Brainspotting
Understanding Brainspotting Therapy
At Wilkinson Family Therapy, we are dedicated to offering innovative therapeutic approaches to support your mental health journey. One such method is Brainspotting, a powerful technique designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that identifies, processes, and releases sources of emotional and physical pain, trauma, and other challenging symptoms. It operates on the principle that "where you look affects how you feel," utilizing eye positions to access unprocessed experiences stored in the brain.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
During a session, a therapist helps you locate specific eye positions, known as "brainspots," that correlate with areas of emotional distress. By focusing on these spots, the brain can process and release the underlying issues, leading to healing and symptom reduction.
What Issues Can Brainspotting Address?
Brainspotting is effective for a variety of conditions, including trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and performance anxiety. It can also aid in enhancing creativity and achieving personal goals.
What to Expect During a Brainspotting Session
Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist will guide you to identify a brain spot by observing your eye positions and bodily sensations. You will then focus on this spot while processing any emotions or memories that arise, with the therapist providing support throughout the process.
Is Brainspotting Safe?
Yes, Brainspotting is considered safe when conducted by a trained professional. It is a non-invasive therapy that respects your pace and comfort level. However, as with any therapy, it's important to communicate openly with your therapist about your experiences during sessions.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients experience significant relief in a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
How is Brainspotting Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the cognitive parts of the brain, Brainspotting accesses deeper, subcortical regions associated with emotions and body sensations. This approach can facilitate processing of experiences that may not be accessible through verbal discussion alone.
Is Brainspotting Evidence-Based?
While Brainspotting is a relatively new therapy, emerging research and clinical observations suggest its effectiveness in treating various conditions. However, more extensive studies are needed to fully establish its evidence base.
How Can I Prepare for a Brainspotting Session?
It's helpful to come with an open mind and a willingness to explore your internal experiences. You don't need to prepare specific topics; your therapist will guide you through the process based on your current needs and feelings.
Who Developed Brainspotting?
Brainspotting was developed in 2003 by Dr. David Grand, a psychotherapist who discovered the technique while working with trauma survivors. It has since been adopted by therapists worldwide as an effective treatment modality.
At Wilkinson Family Therapy, our trained therapists utilize Brainspotting to assist clients in accessing and processing difficult experiences, promoting overall well-being and personal growth. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to help you navigate life's challenges and achieve your mental health goals.
EMDR Therapy at Wilkinson Family Therapy
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Through guided eye movements, clients work through disturbing memories and beliefs, enabling them to achieve emotional relief and improved well-being.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, often through eye movements, to activate both brain hemispheres while recalling distressing memories. This process helps desensitize emotional reactions and reprocess the memories, ultimately reducing their emotional impact and allowing clients to view past experiences from a healthier perspective.
What Issues Can EMDR Address?
EMDR is widely used for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other trauma-related issues. Research has shown its effectiveness in relieving distress associated with traumatic memories, and it is also effective for performance enhancement, phobia reduction, and stress management.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR sessions typically last 75-90 minutes. They begin with a discussion of the specific memories or emotions you wish to address. Then, you’ll follow the therapist’s guidance through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, allowing you to process emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
Is EMDR Safe?
Yes, EMDR is considered safe and is extensively researched. Dr. Myra Wilkinson, a trained EMDR therapist, will work with you at your comfort level, ensuring a controlled environment for processing. However, it’s important to communicate openly with your therapist about any concerns during or after sessions.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies based on each person’s goals and experiences. Some individuals see progress within a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Dr. Wilkinson will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
How is EMDR Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reducing the distress associated with traumatic memories by stimulating the brain’s natural healing processes. This approach enables clients to reprocess experiences without detailing every aspect verbally.
Payment and Insurance
Please note that Dr. Myra Wilkinson offers EMDR therapy as a self-pay service and will not accept insurance for these sessions. This allows for a more personalized and flexible approach, focusing on your unique needs without the constraints of insurance limitations.