Brainspotting Therapy: A Simple Explanation and Why It Helps

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a feeling, memory, or reaction—even when you can’t explain why—it’s completely normal. Our brains hold on to difficult experiences in ways we don’t always notice. Sometimes we move through life looking “fine” on the outside, while our nervous system is quietly carrying much more.

One of the approaches I use to help with this is Brainspotting, and I’d like to share a bit about what it is and why many people find it so helpful.

So, what exactly is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting (or BSP) is a gentle therapy technique that helps the brain process emotions, stress, and trauma that may be stored deeper than our conscious thoughts. It’s based on a simple idea:where you look affects how you feel.

During a session, we work together to find a point in your visual field—a “brainspot”—that connects with whatever feels activated or “stuck” inside. Holding your gaze there helps your brain naturally begin to process what it’s been holding on to.

It’s not about reliving painful memories.It’s not about telling your story over and over.It’s about giving your brain the space and support it needs to heal at its own pace.

What a session feels like

Most people describe Brainspotting sessions as calm, slow, and grounding. I stay attuned to you the whole time so you feel supported and safe. You’re always in control.

Some people notice physical sensations. Others feel a wave of emotion or a sense of release. Some sit quietly and simply “notice.” There’s no right or wrong way to experience it.

What I love about this approach is that the healing doesn’t depend on finding the perfect words. Even when things are hard to explain, your brain still knows how to work through them.

What Brainspotting can help with

People come to me for Brainspotting for many reasons, including:

• Trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Stress and burnout

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Childhood or attachment wounds

• Emotional overwhelm

• Performance blocks (sports, school, work, creativity)

It’s effective for children, teens, and adults—anyone who feels like something inside won’t quite settle.

Why I use this approach

I’ve seen Brainspotting help people find relief in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t. When an experience is stored in the nervous system, not just the mind, we need a therapy that can reach both. Brainspotting does that in a gentle, non-invasive way.

I often say that therapy is about helping people move from the “dark roots” of the tree toward the brighter branches above—where things feel lighter, clearer, and more hopeful. Brainspotting is one of the tools that helps us get there.

If you’re curious…

You don’t need to fully understand how Brainspotting works to benefit from it. If something inside feels heavy, stuck, or hard to talk about, this approach may be a good fit.

I’m happy to answer questions or explore whether Brainspotting might support you or your child. You don’t have to navigate difficult emotions alone—there is a path forward, and you deserve to feel lighter and more grounded.

Warmest regards,

Sandra LeBlanc. BSW, RSW

Individual, Child & Family Counsellor​