There isn’t a perfect trauma therapy designed to fit every single person’s needs. Trauma impacts people differently, so it only makes sense that people respond to treatments differently.
Two common and effective treatments designed to help with trauma are EMDR and brainspotting. While these modalities might look similar on the surface, there are some key differences to note.
Whether you’re trying to come to terms with childhood trauma or you experienced something more recently, choosing a therapy that meets your needs is important. So, understanding what to expect can make a big difference in what you decide.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how EMDR and brainspotting differ.
What Is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation. Your therapist will guide your eye movements back and forth using their finger or an object while you focus on a specific negative thought or memory.
Through this process, the emotional impact of that thought will weaken. You will then be able to reprocess it with a more pleasant and positive thought.
EMDR doesn’t cause your negative memories to disappear. Rather, it changes the way the brain stores them. They become less overwhelming and allow you to move forward without the weight of trauma controlling your life.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting focuses on the idea that there are certain areas of the brain (brainspots) that hold specific emotional and physical sensations associated with trauma.
In this process, your therapist will help you identify specific, static eye positions that correspond with stored trauma in the brain. Once one of those positions is found, you’ll focus on your emotions and sensations. By settling in on a specific brainspot, you’re able to release the pain and negativity associated with that particular trauma, allowing you to find freedom from the negativity it’s caused.
Brainspotting engages the limbic system, which is involved in emotional processing. This allows you and your therapist to rapidly process trauma and potentially access traumatic memories that have been “hidden” deep within your mind.
What Are the Differences?
There are a few key differences between EMDR and brainspotting. Recognizing them can help you decide which approach might best meet your needs.
While both therapies utilize eye movement, EMDR focuses more on bilateral stimulation, or guided eye movements back and forth. Brainspotting puts your focus on a static gaze as your therapist helps you dive deeper into a particular thought or memory.
EMDR is more structured and therapist-led, while brainspotting is fairly flexible and often led by the patient or client. Additionally, EMDR utilizes structured phases while brainspotting is more intuitive and body-oriented.
Which Method Works Best?
It’s not fair to suggest that one modality is better than another. Rather, we should view each case as unique to determine whether EMDR or brainspotting is the right treatment option.
The most important thing you can do if you’re seeking out mental health help, especially for trauma, is to get as much information as possible ahead of time. That includes talking to potential therapists in these areas of treatment so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect. If you tend to favor more structure and the idea of going through phases of treatment appeals to you, EMDR therapy is likely the best solution. However, if you want to dive deeper into the mind-body connection, you may want to consider brainspotting as a holistic healing approach.
If you have further questions about either of these modalities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m also happy to set you up for a consultation whenever you are ready to start your healing journey.