When it comes to addiction recovery, addressing deep-rooted trauma is important for long-term healing. Many individuals struggling with substance use disorders have experienced traumatic events that contribute to their addiction. Brainspotting treatment is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to help process and release unresolved trauma, allowing individuals to heal at a deeper level. By targeting specific points in a person’s field of vision, brainspotting treatment helps access unprocessed memories and emotions stored in the brain, leading to emotional and psychological healing.
How Trauma Contributes to Addiction
Trauma can impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being. When left unresolved, painful experiences can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation—common triggers for substance use. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb emotional pain or escape distressing memories. Without addressing the underlying trauma, recovery can feel like an uphill battle, making relapse more likely.
How Brainspotting Treatment Helps Process Trauma
Brainspotting treatment works by identifying specific “brainspots”—eye positions that correlate with stored trauma or emotional distress. A trained therapist guides the individual to focus on these brainspots while allowing emotions and memories to surface naturally. This method taps into the brain’s innate ability to heal itself, bypassing the more rational, analytical parts of the mind and accessing deeper emotional processing centers.
Some benefits of brainspotting treatment for trauma include:
Releasing stored trauma: By accessing unprocessed trauma in the brain, individuals can finally process and let go of painful memories.
Reducing emotional triggers: Brainspotting helps rewire the brain’s response to trauma, reducing triggers that may lead to substance use.
Improving emotional regulation: Individuals become better equipped to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional distress without turning to substances.
Enhancing self-awareness: This therapy helps individuals gain insight into their emotions and behaviors, empowering them in their recovery journey.
What to Expect During a Brainspotting Session
During a brainspotting session, a therapist will guide the individual in finding specific eye positions that activate trauma responses. Clients may be asked to focus on a particular feeling or memory while following a pointer or the therapist’s hand movements. As the brain processes these emotions, clients may experience physical sensations, emotional releases, or new insights into their trauma.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, brainspotting allows for deep, subconscious healing without requiring individuals to verbalize every detail of their trauma. This makes it particularly effective for those who struggle with discussing painful experiences.
Brainspotting as Part of a Recovery Plan
While brainspotting treatment is a powerful tool for trauma healing, it is most effective when combined with a holistic recovery approach. At Next Step Recovery, we integrate brainspotting with other evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group support, and mindfulness practices. This approach ensures that individuals receive the emotional, psychological, and social support needed for lasting recovery.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and the lingering effects of trauma, brainspotting treatment may be a transformative part of your recovery journey. At Next Step Recovery, we are committed to helping individuals heal from past wounds and build a healthier, substance-free future.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how brainspotting treatment can support your recovery.
