The "Crappy Childhood Fairy": A unique resource for trauma/PTSD self-care and recovery?

[Gwenllian]

I also heard that EMDR, which is one of the most effective therapies modalities for trauma, seems to be effective on about 50% of the cases. That was interesting because even with that rate it is still considered one of the most effective but I hadn't thought of it in relation to OPs, that's food for thought.

Recently I talked to a psychologist who told me that EMDR doesn't really work with people who have very few memories (or none) of traumatic events. So, that could also be a reason for the 50% success rate?

I thought of another model, Internal Family Systems which is also a very effective modality, especially when integrated with EMDR and CBT. In this modality they literally get people to "talk" with their parts in order to sort out the internal system. The idea is that one has to build what they call the self in order to build self-leadership, and that self-leadership helps in healing and organizing the inner system. The 'self' is a vague concept and it varies from person to person but some people think of it as the essence, soul or that in us which is connected to source. And what's important is to unblend that 'self' from the parts in order to begin the healing process. Even though the field is plagued by LGBT stuff nowadays, I found the concepts interesting because it reminded me of the little Is as servants in a house and the need for a butler to organize them. But, if you can't have an inner dialogue with those 'parts', this definitely wouldn't work, would it?

(Yas posted the above in the Session 6 July 2024 thread, but I didn't want to go off topic in that thread, hence my post in this thread.)

Thank you for bringing this up, Yas.

I was thinking the same thing when I learnt of Internal Family Systems. Interestingly, I was told that IFS can be a reflection of external family systems which play an important role in Family Constellations. So, for those who are also grappling with issues that do not really belong to them, IFS and Family Constellations combined could be helpful, although it excludes past lives? That's my thinking at the moment anyway.

According to Amazon's review of Richard Schwartz's book No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model it has also been effective in areas such as addiction therapy and depression treatment. I haven't read the book yet, but it is on my wish list. FWIW.

Added: I detected a few well-known people who left a review:

“Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and the understanding that we all contain valuable parts that are forced into extreme roles to deal with pain and disappointment, has been one of the great advances in trauma therapy. Understanding the role they have played in our survival and being able to unburden the original traumas leads to self-compassion and inner harmony. The notion that all of our parts are welcome is truly revolutionary and opens up a path to self-acceptance and self-leadership. IFS is one of the cornerstones of effective and lasting trauma therapy.” ―Bessel van der Kolk, MD, author of The Body Keeps the Score

“In this trim and highly readable volume, Dr. Richard Schwartz articulates and deftly illustrates his Internal Family Systems model, one of the most innovative, intuitive, comprehensive, and transformational therapies to have emerged in the present century.” ―Gabor Maté, MD, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction

 

[4d candidate]

To be honest, I never thought that this post would even come into being and that I would be able to write what I am about to say about myself. Despite being on the forum for some time and reading articles about psychopathy and recommended books such as Political Ponerology, Mask of Sanity and a few others, and a whole lot of posts describing the behavior of psychopathic world elites, it was a shock to me to discover only 2 weeks ago that I have been living with a narcissistic and disturbed person for 50 years. I started watching YouTube channels of various psychotherapists who describe the behavior of narcissistic people and it was as if a bolt of lightning suddenly struck me because what I heard 100% and exactly referred to my mother. For as long as I can remember, I have been haunted by a huge sense of guilt and fear, a complete lack of self-confidence and the conviction that I never deserve anything good in life, which accompanies me all the time and it is as if someone had placed a huge burden on my heart and was constantly pressing it. My trauma is very strong and does not completely go away after undergoing psychotherapy at the age of 25, and what is important is that throughout this time to this day I have lived with a parasite under the same roof, although I have my own family. The scale of manipulation, invented dramas, constant criticism of me no matter what I did, lies, slander is unimaginable for a person who has not experienced it. Throughout childhood and adolescence I fought a huge battle with myself, because I was not able to love my mother and father like my friends, who talked about how cool their parents were, and again I saw all the blame only in myself. I was never too good to deserve any love from my parents and their demands have always been too much for me, and when I achieved something my mother's expectations grew again and I was still unable to meet them. I did very well at school, I followed all her instructions to the letter, I even did more than she wanted, I rose to the heights of my abilities as an 8-year-old, then a 10-year-old and as an adult man, but I was unable to bear her adult life problems, which she burdened me with, sometimes at work, sometimes in the family, sometimes in her environment. This enormity of her problems, which she burdened me with for all these years, and which I was unable to solve for her as a child, caused me constant tension, enormous stress for very long years, which accompanied me permanently, and I did not understand what was happening to me psychologically.

