How does Brainspotting work?
Our brain consists of networks that are full of information and are connected to each other. Brainspotting works on the limbic system. This area holds information and trauma. It withdraws from the cognitive and verbal functions.
With brainspotting we look together for an eye position, the so-called brainspot. A brainspot is a cluster of networks in the brain that are activated and related to the topic that has been introduced. The networks where the unprocessed information is stored are searched. We do this by asking where you feel this in your body. We look for the most suitable eye position to create focus. The body is aware of the specific networks that are activated in the brain that allow it to clean up and process.
In this way, areas in the brain where trauma is stored and which are still unconsciously activated by situations in the here and now, can relax. You clear away the mess that has been stored for a long time. That what you carry around like a ballast and keeps you imprisoned.
Course of a brainstorming session
We always start with the topic you want to work on. That could be a specific event, memory or feeling that bothers you. Sometimes it's a bit vague and you can't name exactly what it is. It can be a feeling in your body e.g. tension, fatigue or emptiness. A physical complaint such as a headache, not being able to sleep. A feeling of unease that won't go away. Certain negative thoughts about yourself that you can't get rid of, nightmares that you can't interpret. Panic attacks but you don't know why.
Before we start you will be given headphones with instrumental music that has been developed specifically for brainspotting. The music is soft and moves from one ear to the other in a steady rhythm. This is to activate the brain and support the session.
Before we start looking for the brainspot, I ask you what feeling you experience in your body when you think about the subject and where you feel it in your body. You then indicate on a scale of 0 to 10 how strong that feeling is. The brainspot is selected with the help of a pointer. There are several methods with which you can search for a brainspot. We always find one. You can't do anything wrong. Your brain knows what to do.
Every session is different. Sometimes it seems like nothing is happening. You notice nothing but a change of tension in your body, you have a lot of thoughts or you have turned into yourself. In the beginning you may find it difficult to pay attention to the feeling in your body and your mind wanders. Or does your head start thinking this is bullshit, can't work, what are you doing. That's okay. I am there and help you to bring your attention back.
Other times emotions are released such as sadness, fear, anger or laughter, you can see images from the past, you want to tell everything you see, memories that come back from your childhood, you see colors. This goes in waves, up and down. The feeling with which we started the session can move to other parts of your body, sometimes you will experience tension in your neck and shoulders, tingling in your hands or a headache. This all disappears during or after the session.
The areas that are activated in your brain continue to work for 48 to 72 hours. For a few days after the session you may be a little more stimulated, a little more tired, feel rushed or suddenly have crying spells. The brain is still processing. You can also feel numb after the session as if you are in some kind of bubble or the feeling that your head is full of cotton wool. This can also last for a few days but will disappear on its own. It all has to do with the processing of your system.
How many sessions do you need?
The number of sessions you need depends on which complaints you have. On average, 5 to 10 sessions are needed to get rid of a complaint, but with multiple or complex trauma you can assume at least 10 sessions. Every system is different and reacts differently. Sometimes it takes a few sessions before your system feels comfortable and allows the brainspotting. If a lot has happened in your life, there may be resistance from your survival parts such as fear of losing control, ratio (what are you doing here, this doesn't work anyway) to go to your feeling. Your system then freezes as it were. It may be that in the beginning we briefly brainspot and talk a little more because it is necessary. Together with you I look at how we can build it up. I recommend coming weekly for the first 3 times.