Brainspotting Therapists in Vancouver, WA
![Photo of Shannon Kroenke, LICSW , MT-BC, CYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4414fccc-1c45-4888-9879-430432e29ba2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Kroenke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW , MT-BC, CYT-200
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660 (Online Only)
Some of my unique specialties include Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness/Yoga, Brainspotting (trauma therapy), Military trauma, and Internal Family Systems (trauma/grief).
You deserve the very best therapist. Therapy isn’t easy to dive into, right? I get that! My 20 years of combined experience as a LICSW, Music Therapist, Somatic Yoga Teacher (for all body types) and Army Behavior Health Provider has given me rich experience with all sorts of unique people, and I’m not your cookie cutter therapist. I’ll be very real and authentic with you. I deeply appreciate pain and trauma, and how it can dismantle your life. And if I’m not the best therapist for you, I will be honest and help you to find someone who is. You deserve to have the life you want again, and I’m committed to helping you get that back.
Some of my unique specialties include Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness/Yoga, Brainspotting (trauma therapy), Military trauma, and Internal Family Systems (trauma/grief).
You deserve the very best therapist. Therapy isn’t easy to dive into, right? I get that! My 20 years of combined experience as a LICSW, Music Therapist, Somatic Yoga Teacher (for all body types) and Army Behavior Health Provider has given me rich experience with all sorts of unique people, and I’m not your cookie cutter therapist. I’ll be very real and authentic with you. I deeply appreciate pain and trauma, and how it can dismantle your life. And if I’m not the best therapist for you, I will be honest and help you to find someone who is. You deserve to have the life you want again, and I’m committed to helping you get that back.
![Photo of Rinatta Paries, MA, CMHA, MFTA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a20c68c0-9512-42eb-bb83-6a27c47d31a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rinatta Paries
Counselor, MA, CMHA, MFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98685 (Online Only)
With individuals, I use Brainspotting and Developmental Trauma Resolution to lessen the trauma burden.
Struggling with your relationship or marriage? Suffering over a painful breakup? Having trouble finding the right partner? Suffering from pain of an affair? Feeling stressed about what is happening with your teen or want to connect more with your young adult? Relationship-related situations such as these are solvable with therapy! As your therapist, I will help you navigate your way through painful situations and move towards creating lifelong, loving relationships, rich in connection and communication. Along the way, you will find yourself releasing trauma, feeling better, functioning better, and creating a life you love.
With individuals, I use Brainspotting and Developmental Trauma Resolution to lessen the trauma burden.
Struggling with your relationship or marriage? Suffering over a painful breakup? Having trouble finding the right partner? Suffering from pain of an affair? Feeling stressed about what is happening with your teen or want to connect more with your young adult? Relationship-related situations such as these are solvable with therapy! As your therapist, I will help you navigate your way through painful situations and move towards creating lifelong, loving relationships, rich in connection and communication. Along the way, you will find yourself releasing trauma, feeling better, functioning better, and creating a life you love.
![Photo of Davina Karpstein, MA, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6a06435-109a-47cf-860e-7ad097e55f83/1/320x400.jpeg)
I practice personalized combinations of person-centered therapy, Brainspotting, with parts work and mindfulness interventions with a holistic view.
If you are seeking guidance, it takes courage and strength. Whether you are struggling to adjust to a life transition, finding it hard to make changes last, or just ready to face your past, you do not have to find your way alone. Your thoughts, feelings and behaviors may feel overwhelming and impossible to understand or connect but I can work with you to create a space for change and help you find relief from the suffering.
I practice personalized combinations of person-centered therapy, Brainspotting, with parts work and mindfulness interventions with a holistic view.
If you are seeking guidance, it takes courage and strength. Whether you are struggling to adjust to a life transition, finding it hard to make changes last, or just ready to face your past, you do not have to find your way alone. Your thoughts, feelings and behaviors may feel overwhelming and impossible to understand or connect but I can work with you to create a space for change and help you find relief from the suffering.