It was only recently that I became convinced that a narcissist uses various tricks so that the victim would never leave him, and I remember for a long time the invisible force that kept me in the family home, despite the inner voice telling me: move out. I have always been convinced and manipulated not to build my own house, apartment, because it is unnecessary, redundant and bad, and I already have a finished house built by my parents and in my old age I will be able to give my mother a proverbial glass of water and take care of her. According to her words, building this house cost her so much strength, sacrifice, work, money, care that leaving it would be almost equivalent to a sin, and in her opinion no one suffered as much as she did and suffered so many sacrifices in the entire Galaxy,


I think.My story begins 50 years ago when I was born and when I was 6 months old my mother gave me up to be raised by my grandparents (father's parents), who lived a few kilometers away, and she and my father lived separately while building our house. They never had a car, so apparently they visited me at my grandparents', but I don't really remember it, although yes, I saw them a few times.It was only years later that I understood how much she hated children and people who were unable to follow her orders and categorically comply with what she wanted. Suddenly, at the age of 5, she tore me away from the idyll and the surroundings I lived in, because they built a house and we could move in. She literally took me like her property and something that you could take, give away and do whatever you wanted with. It was 1979.

The shock caused by the change of environment and the way I was treated by my own parents, whom I didn't really know, was indescribable. I literally felt like I was in a military barracks and only the orders given by the commanding officer, i.e. my mother, mattered.She was cold, haughty, absolutely intolerant of any criticism, and everything had to be done immediately and exactly the way she wanted it.The most interesting thing is how she subjugated my father, who was quite a tall and strong man and is still subordinate to her today, even though he is 77 years old. He does all her chores except cooking.I noticed that my father, partly out of fear of my mother, partly for peace of mind, partly to relieve his frustration, had been using physical punishment against me and my brother for a dozen or so years, beating us with a leather belt until my butt and legs were blue and blue and I didn't scream out loud because it hurt so much. The words of my mother were interesting, she was happy about this fact and she said to me when I was being beaten: oh you see how it is, how good it is, you see how you got hurt, and I told you not to laugh and don't be happy now, because in a moment you might cry and that's what actually happened. I wasn't allowed to laugh or be happy, so I wasn't happy, although sometimes I wanted to.I never knew in what mood my parents would come back from work and what might happen in a moment, so the beatings were at unexpected moments and there was no one I could complain to or ask for help, and I had nowhere to run.I remember my mother advising my father not to hit me on the back with a belt because it could damage my kidneys, only on the butt and legs, because someone might be interested. The biggest crime according to my mother was taking matters outside our home, because she was the one who created the image of our ideal family outside, according to her. The vulgar insults that I heard from my mother throughout my childhood about myself, that it was all my fault, that I was a bad child, that she had to suffer with me, that she had the right to me and could do anything with me, that she had such bad children many times are not suitable for mentioning here, but I had suicidal thoughts many times. From the age of five in my family home I felt like a wild animal that constantly had to hide, it was not certain when the punishment would come, whatever I did could result in emotional coldness, ignorance, disapproval or beatings. When I was maybe 10 years old, often sobbing and crying she would say to us (me and my brother): it's because of you sons of bitches that my heart hurts, it's because of you that I'm going to die soon and you're going to finish me off, and I took it deadly seriously and although I did everything and even more than I could, I was always that bad and ungrateful child. She never had heart treatment from any doctor, but she invented various imaginary diseases and liked to burden my conscience with them, and she does this to this day, although it doesn't affect me as much anymore.To make it interesting, my mother reached a high management position in the company while she was still working professionally and held it for many years, which shouldn't surprise anyone here.

She forced me to go to church, she forced my family, trying to influence my wife, although we don't feel such a need and if someone feels like praying, they can do it at home.I would only like to help myself and other people with my writing, who have similar or much worse experiences in life, and to give them encouragement and courage to always fight for themselves, for their independence, for their free will, which is constantly being disrupted and violated, and the dawn for the world will come soon.

