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.
Went smooth, she is very nice and understanding
An Adult client
Jun 16, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
My daughter was really skeptical but after their first visit, she loves it. So grateful!
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 16, 2026
Caitlin Allen, LMHC
Elsie genuinely cares about our sessions and is always very thorough. I feel heard, supported, and comfortable sharing openly with her.
An Adult client
Jun 16, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
She was great! My daughter said she could talk to her all day and feel comfortable. Very awesome experience.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 16, 2026
Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP
My daughter loves her. She kind and patient.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 16, 2026
Tiffany Ally, LCSW
It was okay, I love how we talked about some of the things I have struggled with. It was honestly great.
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 16, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
A very helpful session right after a very traumatic experience for my 10 yo. Miss Lisa has a very pragmatic approach. She makes my son (and I) felt confident that he is in great hands to overcome what has happened.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 16, 2026
Lisa Valentine, LMHC
I feel heard and that made a major difference. I appreciate Ms Peples advice and attention. I will definitely keep her as my Therapist.
An Adult client
Jun 16, 2026
Aaliyah Peoples, LPC-A
Very thoughtful and caring. She was very personable
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
It went well. Melody was very hesitant with therapy initially and after today I think she is more open to the idea. I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues to go.
Parent of a 14 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Melissa Bryant, LMHC-S
Jakayla was warm and welcoming for my child. She was patient and understanding of their feelings. My child has asked when our next session is
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Jakayla Miller, LCSW
Paisley enjoys her sessions very much. She talked about it for a couple of hours. Had to tell her Pappy all about it when he called. I Michelle, really liked the connection she had with Marilyn. Looking forward to the next session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Marilyn Borom, LCSW-A
still going well, the subject of responsibility is being addressed and the response seems good and am feeling very hopeful towards a positive outcome
Parent of a 17 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Diana Schaffer, LMHC, LPC
Dr.Wicks is extremely knowledgeable and explained report thoroughly. I really appreciate her thoughtful and understanding communication style
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Dr. Betty Wicks, PsyD
Ar’Ton was incredibly empathetic and professional. I look forward to having my daughter work with her.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 15, 2026
Ari’Ton Scales, LMHC
Takayah is a great listener. She's very easy to talk to.
An Adult client
Jun 15, 2026
Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW
Dr. Honsa is great at making you feel comfortable.
An Adult client
Jun 15, 2026
Dr. Ellen Honsa, PsyD, LP
Paola is amazing , she guided me through better techniques to handle my anxiety and to focus on the positive things I have in my life !! ❤️
An Adult client
Jun 15, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
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.
