We all have emotional scars from a tragic life event, a tough relationship or stressful situations that leave a lasting impact. Sometimes despite our best efforts to move on, certain memories and emotions stick with us and affect how we think, feel and behave. If you’ve ever felt stuck in emotional patterns or overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma or stress you’re not alone.
That’s where trauma therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting come in. These new therapies help people process unresolved emotions and break free from the grip of trauma, so they can feel more present, calm and empowered. While both work, they work differently and understanding the differences can help you or someone you love find the right path to healing.
Here we’ll look at the features, benefits and real-life examples of EMDR and Brainspotting risks so you can make an informed decision about which one might be for you. Whether you’re new to therapy or just curious about what these treatments offer you’ll get insight into how these tools can work for emotional wellbeing.
Let’s get started and find out how EMDR and Brainspotting can help you get control and peace back in your life.
EMDR
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) it has since been shown to be effective for many other mental health issues including anxiety, phobias and depression. EMDR is about processing distressing memories and unblocking emotional experiences that are “stuck” in the brain.
How EMDR Works
The core idea behind EMDR is that traumatic memories are often stored incorrectly in the brain. These memories get “trapped” in ways that cause distress long after the event has passed. In an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a structured process which typically involves:
- Targeting a distressing memory
- Recall the memory while following external stimuli, such as side-to-side eye movements or hand taps
- Process the memory until it no longer triggers emotional discomfort
The bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) helps the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, and integrate them into more adaptive, less distressing forms. Over time clients feel relief from emotional triggers that used to overwhelm them.
Brainspotting: A Newer Approach to Trauma Healing
Brainspotting was developed by David Grand in 2003 and is based on the principles of EMDR but takes a more body-centered approach. While EMDR uses eye movements to process memories, Brainspotting identifies specific “brainspots” – eye or gaze spots that are linked to unprocessed trauma and mental stuck points – and uses these points to release emotion.
How Brainspotting Works
In a Brainspotting session, the therapist asks the client to recall a traumatic memory, a distressing thought or emotion or a stuck point, something someone feels stuck on emotionally. The therapist then watches where the client’s eyes go while they are recounting the experience. The idea is that certain eye positions are linked to encapsulated trauma in the brain, in relation to their gaze.
Once the spot is found the therapist will ask the client to stay with the sensation, emotion or thoughts. The client can see where these things lead by talking through their thought processes or simply holding their gaze on the brain spot. This allows the person to process and often release these spots. Sessions often include soothing elements like bilateral music to help the client feel grounded. It also engages the client in mindfulness during the session, being with their thought, sensations or feelings in the present moment..
Read More: What is Brainspotting and how does it work?
Key Differences Between Brainspotting and EMDR
Although both therapies aim to release unprocessed emotions and heal trauma, their techniques differ significantly:
Both therapies can be effective, but EMDR is more structured, making it ideal for individuals who need a defined process to follow. On the other hand, Brainspotting provides more flexibility, allowing clients to explore emotional pain without feeling confined to specific steps.
| Aspect | EMDR | Brainspotting |
| Focus | Structured processing of traumatic memories through bilateral eye movements | Locates and processes emotions, memories, sensations, and emotional stuck points to specific brainspots |
| Body Connection | More memory-focused | Stronger emphasis on body awareness, mindfulness and emotional sensations |
| Guidance Level | The therapist takes an active role, following a protocol | Client uses a more self directed role and the therapist is present and attuned to the client’s needs during the protocol. |
| Use of Eye Position | Involves side-to-side eye movements | Identifies fixed eye positions linked to emotional stuck points or physical sensations. |
| Processing Style | Step-by-step reprocessing | Allows the brain to process organically and spontaneously is more self-directed. |
When to Choose EMDR or Brainspotting
EMDR or Brainspotting? It depends on you! Here’s what to consider:
- EMDR might be for you if:
- You like a step-by-step process.
- You have PTSD, anxiety or phobias.
- You’re comfortable with bilateral stimulation (eye movements).
- Brainspotting might be for you if:
- You have trauma but other issues like feeling stuck, negative life events, big transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, sports performance, feeling blocked in career, or simply having body sensations linked to trauma.
- You need a more intuitive approach.
- You prefer a more self-guided process of healing.
- You have performance anxiety, chronic pain or deep-seated emotional trauma.
- You have tried EMDR and find it too triggering.
Both therapies are flexible and many therapists will combine elements of both depending on their client’s needs. Some clients may even start with one and later switch to the other.
Real-Life Impact: How EMDR and Brainspotting can change your life
Just envision having all those open wounds in your body for a long time – perhaps an accident, a painful breakup, or childhood neglect. And every time you attempt to progress in your life you are attacked by emotional flashbacks or anxiety. Can you picture a time, when you let go of that emotion and accordingly, the burden within you became less?
Fortunately, both EMDR and Brainspotting can do this. Some of the successes described by clients are relief that there was emotional freedom they never imagined, improvement in relationships, self-esteem and resilience.
Learn More: Does Brainspotting work for anxiety?
Conclusion: Two ways to the same place
EMDR and Brainspotting are two therapies which connect with the brain’s own healing mechanism. Although both will work in different ways they will assist people in removing barriers to how they feel and thus, have a more fulfilling life.
Thus, the idea is that the right therapy is the one, which seems suitable for the person. No matter if it is the more organized style of EMDR or self directed and self healing process of Brainspotting, both may take you to recovery. If you or someone you know is having an untreated trauma or PTSD or feelings of other deep sadness, find a therapist with such orientation.
If you’re interested in exploring any of the above mentioned therapy, and how it works for you, reach out to Art Therapy Guelph. This innovative method may just be the key to your healing journey, and Art Therapy Guelph will be more than happy to help!