Brainspotting: Understanding This Advanced Trauma Therapy

Brainspotting Therapy (and why it’s different from talk therapy)

Brainspotting is a trauma-focused therapy that works with the brain and the body at the same time. In plain English, it uses eye position to help you access experiences that still feel unfinished in your nervous system. Stuff you might not be able to explain neatly. Stuff your body remembers even when your mind wants to move on.

It’s used for a pretty wide range of concerns, especially ones that have a strong stress or trauma component:

• Trauma and PTSD (single incident, complex, developmental, relational)
• Anxiety, panic, and chronic worry that feels “wired” in the body
• Grief and loss that won’t settle
• Chronic stress and burnout patterns
• Somatic symptoms like tight chest, nausea, headaches, shutdown, dissociation
• Performance blocks (sports, creative work, public speaking, high pressure careers)

The core idea is simple, and also kind of wild the first time you hear it.

Where you look can influence what you feel.

Certain eye positions seem to “light up” specific stuck networks in the brain. Not in a woo way. More like when your nervous system is holding onto something unresolved, there are pathways that stay overactivated or shut down. Brainspotting uses focused eye position to help access those pathways so the system can process and settle.

This is one reason it can feel very different from traditional talk therapy. In talk therapy, the story often leads. With Brainspotting, the body and the nervous system lead more. Sessions might include words, of course. But they often focus on sensations, emotions, images, and shifts that happen as you stay with what’s showing up. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s intense. Sometimes it’s both, in waves.

Also worth saying. Brainspotting isn’t usually a standalone island. Many therapists integrate it with other approaches like somatic work, mindfulness, EMDR informed care, and broader trauma informed psychotherapy such as trauma therapy for first responders. The goal is not to force processing but to create the conditions where your brain and body can do what they already know how to do when it finally feels safe enough.

In some cases where individuals are dealing with addiction alongside these concerns, integrating group therapy or individual therapy for addiction could be beneficial as well.

How Brainspotting works for trauma: the basics of the method

A “brainspot” is a specific eye position that correlates with increased activation, emotion, or access to a particular memory or state. You can think of it like a pointer. Your eyes land somewhere, and suddenly your body goes, oh. That. The tightness increases. The emotion rises. Or you get that strange feeling like you’re close to something important, even if you can’t name it.

Finding the brainspot is a big part of the method. A trained Brainspotting therapist helps locate it by tracking subtle cues as you look across a visual field. This can include things like:

• Micro movements in the eyes
• Blinking changes
• Pupil changes
• Facial shifts, swallowing, jaw tension
• Breath holding or a sudden sigh
• Posture changes, fidgeting, stillness
• Emotional activation that rises quickly
• Body sensations that get louder or sharper

Sometimes clients notice it before the therapist does. Sometimes the therapist sees it first. Either way, it’s collaborative. You’re not being “led” into anything against your will. A good Brainspotting process is consent-based and paced.

Then comes the processing phase.

You hold your gaze on the brainspot while tracking what happens inside. Not forcing a memory. Not trying to think your way through it. More like noticing. Staying with. Letting the nervous system do its thing as it unwinds.

People often describe processing as coming in waves:

• Heat or cold
• Tingling, heaviness, buzzing, trembling
• A pressure in the chest or throat that shifts
• Tears that come without a clear story
• A memory fragment, a smell, a body flash
• A sudden insight, then quiet
• A sense of distance from the trigger that used to hijack you

Why can this be effective for trauma work? One theory is that it helps target subcortical processing – the parts of the brain involved in survival responses like fight, flight, freeze, and shutdown. Trauma often lives there; not in a tidy narrative but in interrupted defensive responses and body-held patterns.

Brainspotting can help the system complete what never got to complete at a pace the nervous system can tolerate. What it feels like can vary a lot. Some people feel calmer quickly after one session while others notice gradual changes over several sessions – triggers still show up but they don’t last as long or they’re less consuming.

This work is not about performing healing on a schedule; it’s about building capacity and letting change land.

