Trauma therapy includes many different methods. If you are thinking about therapy but don’t know which one to choose, you have a remarkable opportunity to differentiate between therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting. These are two popular methods known to help with trauma and both use different ways to help people heal.
To explain the differences between EMDR and Brainspotting, we will look at their basic ideas, how they are used, and which one you should opt for. The discussion highlights how both creativity and science play a role in trauma therapy, showing how these methods can help in deep healing and better mental health.
The approach of EMDR
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapy approach that helps people process traumatic memories. In the late 1980s, Francine Shapiro developed EMDR to desensitize the emotional charge associated with painful events.
EMDR has broadened its uses over time. It usually involves taking a history, getting ready, assessing, desensitizing, installing, body scanning, closing, and re-evaluating. Subsequently, all of these processes work in the healing journey.
How does an EMDR session go?
In EMDR, the therapist first takes a brief history of the patient to understand the trigger’s background. Then, they identify the target memory, which consists of the distressing events the patient has experienced. Then comes the desensitization phase, where the client recalls distressing memories while utilizing bilateral stimulation. Over time, the charge of the emotion begins to fade, and positive associations are newly formed.
The other phases of the therapy focus on releasing any kind of physical tension and making sure that this approach enables EMDR to effectively address trauma and emotional resilience. For PTSD, anxiety, and other phobias, EMDR is significantly helpful in a safe and supportive environment for repatterning a client’s experience of trauma.
The approach of Brainspotting
The concept of Brainspotting revolves around the connection between brain spots (static eye gaze) and how one processes physical and emotional events.
Another innovative treatment approach that seems to go deep into the mind-body connection is Brainspotting. David Grand coined the term in 2003. Brainspotting assumes that the direction of looking can influence a feeling. By identifying specific locations in a visual field termed “brain spots,” a therapist can access unresolved trauma and painful emotional experiences in the subcortical brain.
How does Brainspotting work?
The location of the brain spot is pinpointed using a pointer or the patient’s natural eye movement, which is linked to undiscovered trauma. The client then focuses on that specific point during the therapy session with the therapist. In this way, access is allowed to the parts of the brain considered to be fundamental to body healing through emotional and physical stress.
This will do especially well with folks who do not have the vocabulary to talk about the trauma they are experiencing. It is mindfully and staying present with the feelings that arise, and it somehow produces a wonderful sense of unearthing and release.
The key differences between Brainspotting & EMDR
EMDR and Brainspotting both work towards healing trauma but by different methods in some significant ways:
Movement of the eyes vs. Static positions
The key components of EMDR are eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation for trauma reprocessing. This rhythmic movement makes the processing of painful memories easier.
Brainspotting focuses on the static gaze of the person and certain “brainspots” that access deeply seated emotions. This approach emphasizes the exploration of feelings for a longer period of time.
Structure vs Flexibility
EMDR is a therapy that uses a set plan with eight clear steps to help people deal with traumatic memories. It’s structured and follows specific procedures.
Brainspotting, on the other hand, is more flexible. It lets the client’s feelings and body sensations lead the session, creating a more natural and relaxed experience. Instead of following strict steps, it focuses on what the client needs at the moment.
Verbal vs. Nonverbal Processing
EMDR often requires much more discussion of the trauma, making it suitable for those who are comfortable speaking about their experiences.
Brainspotting tends to require less verbal communication, which is perfect for the more wordless pain sufferer.
Neurobiological Depth
The neurobiological difference lies in which part of the brain processes trauma in each therapy. In EMDR, the bilateral movement of both eyes stimulates both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This stimulation triggers the integration of certain parts of the brain that reframe traumatic memories into less emotionally charged narratives.
Brainspotting, on the other hand, directly accesses the subcortical brain, where body-based trauma is stored. By focusing on specific “brainspots”. Brainspotting bypasses the conscious mind, fostering deep, nonverbal healing.
| Aspect | EMDR | Brainspotting |
| Process | Eye movements or other forms of bilateral movements. | Static gaze targeting ‘brainspots’, the inner emotions. |
| Structure | Highly structured with eight specific phases. | Flexible and focuses on the patient’s needs. |
| Verbal vs. Nonverbal | Verbal discussion of the trauma. | Relatively low on verbal interaction. |
| Therapy focus | Transforms traumatic memories in to less intense memories. | Uses body sensations and body-based trauma healing. |
| Neurobiological depth | Stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. | Access the subcortical brain locations for the stored trauma. |
Which Therapy Is Best?
You must choose the best suits your needs, preferences, and comfort. Both EMDR and Brainspotting are strong therapeutic approaches, and many therapists blend the best of both approaches for their therapy.
Consider EMDR if you
If you are comfortable talking about your trauma with your therapist and experience a safe and supportive environment.
Consider Brainspotting if you
You prefer a silent environment for the therapy. It allows for a personalized and fluid journey toward healing, tailored to the unique needs of the individual.
If you’re interested in how EMDR or Brainspotting can be helpful in your recovery, then don’t hesitate to consult professional help.
