Brainspotting Therapy in Sacramento, CA
And online across California
Brainspotting (sometimes abbreviated BSP) is a powerful somatic therapy that helps you access and process emotional material stored in your brain and body. It offers a way to get to the root of trauma, self-criticism, and pain that can’t be resolved by just talking.
If you’ve been in and out of therapy for years, struggling to find a way to get to the actual basis of your suffering, Brainspotting might be for you.
Curious about Brainspotting therapy? Read below for the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is based on the idea that your brain has everything it needs to heal from past hurts on its own, if we just give it the chance to do so
It involves finding a point in your visual field, or a “brainspot” that connects to a memory, belief, or feeling that you either want to reduce or grow the intensity of
As you hold your gaze on a brainspot, your brain gets the opportunity to process and release stored trauma, stuck beliefs, and patterns that have been causing you pain and suffering
Who can benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is especially well-suited for people who:
Have a history of trauma or have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Feel stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage despite being aware that they’re getting in their own way
Talk down to themselves often and frequently worry that they’re burdening others or doing everything wrong
Have trouble telling the difference between their anxiety and intuition, and want to learn how to create a healthier relationship with themselves
Don’t know why they do the things they do and want to better understand their habits and behaviors
What our clients love about Brainspotting:
You get to talk as much or as a little as you want. There’s no one right way to process during Brainspotting therapy, and many clients see transformative results without talking at all
You’re in control of your processing. This is a client-led therapy, where the therapist is there to support and assist, but you have full control over how, what, and when you’re processing
You can tap into your more creative, intuitive side. Since Brainspotting involves letting go of control and letting your brain guide you, this often leaves clients feeling more connected to themselves in ways that they don’t get to experience on a day-to-day basis
What can I expect from a Brainspotting session?
Orientation & Intake: We’ll begin by identifying the issue you’d like to work on, whether it’s a hurtful memory, a negative belief that’s been holding you back, or a lingering question you can’t seem to answer on your own
Finding the brainspot: You will work with your therapist to find the “brainspot” that matches the target you’re wanting to process
Processing: You’ll keep your eyes focused on the brainspot and let your brain work through its subconscious processes to explore related thoughts, memories, emotions, and physical sensations. Your therapist will be available to help you sort through anything that feels confusing
Debriefing: After active processing, you and your therapist will debrief about anything significant that came up, and you’ll walk away with new insight and ideas about how to integrate what you learned about yourself into your daily life
Why choose Brainspotting at Evoluer Counseling?
Trauma-informed care - safety, trust, and consent are all integral parts of Brainspotting. We know how difficult it can be to revisit painful memories, which is why you will always be in the driver’s seat of your own experience
Personalized experience - Brainspotting is about YOU. We want you to walk away with a better understanding of yourself, and our commitment to your growth on your own terms is a key part of our approach to Brainspotting
Holistic & integrative - Brainspotting blends well with other therapy modalities such as mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Heather will help you use all these approaches together to get the best results possible
Advanced training - Heather was trained in Brainspotting Levels I & II by Lisa Larson of the prestigious Pacific Counseling and Trauma Center and completed additional training in Brainspotting to Heal Shame, Self-Esteem, and Imposter Syndrome by Staci Bertagna
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Yes! Brainspotting therapy can be done in our cozy Sacramento office or from the comfort of your own home.
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No, only Heather offers Brainspotting sessions at this time
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While not necessary, it is highly recommended. Clients who opt for the traditional 53-minute session often report feeling like their processing is interrupted, and it can be harder to get back into that same mindset after a week-long break.
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It’s hard to know without trying. Some clients see life-changing results in just one or two sessions, whereas others may see results over months of work. As with any type of therapy, Brainspotting isn’t appropriate or helpful for everyone. We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation call which is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about your particular situation and whether or not Brainspotting might be a good fit for you. You can schedule a call here.
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Absolutely! Teens can see positive results with Brainspotting just like adults. If you’re interested in having your teen participate in Brainspotting, please bring this up during your consultation call so we can help determine whether or not this would be a good fit for their situation.
Ready to stop letting past trauma, fear, and self-doubt hold you back from the life you deserve?