If you’re considering exploring this therapeutic approach further, it’s essential to understand what to expect from trauma therapy. If you’re unsure whether you need this kind of therapy, here are 7 signs you might need trauma therapy.

What a Brainspotting session looks like

A Brainspotting session usually starts pretty simply.

1. Brief intake and a goal for the session.

We identify a target. That could be a specific memory, a present day trigger, a recurring nightmare, a body symptom, a feeling state like panic, or even a vague sense of dread you can’t explain.

2. Body based check in.

We’ll ask where you feel it in your body, and how strong it is right now. Many therapists use a 0 to 10 scale. Not because numbers are magic, but because it helps track change and keep the work titrated.

3. Finding the brainspot.

You’ll be guided to move your gaze slowly, or we may use a pointer to help locate the eye position where the activation increases or where you feel “locked in” to the experience. This part is subtle. It’s not a test you can fail. We’re just tracking what your system is already doing.

4. Processing.

You hold your gaze and notice what happens. The therapist stays present, tracks your cues, and helps you stay within your window of tolerance. There may be periods of silence. There may be moments where you name what you’re noticing. The emphasis is on staying connected, not on pushing.

5. Bilateral sound (optional).

Some Brainspotting therapists use bilateral sound, meaning tones that alternate left and right through headphones. It’s optional, and not required for Brainspotting to work, but some clients find it deepens focus, supports regulation, and helps the process feel more contained.

6. Closing and grounding.

The end of session matters. We slow things down, help your system come back to baseline, and talk about aftercare. That usually means practical stuff like hydration, sleep support, gentle movement, journaling if that’s helpful, lighter scheduling when possible, and paying attention to what your body asks for.

If you’re in West LA and are curious about Brainspotting, but not sure you want to jump in just yet, consider scheduling an initial consultation with us at West LA Recovery. We’ll discuss what’s been going on in your life, what treatments you’ve tried so far, and whether Brainspotting feels like a suitable fit for your needs and comfort level.

Brainspotting for PTSD: symptoms it can target

PTSD is not just “bad memories.” It’s nervous system dysregulation. The body gets stuck in survival mode, or stuck in shutdown. Sometimes both, alternating.

Common PTSD symptoms can look like:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Nightmares, disrupted sleep, waking with panic
• Hypervigilance, scanning, feeling on edge
• Irritability, startle response, anger that feels out of proportion
• Avoidance of places, people, topics, sensations
• Emotional numbing, disconnection, dissociation
• Body symptoms that don’t make sense medically, or get worse under stress

One of the reasons people seek Brainspotting for PTSD is that triggers are often physiological first. A smell, a tone of voice, a specific intersection, conflict, loud noises, a hospital setting. Your body reacts before your mind can “remind yourself you’re safe.” That’s not weakness. That’s how trauma lives in the system.

Brainspotting may help reduce the intensity of that reactivity. Not by erasing memory, but by helping the brain and body update the danger signal. So when cues show up, you’re more likely to feel choice again. More space between trigger and reaction.

It can be used with many trauma types:

• Single incident trauma (accidents, assaults, sudden loss)
• Complex trauma (repeated exposure, layered experiences)
• Developmental trauma (early attachment wounds, chronic instability)
• Medical trauma (procedures, illness, birth trauma)
• Relational trauma (betrayal, coercion, ongoing emotional harm)

The functional goals tend to be very real world. People often want:

• Better sleep and fewer nightmares
• Fewer panic surges, shorter recovery time when they happen
• More emotional range, less numbness
• Better concentration and memory
• Reduced startle response
• Less avoidance, more ability to show up in life

Pacing and safety are not optional here. Trauma processing should be titrated, collaborative and grounded in consent. Brainspotting is not about ripping the bandage off. It’s about building stability while slowly metabolizing what the system couldn’t process at the time.

For those considering seeking help for their trauma through therapy but unsure where to begin or which type of therapy suits them best this guide can provide valuable insights.

