Brainspotting vs. EMDR

Trauma is heavy, leaving deep emotional scars that seem to linger long after the event has passed. For many the journey to healing and recovery is long and hard, filled with anxiety, fear and helplessness. But there is hope. Two powerful therapies, Brainspotting and EMDR have been getting recognition for being able to access deep trauma, so people can get free from their past and start the journey to lasting healing and transformation. By tapping into the brain’s ability to process and integrate traumatic memories these techniques have been shown to bring rapid and deep relief to those with PTSD, anxiety, depression and other trauma disorders. In this post, we’ll look into the science behind Brainspotting and EMDR and how they can get you a brighter healthier future.

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a modality developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It’s a way to process and overcome trauma by finding and focusing on specific eye positions that correspond to areas of emotional distress in the brain. Brainspotting taps into the brain’s natural healing ability by accessing deep emotions and memories.

How Brainspotting Works

Brainspotting says where you look is where you feel. During a session, the therapist will guide you to look at a specific “brain spot” which is found by tracking your eye movements. This spot corresponds to an area in your brain where the traumatic memories are stored. By looking at that spot you can access and process those memories and release the emotion.

Eye Positioning

Eye positioning is a key part of Brainspotting. The therapist uses a pointer or follows your natural eye movements to find the exact spot that makes you feel an emotional response. That spot is called a brain spot and is the doorway to the deeper parts of the brain where the trauma is stored.

Use of Brain Spots

Brain spots are specific eye positions that correspond to the activation of traumatic memories or emotions. By finding and focusing on those spots Brainspotting allows direct access to the subconscious mind and the release of deep emotional pain.

Benefits of Brainspotting

• • Deep Emotional Trauma: Access trauma that can’t be reached through traditional talk therapy.
• • Speed and Results: Many people experience quick and profound results in a few sessions.
• • Focus on Specific Trauma Areas: Targets specific “brain spots” for more precise trauma resolution.
• • Flexible: Sessions can be tailored to your unique needs and responses for deeper exploration.
• • Mind-Body Connection: Uses physical sensations and body awareness for healing.
• • For All Kinds of Trauma: Effective for physical, emotional, sexual abuse, PTSD and more.
• • Performance Enhancement: Overcomes mental blocks in areas like sports and the arts to improve performance and confidence.
• • Natural Healing: Taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself for long term emotional recovery.

Who is Brainspotting for?

Brainspotting is for anyone who has experienced trauma. It’s good for:

• • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse survivors
• • PTSD
• • Anxiety, depression or other mood disorders
• • Grief and loss
• • Performance blocks in sports, arts or other areas

Types of Trauma and Conditions Brainspotting treats

• • Childhood trauma and abuse
• • Combat trauma for military personnel
• • Accidents and medical trauma
• • Natural disasters and catastrophes
• • Life changes

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 80s. It was originally designed to reduce distress from traumatic memories. EMDR is now a full therapy for many mental health issues.

How EMDR Works

EMDR helps you process and integrate traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps or tones. The therapist guides you through the distressing event while you do the bilateral stimulation and it’s supposed to help the brain reprocess the memories and reduce the emotional charge.

The 8 Phases of EMDR

1. History: The therapist takes your history and identifies the memories to be processed.
2. Preparation: The therapist explains EMDR and teaches you relaxation techniques to manage your emotions.
3. Assessment: Specific details of the memory are identified, images, beliefs and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization: The therapist uses bilateral stimulation while you focus on the memory.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are installed into the memory network.
6. Body Scan: Any remaining physical sensations from the trauma are identified and addressed.
7. Closure: The therapist checks you back to a state of calm at the end of each session.
8. Reevaluation: Progress is checked and new target memories are identified for future sessions.

Bilateral Stimulation (Eye Movements, Tapping)

Bilateral stimulation is the key to EMDR. It’s the use of both sides of the brain through left-right movements or sounds. It’s supposed to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories and reduce the emotional charge.

