Brainspotting is a somatic trauma processing method developed by American psychologist David Grand in 2003, derived from his experience as an EMDR trainer. Grand observed that certain eye positions of a patient correlated with access to deep traumatic material, and he formalized this discovery as an independent therapeutic method.
Core premise: there are 'brainspots' located in each person's visual field that, when held with the gaze, activate neurological circuits linked to specific traumatic memories, especially pre-verbal or pre-conscious somatic memories that verbal therapy cannot access.
Clinical procedure: the therapist guides the person to explore the visual field with their gaze until they find the brainspot —recognizable by spontaneous somatic activation—. Then they hold their gaze on that point while allowing associated sensations, images, and emotions to emerge. The method is comparatively quiet and profoundly somatic, without extensive verbal interpretation.
Validation: although the evidence base is smaller than that for EMDR or PTSD, there are growing studies showing efficacy for trauma resistant to other methods, especially somatic and pre-verbal trauma. The method has become popular in trauma training over the last fifteen years.
Connection with Family Constellations: many current Constellators integrate it as a complementary tool, especially in deep somatized trauma where the systemic reading reveals the dynamic but the bodily processing remains incomplete.
Bibliography
- Brainspotting — The Revolutionary Rapid Change Psychotherapy Technique — David Grand. Sirio, 2013.
- The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk. Eleftheria, 2015.
These books are in the reference library that nourishes Constelando el Origen.
Related Terms
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic trauma processing method developed by Peter Levine: releasing 'frozen' traumatic energy from the nervous system by completing interrupted defense responses.
See entryEMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Therapeutic method by Francine Shapiro (1989) that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, alternating taps) to reprocess traumatic memories. Empirically validated as a treatment of choice for PTSD.
See entryBessel van der Kolk
Dutch-American psychiatrist. Author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” a global reference in the neurobiology of trauma.
See entryComplex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Disorder formulated by Judith Herman (1992): trauma resulting from prolonged exposure to abuse, neglect, or severe dysfunctional relationships, especially in childhood. Different from classic PTSD.
See entryA session that names what hurts
If you recognize this dynamic in your own story, a Family Constellation can reveal where it comes from and what movement brings it into order. Daniela respectfully accompanies each case.
Sessions in Spanish only