![Photo of Jessica Van der Merwe, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a3d75aa-d76f-484e-a6b0-58755d35d2fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Van der Merwe
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98683
Waitlist for new clients
I come from a trauma-informed strengths-based approach to trauma processing with Brainspotting therapy, and "parts" approaches.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
I come from a trauma-informed strengths-based approach to trauma processing with Brainspotting therapy, and "parts" approaches.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
![Photo of Erin Swan Fearless Healing Therapy, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f912b0cc-f834-4bc1-a962-ab9f36ffedcc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Swan Fearless Healing Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98662 (Online Only)
I help people name what is "stuck" and work with the mind and body using Brainspotting, IFS/parts work and other somatic skills to go beyond surviving and into thriving.
I can help guide you through healing inner wounds. We will start by inquiring within about what your nervous system needs to feel safe, using curiosity and compassion, so that distress and trauma can move through you more organically. Your symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD/C-PTSD, and grief/loss can begin to soften instantly when we look inside and engage with our thoughts and feelings and seek a connection between body and mind. Healing happens when we show up for ourselves in new ways, particularly when we connect with all parts of ourselves from a place of compassion.
I help people name what is "stuck" and work with the mind and body using Brainspotting, IFS/parts work and other somatic skills to go beyond surviving and into thriving.
I can help guide you through healing inner wounds. We will start by inquiring within about what your nervous system needs to feel safe, using curiosity and compassion, so that distress and trauma can move through you more organically. Your symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD/C-PTSD, and grief/loss can begin to soften instantly when we look inside and engage with our thoughts and feelings and seek a connection between body and mind. Healing happens when we show up for ourselves in new ways, particularly when we connect with all parts of ourselves from a place of compassion.
![Photo of Liz Beaty, LMHCA, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4822f64-f7df-4f2d-8142-16e62d9c3b70/1/320x400.png)
Liz Beaty
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHCA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684 (Online Only)
Embarking on the journey to find a therapist signifies a recognition that something in your life needs attention and care. Life's stressors and traumatic experiences can make it feel as though your world is unraveling. The simple act of reaching out for help may seem overwhelming, and I am here to ease the process of change, to be a supportive ally on your path. My therapy style is designed for neurodivergent individuals aged 16+. Together, we'll explore distinctive pathways, empowering you to face challenges with renewed hope and a unique perspective shaped by the autistic/ADHD experience.
Embarking on the journey to find a therapist signifies a recognition that something in your life needs attention and care. Life's stressors and traumatic experiences can make it feel as though your world is unraveling. The simple act of reaching out for help may seem overwhelming, and I am here to ease the process of change, to be a supportive ally on your path. My therapy style is designed for neurodivergent individuals aged 16+. Together, we'll explore distinctive pathways, empowering you to face challenges with renewed hope and a unique perspective shaped by the autistic/ADHD experience.
![Photo of Matthew Cronin - Matthew Cronin Counseling Services, PLLC, MA, LMHCA, PCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/013a0dd9-1e27-4b31-a7a0-9c72df5ecd8f/4/320x400.jpeg)
It all starts with a desire and openness to change, to reach out for help and understanding. You define what that looks like. From there, we will work together to overcome past trauma, negative self-beliefs, or whatever your individual stuck points. Therapy can help you strengthen your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You do not need to walk this path alone. Whatever your struggle or need, it’s something we can work through together. Make the choice and request a free 15-minute consultation to get the help you need starting today.
It all starts with a desire and openness to change, to reach out for help and understanding. You define what that looks like. From there, we will work together to overcome past trauma, negative self-beliefs, or whatever your individual stuck points. Therapy can help you strengthen your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You do not need to walk this path alone. Whatever your struggle or need, it’s something we can work through together. Make the choice and request a free 15-minute consultation to get the help you need starting today.
![Photo of Angela Riesterer, MA, NCC, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aad7fdbd-2c8b-42c6-8edd-c8c195cabf08/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Riesterer
Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Waitlist for new clients
I am deeply passionate about helping people feel better and experience RELIEF from intense emotional pain and suffering. As a therapist, I am no stranger to deep suffering. In fact, it has been the single most powerful catalyst to who I have become, personally and professionally. I LOVE this work. Nobody escapes trauma in this life. To be human is to suffer. But we can learn how to manage and navigate the things we can't control. We can HEAL from our pain. We can rise from the most desperate of circumstances. We can become FREE. I carry a continual burning torch of hope and light for every sacred person I sit with. I believe in you.
