Brainspotting Services Near Middle River, MD

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a therapeutic method developed by psychologist Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is based on the understanding that our visual field can be used to access and process unresolved traumas, negative emotions, and other psychological difficulties. By focusing on specific eye positions, or "brainspots," individuals can access deep levels of the brain's processing power to facilitate healing and resolution.

How Does Brainspotting Work?

During a brainspotting session, a trained therapist guides the client's attention to locate the brainspots related to their distress or trauma. These brainspots are typically identified through eye positions that correlate with the activation of emotional and somatic experiences. The therapist helps the client maintain their gaze on the identified brainspot while supporting them in exploring the associated thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

The bilateral stimulation of the brain, achieved through the eye positions, helps to activate the body's innate healing processes. Brainspotting allows for the processing and release of stored emotional and physical trauma, promoting self-regulation and integration.

Benefits of Brainspotting:

1. Trauma Resolution: Brainspotting has shown remarkable effectiveness in treating various forms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and specific phobias.

2. Emotional Regulation: By accessing and processing unresolved emotions, brainspotting can help individuals achieve emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of distressing feelings.

3. Performance Enhancement: Brainspotting has been utilized by athletes, performers, and professionals to optimize their performance and overcome performance anxiety.

4. Self-Exploration and Growth: Brainspotting can facilitate deeper self-exploration, leading to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and improved overall well-being.

Testimonials

  • "I've had such a wonderful experience working with Alice. I'm very surprised at the effectiveness of brainspotting on changing negative thinking patterns. I've seen many great changes in stress and anxiety levels"

    Client A.M

  • "I have been a client at Safe Space Counseling for months, and I have seen such an improvement in my mental health since I began. I had no previous experience with Brainspotting before this, but my counselor introduced me to it and I am so grateful she did. It is really relaxing and incredibly helpful with dealing with many issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I'm a retired paramedic and have been haunted by many of the things I saw and had to do in that job, and I've never found anything healthy or productive to help with that. Many first responders fall into unhealthy/maladaptive coping mechanisms, understandably, but those things aren't sustainable. Using Brainspotting has helped me to process the things that have haunted me so that I can understand them and myself better and move forward in my life in a positive way. 10/10, highly recommend."

    Client S.B

  • "Navigating through a tough period in my life, I was fortunate to be referred to Alice (XiaoRan) Zhao, LCPC through my work's Employee Assistance Program. Though unfamiliar with the technique of "Brain Spotting", just one session revealed its power. It granted me the strength and clarity to not just confront, but truly comprehend my anxiety. Previously, the fear and uncertainty I felt seemed insurmountable. Yet with Alice (XiaoRan) Zhao, LCPC, I found a pathway to understanding that was swifter and more intuitive than the traditional therapist/client dialogues I had known. If you're seeking a transformative therapeutic experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Alice (XiaoRan) Zhao, LCPC. Their approach can unlock a newfound perspective and resilience within you."

    Client S. M

If you're seeking a powerful therapeutic approach to address trauma, emotional challenges, or enhance your overall performance, consider exploring brainspotting. This innovative technique leverages the connection between the visual field, brain processing, and emotional healing. By working with a skilled brainspotting therapist, you can embark on a transformative journey toward healing, growth, and improved mental well-being.