August 7, 2025
Brainspotting vs EMDR: Which is right for you? An integrative trauma treatment center explains.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Brainspotting (BSP) are two cutting-edge approaches to trauma treatments. Unlike traditional methods like cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), EMDR and BSP involve physical processes that engage specific brain regions often linked to trauma and emotional processing.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive InformationProcessing (AIP) model. It helps individuals identify and work through the traumatic memories that may be contributing to distressing symptoms. During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, encourages the brain to reprocess traumatic experiences more adaptively.
Studies suggest that EMDR may reduce activity in brain areas involved in emotional regulation and memory, such as parts of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex (Rousseau et al., 2019).
Brainspotting (BSP) therapy also addresses trauma, but does so by targeting a specific visual point of activation. BSP was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, following his work with survivors of the 9/11 attacks. As a trained EMDR therapist, Dr. Grand discovered BSP while noticing that one of his patients became visibly unsettled when their eyes landed on a specific point in their visual field. By encouraging them to hold their gaze there, the patient was able to access and process deeply held emotional material.
BSP works by identifying a “brainspot,” a visual point linked to unresolved trauma. Holding focus on that spot is thought to access subcortical areas of the brain where trauma is stored. Corrigan and colleagues (2015) have hypothesized a connection between this fixed-eye position and activation in the superior colliculi (SC), which play a role in orienting and survival responses.
During EMDR sessions, patients are encouraged to share their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations as they arise. In contrast, during BSP sessions, patients do not necessarily have to talk to the therapist and can process their experiences internally.
Both EMDR and BSP are somatic in nature, meaning they engage physical sensations and activate thousands of interconnected neural networks. They don’t rely solely on talking, especially BSP, which can be largely nonverbal. Here’s how they compare:
Despite these differences, both approaches have shown effectiveness in treating psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Some researchers recommended integrating both approaches for a more personalized therapy experience.
When choosing between EMDR and BSP, the decision will vary depending on your personal needs and preferences, and how you relate to your body and emotions:
In addition, patients may choose between EMDR and BSP based on their psychiatric disorders too:
EMDR, as an evidence-based therapy, has been used to treat various psychiatric disorders different than trauma/PTSD, such as OCD, anxiety, and depression.
Brainspotting for anxiety and depression often focuses on identifying underlying triggers and emotions through the use of specific eye positions (brainspots). BSP is often combined with therapies such as CBT to address anxiety. While brainspotting for OCD is advocated by some practitioners, more evidence-based research is needed to validate its effectiveness.
EMDR therapy is widely considered safe and effective, however, like many trauma therapies, it may cause some temporary side effects due to the direct engagement with trauma experience. During EMDR sessions, patients are encouraged to share their trauma-related experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation. As with any exposure-based therapy, patients may have increased emotional distress or vivid dreams. They may also experience physical discomfort such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue, as the emotional and physical sensations related to trauma are stored in the body.
Fortunately, most EMDR therapy side effects are manageable and short-lived. It’s important to find a trained EMDR therapist who can support you with appropriate coping strategies and adjust the treatment plan to minimize discomfort and ensure your emotional safety.
While EMDR is widely supported by decades of research, BSP is a newer modality with a growing but smaller body of empirical studies. Also, because BSP can sometimes evoke strong emotional release, it may not be appropriate for individuals with low distress tolerance unless the therapist is skilled in titration (pacing emotional intensity) and grounding techniques. Working with a trained trauma therapist can help you decide which approach is right for your healing journey. If you’re struggling with trauma, PTSD, or anxiety, we’re here to help. Contact our NYC-based therapists to explore whether EMDR, BSP or a combination is right for you.
Integrative Psych is an NYC-based private practice that specializes in treating trauma, PTSD, and other concurrent psychiatric disorders. Our clients are based in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan (Chelsea, Village, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, UpperWest Side, Tribeca, SoHo), Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, but our clinicians are licensed to treat anyone in the state of New York.
We take a compassionate, comprehensive, and holistic approach to PTSD and trauma diagnosis and treatment at IntegrativePsych. Leading up to your treatment, we will carefully examine all aspects of your trauma history and presentation in your current day-to-day life.
Further, we will evaluate how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life, including work and relationships. When making recommendations, treatment may involve tailored medication and likely include a blend of therapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy, or coaching, depending on what works best for you.
Decisions about what treatment or treatments to pursue are made as a team, between you and your clinician. Once you have begun care with us, we will see you regularly to monitor your progress and make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you benefit fully from your treatment at Integrative Psych.
Obtain the right therapy for your trauma and PTSD today, if you are ready to:
More details about the 8 EMDR phases can be referred to in this article about EMDR therapy and phases.
EMDR therapists near me: If you’re seeking treatment and interested in working with one of our addiction therapists, book an appointment here.
References:
Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting:The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change (pp. 1-178).Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
Corrigan, F.,Grand, D., & Raju, R. (2015). Brainspotting: Sustained attention,spinothalamic tracts, thalamocortical processing, and the healing of adaptiveorientation truncated by traumatic experience. Medical Hypotheses, 84(4),384-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2015.01.028
Rousseau, P. F.,El Khoury-Malhame, M., Reynaud, E., Zendjidjian, X., Samuelian, J. C., &Khalfa, S. (2019). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR therapy effect in PTSD. EuropeanJournal of Trauma & Dissociation, 3(2), 103-111.
We're now accepting new patients
