Brainspotting vs. EMDR: How They’re Similar & How They’re Different
Mental health providers and potential clients often ask us about Brainspotting and how it’s different from EMDR. As someone who is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I am happy to answer. I want to be up front that I have a personal preference for Brainspotting, and I’ll make note of some of the reasons for this throughout. As you read, however, please make note that both treatment modalities are effective. There are many paths to healing, so it’s important that you find the one that fits for you. As a mental health counselor, the same is true, and Brainspotting is the modality that is a better fit for me.
Similarities Between EMDR and Brainspotting
1. EMDR and Brainspotting both utilize bilateral stimulation.
To make sure we’re on the same page, bilateral stimulation is any type of stimulation that occurs on both sides of the body. In both of these cases, the stimulation occurs in an alternating rhythm.
While doing EMDR, the client is directed to move their eyes side to side by following their therapist’s fingers or by following a moving light. At times, EMDR makes use of tappers, small vibrating paddles that buzz alternatively in the client’s hands. Some EMDR therapists are now using music that has a bilateral component to it as well.
Brainspotting clients often use biolateral sounds, sounds that are specifically designed to play alternatively in each headphone. Many clients find these sounds to be relaxing, and at times, the specific soundtrack can naturally evoke certain emotions or memories. Bilateral stimulation, however, is optional with Brainspotting as the bilateral stimulation is not the component that makes Brainspotting work.
2. EMDR and Brainspotting both make use of the eyes and eye movements.
With EMDR, the client is guided to move their eyes from side to side. With Brainspotting, the therapist pays special attention to specific locations where the client’s eyes automatically go. When this does not naturally occur, the therapist helps the client to find the specific location in the client’s visual field where their eyes will remain focused throughout the session.
3. EMDR and Brainspotting both make use of a specific protocol/set up to start the session.
In the EMDR world, the process that the therapist follows is called a protocol, and in the Brainspotting world it is referred to as a set up.
While both share similarities (identifying the topic, making note of physical and emotional activation in the body, and using the Subjective Units of Distress scale, there are some differences.
4. EMDR and Brainspotting both make use of resourcing and grounding.
EMDR and Brainspotting both have methods for helping to ensure that clients are grounded and resourced. It’s not uncommon for resources to naturally show up in an EMDR or Brainspotting session.
5. EMDR and Brainspotting therapists both pay attention to thoughts, memories, physical sensations, and emotions.
EMDR and Brainspotting therapists will both pay attention to (and even ask about) these things. The way they go about doing so, however, is slightly different. Nonetheless, the client’s thoughts, memories, physical sensations, and emotions are acknowledged in both modalities.
Differences Between EMDR and Brainspotting
1. Eye movements & eye positioning are different with EMDR and Brainspotting.
You may be noticing some of the differences between EMDR and Brainspotting already. As mentioned, with EMDR the eyes are directed to move from side to side while the eyes remain largely fixed on a particular spot(s) with Brainspotting. Individuals who have done both EMDR and Brainspotting have told me that they find it easier to focus when doing Brainspotting. This makes a lot of sense to me, given that we are finding a specific spot in the person’s visual field that best allows them to access information, rather than constantly moving the eyes. This experience in Brainspotting is often referred to as mindful focusing.
2. EMDR & Brainspotting use different tools.
EMDR therapists may rely on a light bar, their own fingers, tappers, or bilateral sounds for their sessions. Brainspotting therapists make use of headphones, biolateral sounds, and a pointer to help clients find the Brainspot.
3. The EMDR protocol and the Brainspotting set up have some differences.
This is one of the areas where my strong personal preference shows up. The EMDR protocol is lengthier and much more rigid than the one used for Brainspotting. There are similarities in the set up, but as a therapist, I found the EMDR protocol a challenge to remember. I’m not a memorizer, and needing to remember a lengthy protocol made it difficult for me to be fully present and attentive with my clients as I needed to rely on my manual as an EMDR newbie.
The EMDR protocol asks at least 3 additional questions that are cognitive in nature. These questions may be difficult for some people to answer if the problem they are experiencing doesn’t involve a problem with the way they’re thinking about a situation. With Brainspotting, we want to help clients get out of their thinking brain and into a deeper part of their brain. I have personally found the Brainspotting set up to be more flexible and present with my clients. I have found this same sense of flexibility and freedom within the Brainspotting community of therapists.
There definitely are EMDR therapists who have found a way to be flexible with EMDR and to make it their own. As a rule follower, however, I learn towards “following the rules,” and in the Brainspotting world, it is frequently said that “there are no rules.” Being given this freedom and flexibility up front is a permission I personally found helpful. Having said all that, Brainspotters do have guidelines they need to follow in order to be effective. The Brainspotting community, however, tries to stay away from being overly rigid and rules-driven.
Putting it all together
As you see, there are a lot of similarities between EMDR and Brainspotting. While fewer differences are listed above, those differences are substantial in the way that they impact the in-session experience. There are many EMDR therapists who have eventually trained in Brainspotting, and if you were to ask them about similarities and differences between the two modalities, I’m sure they would have more to add to this list.
Taking the Next Step
Like many things in life, you have to try it and experience it for yourself. If you are thinking about EMDR or Brainspotting, experiencing the process for yourself will help you better understand the information you’ve read here. Many people tell me that they still feel a little confused even after they’ve read information about Brainspotting and have heard me talk about it. It’s not until they’ve tried it that they get it. And even then, people regularly tell me, “I don’t know how it works. I just know that it works.”
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Interested in Brainspotting for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Grief and Loss?
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The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written By: Melissa Wesner, LCPC
PC: Burst, fotografierende, Alex Green, Karolina Grabowska, & Anna Shvets on Pexels
Date of Download: 1/11/2021
