In conversations where Brainspotting is discussed, the question often arises whether there is research proving the effectiveness of Brainspotting. Fortunately, several studies have been conducted. Most studies are small-scale and of limited duration, but the results are promising. I have gathered some studies here that demonstrate the potential of Brainspotting.
Effectiveness of Brainspotting Compared to Other Therapies
A study by the Sandy Hook School Support Fund following a school shooting incident showed, among other things, that Brainspotting was the most effective of all therapy forms offered. Moreover, the top 10 therapies were all body-oriented therapies. Read the full report here.
Anxiety Disorders
Another study, published in the Journal of EMDR Practice & Research, found that Brainspotting can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders. The study included 20 participants with anxiety disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to a Brainspotting group or a control group. The Brainspotting group received 10 Brainspotting sessions, while the control group received no treatment. The study showed that Brainspotting led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in 75% of participants. Although the study was small-scale and of limited duration, the results are promising.
Chronic Pain
A third study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that Brainspotting can be effective in reducing symptoms of chronic pain. The study showed that Brainspotting led to a significant reduction in pain symptoms in 65% of participants.
Participants in the Brainspotting group also reported a significant improvement in their quality of life. The study is an important step forward in research on the effectiveness of Brainspotting. The results suggest that Brainspotting can be an effective treatment for chronic pain. Source: Brainspotting for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study, Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 78, Issue 1, January 2022, Pages 23-34.
Developmental Trauma
A 2023 study, published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, found that Brainspotting led to a significant reduction in symptoms of complex or developmental trauma in 80% of participants. The symptoms that were reduced included:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Physical complaints
- Stress
- Social isolation
Participants in the Brainspotting group also reported a significant improvement in their quality of life. The full study can be found here: Brainspotting for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, Volume 24, Issue 2, April 2023, Pages 213-233.
Brainspotting Embraces the Unknown
Many forms of therapy are based on what the therapist knows. However, when it comes to complex or developmental trauma, we still know very little about the best ways to address it. Why, then, do we rely so heavily on the small percentage of knowledge we do have? Instead, Brainspotting shifts the perspective to embracing uncertainty and the unknown.
Brainspotting provides a framework within which you can explore and process your own experiences. In contrast to a top-down approach that follows a pre-defined plan, Brainspotting follows a bottom-up approach that focuses on the process itself.
This method is based on the belief that you are the best expert on your own trauma. Your body knows what happened, how it feels, and what it needs. The therapist is there to guide you, but you are in control of your healing process.
Facilitator’s Approach
Healing from developmental trauma happens in relationships. Therefore, the therapist’s attitude and attunement significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment. Important qualities include presence, holding space, trust, empathy, patience, slowing down, and surrender.
Brainspotting is a relational technique that requires the therapist to be fully present, allowing the client to feel safe and supported in exploring deeper emotions.
As Brainspotting founder David Grand, PhD, says: “It’s not in the doing but in the being” and “The power of what we do lies in attunement and our presence.”
Live vs. Online Brainspotting Sessions
Brainspotting has proven to be just as effective in online sessions as in-person ones. Many of my clients report little to no difference between virtual and face-to-face sessions. Additionally, online sessions allow you to stay in your familiar environment and eliminate travel time.
The key? Slowing down, attunement, and presence. The more you move beyond cognitive thinking and into feeling, the less you notice the screen. You experience connection and presence, which is essential in Brainspotting, as it is a relational technique.
Want to know more about online Brainspotting? Watch the video below.
Brainspotting is a powerful tool that can help you process trauma and make a fresh start. It can assist you in:
- Understanding your trauma
- Processing your emotions
- Improving your relationships
- Getting your life back on track.
Want to experience Brainspotting? Book a session now.