 

[Gwenllian]

While

, I was interested in Henderson's description of the alleged "hidden" exercise of eyes described in the "Herald" and was looking for some supplementary material on this topic when I came upon a technique called "brainspotting" used for trauma therapy with good results. The therapy evolved from David Grand who was trained in psychotherapy and EMDR techniques. He admits that we do not know how it works but there is significant amount of empirical data to show that it does.

From what I understand brainspotting is a gentler form of EMDR suitable for people for whom EMDR is a bit too much. I heard from several sources that in some cases people were retraumatised, while doing EMDR.
I think this article gives a good idea of what it is and what it does. I'm reading David Grand's book about brainspotting and if I find anything useful I will post it in this thread.

Brainspotting is a relatively new psychotherapy approach that combines elements of psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies to facilitate deep emotional healing and trauma resolution [1]. Developed by David Grand in 2003, brainspotting operates on the premise that “where you look affects how you feel” [2]. By guiding the client’s visual focus to specific external positions (brainspots), the therapist can help access and process unresolved traumatic memories that are stored in subcortical brain regions and expressed in the body [3].

While empirical research on the mechanisms and efficacy of brainspotting is still limited, a growing body of clinical evidence suggests it can be a powerful tool for treating a wide range of psychological conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain [4, 5]. In this essay, we will take an in-depth look at the neurobiological underpinnings of brainspotting, exploring the brain regions and networks involved, the subjective phenomenology of the process, and potential neurophysiological markers that could help elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Brain Regions and Networks Involved in Brainspotting​

Brainspotting is thought to engage a distributed network of brain regions involved in visual attention, emotional processing, memory reconsolidation, and somatic awareness [6]. These include subcortical structures like the superior colliculus, amygdala, and hippocampus, as well as higher-order cortical areas like the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortices.

The Superior Colliculus​

The superior colliculus is a small, bilateral structure in the midbrain that plays a crucial role in orienting visual attention and coordinating eye movements [7]. It receives direct input from the retina and sends projections to various regions involved in attention, arousal, and sensorimotor processing [8].

In brainspotting, the client’s visual focus on the external brainspot is thought to activate the superior colliculus, which then relays signals to the amygdala and other limbic structures involved in processing the traumatic memory [9]. This direct pathway from the visual system to emotional centers, bypassing higher cortical areas, may explain how brainspotting can access implicit, nonverbal memories that are not easily reached through talk therapy alone [10].

The Amygdala​

The amygdala is a key limbic structure involved in detecting, processing, and responding to emotionally-salient stimuli, particularly those related to fear and threat [11]. In PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, the amygdala can become hyperactive, leading to exaggerated emotional responses and dysregulation [12].
During brainspotting, the externally-focused visual attention may help downregulate amygdala activity, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed in a more regulated, manageable way [13]. As the client maintains the brainspot, the amygdala may gradually habituate to the associated emotional triggers, leading to a reduction in fear and distress [14].

The Hippocampus​

The hippocampus is a crucial structure for learning and memory, particularly the consolidation of short-term memories into stable, long-term representations [15]. In PTSD, hippocampal function is often impaired, leading to fragmented, overgeneralized traumatic memories that lack contextual details [16].
Brainspotting may facilitate the reconsolidation of traumatic memories by providing a safe, attentive context in which new, adaptive information can be integrated [17]. As the client focuses on the brainspot and processes the associated emotions and sensations, the hippocampus may help update the original memory trace with new experiential elements, gradually modifying its emotional valence and reducing its traumatic impact [18].

The Anterior Cingulate Cortex​

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a central hub for integrating cognitive, emotional, and interoceptive processes [19]. It is involved in monitoring for errors or conflicts, allocating attentional resources, and regulating emotional responses [20].
In brainspotting, the ACC may help maintain the mindful, focused attention on the brainspot and associated internal experiences [21]. As the client observes their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment, the ACC may facilitate a state of open, flexible awareness that allows for deeper processing and insight [22]. The ACC’s connections with both limbic and prefrontal regions may also support the integration of bottom-up emotional processing with top-down cognitive reflection and meaning-making [23].

