Brainspotting: where you look affects how you feel.
Brainspotting is a brain-body therapy that uses your field of vision to help process trauma and stuck emotions held deep in the brain, often reaching what talk therapy alone can’t.
No referral needed. Jump to common questions ↓
Developed by Dr. David Grand, Brainspotting uses specific eye positions, called brainspots, that connect to stored distress. Focusing on a brainspot helps the brain process and release it.
It is related to EMDR, but more focused on specific points in your visual field and on what you notice in your body.
How it works
What a session looks like
Name the issue
You and your clinician choose what to work on and notice how it feels in your body.
Find the brainspot
Your clinician guides your gaze to find the eye position where the feeling is strongest.
Process and notice
You hold your focus and notice what comes up, with your clinician attuned the whole time.
Ground and integrate
Each session ends with grounding so you leave feeling settled.
Who it can help
Brainspotting is used for
It can be especially helpful if you feel stuck in talk therapy or have trouble putting experiences into words.
- Trauma & PTSD
- Anxiety & panic
- Depression
- Grief
- Chronic pain
- Performance blocks
- Substance use
- Sleep problems
What you can expect
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?
Both use the eyes to help the brain process distress. EMDR uses back-and-forth eye movements; Brainspotting holds focus on one specific spot and pays close attention to body sensations.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Brainspotting doesn’t require you to retell everything. Much of the processing happens internally while your clinician supports you.
How long is a session?
Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions varies depending on your goals.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
Start with a consultation. Your clinician will talk with you about your goals and whether Brainspotting fits your plan. Call us to ask about availability.
Does insurance cover it?
We’re in network with BCBS (Carelon), Cigna, Common Ground, HealthPartners, HPS, Lakeland, MHS, Medicare, Wisconsin Medicaid (ForwardHealth), Molina, Network Health, Optum, and WPS. Our team verifies your benefits before your first visit. Paying out of pocket or have a different plan? Call us and we’ll walk through your options.
In crisis right now?
Please don’t wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if there is immediate danger. Both are available 24/7.
Feeling stuck? Let’s go deeper.
Call us to ask about Brainspotting and find out whether it fits your goals.
