Brainspotting therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
A brain-body approach that accesses and processes trauma where it lives
Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to help the brain process and heal. It helps young people release trauma and anxiety that talking alone might not reach.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Brainspotting, at a glance
Brainspotting, at a glance
1-3 sessions
May produce noticeable shifts in trauma symptoms. Many clients report significant relief faster than traditional approaches.
Since 2003
Developed by Dr. David Grand, evolving from EMDR. Now practiced by therapists in over 40 countries.
Brain-body focus
Where you look affects how you feel. Specific eye positions help access and process deep-seated emotional material.
What is brainspotting?
How this brain-body approach works.
Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to help the brain heal from trauma and hard emotions.
During a session, the therapist finds a specific eye position that matches what you're feeling. Staying focused on that spot while hearing sounds from both ears helps the brain process and heal.
Brainspotting was created by Dr. David Grand. It works with how the brain naturally heals from hard experiences.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
How brainspotting works
Key elements of a brainspotting session.
Finding the Brainspot
- Therapist guides eye position scanning
- Identifies points of maximum activation or calm
- Uses body sensations as a guide to processing
- Client stays attuned to internal experience
Processing & Integration
- Focused mindfulness at the identified eye position
- BioLateral sound supports bilateral processing
- Allows the brain's natural healing mechanisms
- Minimal verbal processing required during session
Child & Teen Adaptations
- Shorter processing windows for younger clients
- Integration with play and creative activities
- Use of stuffed animals or objects as gaze points
- Gentle, relational approach that follows the child's pace
How brainspotting helps
What it does for young people.
- Helps heal trauma stored deep in the brain
- Often helps kids feel better fast
- Works without needing to talk much
- Helps with test anxiety, sports anxiety, and performance stress
- Works with how the brain naturally heals
- Can be combined with other therapies
Who benefits from brainspotting
Common applications for young people.
Trauma & Emotional Distress
- Single-event and complex trauma
- Anxiety and panic
- Grief and loss
- Attachment difficulties
Performance & Somatic
- Sports and performance anxiety
- Test anxiety and academic blocks
- Chronic pain and somatic symptoms
- Creative blocks
Why families choose Emora for brainspotting
Real brainspotting therapists vs. others.
General providers
Certified brainspotting therapists trained for kids and teens
Therapists with limited brainspotting training
Methods adapted for each age group
Adult methods used without changing them for kids
Combined with other proven therapies
Brainspotting used alone without flexibility
Online brainspotting with bilateral sound
Not much experience with online brain-body therapy
Approach focused on what each child needs
Only following a set plan, not listening to each child
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's experiences and what you're noticing.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched brainspotting therapist and begin processing.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about brainspotting.
Brainspotting works for kids as young as 4 or 5 with changes to fit their age. It works across all ages. Therapists use shorter sessions and more fun activities for younger kids.
Both help the brain heal from trauma. EMDR follows a strict step-by-step plan. Brainspotting is more flexible and follows what each person naturally needs. Some therapists know both and pick which one fits best.
Some kids feel better in just 1 to 3 sessions, especially for one hard event. More complex issues may need more sessions. Your therapist will help decide how many sessions are right.
No. Brainspotting works through the brain and body, not talking. Kids can process hard things without having to explain what happened.
Yes. Online brainspotting works well with video and headphones for the bilateral sounds. The therapist guides you through the screen. Many kids feel comfortable with online sessions.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
22 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Sometimes the brain needs a different pathway to heal
Brainspotting reaches parts of the brain that talking alone can't, helping your child heal and move forward.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
