Brainspotting Therapy for Children: Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety

As a parent or caregiver, watching a child struggle with anxiety disorders can be heartbreaking. You want to help but might feel unsure about where to start. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Feeling anxious is a normal part of life, but anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. One lesser-known yet incredibly effective therapeutic approach is brainspotting. This innovative method is gaining recognition for its ability to address emotional challenges, especially anxiety, in children. Here’s what you need to know about it, how it works, and why it could make a difference for your child.

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It focuses on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. Essentially, it helps uncover and process deeply rooted emotional pain by identifying points in your visual field that are connected to your brain’s stored memories and feelings. Anxiety disorders are conditions in which anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. We specialize in helping your kid or teen understand the root cause of why their anxiety is happening in the first place. After the root cause is identified, we use modern holistic interventions such as brainspotting to reduce anxiety symptoms. 

The process begins with the therapist working with the child to locate specific “brainspots.” These are points in their line of sight that evoke a strong emotional or physical reaction. Using this technique, the therapist helps the child access and process the underlying causes of their distress. Even if the root cause of an anxiety disorder isn’t fully understood, brainspotting can directly impact the brain’s subcortical, or deeper, structures, where emotional and traumatic memories are often stored.

How does Brainspotting work for kids?

Kids often have a harder time than adults putting their emotions into words. They may not fully understand why they feel anxious or know how to explain their anxiety symptoms. Brainspotting works particularly well in these cases because it doesn’t require verbal processing. Instead, it taps into the areas of the brain where emotions are stored, offering a way to release pent-up feelings without the need for lengthy conversations.

For example, during a session, a therapist might guide your child to follow a pointer or simply notice where their eyes naturally rest when thinking about an anxious memory or situation. Once the “brainspot” is identified, the therapist provides a safe space for your child to process the feelings tied to that spot. This gentle process can help reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience over time.

Why Brainspotting Is Effective for Child Anxiety Symptoms

Children with anxiety often feel overwhelmed by fear, worry, or stress. Excessive anxiety can significantly impact a child's daily life, making it difficult for them to focus on schoolwork or enjoy their friends! Anxiety can also lead to other mental and physical conditions if not treated. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities such as focusing in the classroom, taking a test, or listening to a coach at basketball practice. Brainspotting helps address the root of these emotions rather than just the symptoms. Brainspotting can also help children who experience panic attacks, which are intense episodes of sudden anxiety and fear.

Here are a few reasons brainspotting can be powerful for children:

1. It’s Non-Invasive and Gentle: Unlike some therapeutic methods that may feel intimidating to kids, brainspotting feels natural and intuitive. Sessions are calm, focused, and supportive.

2. Supports Emotional Regulation: By processing deeply hidden feelings, children can regain a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions. Children with generalized anxiety disorder, who experience persistent and excessive worry, can also benefit from brainspotting.

3. Addresses Trauma Without Overwhelming the Child: Experiences like bullying, a family move, or even subtle stressors can create emotional tension in a child’s brain. Brainspotting helps process these memories without requiring the child to talk about them in detail.

4. Boosts Self-Awareness and Confidence: After working through underlying emotions, many children feel more empowered and better equipped to cope with future challenges. The symptoms of anxiety may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood. The technique facilitates the awakening of self-healing capacities in clients of all ages.

   
   

   Real-Life Scenario of Brainspotting in Action for Panic Attacks

Take 10-year-old Emily as an example. Emily had been experiencing anxiety about attending school, often complaining of stomachaches and struggling to sleep the night before class. Traditional talk therapy helped her a little but didn’t completely resolve her worries. In addition to general anxiety, brainspotting can be particularly effective for children with social anxiety disorder, who may fear social interactions and being judged by others. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Brainspotting for children and adolescents. Nearly all clients show positive emotional feelings after a Brainspotting session. During brainspotting sessions, Emily and her therapist located a brainspot tied to her anxiety about being called on in class. Over time, the sessions allowed her to process old memories of feeling embarrassed in similar situations.

While the therapy wasn’t an overnight fix, after several weeks, Emily’s anxiety began to subside. Her school mornings became easier, and she started joining class activities with more confidence and most importantly, her stomachs were gone!

Complementing Other Mental Health Therapies

It’s important to note that brainspotting doesn’t have to work alone. It’s a flexible approach that can complement other therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, or family counseling. Many children thrive when therapists tailor treatment to their specific needs, and brainspotting is often an excellent addition to a well-rounded care plan. Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique mainly taught to physicians, psychologists, and psychotherapists. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can further support the healing process.

Seeking Help from a Mental Health Professional

If your child is struggling with anxiety, we’re here for you. Our team of licensed therapists trained in brainspotting can provide the guidance and expertise needed to make this method impactful. They’ll create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable exploring their feelings and stepping into their best self. 

Take the First Step

Every child deserves to feel secure and supported. If you’ve tried other approaches and your child continues to struggle, brainspotting might be the answer. Reach out to us here at Child Therapy Center Los Angeles as we specialize in this technique. We can help diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend the most effective options. By exploring brainspotting, you could help your child find relief from anxiety and build a foundation for emotional well-being.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Whether through brainspotting or another holistic, therapeutic method, help is available and the results can be life-changing for both you and your child.