Reviewed by Vinsent Franke, MBA, AMFT, CADC-II, RA, Founder of iRely Recovery. Updated November 2026.
Intro
Brainspotting therapy is an emerging, brain-body approach that uses a fixed gaze position to help you process stress and trauma held in the body. It is a newer therapy with preliminary research, and it is offered at iRely Recovery as a complementary option, not as a replacement for established treatment.
At iRely Recovery in Los Angeles, brainspotting therapy is offered by our clinical team as part of our trauma and dual diagnosis care. It sits alongside established therapies such as EMDR, CBT and DBT, and it begins only after you have stabilization and coping skills in place.
Key Points
- Emerging approachBrainspotting therapy is a newer method with preliminary research, offered as a complement to established care.
- Gaze and body focusA fixed eye position guides attention to body sensations linked to stress and trauma.
- Used with other therapiesAt iRely it runs alongside EMDR, DBT, CBT and group therapy.
- Assessment firstYour clinical team decides if it fits after a full evaluation.
In Short
Brainspotting therapy at iRely Recovery is an emerging approach that pairs a steady gaze position with focused attention on body sensations. The research is early and limited, so we use it as an adjunct to established trauma and addiction treatment.
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting therapy, sometimes written brain spotting or brain spot therapy, was developed by David Grand, PhD, in 2003 while he was working with EMDR. He noticed that certain eye positions seemed linked to strong emotional reactions. The working idea is that where you look affects how you feel. A “brainspot” is the eye position that a clinician and client identify as connected to a distressing memory or feeling.
The method is somatic, which means it pays close attention to the body. Sessions are quiet and client-led, and you are not asked to retell your story in detail. The theory behind it has not been confirmed by research, and that is one reason we describe it as an emerging approach.
Gaze and Brainspot
A brainspot is the eye position that you and your clinician identify as connected to a distressing memory or feeling.
Body-Based and Client-Led
Sessions are quiet and led by you, with close attention to body sensations. You are not asked to retell your story in detail.
An Emerging Approach
The theory behind it has not been confirmed by research, so it is offered as a complement to established, evidence-based therapies.
How Brainspotting Therapy Works
A session usually follows five steps.
1. Grounding
Your clinician reviews coping skills and checks that you feel steady.
2. Finding a Brainspot
While you think about the target issue, the clinician slowly moves a pointer across your field of vision until a strong body response shows up, such as tension, a shift in breathing or a change in emotion.
3. Holding the Gaze
You keep your eyes on that fixed position and notice what arises in your body and mind, without forcing anything.
4. Processing
Many sessions use calm bilateral music through headphones. The clinician stays present and follows your pace.
5. Closing
Time is set aside to settle, ground and plan for the hours after the session.
Brainspotting for Trauma
Brainspotting for trauma is its most common use. Most published research focuses on post-traumatic stress symptoms. One small comparison study with EMDR (Hildebrand, Grand and Stemmler, 2017) reported improved PTSD symptoms in both groups. The developer of brainspotting co-authored it, and few independent studies exist, so the findings are preliminary. At iRely Recovery, we offer brainspotting for trauma to clients who have stabilized and who may benefit from a gentler, less structured option than other trauma therapies. Learn more about our Trauma-Informed Care and PTSD and addiction treatment.
Brainspotting for Anxiety
Some clinicians use brainspotting for anxiety, especially when worry shows up as tension, restlessness or a racing heart. Research on anxiety specifically is very limited. For this reason, brainspotting for anxiety is paired with skills-based care such as DBT and CBT, which have a stronger research base.
Brainspotting for Addiction Recovery
Many people who struggle with substance use also carry unresolved trauma, and difficult feelings can drive cravings. Brainspotting for addiction recovery may help some clients notice and work through those feelings in a body-based way. It is not an addiction treatment on its own, and research on its effect on substance use is not established. At iRely Recovery it is used alongside medical care, group therapy, DBT and relapse prevention planning.
Brainspotting vs EMDR
| Feature | Brainspotting | EMDR |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Fixed gaze position, pointer, calm bilateral music | Guided eye movements or taps in eight structured phases |
| Structure | Flexible, client-led | Standardized protocol |
| Research | Emerging, limited research | Extensive randomized trials |
| Guidelines | Not listed in major PTSD guidelines | Recommended for PTSD in major guidelines |
EMDR has a much deeper research base and is recommended for PTSD in major clinical guidelines. Brainspotting is not currently listed in those guidelines. Our clinicians help you choose between them, and some clients use both. See our EMDR therapy page.
