What Makes Brainspotting Different from EMDR?

People deal with and respond to traumatic experiences differently. As such, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” option when it comes to healing from trauma or even managing other mental health conditions.

Brainspotting and EMDR therapy are two increasingly popular modalities for trauma treatment.

While they share some similarities, it’s important to understand the differences so you can determine which option best meets your needs.

So, what makes brainspotting different from EMDR therapy? Let’s take a closer look at the two, with a central focus on what to expect from brainspotting and how it can help.

What Is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting uses an approach that focuses on visual field positions within the brain.

Read More: “Brainspotting Therapy: Improving Performance, Recovery, and Mental Health”

These “brainspots” are linked to specific emotional and physical experiences, including traumatic events you’ve gone through.

When you work with a therapist who specializes in brainspotting, they will scan your visual field to find specific brainspots that correlate with the areas of the brain where trauma is being stored.

They do this by paying attention to bodily responses or heightened reactions to specific spots and by collaborating with the client based on what they notice as well.

Once a brainspot is discovered, you’ll fix your gaze on that spot while periodically checking in with your therapist and acknowledging how you feel.

Then, your therapist will work with you to process the memories stored in that spot.

If traumatic memories have been “stuck” there, brainspotting can help by utilizing a dual attention practice.

This allows both the conscious mind and nonverbal processing centers within the brain to work together to provide healing.

One of the biggest benefits people see after trying brainspotting is how quickly it often works.

Because it’s focusing on the neural networks associated with trauma and can target multiple traumas in one session, you might feel a sense of relief very quickly.

That isn’t to say you won’t need more than one session. However, some clients may experience a shift in emotions and behaviors right away.

What Is EMDR?

Read More: “Understanding EMDR Therapy and Ways It Can Support You on Your Healing Journey”

Unlike brainspotting, EMDR therapy focuses on a series of rapid back-and-forth eye movements to help you process trauma.

It focuses on specific memories and beliefs, and a therapist will ask you to focus on those things as they use bilateral stimulation to help you reprocess them.

EMDR is often more structured than brainspotting. It uses a multi-phase approach and body scans to note where the body is storing trauma.

Is Brainspotting Better?

There’s no definitive answer when it comes to which modality is better. It’s about finding what’s right for you and your needs.

However, some of the benefits of brainspotting include faster results and more flexibility, and it’s often a good fit if you’ve already done EMDR and didn’t have the response you were looking for.

Which Option Is Right for You?

It’s possible to move forward and heal from trauma by trying either EMDR or brainspotting.

If you’re looking for the modality that’s right for you, consider whether you would be more comfortable with a flexible, client-led approach or if you want something more structured.

Trauma affects people in different ways.

The flexible approach taken in brainspotting can put less pressure on you and won’t require you to focus on a specific traumatic event to be effective, though, that is an option should you like to do that.

One of the best ways to determine if brainspotting is right for you is to talk to a mental health professional who specializes in it.

The differences between brainspotting and EMDR might seem subtle, but choosing something that allows you to open up and dig into your traumatic memories while feeling safe and secure is important.

Insights from a Brainspotting and EMDR therapist

According to Lauren Battista, a therapist with Denver Metro Counseling trained in both spotting and EMDR therapy,  “I’ve witnessed the profound healing each approach can offer.

Denver Therapist, Lauren Battista

Some clients resonate with the structure and sequential nature of EMDR, while others respond more readily to the intutive, body-based process of brainspotting.

I find it helpful to spend some time getting to know a client before choosing a direction, as every nervous system has its own pace and capacity for trauma work.

That said, brainspotting often allows us to begin more quickly, as it can require less preparation than EMDR.

This can be especially beneficial for clients seeking immediate relief or for those who feel overwhelmed by more structured interventions.” 

If you’re ready to take that step or you have more questions about brainspotting, you can reach out through Lauren’s bio  to learn more .

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Denver Metro Counseling offers several approaches to helping clients move through trauma.

Because therapy is not a one size fits all approach we diversify our training and specialties to offer support for people seeking modalities that fit their needs and preferences.