Over the years, I have dedicated myself to the practice of holistic psychology. This way of being and working honors the reality that the mind affects the body and the emotions and the body affects the emotions and the mind. This focus led me to stumble on an effective set of tools called Brainspotting (BSP). Brainspotting can be defined as a powerful approach to healing and wellness that meaningfully combines what we know about the mind/brain into therapy, particularly in resolving old wounds or traumas.
As we journey through life, it is inevitable that we experience trauma, whether a national crisis, chronic illness or pain, the loss of a loved one, or a physical, sexual or emotional attack. When we experience trauma, the brain protects us by encapsulating the event in the areas of the brain where language is not (in the mid-brain or back of the brain). This allows us to take the immediate steps needed to respond or protect ourselves as best as possible, while protecting us from the longer term emotional, physical and social pain caused by the trauma. As time goes by, people do all sorts of things with this, denying the impact of the event, avoiding triggers that remind us of the trauma, or forgetting about the event. But nonetheless, the trauma remains encapsulated in our brain. As we continue moving through life, inevitably another trauma occurs, causing the first trauma to reopen or erupt and creating a significant nervous system reaction to the second trauma.
Over many years in practice, I have witnessed this painful cycle over and over again. I also have witnessed brave individuals “doing their work” to heal past traumas. Here is what I have learned to be true; many people move forward, heal and lead successful, peaceful, and fulfilling lives. Trauma informed interventions are helpful for many individuals and I continue to use those approaches in my work everyday. BUT, there is always a piece of the trauma that cannot be accessed and healed through language or body-based work completely separated from the brain; there is a piece where language fails….always. This is where Brainpostting comes in, allowing the psychologist to work gently and collaboratively with the client to access, reorganize and heal the trauma encapsulated in the brain.
You may be wondering “What does this mean and how does this Brainspotting work?” Well, I moved beyond reading, video watching and podcast listening to experiencing Phase 1 and 2 Brainspotting training for myself. One of the first concepts I learned was a process in which a psychologist focuses on the interpersonal, therapeutic relationship between professional and client, while simultaneously attending to the person’s brain-body response to the area of focus. To me, this was a critical first step toward “buy in,” as effective therapeutic intervention hinges both on the quality of the relationship between the therapist and those with whom they work, as well as on the quality and meaningfulness of training in integrating approaches.
As training went on, I came to understand that Brainspotting accesses the brain-body’s innate self-scanning and self-healing capacities. In Brainspotting, a person’s brain-body activation around a trauma, which can include blinking, staring, facial twitches, racing heart, tightening in the chest, or fluttering in the stomach, is paired with a relevant eye orienting position, called a Brainspot. What this really means is that working through difficult areas in life involves more than language, but incorporates opening “memory files” that allow the brain-body to regulate and reorient in a positive or adaptive way. When this happens the prior activation, felt possibly as anxiety, depression, inattention, lessens and the person feels and functions better.
At the end of the day, what did all of this mean for me, and what can it mean for you? Well, I entered the training process cautiously optimistic. I was bolstered by some of the research I read and, equally importantly, by some of the positive feedback I had received from others. But true to my nature, I am not what one would call an “easy sell“. With my wait and see attitude I entered Brainspotting training. In fact, I offered to be the volunteer client for a demonstration! Here is what I can share…. I am a “good student.” As directed, I focused on a challenge in my life that had a moderate level of upset at that time (say a five on a scale of 0 to 10). As directed, I briefly discussed some of the aspects of the situation that were causing me nervousness. Then, I worked with the training facilitator to identify my particular Brainspots. I must say, it was incredible! When found, fellow students reported an immediate change in my coloring, increased blinking and raising of an eyebrow (who knew?!) Perhaps more telling, to me, was the initial surge in physiological anxiety I experienced (racing heart, tightening of throat). But, as I began to organize and reorganize the challenge I focused on, the calmer my body and emotions became. And from that came more peaceful, positive and directed decision making. This occurred repeatedly throughout training.
Since completing this part of my training, I would say that the positive effects have absolutely remained with me. The Individuals I have the honor of working with also are reporting the benefits of Brainspotting, including feeling calmer, feeling at peace with difficult situations and relationships, and having cognitive clarity. Importantly, clients are also describing this in a way that moves beyond language or insight alone, discussing instead an emotional and physical peace and calm.
So, perhaps not surprisingly, I end where I began. I am a holistic psychologist and, in reality, a holistic human being. I believe in the now indisputable connection between the mind and the body. I might even go one step further and say that the mind-body is in reality one system. But that is for another blog…
For now I continue to use my inquisitive nature both to grow as a person and to guide me in my profession. It is my hope that this blog has peaked your interest as you continue your own journey toward balance and peace, not only at the start of this new year and new decade but the whole year through.