Brainspotting Therapy: The Brainspotting Pointer

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Brainspotting therapy and Brainspotting coaching can look very different (and downright strange) when compared to other therapy or coaching approaches. One reason for this is that there are several "tools" or physical items that are used during a Brainspotting (BSP) session. The pointer is one such tool. This pointer can help the client access difficult issues, create sustained focus, and aid in the mindful exploration of an issue. In the BSP therapist/coach - client relationship, this tool can also aid in connection and attunement in the session. While it might look foreign to an outside observer, I find that the BSP pointer quickly feels natural and can be very helpful during a coaching or therapy session.

The brainspotting pointer is one of the most iconic tools used in brainspotting. It is usually a telescopic rod that extends to about 3 or more feet. This metal tool is basically the type of pointer that teachers used in the olden days (although I have never seen this in person) when pointing to things on a blackboard. It resembles a old fashioned antenna or a retractable magnetic picker-upper stick from the hardware store. In BSP, this pointer is held by the practitioner to help the client find a precise eye position that connects with the issue of focus for the session. This position can be related to a memory, experience, worry, feeling, trauma, block or other deeper mental phenomenon that is normally hard to access consciously. The practitioner and client collaborate to explore possible eye positions in an attempt to gain the most access to the issue that the client would like to focus on in the session. There are several hypotheses about how this eye position helps us access and focus on specific issues, but we are still unsure exactly why this approach works. We do know that eye position and the aid of the pointer can certainly help us access thoughts, feelings and experiences that are otherwise hard to tap into.

How the Pointer is Used

Once the client and therapist/coach have used the pointer to identify an eye position connected to the issue of focus, the BSP practitioner will typically (although not always) hold the pointer at that position for the duration of the session. The pointer holds the focus on that eye position (or brainspot), and the BSP practitioner holds the pointer. So when the client's body and mind inevitably veer off of the initial focus of the session, the BSP practitioner holds this anchor for the session through the pointer. The BSP practitioner is literally holding the spot for the client, even has they may look away or close their eyes. The client will be invited throughout the session to return their gaze to the end of the pointer as

the session proceeds. By the end of the session, the eye position related to the end of the pointer can be used to aid in a sort of "pre - post" comparison of the client's progress on an issue. It is not unusual for a client to start the session feeling very distressed and unregulated at the chosen eye position, but by the end of the session the feeling has become lighter or non existent entirely when looking at the same spot.

Not all brainspotting sessions will include the use of a pointer. Sometimes we are able to find our eye position quickly and organically through gazespotting, but those of us newer to a BSP session are likely to start off using the pointer for support in finding our brainspot. Some BSP practitioners will customize the ends of their pointers by adding crystals, colored balls, or other appealing ornaments. I have even seen a kit that comes with interchangeable magnetic pointer tips that the practitioner can individualize for particular clients. But overall the reason for the pointer is to help the client and therapist/coach to find the best eye position that allows the client access to the issue of focus for the session. It helps focus the session and find a common ground between the two. The pointer can be a physical manifestation of the issue of focus, a constant physical presence that connects us to the deeper issue we aim to address.

Using the Pointer Virtually

The brainspotting pointer can be used remotely over telehealth video sessions. Typically the therapist/coach will follow the same procedure outlined above to help the client find the best eye position over the web cam. Sometimes this approach works well, especially if the client is using a computer that has a medium to large screen. If the client is using a smaller screen or a phone, it is often necessary to incorporate creativity and other methods to find the best eye position. In these cases, clients can move the screen slightly to aid in the process or explore how changing their body's distance or positionality to the screen impacts their gaze. Frequently I use gazespotting (without a pointer) with folks when working remotely to help others find the best eye position. This allow the client to look off screen and in all corners of their vision to find a spot that feels best for them.

Brainspotting Without the Pointer

As mentioned above, gazespotting is an alternative way to find a relevant eye position, and it does not require a pointer at all. This more open-ended method allows the client to let their eyes explore spots freely without any physical anchors.

Some find the process of gazespotting natural and liberating, and for others it can be more challenging. It is often said that we all use gaze spots whether we are aware of it or not! We tend to naturally look to one position when thinking intently about a memory from the past, but when we are thinking about an abstract concept or a future plan we are likely to find our eyes wandering to different spots in space. So while the pointer is not essential in brainspotting, identifying an eye position (or brainspot) is a key part of the process. Fortunately a therapist or coach experienced in helping others through this technique will have multiple ways to support you in finding your brainspot in order to access the deeper issue that you wish to explore.

If you are interested in exploring how brainspotting may help you with your life goals, mental health, or overall wellness, please contact Jesse today for a free 15 minute consultation.