Brainspotting

Brainspotting uses focus and precision to identify points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain (Brainspots) where the trauma, anxiety, depression or behavioral problems are held. Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered by David Grand, Ph.D in 2003. When a Brainspot is stimulated, individuals are able to find and strengthen their natural resources and resilience. BSP is a therapeutic tool that can be integrated into many modalities including EMDR, CBT, Progressive Counting, and others to enhance healing.

Brainspotting Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting (BSP) is a focused therapy approach that uses eye position to access deeper areas of the brain where unprocessed trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain may be held. By identifying a “brainspot” - a point in your visual field connected to where distress is stored - your therapist can help guide you through healing in a grounded & mindful way. Brainspotting is a gentle but powerful therapy, and can be used as a standalone therapy or woven into other methods like EMDR or CBT to support long-term emotional regulation and resilience.

What Age are your Clients?

Children 5+

Teens

Adults

Older Adults

Depending on the client’s developmental readiness and ability to engage in the process, brainspotting can be a great therapy option for many ages. It’s especially well-suited for individuals who struggle to talk about their trauma or emotions, making it a good fit for children (with age-appropriate adaptations), adolescents and young adults, particularly individuals with trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress.

We Love Brainspotting Therapy For...

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PTSD

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Complex Traumas

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Anxiety

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Grief & Loss

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Chronic Stress & Burnout

Is Brainspotting the Right Therapy For Me?

Here are a few of the questions that we frequently get asked about Brainspotting. Curious if this therapy might be helpful for you? Always feel free to contact us with additional questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed therapists.

  • I've tried talk therapy, but I still feel stuck. Would brainspotting help me move forward?

    It could! Brainspotting can be especially effective for people who feel like traditional therapy hasn’t helped them truly get to the root of their distress. It taps into the deeper parts of the brain where trauma and emotional pain can be "stuck."

  • Do I have to talk about painful memories during a session?

    No - This is something that our clients actually appreciate about brainspotting! You don’t have to explain or retell your trauma in detail. Brainspotting works even if you don’t have the words - it can help your body and nervous system process your traumatic experiences in a different way.

  • What does a brainspotting session actually feel like?

    Our therapy sessions at Ott Counseling are quiet, focused, and deeply personal. You’ll work with your therapist to find a “brainspot” in your field of vision, and from there, your brain does a lot of the healing on its own. Many people describe brainspotting as intense, but in a good way - like something that finally clicked!

  • Is brainspotting helpful for anxiety or just trauma?

    While it’s widely known for trauma work, brainspotting can also be effective for anxiety, stress, grief, chronic pain, performance blocks, and much more. Brainspotting is also one tool that can be used in the treatment of these several conditions, and is often used by our therapists in conjunction with other modalities.

  • How do I know if brainspotting is the right therapy for me?

    If you’ve felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or like your body is holding on to something your mind can’t seem to shake - this therapy might be a powerful next step. We can discuss this in more detail with you during your consultation, and help create a treatment plan for you that is in line with your concerns and goals. 

  • Can kids or teens benefit from brainspotting?

    Yes. Brainspotting is often a great option for younger individuals, who often struggle to verbalize their experiences. It’s adaptable, non-invasive, and also works well alongside other therapies. Wondering if this may be a good fit for you? Always feel free to give us a call or send us a message!

  • Will I feel worse before I feel better?

    It’s possible to feel emotional or tired after a session - That’s your brain doing some hard work! Most people feel a sense of relief, clarity, or calm in the days that follow. If you are ever concerned that your mental wellbeing has worsened or you are in crisis you should call 911 or the Crisis Hotline.

  • What’s the science behind brainspotting?

    Brainspotting uses eye positioning to access the subcortical brain - the area responsible for emotion, trauma, and body regulation. This type of therapy is supported by growing research and is used in practice by therapists around the world.

  • How many brainspotting sessions will I need?

    While we'd love to give you a number, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your mental health. Some clients experience meaningful shifts in just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term process. We tailor everything to your specific needs.

  • Is brainspotting used as a stand-alone therapy or combined with others?

    At Ott Counseling, we often integrate brainspotting into a broader therapeutic plan - because every person’s healing process is unique. While some clients may benefit from Brainspotting on its own, many find it even more effective when it’s thoughtfully combined with other modalities like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our therapists draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches to customize treatment for your specific needs & goals.

Meet Your Therapists

Our Licensed Therapists at Ott Counseling come from all walks of life and embrace a wide variety of specialties. Schedule an appointment with a specific therapist, or feel free to contact us through our website and we can help you find the right fit.

Check out our latest therapy insights on our blog!

Blog Post: How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist)
By Ott Counseling December 3, 2025
Just like there’s no “one perfect therapy” for adults, there isn’t a single right choice for every child. Learn more about child therapy options in our recent blog!
Click to read blog: Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me?
By Ott Counseling October 13, 2025
As therapists, we know that healing from trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all… Here we examine EMDR, Progressive Counting, and Brainspotting as therapy options for trauma.
Click to read blog post: You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System
By Ott Counseling August 1, 2025
“It’s all in your head.” Ah, yes, the least helpful advice ever given to anyone who has felt anxiety.

Explore Your Therapy Options

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Brainspotting

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Creative & Body-Based Interventions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DIR®/ Floortime®

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

Internal Family Systems

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Music Therapy

Nurture and Play

Progressive Counting

Schema Therapy

Theraplay®

A Little Client Love

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