How Does Brainspotting (BSP) Compare to EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was started by Francine Shapiro in the 1980’s. Research has shown that EMDR is effective in treating trauma.
Brainspotting was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, who was then a nationally known therapist and trainer in the field of EMDR. David and other brainspotters around the world have spent the past 19 years applying and refining the treatment technique.
Brainspotting vs EMDR Comparisons:
- Both are therapeutic techniques that help you reprocess information.
- Both help you access information stored in the amygdala (area of the brain that is not accessed verbally)
- Both can use what is called biolateral stimulation.
- The rate of processing done in both EMDR and BSP can be slowed down if desired.
Brainspotting vs EMDR Differences:
- Brainspotting accesses the brain in a very focused manner and can be used with almost any client. For some people, EMDR can be overstimulating. Therefore, it cannot be used with all clients.
- EMDR has a very specific protocol (procedure) to follow. BSP is flexible in its use and relies much more on the attunement of the therapist with the client. As a well-trained and certified Brainspotter, I can use different techniques of BSP to help facilitate your healing.
- Most of EMDR is done visually–with rapid eye movements. BSP usually focuses on a single eye position. Clients of mine who have experienced both have mentioned that BSP seemed to work deeper and faster.
While I am trained in both EMDR and BSP, due to client response to both of these modalities, and what I have seen to be the most effective treatment choice, I prefer Brainspotting.
“I no longer have to hide by over-eating and having to disappear.” ~ female client who lived with an eating disorder much of her life
Brainspotting is Effective for People Who are Struggling with the Following Issues:
- PTSD and Trauma
- Flashbacks – Recurring traumatic memories that interrupt your life
- Relationship Problems and Wounds
- Being Stuck in Grief and Loss
- Bipolar Disorder
- Crippled by Fears and Phobias
- Fear of Flying
- Performance Anxiety and Overcoming Blocks
- Stress, Panic, and Anxiety
- Sexual Trauma and Abuse
- Anger Management
- Chronic Pain that is not the direct result of a physical injury
- Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors
- Negative Self Beliefs and Criticism
- Depression
Brainspotting with Sharon
If you would like to personally feel the benefits of Brainspotting, call me at (303) 444-2003 to schedule an appointment.
Additional Reading:
- Sara was a middle aged woman, wracked with pain, chained to an oxygen bottle and desperate for help. When she was a much younger woman, she was confined to a facility for… Read the rest of Sara’s inspirational story and her healing from PTSD.
- If you are based in Colorado, I run a Brainspotting Consultation Group for therapists who have been trained in Brainspotting. Learn more about my Brainspotting Consultation Group. I also do individual supervision for therapists seeking Brainspotting certification.
- If you believe Brainspotting can help, I offer individual therapy and couple’s therapy.
To learn more about Brainspotting or to make an appointment, call me at (303) 444-2003.
Helping You on the Path From Surviving to Thriving