Therapy spotlight: Brainspotting therapy vs EMDR?
In an earlier blog I discussed brainspotting therapy as a powerful, body-based method that can help to relieve symptoms of trauma, promote well-being, and help with emotional regulation. It is a form of trauma therapy that uses eye movement to identify and process traumatic or emotionally charged memories and experiences.
If you think that sounds similar to EMDR therapy (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), you would be right! Brainspotting was actually developed out of EMDR therapy in 2003 by David Grand, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. Instead of using only eye movements from left to right, Grand discovered that by holding a single eye position, clients seemed to process at a deeper level.
But what are the differences between EMDR and brainspotting therapy? And how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s get into it!
How does brainspotting therapy work?
During brainspotting therapy, the therapist helps the client to identify a "brainspot," which is a specific point in the client's visual field that corresponds to the area of the brain where the traumatic memory or emotion is stored. The therapist typically does this using a pointer. Focusing on the “brainspot” can help to bring up emotions and memories related to the issues you want to work on. The therapist will invite you to observe the emotions, memories, thoughts, and physical sensations coming up for you as you focus on the “brainspot” and think about your issue. Your therapist will use a variety of techniques to help you process and release the emotions and memories that come up during the session. As you do this, the brain is reprocessing the material connected to your issue in a way that is more integrated and decreases negative symptoms or negative core beliefs. The result is clients often feel more clear, connected to self, and calm.
What kind of topics can I address with brainspotting?
Brainspotting therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories and emotions are stored in the brain and can be accessed and released through focused attention on specific areas of the brain. It is considered to be an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain. It can also be used on issues that are less about trauma and more about expansion of self, such as increasing creativity, be less socially anxious and more outgoing, breaking through writer’s block, decreasing procrastination, overcoming fears around dating, connecting deeper to one’s spirituality, having a more positive relationship with finances… The sky is the limit, really.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic therapy. It was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, who noticed that eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of her own negative thoughts and feelings.
EMDR therapy is a type of therapy that can help people who have experienced difficult or traumatic events. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. During EMDR therapy, a trained therapist will guide the person through a series of eye movements, sounds or taps, while they recall the traumatic event.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to help the person process the traumatic memory so that it becomes less distressing and overwhelming. This is done by connecting the memory with more positive or neutral thoughts and feelings.
EMDR therapy can be used for a variety of issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, similar to brainspotting.
How are brainspotting and EMDR different?
Brainspotting and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both therapeutic approaches that can be used to treat trauma and other mental health issues, but they have some important differences.
Focus: Brainspotting focuses on identifying and working with "brainspots," which are specific points in the visual field that are connected to traumatic or emotionally charged experiences. EMDR, on the other hand, focuses on bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, tapping, or other forms of rhythmic stimulation.
Eye Movements: In EMDR, the therapist guides the client through a series of rapid eye movements while they focus on a traumatic memory or negative belief. In brainspotting, the therapist helps the client identify a “brainspot” by having them scan their visual field while focusing on the issue they want to work on.
Processing: In EMDR, the therapist helps the client reprocess the traumatic memory or negative belief by guiding them through a structured sequence of phases. In brainspotting, the therapist follows the client's lead and allows them to process the issue in their own way, often through verbal processing or physical sensations.
This final point is probably the biggest difference that clients would notice between the two therapies. EMDR therapy tends to be very regimented and protocol-driven, while brainspotting is more fluid, allowing the client‘s body to direct what is most important to focus on. In brainspotting, the therapist is attuning carefully to the client’s lead in determining where the session goes and what they need for their healing.
As a therapist, this is why I prefer brainspotting to EMDR. Each of us is different, and we are the expert on our own body and experience. By tapping into the client’s innate wisdom and healing process, I believe the client’s body can get us to where we need to go more effectively than me trying to force the session to unfold a certain way.
Brainspotting is also flexible to work with topics that are not trauma-related per say, but have to do with improving one’s quality of life, as mentioned above.
How are brainspotting and EMDR the same?
The theory behind brianspotting and EMDR therapies is that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain and cause distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, an over-activated nervous system, or negative core beliefs. Both the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy and the focus on the “brainspot” in brainspotting therapy is thought to activate the brain's natural healing process, allowing the traumatic memory to be processed and integrated into a person's life in a less distressing way. You can think of it like a computer running a software to de-bug a corrupted file so that it can be resaved cleanly.
Experts also believe these therapies work by accessing deeper parts of the brain, such as the limbic system, which is involved in emotional regulation and memory processing. By focusing on the “brainspot” or doing bilateral stimulation, the therapy may help to access and process deep-seated emotions and memories that are related to the trauma.
The therapies may also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the therapy may help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help the brain to process and integrate the traumatic experience.
How do I know if brainspotting or EMDR is right for me?
It's important to note that both approaches have been shown to be effective in treating trauma and other mental health issues, and the choice comes down to the client’s preference and choice as to which to pursue. I would recommend trying a session of both to have an understanding of the differences and which feels like a better fit for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and it’s important to explore the best fit for you in terms of the type of therapy and the therapist, taking into account their experience and style. Always honor what you feel you need.
If you’d like to give brainspotting therapy a try and want to see if we’d be a good fit to work together, please reach out for a free 15-min phone consultation to learn more.