The Prefrontal Cortex​

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the brain’s executive center, responsible for higher-order cognitive functions like attention, working memory, decision-making, and emotion regulation [24]. In PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, PFC function is often compromised, leading to difficulties with impulse control, planning, and affect regulation [25].
Brainspotting may enhance PFC activation and its top-down regulation of limbic regions like the amygdala [26]. As the client maintains focused attention on the brainspot and processes the emerging experiences, the PFC may help reappraise traumatic memories, generate new insights and perspectives, and develop more adaptive coping strategies [27]. Increased PFC-amygdala connectivity may also reflect the client’s growing capacity for self-regulation and resilience [28].

The Phenomenology of Brainspotting​

From a first-person perspective, the brainspotting experience is often described as a state of deep, focused introspection [29]. As the eyes remain fixated on the external spot, the mind turns inward, allowing unconscious material to surface spontaneously [30].
Clients may report vivid sensory experiences, such as visual images, bodily sensations, or auditory fragments related to the traumatic memory [31]. These experiences can be intense and emotionally-charged, but the dual attentional focus on the brainspot and the inner process seems to provide a sense of grounding and safety [32].
Many clients describe entering a state of expanded awareness, in which they can observe their internal process with curiosity and equanimity [33]. This mindful, accepting stance may facilitate the desensitization and reprocessing of traumatic material, as the client learns to “be with” difficult experiences without becoming overwhelmed [34].
As the session progresses, clients often report a sense of release or discharge, as if the traumatic energy is being drained from the body [35]. This may be accompanied by spontaneous trembling, twitching, or other somatic releases, which are thought to reflect the completion of truncated defensive responses that were thwarted during the original trauma [36]. [Think Peter Levine.]
Insights, realizations, and new perspectives may emerge as the brainspotting process unfolds, often in a nonlinear, associative fashion [37]. Clients may suddenly make connections between past experiences and current struggles, or gain a new sense of meaning and coherence in their life narrative [38].
Ultimately, many clients report feeling a greater sense of wholeness, self-compassion, and empowerment after brainspotting [39]. The deep, transformative nature of the experience can lead to lasting shifts in emotional reactivity, behavioral patterns, and interpersonal relationships [40].

Neurophysiological Markers of Brainspotting​

While research on the neurophysiological correlates of brainspotting is still in its early stages, there are several potential markers that could help elucidate its mechanisms of action. These include event-related potentials (ERPs) measured through electroencephalography (EEG), as well as changes in functional connectivity and oscillatory dynamics captured through quantitative EEG (qEEG) methods.

Event-Related Potentials​

ERPs are time-locked electrical responses in the brain that are evoked by specific sensory, cognitive, or motor events [41]. Several ERP components may be relevant to the brainspotting process:

• The N200 is an early negative deflection that peaks around 200 ms after stimulus onset and is associated with automatic, pre-attentive detection of novel or salient stimuli [42]. In brainspotting, the N200 may reflect the initial orienting response to the brainspot and the detection of emotionally-relevant material that arises in the client’s awareness [43].
• The P300 is a positive wave that occurs around 300 ms post-stimulus and reflects higher-order attentional and memory processes [44]. P300 amplitude is thought to index the allocation of attentional resources and the updating of working memory representations [45]. In brainspotting, enhanced P300 responses may indicate the client’s sustained attention on the brainspot and the active processing of new emotional and cognitive material [46].
• The Late Positive Potential (LPP) is a slow, positive-going wave that emerges around 400-500 ms post-stimulus and can last for several seconds [47]. The LPP is thought to reflect the extended, elaborative processing of emotionally-salient stimuli and is often enhanced in response to both positive and negative material [48]. During brainspotting, increased LPP amplitudes may signify the deep, sustained engagement with emotionally-charged experiences and memories [49].

Quantitative EEG Markers​

qEEG methods involve the mathematical analysis of EEG data to extract patterns of functional connectivity, coherence, and oscillatory activity that may not be apparent in the raw signal [50]. Several qEEG markers could potentially shed light on the neurophysiological effects of brainspotting:

