When people show up to therapy they are often ready to start talking about “their problems”. They want to unload all of the things that have been keeping them stuck while also not getting overwhelmed. This is a tricky balancing act to allow people to feel heard while also mitigating flooding.
In my practice, I often work with clients who consider themselves “Type A”. So, it’s not uncommon for them to show up ready to dive straight into whatever is holding them back, eager to challenge themselves and get unstuck. This determination can be powerful, and in many cases, it’s exactly what we lean into during sessions.
In brainspotting, we often refer to this approach as activation, starting with a point of challenge or tension and using that as our reference for our work. However, there’s another path we can take. Brainspotting also offers what’s called a resource spot, and today we’re going to explore how this can open up a new and empowering way to approach therapy.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a relatively new mind body therapeutic method. It’s often described as a bottom up approach, meaning we begin with the body, specifically with the physical sensations you’re experiencing in the present moment, rather than starting solely with thoughts or cognition.
A core principle in brainspotting is that where you look affects how you feel. We use your visual field in combination with these physical sensations to identify a spot that helps bring awareness and clarity to your experience. When guided by a trained brainspotting therapist, this process can access deeper layers of healing.
If you’ve been searching for a brainspotting therapist near me, understanding this foundation is a great first step.
What Is a Resource Spot
Resource brainspotting takes a different approach from traditional activation work. Instead of starting with the discomfort, like tightness in the chest, a pit in the stomach, or feelings of anxiety, we begin with sensations of confidence, calm, or strength.
For example, I might ask a client, when things have been going well, how did they feel? What was it like when they where “in flow”? These are simple questions but often truly difficult to answer. Shifting one’s focus into what they are doing well and what’s promoting their well-being is challenging even for the most self-aware. However, once we get there the rewards are immeasurable. Here’s what I hear many people describe: a sensation in the chest or heart space, something open, warm, or even light. Sometimes that resource sensation feels just outside the body, which is equally valid and worth exploring.
Once we identify the resource and its physical presence, we find a spot in the visual field that amplifies that feeling. From there, the session becomes an opportunity to strengthen the nervous system’s connection to regulation and resilience.
How a Resource Spot Helps
You might wonder, how does resource brainspotting help if we’re not targeting the issue directly? I often describe it as a back door approach, one that allows us to explore difficult experiences from a more grounded and supportive place.
This method offers two powerful benefits:
- It supports regulation. By focusing on a sensation that already feels safe or empowering, you’re more likely to stay present and engaged. Your nervous system doesn’t go into defense mode. It stays open and curious.
- It reinforces strengths. Therapy often focuses on what’s wrong, what’s broken, or what needs fixing. But with resource brainspotting, we highlight what’s already working, your inner strengths and the external supports that have helped you get this far. This can be deeply affirming and healing.
Clients are often surprised to discover how much easier it is to process difficult experiences when they start from a regulated, resourced state. This work doesn’t ignore pain. It simply creates a safe container to meet it with clarity and strength.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this is where a brainspotting therapist, like myself can help guide the way.
Wrapping Up Brainspotting Therapist near Me
I hope this gave you a clearer sense of what brainspotting is and how the resource approach can support your journey. Whether you’re working through anxiety, imposter syndrome, or getting stuck in old patterns, brainspotting offers multiple paths to healing. None of them are right or wrong.
Each session meets you exactly where you are. Whether we use activation or a resource spot depends on what your nervous system is ready for that day. And that’s one of the beautiful things about this work. It’s flexible, compassionate, and entirely tailored to you.
If you’re looking for a brainspotting therapist near me and feel ready to explore how this powerful approach can support your healing, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discover together how therapy can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected today, tomorrow, and into your future.
