Brainspotting in Maryland
Brainspotting for Trauma & PTSD throughout Maryland
Experiencing and/or witnessing a traumatic or life-threatening event can leave us with uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that we didn’t have prior to the event. The event may have changed the way we think about ourselves and the world around us, and it may have shattered our sense of safety. While many people end up thinking there’s something wrong with them, it’s important to know that these responses are normal responses to unusual events. Treatment can help.
Common Concerns Related to Trauma
-
Nightmares
-
Flashbacks
-
Hypervigilance, Guardedness, or a Feeling on High Alert
-
Irritability
-
Jumpiness or Startle
-
Body Sensations or Memories Related to the Event You Experienced
-
Intrusive Thoughts or Memories
-
Numbness
-
Negative Thoughts About You or the World Around You That Didn't Exist Before
-
A Feeling That You're Unsafe
-
Difficulty Staying in the Present Moment
-
"Spacing" Out
LifeSpring’s Approach to Brainspotting Services for Trauma & PTSD
While there are many techniques and treatment approaches available to treat trauma, Brainspotting is a highly effective treatment modality that can be used to help people process the traumatic event that they’ve experienced and/or witnessed. Brainspotting can be difficult work as it requires people to recall and/or process the event they experienced. While Brainspotting, people may experience uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and emotions associated with that event. Having said that, the effects of Brainspotting can be life changing in that people are able to recall traumatic events without feeling so emotionally triggered. Many people report that their feelings about the event have diminished and/or that the event feels smaller or further away.
When we brainspot, we’re doing hard work for a set period of time for the ultimate purpose of feeling better. Many people are alone when they experience traumatic events, and when participating in Brainspotting, you will have a supportive and trained therapist there with you to help support you as you do this work. You won’t be alone this time. Your therapist will be there with you the whole time, and we will be able to remind you that “remembering is not the same as reliving.”
At LifeSpring, the first thing we will do is meet with you for an intake appointment, so we can understand your history, current symptoms, reason for seeking Brainspotting services, and goals for treatment. Brainspotting does not require people to talk, so if you do not want to share about what you’ve experienced, you don’t have to. At the same time, Brainspotting (like all other treatment modalities) requires you and your therapist to have a good working relationship. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the person you’re working with as you do this work. For this reason, the first 1-3 sessions will focus on information gathering, goal setting, and rapport building. From there, the Brainspotting can begin.
In preparation for your Brainspotting sessions, you can think about the topic or experience that you would like to Brainspot. You’ll communicate that with your therapist when you meet. We encourage people to have water and tissues nearby, so you can be comfortable. Your therapist will guide you and help you find the Brainspot, so you can begin this very important work.
What is Holding You Back from Starting Brainspotting for Trauma & PTSD?
As mentioned above, processing a traumatic event is hard work. For this reason, some people shy away from seeking therapy, even though it can help them feel better. If you have been avoiding doing the work of Brainspotting because you don’t want to recall what happened, just know that it’s possible for life to be different. It’s possible for your symptoms to reduce and to go away. Your past doesn’t have to haunt you. If you’re considering taking this step, it’s important to know that you’ve already made it through this difficult event. From here on out, we’ll be working on healing, and you won’t be doing this work alone.
See What a Brainspotting Session Looks Like
Our Brainspotters
-
![Headshot of Liza Krohn, LCSW-C]()
Liza Krohn, LCSW-C
Completed Phase 1 Training
I use Brainspotting with clients in areas where developing insight & skills doesn't feel like enough. Whether in response to trauma or core beliefs about self, it’s a tool we can utilize to create movement or change where they have been feeling stuck.
“Brainspotting is a wonderful tool to achieve that next level of healing, to integrate the cognitive and emotional pieces, and allow clients to move forward when they have felt trapped.”
-
![Headshot of Irene Burks, LGPC]()
Irene Burks, LGPC
Completed Phase 1 & 2 Training
I use Brainspotting with clients who find they’re stuck with an issue they can’t seem to resolve on their own, and small business owners working through fears, anxiety, and imposter syndrome hampering their desires to reach their full potential.
