The Difference Between EMDR + Brainspotting Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting are both therapeutic approaches used to treat trauma and other psychological issues. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences.
EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., in 1987, and focuses on using bilateral stimulation (typically through eye movements) to help process and reframe traumatic memories or distressing experiences. In EMDR, the therapist guides the client through a structured 8-phase process, including history-taking, treatment planning, and reprocessing traumatic memories or distressing events using bilateral stimulation. The bilateral stimulation in EMDR is typically achieved through the therapist guiding the client's eye movements back and forth, or through alternative methods like tapping. It provides visual, auditory, or tactile bilateral stimulation. EMDR often encourages the client to bring up disturbing memories and thoughts while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation to help process and desensitize the emotional activation associated with those memories.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma-related memories can be stuck and stored in the brains neural network, leading to psychological distress. The trauma or distressing event may have not been completely processed at the time of the event therefore being “stuck” in the brain; resulting in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, etc. Bilateral stimulation is thought to facilitate the brain's natural ability to process and integrate these memories. “When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the images, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. EMDR seems to stimulate the information and allows the brain to process the experience. That may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep - the eye movements (tones, tactile) may help to process the material. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing and you are the one in control” (EMDR Institute & Francine Shapiro, PhD).
Brainspotting was developed by David Grand, Ph.D., in 2003, rooted from EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. It places a particular emphasis on the therapist's observation of the client's eye position (the "brainspot") and the client's internal experience. Brainspotting involves identifying and processing neurophysiological "brainspots," which are specific points in the client's visual field associated with unresolved trauma. The therapist helps the client focus on these spots to facilitate processing.While bilateral stimulation can be used in Brainspotting, it is not a strict requirement. Some sessions may involve bilateral music, tapping, or other forms of rhythmic stimulation, but the primary focus is on the brainspot identified. Brainspotting focuses on allowing the client's mind to naturally process whatever comes up during the session. The therapist follows the client's lead and facilitates the processing of unresolved trauma as it emerges.Brainspotting is rooted in the idea that where we look (the brainspot) affects how we feel. It draws on aspects of various therapeutic modalities, including somatic experiencing and mindfulness.
While both EMDR and Brainspotting share a common origin and are used for treatment of trauma and other psychological issues, they differ in their approaches, techniques, and underlying theories. Choosing which is right for you depends on the preferences of the therapist and the clients needs. It’s also important for individuals that are seeking therapy to discuss which might be a suitable fit for them with a qualified mental health professional depending on their circumstances.
