A cozy living room with a large window featuring wooden framing and brick accents. The room has mid-century modern furniture including a beige sofa, black leather chairs, and a patterned carpet. Decor includes wall art, potted plants, and a small side table with books and decorative objects. The sunlight floods the space through the window.

Brainspotting Therapy in Santa Ana, CA

In-person in Santa Ana, CA and virtual sessions in CA.

Sometimes you understand exactly why something affects you—and your body still reacts before you can think your way through it. That’s one place Brainspotting can be useful. Brainspotting is an experiential therapy approach that uses visual focus and attention to thoughts, emotions, memories, and body sensations that come up in the moment. I’m trained in Brainspotting Level 1 and use it selectively when it fits the client and the work we’re already doing.

What Brainspotting can help with

I may incorporate Brainspotting when we’re working with:

  • Relational trauma and attachment wounds

  • Difficult or emotionally charged memories

  • Anxiety that feels difficult to shift through insight alone

  • Shame or self-criticism that feels deeply ingrained

  • Emotional reactions that feel bigger or faster than you expect

  • Experiences that are difficult to put into words

You don’t need to remember every detail of an experience or tell the story perfectly for the work to be useful.

How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?

Brainspotting and EMDR are both experiential approaches that can be used when talking alone doesn’t seem to reach everything that is happening.

EMDR follows a more structured treatment protocol and typically uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps, while processing difficult memories and beliefs.

Brainspotting is generally more open-ended. You focus your gaze on a particular point while paying attention to whatever comes up internally—thoughts, emotions, memories, or physical sensations.

I don’t see Brainspotting as better or deeper than EMDR. They are different approaches, and EMDR has a much larger research base.

I use Brainspotting selectively when it fits the client and the work we are already doing.

Brainspotting in Santa Ana and throughout California

I offer Brainspotting as part of individual therapy from my office in Santa Ana, CA and virtually throughout California.

If you’re interested in Brainspotting—or simply want therapy that goes beyond talking about the same patterns over and over—we can talk about whether it makes sense for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a Free Consultation