• Functional connectivity refers to the statistical dependencies or correlations between brain regions, reflecting their functional coupling and information exchange [51]. In brainspotting, increased connectivity between prefrontal and limbic regions (e.g., PFC-amygdala, PFC-hippocampus) may indicate enhanced top-down regulation of emotional processing and memory reconsolidation [52]. Increased connectivity within and between attentional networks (e.g., dorsal and ventral attention systems) may reflect the focused, sustained attention on the brainspot and associated internal experiences [53].
• EEG coherence is a measure of the synchronization or coupling of oscillatory activity between brain regions, which is thought to reflect their functional integration and communication [54]. Increased coherence between frontal and posterior regions in the alpha band (8-12 Hz) has been associated with top-down attentional control and emotional regulation [55]. In brainspotting, enhanced fronto-posterior alpha coherence may signify the PFC’s modulation of limbic and sensory processing [56]. Increased coherence within default mode network regions (e.g., medial PFC, posterior cingulate) may reflect the self-referential, introspective nature of the brainspotting experience [57].
• Oscillatory power refers to the amplitude or intensity of EEG activity within specific frequency bands, which are associated with different cognitive and emotional states [58]. For example, alpha power is often linked to relaxed, meditative states of inward focus [59], while theta power (4-8 Hz) is associated with memory processing, emotional regulation, and creativity [60]. In brainspotting, increased alpha power may reflect the calm, receptive state that facilitates the spontaneous emergence of unconscious material [61]. Enhanced theta power may indicate the active reprocessing and reconsolidation of traumatic memories, as well as the generation of new insights and adaptive meanings [62].

Implications for Future Research​

The neurobiological and phenomenological underpinnings of brainspotting suggest a complex, dynamic interplay of attentional, emotional, and mnemonic processes that may facilitate deep, transformative healing from trauma. By engaging subcortical and cortical networks involved in visual orienting, emotional processing, memory reconsolidation, and somatic awareness, brainspotting seems to provide a powerful, integrative approach to accessing and resolving implicit traumatic material.
While more research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and efficacy of brainspotting, the current evidence points to a promising, innovative therapy that harnesses the brain’s innate capacities for attention, emotion regulation, and adaptive information processing. As our understanding of the neurophysiological correlates of brainspotting continues to grow, we may gain valuable insights into the complex interplay of mind, brain, and body that underlies psychological healing and growth.
Ultimately, the power of brainspotting may lie in its ability to create a safe, focused, and deeply embodied context in which individuals can access, process, and transform the painful experiences of the past, leading to greater integration, resilience, and wholeness in the present. By tapping into the brain’s remarkable capacity for change and self-organization, brainspotting offers a hopeful and empowering path to recovery for those struggling with the impacts of trauma.

Comparing Brainspotting with Other Trauma-Focused Therapies​

Brainspotting is part of a larger family of trauma-focused therapies that aim to process and integrate traumatic memories and experiences. Two other prominent approaches in this field are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)​

EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, is a well-established and extensively researched trauma therapy that shares some common elements with brainspotting [1]. Both approaches involve the use of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.
However, there are some key differences between the two approaches. In EMDR, the eye movements are typically more structured and systematic, with the therapist guiding the client’s eyes back and forth in a rhythmic, saccadic pattern [2]. In brainspotting, the eye positions are more static and focused on specific points in the client’s visual field that are believed to correlate with underlying neural networks and emotional experiences [3].
Another difference lies in the theoretical frameworks underlying the two approaches. EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that traumatic experiences are stored in a maladaptive, fragmented manner in the brain [4]. The eye movements and bilateral stimulation in EMDR are thought to facilitate the reprocessing and integration of these dysfunctionally stored memories. Brainspotting, on the other hand, draws upon a more eclectic mix of theoretical influences, including neuroscience, somatic psychology, and mindfulness practices [5].

Somatic Experiencing (SE)​

Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, is another trauma therapy that shares some commonalities with brainspotting in its emphasis on the embodied nature of trauma and the importance of accessing and releasing somatically-held experiences [6].
In SE, the primary focus is on helping clients develop greater awareness of their bodily sensations and experiences, and to gently titrate and discharge the trapped traumatic energy that is believed to underlie many trauma symptoms [7]. This process often involves a careful tracking of subtle physical sensations, movements, and impulses, and supporting the client in allowing these experiences to unfold and resolve in a safe, contained manner.
While brainspotting also attends to somatic experiences and may elicit similar processes of physical discharge and release, it places a greater emphasis on the use of focused eye positions and the activation of specific brain regions and networks [8]. In brainspotting, the body is seen as an important source of information and a vehicle for processing and integration, but the primary point of entry is often through the visual field and the brain.
Despite these differences, all three approaches share a common goal of helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. They all recognize the profound impact of trauma on the mind, brain, and body, and seek to harness the innate healing capacities of the organism to facilitate recovery and growth.

