“Trauma is frozen in the body, and Brainspotting is a way to access that freeze to help the body process and release it.”
New research shows that the primary modifier of the intensity of our trauma symptoms is the aloneness we felt at that moment. We become traumatized by our aloneness, and through connection we heal. Group brainspotting addresses two key components in healing trauma, a somatic approach to traumatic memory, and safe community connection.
Trauma profoundly alters the functioning of our bodies, manifesting as nervous system dysfunction. When our nervous system becomes "stuck" in survival mode, we may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, emotional dysregulation, and hypervigilance. Treating trauma can be particularly challenging, as traditional talk therapy often fails to access the parts of the brain where trauma is stored. Specifically, trauma predominantly affects the subcortical areas of the brain, which govern our instinctual responses to the environment. In contrast, talk therapy primarily engages the prefrontal cortex, the seat of reasoning—an approach that falls short when addressing the instinctual nature of trauma.
Healing is Possible!
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that taps into the brain's natural ability to process and heal from trauma and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. David Grand, it involves identifying "brainspots"—specific points in the visual field where a person's gaze naturally focuses when recalling distressing memories or emotions. By focusing on these spots while maintaining a therapeutic connection, clients can access and process deeply held trauma and emotional pain. This approach helps to unlock the brain's innate healing mechanisms, promoting emotional release and recovery. Clients find that through Brainspotting the traumatic memories lose their painful charge and hold on their lives. Group brainspotting allows for the processing of the memories but we also have time to discuss and process the experience together.
Week one:
Ice breakers: Thera-play exercise
Psychoeducation:
Brainspotting
Trauma and the brain & nervous system
Eye movement, stress response, and memory.
Exercises:
Using the eyes for calm
Finding a resource spot
Take Home: Nervous system worksheet
Week two:
Ice breaker: Thera-play
What do we brainspot?
What is trauma?
Expansion and activation.
Group expectations and group safety
+Building trust in our body to heal itself.
Group discussion: “Trauma survivors have symptoms, not memories.”
Psychoed on activation.
Practice: Expansion Brainspotting
Homework:
Reviewing activations you would like to Brainspot.
Setting goals
Week 3:
Intro: Relaxation centering exercise
Choose an item on your list
Brainspotting
Resource spot and brainspotting.
Discussion: Problem-solving and processing
Take Home: Visualization containment audio
Week 4:
Icebreaker
Brief discussion on positives and problem-solving challenges in session.
Brainspotting
Group Discussion: Processing
Week 5:
Icebreaker
Brief discussion on positives and problem solving challenges in session.
Brainspotting
Group Discussion: Processing
Week 6:
Icebreaker
Brief discussion on positives and problem-solving challenges in session.
Brainspotting: Parts spotting or inner child Brainspotting
Group Discussion: Processing
Week 7
Icebreaker
Brief discussion on positives and problem-solving challenges in session.
Brainspotting
Group Discussion: Processing
Week 8 - Integration
Ice Breaker
Discussion:
Progress on goals
Positive changes in the comfort zone or symptoms
Processing shared experiences
Feedback
Goals moving forward
Join our Brainspotting Group to explore and heal emotional wounds in a supportive and collaborative environment. This group uses Brainspotting to help you access and process deep-seated trauma and stress. Guided by a facilitator, you’ll learn to identify and process visual points correlating with your stressful or traumatic experiences, allowing for profound healing and insight. Connect with others on a similar journey, share experiences, and gain support while working through your challenges. Discover the potential for transformation and recovery as you tap into your brain’s natural healing abilities in a safe and nurturing space.
In order to register please fill out this intake questionnaire.
The rate for this group is $100 per 90-minute group session. The group meets every Tuesday 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. If you’d like to use insurance for this group, please send your insurance information.
Feel free to reach out for a 20-minute phone consultation.
Email: elizabeth.huck.csw@gmail.com
Phone #: (562) 277-1101