BRAINSPOTTING THERAPY IN NORTH CAROLINA
Process the past using a trauma-focused treatment tool
Unlock the brain's natural ability for healing and balance as you work through difficult events and experiences.
"Where you look affects how you feel."
-Dr. David Grand, Developer of Brainspotting
OVERVIEW OF THE NEUROBIOLOGICAL TOOL
An Innovative Technique to Healing
Brainspotting is a mind-body therapeutic technique created by Dr. David Grand, which organically developed out of his work with clients and his curiosity with their observable physical cues. Originally used for the treatment of trauma, this brain-based tool has expanded and can address multiple physical and emotional concerns.
This treatment method allows individuals to move past conscious thought and harness processes within the subcortical brain and body. In other words, Brainspotting transcends the limits of talk therapy.
OUTLINE OF SESSION WITH BRAINSPOTTING THERAPY
Locate. Focus. Process. Release.
Similar to any session, you make the decision whether you would like to engage in Brainspotting.
If you choose to engage in Brainspotting, the format of a session typically encompasses the following aspects:
- Selection of distressing event, thought, feeling, symptom
- Recognition of distress level and body sensations
- Invitation to use bilateral sounds during processing
- Identification of spot to use for processing through two ways
- With your awareness and connection to your internal cues (e.g., physical sensations, emotional experience), OR
- With the therapist’s tracking of your external cues (e.g., facial expressions, visible physical movements, reflexive responses)
- Connection to processing (i.e. focusing on your sensations, thoughts, experiences) in an environment with no distractions and full emotional support and attunement from your therapist
TOOLS TO FACILITATE PROCESSING
Augment Your Experience
During the set-up of this treatment, you may engage with two different tools that support your processing.
- A Pointer
- Assists with selecting the eye position tied closely your selected issue
- Operates as a telescopic rod that extends to at least three feet controlled by the therapist
- Either has on the top a pencil foam grip (available in various hues), an animal finger puppet (e.g., cow, hippopotamus), or without any item
- Bilateral Sounds (optional)
- Comes through as a comforting sound that gently goes back and forth between the left and right ears, which presumably calms the nervous system and helps process emotions
- Requires your personal headphones or earbuds
- Comes in a variety of arrangements and tunes that are either provided by your therapist (The Best of Biolater II) or selected by you on YouTube (see example provided) or Spotify
BRAINSPOTTING IN RALEIGH
Experience Treatment In-Person
Meet your therapist at Current Wellness, located in Downtown Raleigh near Transfer Food Hall.
Enjoy the intentionally curated therapy rooms where you can have space, privacy, and comfort to engage in Brainspotting therapy.
ONLINE BRAINSPOTTING THERAPY
Work Through Concerns via Telehealth Video
Brainspotting therapy in Raleigh in-person with your therapist works the same as engaging in Brainspotting online anywhere in North Carolina over telehealth video. Skip a commute and receive therapy from the comfort of your desired private space.
This is your personal preference, and your results from this modality are not influenced by where/how you choose to practice Brainspotting.
A BUILT-IN FEATURE
Therapist Follows Your Lead
This approach inherently requires the therapist to follow the lead of the client.
Dr. David Grand illustrates this process through the metaphor that the client stays in the head of the comet and your therapist follows closely in the tail of the comet. Through this set-up, you lead and indicate where you need to go and your counselor remains emotionally connected to you, supporting you as needed.
For instance, you determine the amount of talking during your processing and mindful focusing. You may choose to talk through your processing session and invite the counselor into dialogue. You may also decide to experience this in the presence of your therapist amidst 45 minutes of silence. As the client, you shape your experience based on your need in the space at that time.
LEARN MORE
Sources for Additional Information
If you would like to gain additional information about this brain-based technique, check out any of these resources.
- Visit Brainspotting.com
- Read Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change by David Grand, PhD
- Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Janice to talk through your questions
Hear from the Developer, Dr. David Grand, in his Interview on The Healing Trauma Podcast
The developer of Brainspotting sat down with guest host Dr. Mark McNear on May 15, 2025 and offered insight into the therapeutic approach he created. Dr. McNear also experienced the treatment first-hand and shared his perspective during this discussion.
Key Moments in Interview
- 0:40 - Explanation of Brainspotting
- 2:03 - Narration of his discovery of the tool
- 11:21 - Mention of guest host's personal experience of Brainspotting with a past trauma
- 15:24 - Description of the idea that the therapist follows the tail of the comet
- 17:34 - Comparison of Brainspotting to other therapeutic approaches
- 21:40 - Reflection on the evolution of Brainspotting into a developmental model
REAL APPLICATION OF BRAINSPOTTING
Supports Multiple Concerns and Issues
This treatment tool helps adults who experience concerns related to the following (and much more):
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Trauma, including physical, emotional, medical, childhood, cPTSD, and PTSD
-
Anxiety, stress, panic
- Performance and creativity
Take the next step towards a healthier you.
Schedule a free, 15-minute video consultation with Janice, a Raleigh therapist trained in Brainspotting.