What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
Before You Start
Your clinician reviews what to expect. Clients with severe dissociation, psychosis or unstable symptoms are assessed first and may need other care before starting.
During a Session
Your clinician will tell you how long sessions run. You stay seated and clothed, and you can pause or stop at any time. Common experiences include warmth, tingling, tears, yawning, vivid memories or a sense of calm.
After a Session
Some people feel tired or emotional for a day or two afterward. Your clinician reviews how to ground yourself between sessions.
Evidence and Limitations
Brainspotting therapy is an emerging approach. An early small comparison with EMDR reported reduced PTSD symptoms, and the developer of brainspotting co-authored it. Independent controlled trials are few, sample sizes are modest and long-term follow-up data is limited. No head-to-head research shows it works better or faster than other therapies. For these reasons, iRely Recovery presents it as a complementary option and not as a first-line treatment. Our care plan always includes established, evidence-based therapies.
Insurance Accepted for Brainspotting Therapy in Los Angeles
Most insurance plans are accepted for treatment at iRely Recovery, including PPO plans. Coverage depends on your plan and your clinical assessment, so our admissions team verifies your benefits before you start. Call 818-869-2112 for a confidential benefits check.
Why Choose iRely Recovery for Brainspotting Therapy
iRely Recovery is a Los Angeles addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center.
A Complementary Option
Brainspotting therapy is offered by our clinical team as a complementary option, and established therapies stay at the center of your plan.
Combined With Other Therapies
It can be combined with Somatic Experiencing, DBT and trauma-informed care.
Assessment First
Your clinical team decides if it fits your needs after a full assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting Therapy in Los Angeles
What is brainspotting therapy?
Brainspotting therapy is an emerging, somatic approach that uses a fixed eye position to help you process stress and trauma. It was developed by David Grand in 2003. At iRely Recovery it is offered as a complementary option alongside established treatment.
Is brainspotting evidence-based?
Not yet. Brainspotting is an emerging approach with preliminary evidence. A small study, co-authored by the developer of brainspotting, suggests it may reduce trauma symptoms, but independent controlled research is limited and it is not listed in major PTSD guidelines. EMDR has a far deeper research base.
Is brainspotting the same as EMDR?
No. Brainspotting began as an offshoot of EMDR, but it uses a fixed gaze position instead of moving eye sets and has no standard step-by-step protocol. EMDR is a structured eight-phase therapy with extensive research.
Can brainspotting help with addiction recovery?
It may help some people work through trauma and strong emotions linked to substance use. It is not a stand-alone addiction treatment, and its effect on substance use has not been established. We use it alongside medical care, group therapy and DBT.
What is brainspotting used for?
Brainspotting is mainly used for trauma-related symptoms, and some clinicians also use it for anxiety and stress. Research is preliminary. At iRely Recovery it is a complementary option within a full treatment plan.
Is brainspotting safe?
Little safety research exists on brainspotting. Strong emotions can come up during or after a session, so your clinician prepares grounding skills first and paces the work to your comfort.
Who should not start brainspotting right away?
People with severe dissociation, active psychosis or unstable symptoms are assessed first and may need stabilization or other care before starting. Your clinical team makes this decision after a full assessment.
What does a brainspotting session feel like?
Most sessions are quiet. You hold your gaze on one position and notice body sensations such as warmth, tension or tears. Some people feel calm, and others feel tired afterward. You can pause at any time.
How many sessions of brainspotting therapy do I need?
There is no standard number. It depends on your history, goals and response. Your clinician reviews progress regularly and adjusts your plan.
Does insurance cover brainspotting therapy at iRely Recovery?
Most insurance plans are accepted for treatment at iRely Recovery. Call 818-869-2112 and our team will verify your benefits.
Sources
[1] Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change. Sounds True.
[2] 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. Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy, 7(1).
[3] VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder (2023). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
Start Brainspotting Therapy at iRely Recovery
If trauma or anxiety is part of your story, our team can talk through whether brainspotting therapy fits alongside your treatment plan. Call 818-869-2112 to begin.