Potential Applications of Brainspotting Beyond Trauma Treatment​

While brainspotting was initially developed as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, its potential applications extend far beyond this domain. The core principles and techniques of brainspotting, including focused mindfulness, somatic awareness, and the activation of adaptive neural networks, may be valuable in a wide range of contexts and populations.

Performance Enhancement and Creative Flow​

One promising area of application for brainspotting is in the realm of performance enhancement and creative flow states. The focused, mindful attention cultivated in brainspotting has been shown to enhance mental clarity, emotional regulation, and attentional control [9] – all key factors in achieving optimal performance across a variety of domains, from sports to the arts to business.
By helping individuals access and resolve underlying blocks or limiting beliefs, brainspotting may also facilitate greater access to states of creative flow and intuitive insight [10]. The process of allowing the mind to freely associate and wander while maintaining a grounded, embodied presence may be particularly conducive to tapping into the generative, non-linear aspects of the creative process.

Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors​

Brainspotting may also have valuable applications in the treatment of addiction and compulsive behaviors. Many individuals struggling with these issues have underlying experiences of trauma, stress, or emotional dysregulation that fuel their maladaptive coping strategies [11].
By providing a safe, focused space to process and release these underlying experiences, brainspotting may help individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and impulse control [12]. The somatic focus of brainspotting may also be particularly helpful in addressing the embodied nature of addiction and compulsion, helping individuals develop a greater sense of agency and choice in relation to their behaviors.

Chronic Pain and Somatic Disorders​

Another potential application of brainspotting is in the treatment of chronic pain and somatic disorders. These conditions are often associated with experiences of trauma, stress, or emotional suppression, and may involve maladaptive patterns of muscle tension, autonomic dysregulation, and neural sensitization [13].
The focused, mindful attention and somatic awareness cultivated in brainspotting may help individuals with chronic pain and somatic disorders develop greater insight into the mind-body connections underlying their symptoms [14]. By gently exploring and releasing somatically-held experiences of tension, bracing, or constriction, brainspotting may facilitate a greater sense of ease, flexibility, and resilience in the face of physical discomfort.

Spiritual and Personal Growth​

Finally, brainspotting may have valuable applications in the realm of spiritual and personal growth. The deep, transformative experiences of insight, release, and integration that can occur during brainspotting sessions are often described in spiritual or transpersonal terms [15].
By facilitating access to expanded states of awareness and self-understanding, brainspotting may support individuals in their journeys of personal and spiritual development. The process of letting go of limiting beliefs, emotional blocks, and habitual patterns of thinking and behavior can be a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation.
Of course, more research is needed to fully explore and validate these potential applications of brainspotting. As the field continues to evolve and expand, it will be important to conduct rigorous empirical studies to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of brainspotting across a range of populations and contexts.
However, the core principles and techniques of brainspotting – including focused mindfulness, somatic awareness, and the activation of adaptive neural networks – hold great promise as a transformative tool for healing, growth, and optimization across many domains of human experience. As our understanding of the complex interplay between mind, brain, body, and spirit continues to deepen, approaches like brainspotting may play an increasingly important role in unlocking human potential and fostering greater resilience, creativity, and well-being.

References​

1. Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change. Sounds True.
2. Grand, D. (2019). Brainspotting: How a new therapy is transforming the treatment of trauma. The Neuropsychotherapist, 7(3), 19-27.
3. Corrigan, F. M., & Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: Recruiting the midbrain for accessing and healing sensorimotor memories of traumatic activation. Medical Hypotheses, 80(6), 759-766.
4. Hildebrand, A., Grand, D., & Stemmler, M. (2017). Brainspotting–the efficacy of a new therapy approach for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in comparison to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 5(1).
5. Sack, M., Lempa, W., Steinmetz, A., Lamprecht, F., & Hofmann, A. (2008). Alterations in autonomic tone during trauma exposure using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)—Results of a preliminary investigation. Journal of anxiety disorders, 22(7), 1264-1271.
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Researching brainspotting I found another trauma therapy called Observed & experiential integration (OEI) where the eyes are involved. More information you can find here, but this video is also interesting where Dr. Rick Bradshaw explains what it entails:

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[Oxajil]

I heard from several sources that in some cases people were retraumatised, while doing EMDR.

Do you know what they meant by "retraumatised"?