It’s important to note that healing from long-term trauma requires a specialized approach; therefore exploring options for long-term trauma therapy could be beneficial.

Why people choose Brainspotting for trauma recovery

Many individuals seeking trauma therapy often feel frustrated. They possess a wealth of understanding about their situation, yet that knowledge seems to have little effect on alleviating their symptoms.

They can articulate the backstory flawlessly. They can identify the patterns. They may even have an abundance of insight.

And still, their body reacts with panic. Or it shuts down. Or remains tense around the clock.

This is where Brainspotting comes into play. Its appeal lies in the fact that it doesn’t necessitate a coherent narrative. If verbalizing your experience feels insurmountable, or if your memories are disjointed, or you find yourself dissociating when attempting to recount the events, Brainspotting can still be effective. It allows for processing through sensation, emotion, and nervous system tracking, without the pressure of needing to “get the words right.”

Moreover, it can be particularly beneficial for those whose symptoms manifest physically:

• Tight chest, shallow breathing
• Nausea or stomach dropping
• Headaches, jaw clenching, chronic tension
• Feeling frozen, collapsed, spaced out
• Restlessness that won’t stop

For some clients, Brainspotting feels less daunting than traditional narrative-heavy trauma work. It’s not always easy, but it tends to be gentler. It’s less about retelling the traumatic experience in detail and more about remaining in the present while allowing the body to release what it’s been holding onto.

Brainspotting is also versatile and can seamlessly integrate into a broader recovery plan that may encompass medication management, group therapy, family involvement, 12-step programs or other peer support systems, as well as holistic routines aimed at supporting regulation.

It’s important to set realistic expectations when considering this form of therapy. Progress with Brainspotting is not instantaneous; it’s not a magic fix. Instead, it often manifests in subtle yet significant ways such as:

• The trigger still exists, but its intensity has diminished
• Recovery period is shorter instead of being prolonged for days
• There’s an increased ability to remain present in your body
• More control over responses to triggers
• The feeling of being driven by your past experiences starts to fade

These changes may seem small but they are indeed life-altering in a profound manner.

If you’re contemplating starting trauma therapy, here’s a helpful 5-step guide. And if you suspect you might need trauma therapy, these 7 signs could provide some clarity.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that trauma therapy isn’t only for civilians; there’s a specific trauma therapy for first responders which is tailored to address their unique experiences and challenges.

Is Brainspotting right for you? (and when to be cautious)

Brainspotting can be a good fit if you’re dealing with PTSD symptoms, anxiety tied to past experiences, chronic activation, or patterns of shutdown and dissociation, as long as the pacing is careful. It can also support grief and loss, performance anxiety, and stress responses that feel bigger than the situation in front of you.

That said, there are real challenges to consider.

Processing can bring up intense emotions. Sometimes people feel raw after a session, not because something went wrong, but because the nervous system is moving. This is why stabilization matters. If sleep is severely disrupted, if there’s ongoing danger, if substance use is active and uncontrolled, or if you’re in crisis without support, you may need resourcing and safety planning first.

There are also situations where Brainspotting requires extra clinical screening and coordination of care, for example:

• Acute mania
• Active psychosis
• Severe instability without support systems
• High risk situations where containment is limited

This isn’t about excluding people. It’s about doing the right kind of care in the right order, with the right supports in place.

A few self-assessment prompts that can help you decide whether you’re ready to explore this work:

• Do I feel safe enough today to explore sensations in my body?
• Can I commit to aftercare after sessions (sleep, hydration, gentle pacing)?
• Do I have support between sessions if I feel emotionally activated?
• Am I willing to go slowly, even if part of me wants a fast fix?

If you’re unsure, that’s normal. You can reach out to us at West LA Recovery for a brief screening call. We’ll ask a few questions about symptoms, stability, and what you’re hoping for. Based on your responses, we may recommend Brainspotting or suggest a better fit trauma approach based on what’s actually going on.

