Brainspotting is a type of psychotherapy typically used for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves finding a fixed-eye position that supports you in processing trauma or pain.

Brainspotting therapy is a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, developed by David Grand in 2003.

During focused mindfulness practice, keeping the eyes in specific fixed positions may activate parts of the brain responsible for processing emotions and memory.

Research suggests brainspotting may reduce symptoms and distress associated with various mental health conditions, particularly PTSD.

Keep reading to learn how brainspotting works, how to locate effective eye positions, and whether it’s as effective as other types of psychotherapy.

While there’s less research available on brainspotting than on EMDR, a 2024 study suggests it may help reduce symptoms of:

The researchers compared 5 weeks of either brainspotting therapy or treatment as usual, which included cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, person-centered, and psychodynamic therapy, in a small group of 27 participants who completed the treatment protocol.

The results suggest that BSP may be as effective as treatment as usual in reducing trauma-related symptoms and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

While the post-treatment results for participants in both groups demonstrated improvements, the follow-up evaluations also showed a continued decrease in symptoms only for those participants who received BSP. This suggests that brainspotting may have additional long-term benefits.

Another research study from 2022 found that both EMDR and brainspotting therapy helped reduce a measure of distress regarding a specific distressing memory after one 40-minute therapy session right after the intervention and during a follow-up meeting 4 to 6 weeks later.

It’s important to note that brainspotting isn’t intended for use during an acute crisis or severe psychiatric health conditions.

Most of the research on brainspotting has been performed in small groups. Although this initial research looks promising, additional research, including large randomized controlled trials, is needed to better understand its effectiveness.

Brainspotting is a type of trauma therapy involves locating a fixed eye position during a mindfulness session or a psychotherapy (talk therapy) session while focusing on a specific distressing memory and the feelings and circumstances surrounding it.

Brainspotting therapy is related to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR therapy uses rapid eye movements to help you process trauma or pain, while brainspotting therapy involves maintaining the eyes in a fixed position to a similar effect.

Research from 2015 suggests it may help reset the brain response to the traumatic memory.

Research from 2013 suggests that the capacity for healing of the altered feeling about the self occurs in the midbrain level of the superior colliculi (which processes visual and auditory information) and the periaqueductal gray (associated with pain control and defensive behaviors of anxiety, fear, and aggression).

It may also support access to deep brain activity in the neurons located beneath the cerebral cortex (subcortex) and includes the amygdala. This part of the brain is associated with emotions and memory.

Both types of therapy can be effective as a treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

There are three main methods for finding effective fixed eye positions for brainspotting:

Outside window

This method begins with defining the emotional and body activation when discussing a specific issue in therapy.

A therapist uses an extended pointer slowly horizontally across your visual field, looking for observable involuntary responses.

When they see a reflexive response, the therapist holds the pointer to help you stay at at that eye position and guides you through observing your internal process mindfully with curiosity.

Inside window

This method begins with a similar setup.

A therapist guides you to look at an extended pointer along the horizontal and then vertical, until they find a relevant eye position.

The specific position is based on your self-reflexive reporting and is associated with your activation level (the emotional and bodily change).

You then maintain that eye position while describing your internal thought process.

Gazespotting

The third method involves spontaneous gazing as you discuss an issue in therapy.

A therapist points out the natural flow of your eyes to a specific spot, and then encourages you to remain on that spot as you engage with mindfulness or reflection.

Brainspotting is one treatment option for PTSD. Other treatment options, including other forms of therapy and medication, may help relieve symptoms.

Common types of psychotherapy for PTSD may include:

You can also find mental health services other than therapy that may help.

These might include participating in a support group for PTSD or integrative medicine options like art therapy or music therapy.

If you’re considering psychotherapy, including brainspotting, for PTSD, it’s best to find a licensed psychologist who has experience in working with people with PTSD and has received training on using Brainspotting. The Brainspotting website offers a directory of therapists who are trained and certified in brainspotting.

Many insurance plans cover mental health services, including therapy.

If your insurance plan covers mental health services, they will likely cover brainspotting therapy if it is billed as psychotherapy. Medicare and Medicaid usually cover mental health therapy.

However, not all therapists accept insurance.

It’s important to verify that a specific practice accepts your insurance and that your insurance covers the service. You can usually determine this by contacting the number on the back of your insurance card.

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover brainspotting therapy, the national average for a therapy session paid in cash is $143.26. However, your costs may be more or less depending on:

  • your location
  • the therapist
  • the length of your session
  • how many sessions you receive

Brainspotting requires specific training and certification. Therapists who offer it may potentially charge more.

Brainspotting therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves using fixed eye positioning to help process trauma or pain.

It may help people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. While initial research has been positive, more randomized controlled trials are needed.

It’s one of many therapy options licensed therapists may offer for PTSD. The right type of therapy for you can depend on your needs and comfort level.

If you think brainspotting therapy may help you, it’s best to discuss it with a psychotherapist.