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.
teens, & families
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.
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.
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.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
