People often ask how Brainspotting compares with EMDR. Both can help with trauma. They are not the same process.
The points below are drawn from distinctions made by David Grand, the founder of Brainspotting, who used EMDR before developing Brainspotting.
The eyes. EMDR uses smooth-pursuit eye movements. Brainspotting uses a fixed gaze on a relevant eye position. Movement and fixation are different starting points.
Attunement. In Brainspotting, relevant eye positions are found through close attunement with the person in the room. EMDR eye movements are not established in that same way.
Relationship. Brainspotting is described as a relational, attuned process. EMDR is more protocol-based.
Uncertainty. Brainspotting is grounded in not assuming we already know how a person’s life events live in them. Each person is unique. EMDR does not use that uncertainty principle as its foundation.
Who leads the frame. In Brainspotting, client and practitioner create the frame together. EMDR follows a set protocol.
Which part of the brain is invited. Brainspotting tries to bypass the busy neocortex, the monkey brain, so the subcortex can work. EMDR more directly involves the neocortex.
Development. Brainspotting can include a developmental view: generational history, birth, preverbal experience, and later life. EMDR is not built on that model.
Neither approach is better for every person. Marie may use Brainspotting when it fits what you bring. You do not need to decide the method in advance.
If you want to talk about whether this work is right for you, book a free discovery session.