Brainspotting Therapy in New York City & New Jersey
Trauma and emotional distress often live deep within the body and mind, beyond what words alone can reach. Brainspotting is a powerful, neuroscience-based therapy designed to help you access and process unresolved trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain in a way that traditional talk therapy cannot.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a gentle yet highly effective therapy that helps the brain reprocess trauma by identifying and targeting specific eye positions called “brainspots.” These brainspots correlate with unprocessed emotional experiences. This method works by accessing the subcortical brain, where trauma is stored, allowing for deep healing without requiring you to verbally relive painful memories.
Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is now used by therapists worldwide to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, performance blocks, and more. It is based on the understanding that where you look affects how you feel. By guiding your gaze to the right spot, we can unlock your brain’s natural ability to heal.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
During a Brainspotting session:
1
We identify a “brainspot” an eye position that correlates with stored emotional distress.
2
You focus on this spot while allowing emotions, sensations, and thoughts to emerge naturally.
3
I provide gentle guidance to help you process these experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable.
4
Your brain begins reprocessing the trauma, often leading to profound relief, new insights, and emotional release.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting does not require you to retell your trauma; instead, it allows your body and brain to process and release pain on a deeper level.
What Can Brainspotting Help With?
Brainspotting has been found effective for:
PTSD & Trauma Recovery
Helps process and heal past emotional wounds.
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Reduces overwhelming feelings and chronic stress.
Depression
Releases emotional blockages and promotes balance.
Performance Anxiety
Helps athletes, performers, and professionals overcome mental blocks.
Chronic Pain & Somatic Symptoms
Addresses the mind-body connection in physical symptoms.
Attachment & Relationship Issues
Supports deeper emotional healing.
Creative & Professional Blocks
Unlocks potential in artists, musicians, and executives.
Substance Dependence & Addictive Behaviors
Helps address underlying trauma and emotional triggers that contribute to addiction.
If you’re wondering whether Brainspotting is right for you, let’s discuss how it can support your healing journey.
Brainspotting vs. Traditional Talk Therapy
Unlike traditional therapy, Brainspotting bypasses the thinking brain (neocortex) and goes straight to the emotional and survival brain (subcortex & limbic system), where trauma and distress are stored
Brainspotting
- Works with deep brain structures
- Focuses on felt sensations & body awareness
- Accesses trauma without reliving it
- Effective for those who feel “stuck” in therapy
Traditional Talk Therapy
- Engages logical thinking & analysis
- Focuses on verbal processing
- Requires discussion of painful memories
- May not fully resolve deeply stored trauma
What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
Each session is customized to your needs and emotional readiness. Here’s what a typical Brainspotting session looks like:
-
1
We discuss what’s bringing you in and set an intention for the session.
-
2
I guide you to find a brainspot, using a pointer or following your natural gaze.
-
3
You process in a calm, safe space where there is no pressure to talk unless you want to.
-
4
You may experience emotions, sensations, or shifts in perspective as your brain begins reprocessing.
-
5
We close the session with grounding techniques, ensuring you feel stable and supported before leaving.
Why Work with Me?
As a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma-informed and somatic therapy, I offer a compassionate and personalized approach to Brainspotting.
- Over 30 years of experience in mental health
- Trained in Brainspotting Phases I, II, & III
- Bilingual therapy in Cantonese and Toisanese
- Specialized in trauma recovery, anxiety, and somatic healing
Healing is not about relieving pain, it’s about freeing yourself from it. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
How long does therapy last?
Do you accept Health Spending Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)?
Start Your Healing Journey with Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a powerful tool for unlocking the mind-body connection, resolving trauma, and finding lasting relief. If you’re ready to experience therapy in a new way, fill out the form below to schedule your first session, and I will be in touch to explore how Brainspotting can support you.