“Brainspotting is an amazing mental health tool that can improve a person’s mental health faster than through traditional talk therapy or other forms of therapy. It is extremely satisfying when a client’s face lights up with an ah-ha moment that brings them closer to mental wellness.”
-
![Headshot of Alice Zhao, LCPC]()
Alice Zhao, LCPC
Completed Phase 1, 2, & 3 Training
Certified BrainspotterI use Brainspotting with clients to heal from trauma, to lessen anxious feelings, and to help those feeling stuck or trapped inside themselves.
“I love using Brainspotting with clients, it is such a unique tool that can help the client get a deeper connection with themselves. I'm so glad to see the progress made with my clients from using Brainspotting.”
-
![A headshot of Rebecca Lencz, LCPC]()
Rebecca Lencz, LCPC
Completed Phase 1 & 2 Training
I use Brainspotting to help address relationship issues, aid clients who are dealing with stressful situations, and process traumas and experiences.
“I'm so excited to start using this modality of therapy; as I see it, Brainspotting is a holistic and flexible therapeutic modality...and it provides powerful opportunities towards self-growth and healing.”
-
![Headshot of Lindsay Fortier, LGPC]()
Lindsay Fortier, LGPC
Completed Phase 1 Training
I look forward to using Brainspotting in future work with athletes and other clients who are looking to better identify their thoughts and feelings.
“I thought the training was very interesting and informative! I hope to use it to help a variety of my clients better identify and process feelings and experiences.”
-
![Headshot of Sara Secada-Lovio, LCPC]()
Sara Secada-Lovio, LCPC
Completed Phase 1 & 2 Training
I use Brainspotting to help clients escape the grit of anxiety, be free of trauma, and get rid of depression fog.
“I was deeply impressed by the Brainspotting training and the feeling it brings. I'm excited to have learned that such a versatile tool can help so many people in so many ways.”
-
![Headshot of Mickayla Waldhauser, LGPC]()
Mickayla Waldhauser, LGPC
Completed Phase 1 Training
I use Brainspotting with clients to further enhance the work we do and help them uncover more healing and growth.
“Learning the concepts behind Brainspotting and getting to experience it myself was a priceless experience, and I'm happy to be able to now offer it to my clients!”
Brainspotting with Melissa Wesner, Brainspotting Consultant
Melissa Wesner, LCPC, is a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner. She has completed Brainspotting Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. Melissa believes that Brainspotting helps access our ability to heal and find solutions. Brainspotting allows us to notice our own inner wisdom with the quiet, reflective nature of this treatment.
Melissa completed Phase I and II trainings alongside well-known Brainspotting clinicians Dr. Pie Frey and Christine Ranck. She completed Phases III and IV with Brainspotting Founder, David Grand. Melissa offers Brainspotting to clients enrolled in psychotherapy.
As a founding member of the Baltimore Brainspotting Collective, Melissa is dedicated to providing both clients and clinicians alike with education about Brainspotting, the symptoms it can treat and the positive benefits that BSP yields for clients in Baltimore & beyond.
-
• Individuals who have experienced traumatic events in adulthood
• Individuals who have or are currently experiencing grief & loss
• Active duty service members, veterans, and their families with deployment related concerns
• Professionals exposed to trauma due to their jobs.
This may include government employees, news reporters, civil servants, and funeral home directors.• First responders such as paramedics, police, and firefighters
• Spanish or English speaking immigrants, refugees & asylees
• Individuals who cannot disclose information due to job confidentiality.
Yet, they still wish to process information and emotions related to such information.
Contact Melissa
Other Mental Health Services at LifeSpring
Counseling for children and teens isn’t the only counseling service offered at our office. Our Greater Baltimore mental health counseling office also offers individual counseling services for adults and college students dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, interpersonal violence, and trauma. We also offer specialized counseling services including online therapy, Brainspotting, faith-based counseling, mindfulness-based counseling, and counseling in Chinese.