About Brainspotting

Brainspotting (BSP) is a relatively new type of therapy designed to help people access, process, and overcome trauma, negative emotions, and pain, including psychologically induced physical pain.

Where we look affects how we feel

Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Dr. Grand discovered that “Where you look affects how you feel.” It is the brain activity, especially in the subcortical brain that organizes itself around that eye position.

oog-close-up

Brainspotting is based on the profound attunement of the therapist with the patient, finding a somatic cue and extinguishing it by down-regulating the amygdala. It isn’t just PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) activation that is facilitated, it is homeostasis.
– Robert Scaer, MD, “The Trauma Spectrum”

Less emphasis on language and protocol allows for broader and easier application
Does not require cognitive restructuring or behavioral change
Deep access to conscious as well as subconscious parts of the brain
Highly effective for various trauma-based conditions and performance issues

Applications

  • Physical and emotional trauma
  • Recovery from injury and accident trauma
  • Trauma resulting from medical interventions and treatment
  • Stress and trauma-related medical illness
  • Sports Performance and Creativity Enhancement
  • Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions
  • Addictions (especially cravings)
  • Preparation and recovery from surgery
  • Trauma resulting from war and natural disasters
  • Anger and rage problems
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Management of major medical illness
  • Stuttering
  • Phobias

Therapist

Dirk Jan Versluis (MM, MSc) is a licensed psychologist specializing in the use of Brainspotting for trauma, health and performance issues. Dirk Jan was trained in Brainspotting by Marie-José Boon, Ruby Gibson, David Grand and Mark Grixti. A music professional himself, he specializes in the use of Brainspotting for performance and creativity enhancement. Much of his clinical work is in complex trauma and he is also experienced in working with anxiety, depression, loss, grief, attachment and adjustment issues, abuse and addictions. In addition to his private practice, Dirk Jan offers his services to business companies and health care institutions.