Benefits of EMDR

• • Research-Based: Backed by research and endorsed by WHO and APA.
• • Fast Results: Many people get significant results in just a few sessions.
• • Step-by-Step Process: The 8 phase protocol is a clear, structured approach.
• • Effective for Many Traumas: Treats PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias and other trauma related conditions.
• • Bilateral Stimulation: Uses eye movements, taps or tones to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.
• • Holistic: Addresses both emotional and physical aspects of trauma, for full recovery.
• • Wide Range: Suitable for all sorts of people, abuse survivors, military, first responders, grief or major life changes.
• • Positive Belief Integration: Helps integrate positive beliefs and attitudes for better mental health and resilience.

EMDR is for anyone who has experienced trauma. It can be helpful for:

• • Survivors of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• • People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• • Those with anxiety, depression or other mood disorders
• • Those who are grieving and loss
• • People with phobias or panic disorders
• • First responders and military personnel
• • Types of Trauma and Conditions Treated
• • Childhood trauma and abuse
• • Combat trauma for military personnel
• • Accidents and medical trauma
• • Natural disasters and catastrophes
• • Emotional and psychological trauma from major life changes
• • Phobias and panic disorders

Brainspotting vs EMDR

Trauma Therapies

Both Brainspotting and EMDR are trauma therapies to process and heal from traumatic events. They go deep into emotional pain and help you recover by working through traumatic memories.

Eye Movements and Body Sensations

Both therapies use eye movements as part of their technique. In Brainspotting, eye positions find and process trauma. In EMDR, bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements) repressed traumatic memories. Both therapies pay attention to body sensations that come up during the session, because the mind-body connection is key to trauma.
Differences

Techniques and Approaches

• • Brainspotting: This therapy targets “brain spots” through specific eye positions that correspond to areas of emotional pain. The therapist helps the client focus on those spots to access and process trauma.
• • EMDR: This therapy has an 8 phase process: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps or auditory tones) to reprocess traumatic memories.

Session Structure and Duration

• • Brainspotting: Sessions are less structured than EMDR. Duration varies and is more flexible to go deeper based on the client’s responses.
• • EMDR: Sessions follow a structured 8 phase protocol. Each phase and session duration can be more predictable so it’s easier to plan the treatment course.

Specific Applications and Areas

• • Brainspotting: Good for deep emotional trauma and complex psychological issues. Good for performance enhancement in sports and arts where mental blocks need to be overcome.
• • EMDR: Good for all types of trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias). Structured approach is good for clients who like a step by step process.

Choosing the Right Therapy for You

Choosing between Brainspotting and EMDR depends on many factors: personal comfort, type and severity of trauma, and availability of trained therapists. Consider the structure of the therapy: if you like a more flexible and exploratory approach, Brainspotting might be the way to go. If you like a structured step by step process, EMDR might be more your cup of tea. The type of trauma and conditions you are dealing with can also influence your choice; for example Brainspotting is great for deep emotional trauma and performance issues, EMDR is great for PTSD, anxiety and phobias. Consulting with a licensed therapist who is trained in both can give you valuable insights and help guide your decision so you get the right treatment for your situation.

Find the Path to Healing

Trauma can cast a long shadow over your life, but with the right therapeutic approach, recovery and transformation are possible. Both Brainspotting and EMDR have proven to be effective in accessing and healing deep emotional wounds, offering hope and relief to those suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related disorders. By understanding the science and benefits of these therapies, you can make an informed decision about the best path to your brighter, healthier future.

At Menachem Psychotherapy Group, we are dedicated to helping you find the most effective therapy to suit your unique needs. Whether you are drawn to the flexibility and depth of Brainspotting or the structured, evidence-based approach of EMDR, our experienced therapists are here to guide you on your journey to healing. Don’t let trauma dictate your life any longer—reach out to us today for a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace and well-being.