The Therapists Role in Brainspotting
Written by Emma Costa, LMFT-A
Brainspotting may sound like a technique, but at its heart it is a relationship-based therapy. The therapist does much more than guide your eyes. Their primary role is to create a space of safety where your nervous system feels supported enough to let go.
Before any processing begins, your therapist spends time getting to know you and explaining how the method works. They will help you identify a target issue and notice where you feel it in your body. Together you locate a brainspot, the eye position that activates the emotional or physical sensation connected to that issue. Once the brainspot is found, the therapist holds a steady, grounded presence. Instead of directing the session with constant questions, they stay attuned to your breathing, subtle movements, and shifts in emotion. They may offer gentle prompts such as “stay with that feeling” or “notice what happens next,” but the pace is always set by you.
This attunement allows the deeper parts of the brain to process material that is beyond words. The therapist is there to help you stay connected to the present moment so you do not feel overwhelmed. If emotions rise too quickly, they can guide you to pause, breathe, or shift focus to a resource spot that feels calming. Brainspotting taps into implicit memories, therefore the therapist’s nonverbal cues are just as important as their words. A calm tone of voice, consistent eye contact, and subtle mirroring all signal to your nervous system that it is safe to release long-held tension. Over time this relational safety teaches the brain that it no longer needs to guard against old threats.
The therapist is both a guide and a witness. They help you enter the territory where healing happens while respecting your innate ability to process at your own pace. Brainspotting is powerful not because of the eye position alone but because of the human connection that surrounds it. If you are interested, book a consultation and get started with Brainspotting Therapy.