Brainspotting therapy in West Los Angeles: what to look for in a provider

If you’re looking for Brainspotting therapy in West LA, the provider fit matters as much as the method.

Here’s what to pay attention to.

Credentials and training.

Brainspotting is a specialty. Look for a licensed therapist with Brainspotting training (and ongoing consultation, ideally), plus real trauma-informed experience. Training levels matter, but so does how they practice. Are they grounded, steady, and respectful of pacing?

Trauma sensitive pacing.

A good provider prioritizes consent, resourcing, grounding, and titration. You should never feel forced to “go there.” They should welcome feedback like, this is too much, slow down, I need a break. That’s not resistance. That’s nervous system wisdom. It’s crucial that your therapist understands the signs you might need trauma therapy and respects your boundaries accordingly.

Logistics that actually work in your life.

Ask about session length and frequency, and what happens if you feel activated after session. Some people do well weekly, others need more spacing. In person vs telehealth can also matter. Brainspotting can be done via telehealth for many clients, but not everyone. If you dissociate heavily or feel unsafe at home, in person might be the better container.

Local relevance.

West LA has its own rhythm. High performance culture, long commutes, constant stimulation, social pressure, and that strange mix of sunny days with chronic stress underneath. Working with a provider who understands that context can help because your stressors aren’t happening in a vacuum. They’re happening on the 405, in entertainment and tech workplaces, in demanding family systems, in a city that rarely slows down.

If you’re seeking Brainspotting therapy in West Los Angeles or other forms of specialized trauma therapy such as EMDR or somatic therapy, contact us at West LA Recovery. We’ll help you explore options, answer questions about what sessions are like including potential trauma therapy for first responders, and figure out practical next steps that feel doable, not overwhelming.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Brainspotting therapy and how does it differ from traditional talk therapy?

Brainspotting is a trauma-focused therapy that works simultaneously with the brain and body by using eye position to access unresolved experiences stored in the nervous system. Unlike traditional talk therapy where the story leads, Brainspotting allows the body and nervous system to guide the process, focusing on sensations, emotions, and shifts rather than just verbal narratives.

What types of issues can Brainspotting therapy help address?

Brainspotting is effective for a wide range of concerns with strong stress or trauma components, including trauma and PTSD (single incident, complex, developmental, relational), anxiety, panic, chronic worry, grief and loss, chronic stress and burnout, somatic symptoms like tight chest or nausea, dissociation, and performance blocks in sports, creative work, public speaking, or high-pressure careers.

How does Brainspotting work during a therapy session?

During a session, a trained therapist helps locate a ‘brainspot’—a specific eye position linked to increased emotional activation or access to certain memories—by observing subtle cues like micro eye movements or changes in breathing. The client then maintains gaze on this brainspot while noticing internal sensations and emotions without forcing memories or thoughts, allowing the nervous system to process and settle unresolved experiences naturally.

Why is eye position important in Brainspotting therapy?

Eye position acts as a pointer to specific neural pathways in the brain associated with unresolved trauma or stuck emotional patterns. Certain eye positions can ‘light up’ these networks by accessing subcortical areas involved in survival responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown. This targeting helps facilitate processing of traumatic memories that are often stored outside of conscious verbal recall.

Can Brainspotting be combined with other therapeutic approaches?

Yes. Brainspotting is often integrated with other modalities such as somatic therapies, mindfulness practices, EMDR-informed care, and broader trauma-informed psychotherapy. For individuals dealing with addiction alongside trauma-related concerns, combining Brainspotting with group or individual addiction therapy can also be beneficial.

What can I expect during and after Brainspotting sessions for trauma healing?

Sessions may vary from quiet to intense experiences involving waves of physical sensations like heat, tingling, pressure in the chest or throat; emotional shifts including tears without clear stories; memory fragments; sudden insights; or feelings of distance from previous triggers. Healing timelines differ—some feel calmer after one session while others notice gradual improvements over several sessions. The process emphasizes building capacity at a pace the nervous system can tolerate rather than forcing quick fixes.