Research

Brainspotting Therapy: The Case of a Bataclan Attack Survivor

Brainspotting (BSP), developed by David Grand in 2003, is designed to address psychotraumatic issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression. This therapeutic approach combines elements of hypnosis and EMDR, based on the premise that eye position can influence the processing of traumatic memories. The article presents the basic framework of the therapy, its protocol, and potential outcomes, supported by theoretical foundations from mindfulness and memory-processing theories. A case of a victim of the Bataclan terrorist attack is used to illustrate the therapeutic process.

LeeAnn M. Horton, Cynthia Schwartzberg, Cheryl D. Goldberg, Frederick G. Grieve, Lauren E. Brdecka

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Brainspotting and Its Effectiveness Compared to EMDR in Treating PTSD

This study compared the effectiveness of BSP and EMDR in 76 adults who had experienced traumatic events. Participants received three 60-minute therapy sessions using one of the two methods. Both groups showed significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms. While EMDR demonstrated slightly stronger effects (effect size between 1.19 and 1.76), BSP also produced solid results (effect size between 0.74 and 1.04), making BSP a viable alternative for trauma treatment.

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Using Brainspotting With Adults After the Sandy Hook Tragedy

Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Brainspotting therapy was integrated into community support programs. A committee of community members compiled a report on needs and therapeutic interventions. Findings showed that BSP made a significant contribution to the long-term healing of both individuals and the broader community.

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Effective Therapies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This study compared the effectiveness of three approaches — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and BSP — in patients with GAD. A total of 59 participants were divided into three therapeutic groups, with 19 in a control group. Testing indicated that both EMDR and BSP were more effective than CBT, with BSP standing out for its enhanced activation of neurological mechanisms related to emotional disorder treatment.

Dr. Javier Anderegg

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A Case of Successfully Treating Sexual Dysfunction as a Trauma-Related Condition With Brainspotting

A case study from Brazil showcased the successful treatment of a rare sexual disorder — persistent genital arousal — understood as a manifestation of dissociative trauma. BSP led to a significant reduction of symptoms and helped restore physical and emotional balance.

Patrícia FM, José FP, de F and Marcelo M

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Neurobiological Basis of Brainspotting Therapy

The authors discuss hypotheses about the neurophysiological mechanisms behind BSP’s therapeutic effects. They suggest that effective treatment occurs when, in a safe therapeutic environment, the client fully attends to the painful memory, involving brain structures such as the superior colliculus, thalamus, and basal ganglia. BSP appears to help “reset” the emotional response, leading to a lasting release of physiological distress linked to traumatic memory.

F.M. Corrigan, D. Grand, R. Raju

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Pilot Study on the Effectiveness of Brainspotting for PTSD

This preliminary study analyzed therapeutic outcomes in 22 clients from the U.S. and Germany who underwent three BSP sessions. Both therapists and clients reported significant improvements, including symptom reduction and shifts in trauma perception. Results support the therapeutic potential of BSP.

Anja Hildebrand, David Grand, Mark Stemmler

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Accessing Sensorimotor Memories Through the Midbrain Using Brainspotting

This article explores the neurological processes activated by identifying a “brainspot” — a point in the visual field that triggers a bodily trauma response. Maintaining focus on this point activates neural pathways that connect bodily sensations, emotions, and memories. This leads to the release of locked responses and a reduction of trauma symptoms. The authors propose that a key component of healing occurs in the midbrain, rather than exclusively in the cortex.

Frank Corrigan, David Grand

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