Are You Anxious?
Currently anxiety is showing up among my new client consultations at an all time high! People I’m meeting with are grappling with heightened anxiety stemming from these sociopolitical changes:
Concerns about potential and realized rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights, including those affecting transgender individuals and same-sex marriage
The attack on Government Agencies like US AID, Medicare and Medicaid, our personal data and Federal jobs
The continued alarming rise in antisemitism, xenophobia and ICE deportations
These issues have left many feeling vulnerable and distressed. Many of us are experiencing the world as a more dangerous place than we have in the past. These external stressors can lead to pervasive feelings of unease and fear.
Brainspotting (BSP) is a therapeutic approach that offers a pathway to address and alleviate such anxiety. Developed by Dr. David Grand, BSP operates on the principle that “where you look affects how you feel.” By guiding clients to focus on specific points in their visual field, therapists can help access and process deep-seated emotional distress. This method taps into the brain’s subcortical regions, which are often beyond the reach of traditional talk therapies. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brainspotting-therapy-and-how-it-works?.com
Research into BSP’s efficacy is ongoing, but preliminary findings are promising. A study comparing BSP with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Body Scan Meditation (BSM) found that all three interventions effectively reduced distress associated with traumatic memories. Notably, both BSP and EMDR showed significant decreases in subjective units of disturbance (SUD) scores immediately after intervention and at follow-up, suggesting their potential in processing distressing memories. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8835026?.com
Another investigation into BSP’s impact on trauma-related symptoms reported substantial reductions in anxiety levels among participants. Specifically, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores decreased by 57% following BSP sessions, indicating a significant alleviation of anxiety symptoms. https://www.hanleycenter.org/brainspotting?.com
Extensive research continues to fully establish BSP’s effectiveness. Current studies suggest that Brainspotting can be a valuable tool for individuals seeking relief from anxiety, especially when traditional therapeutic approaches may not suffice. By targeting the neurological underpinnings of trauma and anxiety, BSP offers a focused method to help clients navigate and heal from their distress.
Anxiety can be paralyzing, sending our nervous systems in “freeze” mode. By incorporating Brainspotting into my therapeutic practice, I provide an additional avenue to support clients in processing complex emotions and experiences. Get out of freeze mode and into action and resilience! Click here to schedule your free consultation now!
