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 will be encouraged to accept, allow, and observe what comes up
You will be encouraged to let your body process the trauma
The therapist will help you process the thoughts and feelings that come up
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 the parts that store emotional experiences and trauma.
When we find a certain eye position and hold it, we’re not trying to ‘do’ anything with your eyes. We’re simply using your visual field as a doorway. That spot helps your brain access and process material that’s already there.
You don’t have to try to make anything happen. Your brain is doing the work automatically. My role is just to help you stay regulated while your nervous system processes.
If your mind wanders, if you feel a lot, if you feel nothing, if 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 feel emotional. Some feel physical. All of it is okay.

Can Brainspotting Help Me?

Brainspotting can treat anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, chronic pain, and impulse control. It is especially effective for processing trauma because it helps clients access the limbic system, where unconscious traumatic memories are stored. Brainspotting can help expand your scope of what is possible. For people who find it too difficult to talk about painful emotions, memories, or past trauma, the fact that brainspotting requires little to no talking is also particularly appealing.

Erika Cruz, LPC, CCTP, CBT is a trusted colleague and friend of Dr. Cooper Lovett and offers brainspotting sessions. She accepts BCBS or Aetna for services. She also accepts Loveland vouchers. Out of pocket is $100 for 60 minutes. You can read more about her here. You can share that you're a referral from ANC and she will guide you accordingly. Below is her bio:

There are seasons in life when everything feels heavier than it should-when anxiety keeps your mind racing, depression drains your energy, or past experiences continue to shape how you see yourself and the world. You may look like you're managing on the outside, yet inside feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. I specialize in working with adults (18+) who are ready to better understand themselves, heal emotional wounds, and create lasting change.

In our work together, you won't be rushed or judged. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Brainspotting to support healing at both the surface and deeper emotional levels. With over 23 years of experience, I create a space where you can feel safe, supported, and empowered to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and inner peace.

Therapy is a collaborative and co-creative process. I believe meaningful change happens when you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your own growth. Rather than telling you what to do, we work together to identify goals that feel authentic and achievable for you.

It is an honor to sit with clients as they reconnect with their strength, rediscover hope, and begin to experience more peace in their lives. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all; there are many paths forward, and together we will find the approach that feels right for you.

~Mrs. Erika Cruz