Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a brain-based healing modality that aims to help clients process difficult emotions or traumatic experiences. In brainspotting, different eye positions are used to help identify "brainspots" linked to certain experiences, emotions, or sources of distress. Once identified, brainspotting therapists use mindfulness techniques to help the client access, experience, and process the thoughts and feelings stored in this brainspot.

Brainspotting starts working immediately and builds on itself over time. You may find that your initial problem resolved in just a few sessions, or you may realize you wish to keep uncovering more of your potential over a longer period of time.

What can I expect from a Brainspotting Session?

You'll be encouraged to accept, allow, and observe what comes up
You'll be encouraged to let your body process the trauma
The therapist will help you process the thoughts and feelings that arise
Brainspotting is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel different eye positions connect to different neural networks in the brain, especially those that store emotional experiences and trauma
Holding a specific eye position isn't about "doing" anything with your eyes; it simply uses your visual field as a doorway, helping your brain access and process material that's already there
You don't have to try to make anything happen your brain does the work automatically, while the therapist's role is to help you stay regulated as your nervous system processes
If your mind wanders, you feel a lot or feel nothing, or you blink or adjust none of that means you're doing it wrong. It just means your nervous system is doing what nervous systems do
There's no right way for this to look. Some sessions feel subtle, some emotional, some physical all of it is okay

Can Brainspotting Help Me?

Brainspotting can treat anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, chronic pain, and impulse control. It's especially effective for processing trauma, as it helps clients access the limbic system, where unconscious traumatic memories are stored, and can expand your sense of what's possible in healing. For those who find it difficult to talk about painful emotions, memories, or past trauma, brainspotting is particularly appealing since it requires little to no talking.

Erika Cruz, LPC, CCTP, CBT is a trusted colleague and friend of Dr. Cooper Lovett who offers brainspotting sessions. She accepts BCBS, Aetna, or Loveland vouchers, and the out-of-pocket rate is $100 for 60 minutes. You can read more about her here. You can mention you're a referral from ANC and she'll guide you accordingly.

Erika works with adults (18+) navigating seasons when anxiety, depression, or past experiences make life feel heavier than it should, even when things look fine on the outside. With over 23 years of experience, she integrates CBT, Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Brainspotting to support healing at both a surface and deeper emotional level.

Her approach is collaborative and compassionate: rather than directing clients, she works alongside them to identify goals that feel authentic and achievable, believing meaningful change happens when people feel heard and actively involved in their own growth. She considers it an honor to help clients reconnect with their strength, rediscover hope, and find greater clarity, resilience, and peace recognizing that healing isn't one-size-fits-all, and together you'll find the path that fits you.