Brainspotting vs EMDR: The Differences and Similarities

My name is Halle Thomas and I'm an anxiety therapist for millennial professionals in both Colorado and Oregon. I’m also a Brainspotting practitioner who receives many questions about the differences between Brainspotting and EMDR.

While both modalities are helpful for people, there are some differences to take into account based on personal preferences. I’ll be covering the history of Brainspotting, the similarities between Brainspottting and EMDR, the differences between Brainspotting and EMDR, and the reasons why some people may prefer Brainspotting verus EMDR.

The Basics of EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro. During a walk in the park, Dr. Shapiro noticed that when her eyes moved to different positions, that her distress levels around certain memories seemed to decrease (EMDR Institute, 2024).

As she tested this in formal therapeutic settings, EMDR was formed and became a standout for the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Present day, EMDR can be used to address any upsetting symptoms that have resulted from difficult or traumatic life experiences.

Treatment Phases

EMDR has specific phases: (1) history taking, (2) preparation, (3) assessment, (4) desensitization, (5) installation, (6) body scan, (7) closure, and (8) reassessment.

During Phases 3-6, the therapist helps a client identify a vivid image related to the distressing memory they’re wanting to work on, a negative belief they have about themself based on this memory, physical and emotional symptoms related to this memory, and a positive belief they have about themself.

After the therapist invites the client to begin focusing on the combination of the image, negative belief, and emotional/bodily sensations, the client does so while engaging with bilateral stimulation.

There are a few popular options for bilateral stimulation in EMDR. They may be used on their own, or in combination with each other:

Light bar (visual): The client tracks the movement of light back and forth with their eyes.

Handheld paddles or self-tapping (tactile): The client holds an electronic device in each hand that delivers a gentle vibration in an alternating left-right sequence.

The client can also cross their arms over their chest and tap their own shoulders in an alternating left-right sequence (known as the Butterfly Hug).

Bilateral tones or music (auditory): The client wears headphones that emit either a tone, or music that alternates between the right ear and left ear.

The Basics of Brainspotting

Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand, who was an early adopter of EMDR. After using EMDR for over a decade, Dr. Grand developed Brainspotting in 2003 as an off-shoot of EMDR.

When conducting EMDR with a client, Dr. Grand noticed that his client’s eyes kept fluttering at a certain spot. Curious, he invited the client to focus on that spot. This led him to conclude that clients are able to use specific places along their **entire visual field** to both connect to and process, internal sensations and memories.

A Brainspot can be defined as a set eye position that matches a specific set of internal sensations and memories related to an activating issue.

Because the entire visual field is involved in Brainspotting, Dr. Grand is often quoted as saying, “Where you look affects how you feel.”

Treatment Set Up

The therapist asks which issue the client would like to work on. For example, “I keep feeling inadequate at my job,” or “I’d like to feel more confident when speaking up during meetings with my boss.”

From there, the therapist might use a visual aid, like a pointer, to help the client identify where the brainspot related to that issue is located. The therapist also has the option to not use a visual aid, but to notice where the client’s eyes naturally shift to when discussing the activating issue.

Once the brainspot has been located, the client is invited to keep their eyes focused on that specific spot. They’re also invited to notice any internal sensations or thoughts that come up as they let their eyes focus. Some clients may do this process while remaining totally silent, and others might share their observations aloud.

For additional support with processing, the client may listen to biolateral music, which was also developed by Dr. Grand. This music moves from left to right in an unpredictable pattern.

Throughout this process, the therapist may check in periodically to track any changes in the activation level. The therapist then brings everything to a close, and provides time and space for the client to share about their experience.

Brainspotting vs EMDR: The Similarities

Shared Goals: Brainspotting and EMDR use eye movements in a strategic way to reduce distressing symptoms.

Effectiveness: Brainspotting and EMDR have been shown in research studies to be effective for both reducing and resolving anxiety and trauma.

Shared tools: Brainspotting and EMDR make use of visual aids and auditory aids.

Brainspotting vs EMDR: The Differences

Flexibility vs Protocol

Brainspotting does not involve compliance to a certain protocol. EMDR, on the other hand, has a clearly defined set of phases.

Somatic vs Cognitive

Brainspotting emphasizes somatic (body-based) processing as well as non-verbal processing. EMDR can sometimes place more focus on verbal processing and cognitive restructuring.

Biolateral sound vs Bilateral sound:

Brainspotting music is biolateral, and moves from left to right in an unpredictable manner. EMDR music is bilateral, and moves from left to right in predictable pattern.

Therapist Role

During Brainspotting, the therapist uses dual-attunement to stay connected to their client as they process. Because the therapist is often holding a pointer during session, they are actively engaged so they do not disrupt their client’s processing.

During EMDR, the therapist may be more passive depending on which bilateral stimulation is being used in session. The therapist may take on more of an observer role while still being available to their client during processing.

Why Someone Might Choose Brainspotting Over EMDR

Flexibility and Cultural Considerations

Because Brainspotting does not require compliance to a certain protocol, its flexible nature can be extra beneficial for people who fear doing therapy wrong, or who have had negative experiences with therapists viewing them as compliant vs noncompliant in the past.

Brainspotting is also an integrative model that allows space for client cultural and spiritual contexts as well. Researchers are also beginning to cite how Brainspotting is experienced as a liberatory practice for BIPOC clients who are often over-pathologized in traditional therapy settings, and who are seeking therapy for Race-Based Traumatic Stress (Berger, 2021).

Continued Research Shows Lasting Results After Treatment

Brainspotting is currently considered an emerging trauma therapy as well. Recent studies are continuing to show that Brainspotting is an effective treatment, especially for anxiety, and produces results that last well after treatment ends (Kishpaugh, 2023). Researchers have also shown that Brainspotting is effective for reducing the effects of PTSD even when conducted online (Foo & Yudistiro, 2022).

As researchers continue to study Brainspotting, it is not surprising when their results match what practitioners like myself are already seeing in treatment: where you look affects how you feel, and the human brain has an incredible capacity for healing.

Hi! I’m Halle, your Brainspotting Therapist in Colorado and Oregon.

I work with anxious millennial professionals who are fed up with the cycle of overworking and burnout. You have the option between weekly therapy, or a Brainspotting Therapy Intensive for accelerated healing.

If you live in either Colorado or Oregon, I’d love to work with you! Book your free intro call to get started.