Harnessing the Potential of Brainspotting in Modern Psychotherapy - Heidi Kling PhD

 

Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful, focused treatment method that identifies, processes, and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain, trauma, dissociation, and other challenging symptoms. This revolutionary discovery is a potent tool in psychotherapy, offering a unique and practical approach to healing. Derived from EMDR, Brainspotting provides a neurobiological tool to support the clinical healing relationship.

Unlike traditional talking therapies, it operates on the understanding that our brains can self-scanner and self-heal in the presence of an attuned, compassionate other. In the upcoming segments, we will delve deeper into the science of Brainspotting, its comparative efficacy with traditional therapies, and its diverse applications in treating various mental health conditions.
Brainspotting (BSP) is a psychotherapeutic approach to help people overcome trauma, emotional and physical pain, and other challenging symptoms.  Dr Heidi Kling

It is based on the premise that 'where you look affects how you feel.' This means people might feel other bodily sensations or emotions when they look in different directions while thinking about an emotional issue. The therapist guides the client to find a 'brain spot,' an eye position related to the energetic/emotional activation of a traumatic or emotionally charged issue within the brain. By maintaining eye fixation on this brain spot, the deep brain appears to reflexively signal the therapist that the source of the problem has been found.

The BSP therapist then supports the client to maintain a mindful, focussed activation until the troubling issue resolves. Brainspotting works by bypassing the conscious, neocortical thinking part of the brain to tap into the deeper, subcortical emotional, and body-based parts of the brain. It is believed to access the limbic system within the body's central nervous system, where emotional reactions and stress response mechanisms are primarily centered.

From a neurobiological perspective, BSP targets the amygdala, one of the critical structures in the limbic system responsible for emotional processing. When a brain spot is stimulated, it is thought to connect the person directly to the neural activation patterns in their brain associated with the particular trauma or distress they're dealing with. This allows for processing the distressing issue at a deep brain level, fostering a more comprehensive and enduring resolution.

It seems that Brainspotting taps into the body's natural ability to heal itself, similar to how the body heals physical wounds. BSP is viewed as a neurological tool that therapists can use to assist and enhance the natural healing process, providing a focused and profound therapeutic effect that works well beyond the conscious mind. Several vital differences come to light when comparing Brainspotting (BSP) with traditional talking therapies.  Dr. Heidi Kling

Traditional talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are primarily based on conscious, cognitive processes, and verbal communication. They aim to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors through conscious awareness and cognitive restructuring. However, one potential limitation is that they often do not reach the brain's more profound subcortical regions where trauma and intense emotions are stored.

This is where BSP holds an advantage. BSP, a brain-based therapy, is designed to directly access these deeper regions directly, bypassing the conscious, thinking part of the brain. This is particularly beneficial in addressing deep-rooted traumas, intense emotions, and distressing symptoms that may not be fully resolved through cognitive, talking-based therapies. Moreover, BSP is believed to activate the body’s inherent capacity for self-healing, fostering a more comprehensive and enduring resolution of issues.

However, it is crucial to note that both therapies have unique benefits and should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Traditional talking therapies can effectively manage various psychological conditions, foster self-awareness, and enhance coping skills. At the same time, BSP can offer profound healing, particularly regarding trauma and deep-seated emotional difficulties. The choice between these therapies depends on the individual's specific needs, preferences, and the nature of their issues.  Heidi Kling psychologist

Brainspotting (BSP) has demonstrated substantial efficacy in various clinical trials and case studies. It has been proven effective treatment for various psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. The unique strength of BSP lies in its ability to tap into the subcortical regions of the brain, allowing for a more profound and comprehensive therapeutic effect.

One of the evidence-based benefits of BSP is its effectiveness in trauma-focused therapy. In a study conducted in 2013, BSP was used with survivors of a natural disaster, with participants reporting a significant decrease in trauma symptoms following the treatment. Furthermore, the study found that the effects of BSP were lasting, as there was no sign of symptom return during the follow-up period.

Another study highlighted the effectiveness of BSP in treating anxiety disorders. Participants who received BSP therapy reported a remarkable reduction in their anxiety symptoms and overall improved quality of life. Additionally, BSP is noted for its speed and efficiency. Many clients report experiencing changes after just a few sessions; some even note significant shifts during their first session.

Brainspotting has also been used successfully in treating depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain. Clients undergoing BSP for these conditions have reported a decrease in their symptoms and an increase in self-awareness and personal growth.

In summary, the efficacy of Brainspotting and its evidence-based benefits are increasingly being recognized in psychotherapy. As more research is conducted, its potential as a powerful therapeutic tool will likely be further validated. Brainspotting has shown promising results in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

By bypassing the conscious mind and accessing the more profound limbic system, BSP can help individuals process and release the underlying causes of their anxiety. The process involves identifying and focusing on a brain spot associated with the stress. This leads to deep processing and release of stored distress, reducing anxiety symptoms and enhancing well-being. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another area where BSP has proved highly effective. Trauma is stored in the deeper regions of the brain, and through BSP, individuals can access and process these traumatic memories. By targeting the specific brain spot related to the trauma, BSP facilitates the processing and resolution of the traumatic experience at a deep level. This can lead to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life for the individual.

Depression, a condition often linked to unresolved emotional issues and traumatic experiences, can also be addressed through BSP. Instead of simply managing the symptoms, BSP aims to identify and process the root causes of depression. This is accomplished by locating the brain spot associated with the depressive symptoms and maintaining a focused activation until the issue resolves.

Brainspotting offers a powerful approach to addressing a variety of mental health conditions. It's particularly effective for conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and depression, where the distress is stored in the deeper, subcortical regions of the brain that traditional talking therapies may not fully reach. As more research is conducted and awareness increases, it is likely that the use of BSP will continue to grow, further cementing its place as a valuable tool in psychotherapy.