I am deeply passionate about helping people feel better and experience RELIEF from intense emotional pain and suffering. As a therapist, I am no stranger to deep suffering. In fact, it has been the single most powerful catalyst to who I have become, personally and professionally. I LOVE this work. Nobody escapes trauma in this life. To be human is to suffer. But we can learn how to manage and navigate the things we can't control. We can HEAL from our pain. We can rise from the most desperate of circumstances. We can become FREE. I carry a continual burning torch of hope and light for every sacred person I sit with. I believe in you.
![Photo of Caroline Shell, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6048038-c2cf-4b73-b4ca-7642bed51da2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Shell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey of self-discovery and healing? Have you done traditional talk therapy that didn’t take you all the way where you wanted to go? Sometimes we can talk about our problems over and over without our body getting the message that the past is in the past. Neurofeedback is a powerful tool that can help you leave your past in the past, build emotional regulation, and increase mental flexibility. I focus on clients with developmental trauma, anxiety, and depression, though I find that neurofeedback can be a game changer for a variety of symptoms.
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey of self-discovery and healing? Have you done traditional talk therapy that didn’t take you all the way where you wanted to go? Sometimes we can talk about our problems over and over without our body getting the message that the past is in the past. Neurofeedback is a powerful tool that can help you leave your past in the past, build emotional regulation, and increase mental flexibility. I focus on clients with developmental trauma, anxiety, and depression, though I find that neurofeedback can be a game changer for a variety of symptoms.
![Photo of Jolene Feeney, LMHC, CDP, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b39fa3f2-1dcf-442f-9203-b531a66adfdf/2/320x400.jpeg)
You're overwhelmed by your stress & anxiety, and frankly by emotions in general. Maybe people tell you that you are too sensitive, and you believe them. You hate that you feel so much all of the time. To protect yourself you work hard to "be normal." You try to keep your emotions in check by numbing, or over-doing, or holding yourself back, or isolating. What you don't know, yet, is your sensitivity is your unique gift, and that all of your strategies have served you well in the past, but may need a bit of an update to support you better as life continues to change and you continue to evolve.
You're overwhelmed by your stress & anxiety, and frankly by emotions in general. Maybe people tell you that you are too sensitive, and you believe them. You hate that you feel so much all of the time. To protect yourself you work hard to "be normal." You try to keep your emotions in check by numbing, or over-doing, or holding yourself back, or isolating. What you don't know, yet, is your sensitivity is your unique gift, and that all of your strategies have served you well in the past, but may need a bit of an update to support you better as life continues to change and you continue to evolve.
![Photo of Juliea Crabtree, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b13554a7-0ef0-4e01-89d3-04cab6b81ce5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trauma can often root itself and interrupt the mind-body connection, impacting how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us. Together, we can process these experiences and explore ways to move forward. My treatment approach is individualized to honor the unique experiences of each individual. I will take the time to gather a holistic view that prioritizes what is important to you. I strive to make sure clients will always feel respected and the key driver of their healing experience.
Trauma can often root itself and interrupt the mind-body connection, impacting how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us. Together, we can process these experiences and explore ways to move forward. My treatment approach is individualized to honor the unique experiences of each individual. I will take the time to gather a holistic view that prioritizes what is important to you. I strive to make sure clients will always feel respected and the key driver of their healing experience.
![Photo of Katie Schefter Sheron Harmony Counseling, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51bf3e07-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everything feels hard right now doesn't it? Realizing that things are not fine and you are not ok. Maybe even coming to the hard conclusion that some of the things that you have experienced are impacting you in ways that you know are not healthy or helpful. You are realizing that you need to know why you are the way you are and do the things you do. You want to be better, but don't know how. Let's slow down, remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. It is normal to feel alone, but I will work with you as we find your path back to health and hope.
Everything feels hard right now doesn't it? Realizing that things are not fine and you are not ok. Maybe even coming to the hard conclusion that some of the things that you have experienced are impacting you in ways that you know are not healthy or helpful. You are realizing that you need to know why you are the way you are and do the things you do. You want to be better, but don't know how. Let's slow down, remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. It is normal to feel alone, but I will work with you as we find your path back to health and hope.
![Photo of Esther J Kim, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d466e15-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Esther J Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98683 (Online Only)
Greetings and welcome to my page. Everyone has a story that matters. Telling our story benefits us in many ways. It connects us from the past and future to our present lives. It is through these stories, that healing and growth can happen and a more resilient you can arise.
