The world of therapy intervention is much deeper than meets the eye. Whatever you think you know, there is likely a plethora of options beyond that. When you think of therapy, you probably think of talk therapy. It is a great option, but it may only be effective for some. This is where brain-based therapies come into play.
Brain-Based Therapy
Somewhat of a newer concept in therapy practice, this can open doors to the mind in a unique fashion. It allows a person to process past traumas in non-traditional, more creative methods. These therapy options approach your healing from an alternative lens by focusing more on your eye positions. Research on the topic has demonstrated positive results, and clients can make progress along their journey to healing.
EMDR…Brainspotting…The Overview
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, is the more commonly known term of the two. This technique utilizes bilateral stimulation where your eyes complete movements along with external cueing. Doing so allows you to access other areas of your brain than you can with sole discussion.
Like many things in life, concepts used with EMDR started evolving into a new technique known as brainspotting. Under this method, a person’s eyes remain in a fixed gaze position. The general thought process is that you look into the spot where your brain can process more effectively.
There is a saying that no two things are created equal. While EMDR and brainspotting are under the same umbrella of intervention, there are a few differences.
More Flexibility
EMDR follows a pretty specific regimen for use. A therapist will gather history and pertinent information about the trauma. You then receive education on the process and what to expect. Your target memory gets activated, you go through the desensitization and reprocessing phase, then the installation occurs.
With brainspotting, the therapist has more flexibility to adapt the approach to the patient, making it a more individualized treatment. There is no specific protocol to be followed, and generally, you, as a patient, would be able to have as much or as little conversation as you would like.
Quicker Results
Under the EMDR process, there are eight phases in total, and it averages eight to ten sessions for one memory to be processed. If there is a more complex trauma memory, the process could go up to twelve sessions. With brainspotting, the trend has been a lesser time frame. Studies show effective results for anxiety, depression, and PTSD within a few sessions.
Less Overstimulating
The basis of EMDR is bilateral stimulation. Newer practices incorporate lights as the target for a person to follow with their eyes. During the treatment, the eyes move back and forth with the light cue. There are also options to include sound on either side of the body or sensory cueing in the form of tapping parts of your body if you are comfortable with that—multiple moving pieces.
In brainspotting, sound can still be used in this method to get you into a comfortable, relaxed mindset. The eyes will find a fixed spot where you become stuck, and the therapist can hone in on the problem area. Focus turns to talk through any feelings coming up in this spot.
Conversation Level…Optional
You may have to relive portions of your trauma or negative emotion/experience. The preparation and assessment portion thoroughly digs into your history to establish whether EMDR will help. There are guided conversations during the reprocessing phase.
Brainspotting will differ because you don’t have to relive any negative emotions or experiences. The therapist is there to guide you, but you direct the process. The conversation is what you make it.
The beauty of these processes is that they relieve the stuck state and return your mind and body to homeostasis. If you are interested in exploring a different treatment option for any of your issues, let’s chat!
Learn more about our EMDR and Brainspotting Therapy Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
