At the start of a brainspotting session you choose what you want to work on. Using a simple scale from zero to ten — where zero is neutral and ten is the maximum intensity of an emotion — we establish where you are starting. The therapist then helps you locate the eye position that corresponds to the stored experience.

Once the brainspot is found you hold that eye position while the processing takes place. You don't have to say anything — brainspotting is often a quiet therapy. You can share what you're noticing as it arises, or simply stay with the experience. Many clients describe the process as feeling like waves — the initial intensity is larger, but if you hold the position the waves gradually become smaller and smaller until the emotional charge subsides.

Brainspotting can vary in speed for processing. Each person is unique and sessions are well-suited for multi-hour intensives. You may notice other emotions that come up as you are processing the session. For intensives, more time is available to process any additional emotions which may surface.