Greetings and welcome to my page. Everyone has a story that matters. Telling our story benefits us in many ways. It connects us from the past and future to our present lives. It is through these stories, that healing and growth can happen and a more resilient you can arise.
![Photo of Lauren Krzyzaniak, LPC, LMHC, PMH-C, CTRS-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d71c21bd-4e9b-410e-a659-2ef7c36f7012/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Krzyzaniak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, PMH-C, CTRS-C
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98683 (Online Only)
Postpartum anxiety, depression, and birth trauma leaves us feeling crazy, guilty, and like bad mothers. You're tired of feeling like you're barely holding on. Maybe you can't sleep when your baby's asleep because you're worried something terrible will happen. Maybe you feel so overwhelmed by everything that you have to manage in addition to a baby that you feel like you're drowning. Maybe you had a traumatic birth and you don't feel like yourself anymore. Regardless, you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel more connected to yourself and your family. You're ready to be the kind of parent you've always wanted to be.
Postpartum anxiety, depression, and birth trauma leaves us feeling crazy, guilty, and like bad mothers. You're tired of feeling like you're barely holding on. Maybe you can't sleep when your baby's asleep because you're worried something terrible will happen. Maybe you feel so overwhelmed by everything that you have to manage in addition to a baby that you feel like you're drowning. Maybe you had a traumatic birth and you don't feel like yourself anymore. Regardless, you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel more connected to yourself and your family. You're ready to be the kind of parent you've always wanted to be.
![Photo of Leah Chambers, MA, NCC, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bdaa4ec-34fa-4f57-a41a-c016c09e6aba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Chambers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
Now accepting new clients! I am currently supporting emerging adults, college students, and women. Clients often come to me for support with relieving symptoms associated with trauma, attachment injuries, interpersonal problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and low self-esteem. Life can be messy, hard, and painful. I enjoy helping clients process challenges, as well as build skills for managing life's stressors and developing resilience.
Now accepting new clients! I am currently supporting emerging adults, college students, and women. Clients often come to me for support with relieving symptoms associated with trauma, attachment injuries, interpersonal problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and low self-esteem. Life can be messy, hard, and painful. I enjoy helping clients process challenges, as well as build skills for managing life's stressors and developing resilience.
![Photo of Misty Bottorff, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d1d559e-1391-4cb6-805c-beb03fadb97c/1/320x400.png)
Misty Bottorff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with diverse populations and providing a safe place for all. I am trauma-informed and come from a strengths-based approach, using a variety of modalities including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy. I am honored to work with individuals who trust me with their stories and enjoy walking alongside my clients as they go through the therapeutic process.
I enjoy working with diverse populations and providing a safe place for all. I am trauma-informed and come from a strengths-based approach, using a variety of modalities including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy. I am honored to work with individuals who trust me with their stories and enjoy walking alongside my clients as they go through the therapeutic process.
![Photo of Chelsea E. Brandenburg, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcde01bf-32b9-44e3-9a9f-e30c7cd5764c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea E. Brandenburg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684 (Online Only)
I believe in our innate capacity to heal and to find our own answers to life's challenges. For over 17 years I have helped couples and individuals find stability when they are struggling with relationships, anxiety and stress. I specialize in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, PTSD, Identity and Spirituality. I am proud to work with military veterans and service members as well as law enforcement officers, first responders and their families. As a former adjunct faculty member in a Couples and Family Therapy graduate program, I am practiced in working with couples with a wide variety of presenting concerns.
I believe in our innate capacity to heal and to find our own answers to life's challenges. For over 17 years I have helped couples and individuals find stability when they are struggling with relationships, anxiety and stress. I specialize in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, PTSD, Identity and Spirituality. I am proud to work with military veterans and service members as well as law enforcement officers, first responders and their families. As a former adjunct faculty member in a Couples and Family Therapy graduate program, I am practiced in working with couples with a wide variety of presenting concerns.
![Photo of Portia Goyette, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f9e136-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Portia Goyette
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Not accepting new clients
Imagine facing the world with a sense of confidence and peace instead of fear or shame. Imagine looking at your partner and being filled with feelings of love, gratitude, and excitement. Imagine waking up to feel freed from your past and free to live your future! During periods of struggle, we can feel isolated and directionless in our experience and not where to turn or what to do. As a human, I understand suffering. As a therapist, my intention is to honor every part of your humanness and walk alongside you on the path towards wellness.
