Introducing Brainspotting as a Service

This month, I was excited to join fellow clinicians to get trained in brainspotting. I had been interested in learning about this for some time, but had been busy with seeing clients. Even as therapists, we have to sometimes remind ourselves to slow down and take time for our own learning and growth. So when I saw the training and that it was offered exclusively to BIPOC individuals, I decided to take the plunge. I was in for amazement witnessing this effective technique demonstrated and having an opportunity to hone my skills in facilitating it.

So, what is brainspotting?

This is a trauma-informed practice that facilitates an individual honing into their inner resources to heal from distress. It locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. These eye positions (brainspots) are where trauma, anxiety, depression or behavioral problems are held in the brain. Locating brainspots allows the brain to process from the inside out and from the bottom up. Brainspotting is a therapeutic tool that allows the therapist to locate, focus, process and release a wide range of emotionally and bodily-based conditions that talk-therapy alone cannot access. Brainspotting bypasses the conscious, neocortical thinking of the client, to access the deeper, subcortical emotional and body-based parts of the brain. It has been shown to be an effective technique, shortening the time it takes to process distressing events or topics, and reducing the level of distress one feels. This process can also be enhanced when using biolateral music.

What can brainspotting be used for?

Brainspotting can be used for emotional and somatic conditions. It can heal underlying trauma that contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In addition, it is used to enhance performance and creativity.

How can we get started?

If you believe you could benefit from brainspotting, please contact me to get started with therapy. I would to love to assist you in your healing journey.

Ramadan, Gaza, Islamophobia, and Mental Health

On March 14th, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Chef Zana of South Africa on her Ramadaan Around the World show, about the psychological impact of the genocide in Gaza, covering vicarious traumatization, survivor's guilt, compassion fatigue, and PTSD, including how to mitigate the symptoms. We discussed the rise of Islamophobia in the US, as well as concrete steps we can take to support Palestinians in crisis. Click below to watch our interview.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zana Alvarado (@chef_zana)