Brainspotting for Trauma: What to Expect in Your First Session in Dallas
What Is Brainspotting?
If you’ve ever felt stuck in traditional talk therapy, like you understand your trauma but still feel it in your body, Brainspotting might be what you need. This powerful therapy can help process trauma, anxiety, and PTSD by working with your brain and body, not just your thoughts.
Developed by Dr. David Grand, Brainspotting is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. By finding a specific eye position (a “brainspot”) connected to unprocessed trauma, your brain can naturally process and release stored emotions.
Many people have questions before trying Brainspotting:
What if I don’t know what to focus on? – That’s okay! Your therapist will help guide you.
Will I be overwhelmed? – You’re always in control of the pace.
How is this different from talk therapy? – Instead of relying on logic and words, Brainspotting can help your subconscious and nervous system do the healing.
How Brainspotting Can Help Process Trauma
Traditional talk therapy is great for understanding trauma, but understanding isn’t always enough. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I know why I feel this way, but I still can’t shake it,” that’s because trauma isn’t just stored in your thoughts; it’s stored in your body and nervous system.
Brainspotting works differently. Instead of focusing on logic and words, it taps into the deeper emotional brain (subcortex), where trauma is held.
Here’s a little about how we think Brainspotting works…
Trauma is stored in the body and nervous system, not just in explicit memory.
Your eyes are directly connected to the brain, meaning eye position can access unprocessed trauma.
A “brainspot” is found, an eye position linked to stored emotions or body sensations.
By focusing on that brainspot, your brain can naturally process and release what’s been stuck.
Brainspotting’s resourced approach seems to activate the brain’s self-healing capacity. It’s not about thinking your way through trauma; it’s about letting your brain and body do the healing.
Brainspotting isn’t just about eye positions. It’s also about the connection between you and your therapist. This is called dual attunement, where your therapist is tuned into both your emotional experience and your nervous system’s responses.
Here are a few ways to think about it:
Your therapist is a co-regulator. Their presence helps your nervous system feel safe enough to process.
Brainspotting is relational. You don’t have to go through it alone. Your therapist helps hold the space for healing.
It’s about following your lead. Your therapist isn’t forcing a breakthrough. They’re supporting the natural unfolding of your healing process.
This attunement is what makes Brainspotting so powerful. It’s not just a technique, it’s an experience of feeling truly seen and supported.
Preparing for Your First Brainspotting Session
So, you’re about to try Brainspotting. What should you expect? First, there’s no “right” way to experience it. Some people feel big emotional shifts right away, while for others, changes happen gradually. It’s not about forcing a breakthrough but allowing your brain and body to process at their own pace.
Wondering what to bring & know before your Brainspotting session?
Wear comfortable clothes—being at ease helps the process.
Bring water—hydration supports your nervous system.
Have an open mind—Brainspotting feels different from traditional talk therapy.
Optional: Think of a focus area—anxiety, stress, a memory—but no pressure! Sometimes, your brain knows where to go before you do.
What Happens in Your First Brainspotting Session?
If you’re wondering what your first Brainspotting session will look like, here’s a breakdown:
First, your therapist will help you get settled and talk through, or frame, what you’d like to focus on. This doesn’t have to be a specific memory. It could be an emotion, a physical sensation, or even just “I feel stuck.” Brainspotting can work with whatever is present for you.
Next, your therapist will guide you in finding a “brainspot,” the eye position that seems to give you access to emotional or physical responses related to your frame. We think this spot taps into where your unprocessed experiences, allowing your nervous system to begin integrating them.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting isn’t about analyzing or explaining every emotion that comes up. It’s about allowing your brain and body to process in their own way with your therapist’s attunement. You might notice:
Emotional shifts (relief, sadness, laughter, or a sense of calm)
Physical sensations (tingling, warmth, deep breathing)
Memories surfacing or a new sense of clarity
Some sessions may feel deeply emotional, while others are subtle but powerful. Either way, your nervous system is doing the work, even if you don’t have words for it right away.
What to Expect After Brainspotting
Brainspotting typically doesn’t stop when the session ends. Your brain and body often continue processing in the hours and days afterward. Some people feel immediate relief, while others notice insights and shifts unfold gradually. Both experiences are completely normal!
Common post-session experiences include:
Feeling lighter or clearer—like something “clicked” internally.
Increased body awareness—noticing tension release or a deeper sense of calm.
Emotional waves—you might feel moments of relief followed by unexpected emotions. This is just your nervous system reconfiguring.
Fatigue or needing extra rest—Brainspotting is deep work, and your body may signal that it needs time to integrate.
Some people experience strong emotions right away, while others notice subtle changes in their mood, thoughts, or reactions over the next few days. You might even have new memories or insights surface unexpectedly.
Your brain has been doing deep processing, so give yourself some space to recover.
Drink plenty of water to support your nervous system.
Journal or voice memo any thoughts or feelings that arise.
Get rest. This might mean extra sleep or just some quiet downtime.
Be patient. Healing unfolds at its own pace, and shifts may continue for days or weeks.
Brainspotting is a journey, not a quick fix. Trust your body’s process, and know that whatever comes up is part of your system’s way of moving toward healing.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
Brainspotting can be a powerful tool for healing, but you don’t need to have a trauma history to benefit from it. Whether you’re dealing with unresolved emotions, feeling stuck, or just want to improve self-awareness, Brainspotting can help access the deeper layers of your nervous system where traditional talk therapy might not reach.
Brainspotting may be a good fit if you struggle with…
PTSD, anxiety, or dissociation
Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
Feeling stuck in nervous system dysregulation—always on edge or shutting down
Chronic stress or burnout
Brainspotting isn’t just for trauma recovery—it can also help with:
Performance anxiety (public speaking, sports, test-taking)
Creative blocks (writing, acting, music, art)
Chronic pain and mind-body conditions
Processing difficult life transitions
Every person’s healing journey is different, and Brainspotting meets you where you are. Whether you need deep trauma healing or just want to work through a specific challenge, this approach allows your brain and body to process at their own pace, no forcing, no pressure, just self-discovery and healing.
Finding a Brainspotting Therapist in Dallas
If you’re considering Brainspotting, working with a Dallas-based therapist can offer unique benefits. Local therapists not only provide personalized, in-person support, but they also have connections to a local network.
Why Choose a Brainspotting Therapist in Dallas?
Access to local support and referrals – Your therapist can recommend complementary services, like bodywork, acupuncture, or trauma-informed yoga.
In-person and telehealth options – Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions or the flexibility of online therapy, you have options that fit your lifestyle.
Integration with somatic and nervous system-focused therapies – Brainspotting pairs well with other healing modalities like the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and mindfulness practices.
If you’re curious about trying Brainspotting in Dallas, reach out for a free consultation to see if it’s the right fit for you.
