Exploring Bodyspotting in Brainspotting
Exploring Bodyspotting in Brainspotting: Somatic Healing for Depth Work in Mental Health Counseling
Brainspotting (BSP) is an advanced therapeutic modality designed to access and resolve trauma by targeting specific eye positions in the visual field, or "brainspots," that correlate with unprocessed experiences. While Brainspotting primarily focuses on the brain’s capacity to process trauma, an integral yet often under-discussed aspect of this approach is "bodyspotting." This component emphasizes the body's role in storing and processing difficult or traumatic experiences, offering a holistic, body-mind pathway to healing.
Understanding Brainspotting
Before diving into bodyspotting, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of Brainspotting itself. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is grounded in the understanding that trauma is often stored and stuck in the subcortical brain, an area beyond our conscious awareness. By identifying brainspots—specific eye positions that correlate with the activation of traumatic narrative or body memory—therapists can help clients access, process, and release these deeply embedded experiences, sensations, emotions, or pain.
Brainspotting is often compared to other somatic therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), but it offers a more flexible, client-led approach. The therapist holds an attuned presence and helps the client tune into their internal experiences while allowing the brain and body’s natural healing mechanisms to support the therapeutic process.
What is Bodyspotting?
Bodyspotting, as one of many “set ups” within Brainspotting, emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body in trauma storage and healing. In essence, bodyspotting involves identifying and working with specific areas of the body where trauma may be held. This approach acknowledges that trauma is not just a psychological or neurological experience but is also deeply somatic. If someone has experienced a medical trauma of some kind, this set up may be utilized to support with healing.
Trauma often manifests in the body through tension, pain, or other physical symptoms. These sensations are not just random; they are the body’s way of communicating unresolved emotional experiences. By paying attention to these physical cues, therapists can help clients access and process trauma that might not be accessible through cognitive or verbal means alone.
The Role of the Body in Trauma
The body and mind are intricately linked - our brain is within our body. Our body sends cues to our brain all day. The somatic experiences of trauma—such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tension—are often the body’s response to perceived threats. These responses are encoded in the body’s memory and can be triggered by reminders of the original traumatic event, even if the person is not consciously aware of them.
Bodyspotting recognizes these somatic markers as gateways to healing. By directing attention to specific bodily sensations during a Brainspotting session, therapists can help clients tap into the underlying cues and content associated with those sensations. This process can bring unconscious material into conscious awareness, allowing for deeper processing and resolution.
How Bodyspotting Works in Practice
During a bodyspotting session, the therapist will often guide the client to focus on a particular area of the body where they feel tension, discomfort, or other sensations. This could be a tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, or even a sense of numbness in the limbs. The therapist will then help the client maintain focus on this bodily sensation while also using the Brainspotting technique of locating an eye position that resonates with the sensation.
This dual focus—on both the body and the brainspot—creates a powerful synergy. The client may experience a range of emotions, memories, or physical sensations as the body and brain work together to process and release the information tied to the trauma that is no longer necessary for healthy adaptation and striving, while properly storing the information you need to continue on in the world and thrive. The therapist’s role is to provide a mindful, attuned presence, helping the client stay with the process and facilitating the body’s natural healing response.
The Benefits of Bodyspotting
Bodyspotting offers several unique benefits in the context of trauma therapy:
Deeper Access to Trauma: By focusing on the body, clients can access trauma that may not be reachable through traditional talk therapy. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their experiences or who have experienced preverbal trauma.
Holistic Healing: Bodyspotting addresses the full spectrum of trauma’s impact, integrating both the psychological and physical aspects of healing. This leads to more comprehensive and lasting outcomes.
Empowerment Through Self-Awareness: As clients become more attuned to their bodily sensations and the emotions they represent, they gain greater self-awareness and empowerment. This can lead to increased resilience and a stronger sense of agency in their healing journey.
Reduction of Physical Symptoms: Many clients report a reduction in physical symptoms associated with trauma, such as chronic pain or tension, after engaging in bodyspotting. This can enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
Bodyspotting in Brainspotting is a powerful tool for healing that honors the profound connection between mind and body. By focusing on the body’s somatic experience of trauma, this approach offers a deeper, more holistic pathway to resolving the impact of traumatic events. Whether used as a standalone technique or integrated into a broader therapeutic approach, bodyspotting has the potential to unlock new levels of healing and transformation for those on the path to recovery.
To learn more about Somatic Therapy in Pennsylvania, check out more of our Blog, or inquire about Brainspotting Therapy with our Certified Specialist!
