Brainspotting Therapy in Portland, OR and throughout Oregon

Is talk therapy not working for you?

You may feel frustrated after putting so much time and effort into talk therapy, only to still feel weighed down by symptoms of trauma or anxiety. It’s exhausting to feel stuck in cycles of stress, intrusive thoughts, or emotional pain that just won’t let go. While talk therapy can be helpful, it sometimes doesn’t reach the deeper layers where healing truly begins.

You might be ready for something different—an approach like somatic or Brainspotting therapy that gently works with your mind and body to help you feel lighter, more at peace, and more like yourself again.

You’re in the right place!

FAQs about Brainspotting

  • Brainspotting is a gentle yet powerful therapy that helps you process and heal deeply stored emotional pain and trauma. It works by identifying “brainspots”—specific eye positions that connect to areas in the brain where emotional distress is held. By focusing on these spots, Brainspotting helps release unresolved feelings and memories, allowing your mind and body to heal naturally.

    This method bypasses the overthinking part of the brain and targets the emotional and instinctive areas where trauma lives. During a session, tools like eye focus and bilateral sound are used to create a safe, calming environment for your brain to process what’s been stuck. Many people find Brainspotting effective for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as improving emotional balance and overall well-being.

  • Brainspotting is different from traditional talk therapy because it goes beyond words to address the deeper, emotional layers of your mind and body. While talk therapy can help you understand your experiences, it sometimes doesn’t touch the places where trauma is stored. Brainspotting taps into those nonverbal areas, helping you process emotions and memories at their root.

    This approach is especially helpful if you’ve felt stuck or frustrated in traditional therapy. Brainspotting uses a combination of eye focus and body awareness to create a pathway for healing that feels natural and intuitive. It’s a holistic way to help you move forward, offering a deeper sense of relief and emotional freedom.

  • Brainspotting can help with a wide range of challenges, especially trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. It’s also effective for issues like depression, grief, chronic pain, performance anxiety, and stress-related conditions. Because Brainspotting targets the root causes of emotional pain, it often helps with issues that feel “stuck” or unresolved in other forms of therapy.

    Clients often notice improvements in emotional balance, self-awareness, and the ability to handle stress. Whether you’re working through a specific event or dealing with long-term struggles, Brainspotting offers a focused, compassionate approach to help you heal and move forward.

  • In a Brainspotting session, we’ll start by identifying the emotion, memory, or challenge you’d like to focus on. Using a pointer or similar tool, I’ll guide you to find a brainspot—a specific eye position that feels connected to your experience. You’ll also have the option to listen to soothing bilateral music, which helps your brain process in a balanced and calming way.

    Once we locate the brainspot, you’ll focus on it while noticing any emotions, thoughts, or sensations that come up. I’ll guide and support you throughout the session, creating a safe and welcoming space to process at your own pace. Many people describe Brainspotting as gentle yet deeply effective, allowing for profound emotional release and clarity.

  • The timeline for seeing results with Brainspotting depends on your individual needs and goals. Some clients notice shifts or relief after just one session, while others may benefit from several sessions to fully address more complex issues. Because Brainspotting works deeply, many people find it more efficient than traditional talk therapy for resolving trauma and anxiety.

    Healing takes time, and every journey is unique. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels right for you, focusing on consistent progress and building on each session. Whether you’re seeking quick relief or deeper long-term healing, Brainspotting offers a path toward meaningful and lasting change.

How Brainspotting works

Watch a 3.5-minute video of Brainspotting with David Grand, Ph.D., the founder of this modality.

Brainspotting therapy can help you…

  • Heal Deeply Held Trauma: Release emotional pain stored in your brain and body, helping you feel lighter and more at peace.

  • Find Relief from Anxiety: Calm overwhelming thoughts and reduce stress, so you can focus and feel more present in your life.

  • Break Free from Emotional Blocks: Overcome patterns or feelings that have kept you stuck, opening the door to healthier relationships and personal growth.

  • Feel More Balanced and Grounded: Restore emotional balance, allowing you to connect more deeply with yourself and others.

  • Build Resilience and Confidence: Strengthen your ability to manage challenges with calm and clarity, leading to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of control.

You don’t have to keep feeling stuck or overwhelmed—Brainspotting therapy offers a path to healing and relief. It can get better, and you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we can work toward the peace and relief you deserve.

More FAQs about Brainspotting

  • Brainspotting could be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a deeper, more effective way to address trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain that feels stuck. It’s especially helpful if you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and feel like you’re still not making the progress you hoped for. Whether you’re dealing with a specific traumatic event, chronic stress, or long-term patterns, Brainspotting meets you where you are and helps you move forward at your own pace.

    This therapy is also great if you struggle to put your experiences into words or feel overwhelmed talking about them. Brainspotting works with the mind and body together, gently unlocking emotions and stored tension for profound relief. If you’re ready to try an approach that works on a deeper level, Brainspotting may be exactly what you’re looking for.

  • Brainspotting is highly effective for trauma and PTSD because it directly targets the deeper areas of the brain where traumatic experiences are stored. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often relies on verbal processing, Brainspotting helps you access and release the emotions, memories, and pain that are held below the surface. This makes it a gentle yet powerful approach for healing trauma at its root.

    In our sessions, we’ll focus on specific emotions, memories, or triggers that feel connected to your trauma. By locating a brainspot—a specific eye position tied to your experience—we’ll allow your brain and body to process and release what’s been holding you back. Many clients feel a sense of relief and emotional freedom as they work through their trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Yes, Brainspotting is an excellent option if you’re experiencing physical symptoms like chronic pain, tension, or fatigue that seem tied to trauma or stress. Emotional pain often lives in the body, manifesting as discomfort or health issues that can feel hard to resolve. Brainspotting works holistically by connecting your mind and body, helping you release not only emotional pain but also the physical symptoms that come with it.

    During a session, you may notice sensations like tightness, warmth, or tingling as your body begins to process and let go of stored stress. This awareness is part of the healing process, and many clients report feeling lighter, less tense, and more at ease after Brainspotting sessions. It’s a gentle yet effective way to care for both your emotional and physical well-being.

  • Absolutely! Brainspotting isn’t just for trauma—it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing performance, creativity, and focus. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, professional, or student, Brainspotting can help you break through mental blocks, reduce performance anxiety, and unlock your full potential. It helps clear emotional triggers like fear of failure or self-doubt, allowing you to feel more confident and in flow.

    If you’re preparing for a big event, struggling with stage fright, or feeling creatively stuck, Brainspotting can help you overcome these challenges. By accessing the parts of your brain tied to these experiences, you’ll feel calmer, more focused, and ready to perform at your best. It’s a supportive and transformative way to reach new heights in your personal and professional life.

  • Brainspotting is a gentle and safe therapy designed to work at your pace, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. It’s particularly helpful for individuals seeking a non-invasive approach to address trauma, anxiety, and other challenges. As your therapist, I’ll create a welcoming space where you feel safe to process and heal, always tailoring sessions to meet your needs.

    While Brainspotting is effective for many people, it’s important to discuss your specific concerns and goals during an initial consultation to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels comfortable and aligned with your healing journey. You deserve a safe and effective path to relief, and Brainspotting is here to help.