About Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003, during his work with survivors of trauma. Brainspotting integrates aspects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) to help individuals reprocess negative events and retrain emotional reactions.
Brainspotting targets sources of negative emotions or past traumas through locating a “brainspot”, a fixed eye position that activates body sensations related to a traumatic experience or negative emotion. Brainspotting is believed to help tap into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself from traumas. One of the great benefits of brainspotting is that it’s a flexible approach, that can be tailored to each client’s unique needs and experiences.
While Brainspotting is an effective treatment for trauma, it can also be used to help manage everyday life stress and anxiety. Brainspotting sessions can help integrate a sense of calm, release tension and stress, and restore a sense of balance.
What is Brainspotting helpful for?
Brainspotting can be used to treat many issues. It has been shown to be effective in treating:
Trauma of all types and PTSD
Birth trauma and negative birth experiences
Depression and Anxiety
Maternal mental health disorders
Relationship issues
Chronic fatigue and chronic pain
Anger issues
Stress
Brainspotting can be used in conjunction with other talk therapies including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to heal physical and relational traumas, process painful memories, and release negative emotions.
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Before beginning with brainspotting, we will have at least one session of talking and getting to know each other to build a sense of safety and rapport.
In a brainspotting session, we will spend a few minutes identifying the issue or topic you want to focus on, then I will use a brainspotting pointer to help you locate a brainspot (a place in the field of vision that is connected to the trauma or emotion). Then, we will spend time in focused mindfulness, where you tune into the physical sensations and emotions that arise. Alongside the visual spot you will also listen to bilateral music, which helps to calm and regulate the nervous system. We will have some time afterwards for integration and processing.
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Brainspotting is an extremely versatile approach, and can be used to treat many different issues. It may be especially helpful if you
-feel stagnant in talking about an issue
-want to get to the root of your concerns more quickly
-feel difficulty connecting with your emotions through verbal processing
-notice repetitve patterns or emotions and want to break the cycle
If you are unsure if Brainspotting is right for you, feel free to schedule a free 20 minute consultation to speak with me further.
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Many people report feeling a new sense of calm after Brainspotting. It’s common to feel that an issue is “softer”, or doesn’t spark such a strong emotional response in you. People also report better focus, deeper sleep, decreased physical pain, and reduced anxiety.
FAQs
I am an in network provider with Aetna and Optum (United, Oxford, and Oscar) for individual therapy. Please note that utilizing your insurance benefits for treatment requires a formal diagnosis.
For out of-network/private pay clients, I’d be happy to provide a monthly bill (superbill) you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Every insurance plan is different, so I encourage all clients to contact their insurance plan directly to see what benefits are available. Please note that submitting superbills requires a formal diagnosis.
Email laureljohnsonlsw@gmail.com for options for financial need.
I accept all major credit cards as payment as well as HSA/FSA cards.
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NO SURPRISES ACT/GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE PAY CLIENTS
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 918-217-8440.
