If you’ve checked out my blog page, you’ve likely heard me talk about Brainspotting before. The idea behind Brainspotting is that where you look affects the way you feel. Thus, a therapist can change the way you feel by directing you to look at different places in your field of vision.
As a therapist myself, I have seen the changes that come from participating in Brainspotting. Lately, I've used this approach to help clients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Understanding the benefits of using Brainspotting can be difficult to understand. So, I must first explain how Brainspotting works in treatment for OCD and the science behind it.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting helps you unlock past trauma that may influence obsessive worries and compulsions. When you unlock these memories, you will notice a freeing feeling. This treatment for OCD can help your mind begin to heal itself, allowing you to move forward towards living a happier and more peaceful life.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
For Brainspotting to work, a client must first accept and believe their OCD stems from faulty wiring in their brain and that it is not within their control to stop these thoughts and behaviors from occurring. Then, you will be asked to relabel the obsessive thought or compulsion. This will make it more about the way their brain works. This may sound like “I have an issue right now. It’s caused by the faulty wiring in my brain, not my behavior.” This will allow you to observe your thoughts and behaviors in a less negative way so you can move forward.
Next, you will be asked to notice your thoughts and behaviors and rate the level of intensity of these experiences.
Lastly, you will be invited to refocus on activities that bring you pleasure and joy. We ask you to do this, because focusing on something positive and pleasurable helps you focus less on the OCD, so you can form new circuits in your brain and fix the faulty wiring.
In the end, you will learn to refocus your attention so you can let go of the negative behavior cycle. External events may still trigger some of the old obsessive and compulsive thought patterns, but you will find that it is easier for you to calm down after Brainspotting.
Brainspotting and Treatment for OCD
I know Brainspotting may seem like a new-age treatment for OCD, but I assure you, it is well researched. Furthermore, if you’re ever in a position where you’re feeling uncomfortable or too overwhelmed, you can stop and get help from your therapist who is there to help you cope with negative emotions. You will be supported throughout the treatment process.
Brainspotting & Talk Therapy
It’s very important to know that Brainspotting is rarely a treatment done on its own. It’s usually done with other types of talk therapy and mental health counseling. Continued support from a caring OCD therapist is vital to your success and ability to manage your OCD.
I want you to know that even when times are hard and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the darkness, hope is possible. Brainspotting is a great way to find healing associated with your OCD. It can be a bright light in the darkness.
Begin Brainspotting for OCD in Germantown, TN
You should have control of your mind, not the other way around. Brainspotting in Germantown, TN can serve as a powerful tool to help you in treating your OCD. I would be honored to provide you with support from our Germantown, TN-based counseling practice. To start your therapy journey, follow these simple steps:
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about me and my approach.
Start treatment for OCD and overcome past compulsions.
Other services offered by Stu Cook at Vitus counseling
Treatment for OCD isn’t the only service offered at my Germantown, TN-based counseling practice. I am happy to provide a variety of services to support both families and individuals. I offer Catholic counseling, anxiety treatment, depression treatment, ADHD treatment, trauma and PTSD treatment, couples therapy, family counseling, and addiction treatment. In addition to in-person therapy services, I also offer online therapy in Tennessee. For more helpful information, please read my blog or contact me to learn how I can help you along your healing journey.
