
History taking and treatment planning: The therapist takes your detailed history and develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and teaches you techniques to manage emotional distress that may come up during and after sessions.
Assessment: You identify specific traumatic memories or negative beliefs to target during sessions.
Desensitization: While engaging in bilateral eye movements, you walk through your feelings associated with the traumatic event. This allows the brain to properly “store” the memory.
Installation and body scan: With the therapist’s guidance, you “install” new, more positive perspectives about your traumatic event. You then scan your body for lingering physical tension.
The Benefits of EMDR
EMDR has extensive research backing its effectiveness in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
Many clients feel a big improvement in their symptoms in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting, developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, is a relatively new therapeutic approach that draws on EMDR’s strategies and science. The therapist helps the client find “brainspots” or eye positions that correspond with specific emotional responses or trauma memories. Rather than moving the gaze from side to side, they keep their eyes on this spot during treatment sessions. By training their eyes on one place, clients can process and release their trauma and emotional pain.
How Brainspotting Works
Locating the brainspot: The therapist helps you identify a specific eye position linked to your emotional or physical distress.
Focused mindfulness: You maintain your gaze on the brainspot while discussing your feelings, thoughts, and memories associated with your trauma.
Therapeutic processing: As you focus on the brainspot, the therapist guides you through techniques that help release your pain.
The Benefits of Brainspotting
Brainspotting can access parts of the brain that are often unreachable through talk therapy alone.
It doesn’t require clients to talk extensively about their trauma, making it a better option for those who find talking about their traumatic memories difficult.
Brainspotting has more applications than addressing trauma, such as treating chronic pain, increasing creativity, developing a better sense of self, and other personal goals.
Which is Right for You?
The most obvious difference between the two therapies is movement (EMDR) versus focus (brainspotting). EMDR is also a much more structured therapy. There’s a standard protocol to follow during the six to 12 sessions and the therapist guides much of the treatment. EMDR is also heavily backed up by years of research, especially in its effectiveness with PTSD and trauma.
Brainspotting is more fluid and client-driven, and clients report being able to access deeper parts of themselves. Some people may need a few sessions, while others take longer to feel the effects. It also has more applications than EMDR therapy and can treat a wider range of issues.
If you’ve been dealing with trauma or want to address a specific issue, schedule a free consultation call to learn more about why brainspotting therapy may be right for you.
About the Author:
Nicole Mendizabal is a licensed marriage and family therapist providing virtual therapy services in Florida.
