The Difference Between EMDR and Brainspotting
EMDR and Brainspotting have both seen a rise in popularity over the last several years. On the surface, they have similar characteristics. They can also both be used to help release trauma from your memories and eventually overcome the effects of that trauma. While both methods can be effective, they’re also more different than you might think.
It’s important to know the ins and outs of both EMDR and Brainspotting so you can determine the best solution for your needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences between the two.
What Can You Expect From EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses back-and-forth eye movements to help you reprocess trauma. It doesn’t make the traumatic event disappear from your mind. Rather, it helps you shift your perspective, making it less overwhelming and putting you in control.
One of the most unique things about EMDR is that it’s a short-term therapy. It typically only takes about 8-12 sessions for it to work, though everyone is different. During a typical session, your therapist will have you focus on the traumatic experience while guiding your eye movements. This strategy can help you become desensitized to the trauma since you know you’re in a safe environment.
Your therapist will then help you reprocess the experience, so it doesn’t create such distress. It uses both sides of your brain, so it’s a stable way of processing trauma and taking control. The idea isn’t to eliminate the memory of what happened. Rather, it’s to not let it take over your life, especially when you’re triggered by something.
What Is Brainspotting?
Like EMDR, Brainspotting focuses on specific eye positions. However, rather than a therapist guiding your eye movements, they’ll observe more quietly. They’ll associate certain eye positions with emotional reactions. Some of the typical reactions your therapist will be looking for include:
Eyelid or facial twitches
Small tics
Yawning
Coughing
While these might seem like normal, everyday involuntary responses and movements, they mean much more when it comes to Brainspotting. Your therapist will establish a foundation for a region of the brain, making it easier to identify “blind spots” that you’re likely not noticing.
The goal of Brainspotting is to access the area(s) of the brain where your trauma is still residing. When you shift your eyes, your therapist will take note of your reactions and might dive deeper into a specific area of the brain based on those actions. Throughout the process, you’ll learn how to manage your trauma and eventually release your symptoms of suffering from your mind.
Which Option is Right for You?
If you thought EMDR was short, Brainspotting has it beat. You might feel an emotional discharge after just one session. While more are typically needed, you’re more likely to feel a release immediately with Brainspotting. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right option for you. Both EMDR and Brainspotting use different stimuli to “tap into” certain areas of your brain. It’s important to talk to a therapist about the types of stimuli you’re most comfortable with. Furthermore, while Brainspotting may work faster, some studies have shown that the effects of EMDR last longer. That’s likely because EMDR isn’t trying to take away the traumatic experience—it reframes it.
Again, on the surface, these treatment options can look incredibly similar. The right one for you largely depends on the type of trauma you’ve been through and how quickly you want to be able to manage your symptoms. Both options are effective, so consider exploring both of them as you work with a therapist, or reach out if you have any questions or concerns about moving forward. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today!