Imagine facing the world with a sense of confidence and peace instead of fear or shame. Imagine looking at your partner and being filled with feelings of love, gratitude, and excitement. Imagine waking up to feel freed from your past and free to live your future! During periods of struggle, we can feel isolated and directionless in our experience and not where to turn or what to do. As a human, I understand suffering. As a therapist, my intention is to honor every part of your humanness and walk alongside you on the path towards wellness.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Debra Debi Jenkins - Trauma Coach | Debra Jenkins | Share the Flame LLC, MA, MS, PhD, TICC, CPC-c](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/130231c2-936a-4eb7-b1a4-e7948761be71/2/320x400.png)
Trauma Coach | Debra Jenkins | Share the Flame LLC
MA, MS, PhD, TICC, CPC-c
Verified Verified
Camas, WA 98607 (Online Only)
My name is Debra (Debi) Jenkins. I am a Cultural and Betrayal Trauma Developmental Life Coach at Share the Flame LLC. I support clients who experience betrayal as trauma on relational, sexual, faith-based, societal, institutional, racial, and or workplace levels. I coach adults (individuals, couples, or those in need of a support group) to process cultural trauma/racialized trauma and minoritization, developmental life trauma, and or sexual betrayal trauma APSATS trained and MBAT-RC trained at the intersections of their lived experiences. I partner to "dismantle oppression one layer in need of healing at a time."
My name is Debra (Debi) Jenkins. I am a Cultural and Betrayal Trauma Developmental Life Coach at Share the Flame LLC. I support clients who experience betrayal as trauma on relational, sexual, faith-based, societal, institutional, racial, and or workplace levels. I coach adults (individuals, couples, or those in need of a support group) to process cultural trauma/racialized trauma and minoritization, developmental life trauma, and or sexual betrayal trauma APSATS trained and MBAT-RC trained at the intersections of their lived experiences. I partner to "dismantle oppression one layer in need of healing at a time."
![Photo of Alexandra Hepburn, PhD, CC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5a17da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Loss, grief, life transitions - these are part of everyone's life. We need support, and need to feel safe in order to explore our emotional, somatic, cognitive, and spiritual responses to change. We may use the Enneagram, explore mindful awareness, images and dreams, body sensations, and parts of our personality: the inner critic, the scared child, the seeker. For some, climate change is also a source of grief and anxiety. I offer sand play as a rich resource for in-person clients. Our focus is on healing and growth, more peace of mind, expanded self-awareness, and a deeper sense of meaning.
Loss, grief, life transitions - these are part of everyone's life. We need support, and need to feel safe in order to explore our emotional, somatic, cognitive, and spiritual responses to change. We may use the Enneagram, explore mindful awareness, images and dreams, body sensations, and parts of our personality: the inner critic, the scared child, the seeker. For some, climate change is also a source of grief and anxiety. I offer sand play as a rich resource for in-person clients. Our focus is on healing and growth, more peace of mind, expanded self-awareness, and a deeper sense of meaning.
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See More TherapistsBrainspotting Therapists
How does brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by using eye positioning to identify and process traumatic memories so that a client is better able to move forward and live with less fear. The theory behind brainspotting is that by identifying where a person looks when thinking of traumatic memories, a therapist will be able to guide them to focus on that spot and work with the client to get them out of the “fight, flight, freeze” response associated with the traumatic memory.
Is brainspotting an evidence-based therapy?
Brainspotting is a theory-based alternative therapy. It is one of the newest forms of treatment, so very little research has been completed that examines the mechanism by which it works. The theory behind brainspotting is that eye position can be linked to areas of the brain that store and process memory.
How effective is brainspotting?
Because it is such a new treatment, the effectiveness of brainspotting cannot be quantified. Some people have found it to be effective on its own, or in conjunction with other types of therapy. It is considered an alternative therapy, and it is popular with people for whom more traditional therapies have proven ineffective.
How long does brainspotting take to work?
A typical brainspotting session will last between 60 to 90 minutes. There is no required number of sessions needed to complete brainspotting therapy, but in many cases it is delivered over the course of about six sessions. Clients are encouraged to rate their level of distress prior to a session and again following a session, and to track progress.