How is Brainspotting Different from EMDR?

With EMDR, we identify and use a target memory for reprocessing but with Brainspotting you do not necessarily need a particular memory to reprocess a situation. Sometimes when there are difficult experiences, your body disconnects from these experiences in order to survive and thus you may not be able to recall these events.  Therefore, an emotion or body sensation can suffice as the focus of reprocessing a difficult life event. Or sometimes distressing things happen pre-verbal before formation of language. However, your body still stored the emotions and body sensations of this event which we can process through Brainspotting.

Brainspotting also allows for quiet reprocessing while you focus on your brain spot, unlike EMDR where you verbally respond after every bilateral stimulation set. So, with Brainspotting you do not have to talk if you do not want to. 

For some clients, there is comfort that they do not have to share everything that comes up with me as their therapist.  However, as the therapist, I am very attuned to my clients during the session and I ask them to give updates if they wish but to definitely let me know if they are feeling any increased discomfort. There is always heavy therapeutic support while Brainspotting.