Brainspotting
Tired of talking?
Brainspotting helps target trauma at the source, so you can release your symptoms for good.
Brainspotting (BSP) is a transformational tool that helps us access the emotional and body-based parts of our brain that are responsible for setting off our internal alarm system. When our alarm system has been impacted by trauma, it keeps us chronically on high alert or pushes us into shut-down mode.
Brainspotting (BSP) is a model for deep and lasting change based on the discovery by Dr. David Grand that "where you look affects how you feel." This intervention allows us access to the subconscious emotional and body-based parts of our brain that are connected to our "fight, flight, freeze" responses. We store trauma on this subconscious level, which means that our internal alarm system goes off and we experience a stress response (anxiety, panic, rage, shut down, etc.) anytime our brain picks up a signal that reminds us of a painful or traumatic event. Most often, these signals are false alarms long after the original stressor took place. Brainspotting support us in targeting and reorganizing our internal alarm system, so that we no longer find ourselves experiencing stress responses when faced with false alarms. Ultimately, leading to an improvement in overall emotional and psychological wellbeing.
When our brain and body are in survival mode, it can feel impossible to enjoy our lives in a present, meaningful way.
FAQs
What is Brainspotting (BSP)?
Brainspotting is a somatic, relational psychotherapy technique that locates and processes sources of emotional, physical, or cognitive distress by identifying eye positions (“brainspots”) that connect with stored trauma or activation. Brainspotting is an effective and gentle healing technique that emphasizes client-led healing while the therapist remains deeply attuned and connected to the clients throughout their process. All sessions are tailored to where you are.
How does Brainspotting work?
A clinician guides a client to hold their gaze on specific points in their visual field while tracking bodily sensations, emotions, and images. The selected brainspot is thought to access deeper neural networks, allowing the brain’s natural processing system to release and integrate.
What conditions can Brainspotting help with?
BSP is commonly used for trauma, PTSD, attachment wounds, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, performance issues, phobias, and complicated grief. It can also support self-regulation and emotional resilience. Sarah Dugas, LCSW is also trained in Expansion Brainspotting. Expansion Brainspotting is a specific type of Brainspotting that emphasizes not only symptom relief but also the cultivation of emotional resilience, creativity, and inner resources. It uses eye positions (brainspots) to access deeper integrative states where clients can safely explore strengths, goals, and self expansion beyond traumatic or stuck patterns. Practitioners guide attention toward sensations, images, and shifts in nervous system activation to foster growth, insight, and lasting change.
What happens during a Brainspotting session?
Sessions typically begin with a brief check-in and collaborative goal-setting. The practitioner helps locate a brainspot either by guiding eye position or by following an internal marker (your “felt sense”). Once a spot is found, the client maintains gentle attention to that spot while noticing bodily sensations, images, emotions, or shifts in experience. The practitioner provides attunement, containment, intuitive support, and minimal, gentle intervention to support the client’s own processing.
Do I need to talk about the trauma during Brainspotting?
No—detailed verbal recounting is not required. Brainspotting emphasizes somatic processing; clients can work with sensations, images, intuitions or emotions without narrating traumatic events. You are encouraged to share or not share as much as feels right to you during session. Some clients find it helpful to verbally process what is happening for them throughout the session while others prefer quiet processing and integration.
Can Brainspotting be combined with other therapies?
Yes. Brainspotting is frequently integrated with modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR and EMDR-informed approaches, attachment-based work, somatic therapies, and psychodynamic interventions. Sarah recommends clients are consistently working with another licensed mental health provider using other treatment modalities alongside Brainspotting session for integration support if needed. Brainspotting sessions alone are not a substitute for ongoing medical or mental health treatment.
What should I expect after a session?
Clients commonly experience relief, fatigue, emotional shifts, or new insights. Integration practices such as rest, gentle movement, grounding exercises, and journaling can support ongoing processing and help consolidate changes.
How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?
Both approaches target nonverbal, implicit memory systems. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) within a structured protocol. Brainspotting emphasizes the client’s eye position and felt experience, allowing for more intuitive, longer, focused processing at a chosen “brainspot.”
What outcomes can I realistically expect?
Outcomes vary. Many clients report reduced symptoms, improved emotional regulation, decreased nervous system activation, and clearer self-awareness. Sarah often hears clients say, “I feel like I can get out of my own way!” Progress may be gradual or rapid depending on individual differences and the presenting issue.
How long before I notice change?
Some people notice shifts after a single session; for others, change unfolds gradually across multiple sessions. Integration practices, participation in other therapy modalities, and aftercare are some factors that influence how quickly clients experience change.
How long are sessions and how many are needed?
Sessions commonly run 60–90 minutes. The number of sessions varies widely depending on the nature and severity of the concern, treatment history, and individual response. Some people experience substantial shifts in a few sessions; others benefit from ongoing work over weeks or months. It is highly recommended you are also working a licensed mental health provider if you are looking to process significantly distressing, complex traumas for the first time. While Sarah is licensed in Maine as a LCSW, Brainspotting sessions are offered as a standalone service outside the scope of ongoing clinical treatment and are not a substitution for medical or ongoing mental health treatment.
Brainspotting Sessions
Sessions are offered online or in person for 60 or 90 minutes and include a brief intake and goal setting prior to Brainspotting
60 minute Investment: $170
90 minute Investment: $240
Mini Brainspotting Intensive
Mini Intensives are offered online or in person and include 25 minutes of intake and 2 hours of Brainspotting with breaks as needed
Mini Intensive Investment: $425
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Everyone is different. Some may feel benefits after just one 90 minute session, while others may benefit from more frequent sessions or access to Brainspotting as needed. Brainspotting packages are offered below for those who are interested in multiple sessions and want the flexibility of a payment plan. When purchasing a package, please contact The Soul Work Center directly to book following your purchase.
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You are looking for the benefits of Brainspotting, but don’t have the time or flexibility to commit to more than one session right now
You’ve been feeling stuck, creatively blocked, or unsure of next steps in your life and want to spark big changes
You are looking for an immersive healing experience without interruption or feeling pressured by a 60 minute or 90 minute window
You are feeling weighed down by symptoms daily and are looking for relief
You are committed to your personal growth and are looking for an experience that is truly transformational
Brainspotting Packages
Maximize your healing by purchasing 3 or 5 session packages. Payment plans, including Klarna, available. Contact The Soul Work Center to schedule your sessions!
