Anxiety is a common mental health challenge that affects millions of people worldwide, and finding effective treatment is crucial for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. As a psychotherapist in Lisbon, I use Brainspotting along traditional talk therapy to support my clients grappling with anxiety. This innovative therapy delves deep into the brain's processing to unlock and resolve anxiety at its core.

Understanding Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a relatively new therapeutic approach developed by Dr David Grand in 2003. It builds on the principles of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) but focuses specifically on identifying, processing, and releasing trauma stored in the brain. The technique involves locating "brain spots," or eye positions that correlate with the activation of traumatic or distressing memories. By maintaining the gaze on these spots, therapists can help clients access and process deep-seated emotional pain.

How Brainspotting Works for Anxiety

When it comes to anxiety therapy in Lisbon, Brainspotting is an innovative and advanced neurobiological treatment option. This method targets the brain's subcortical regions, which are often beyond the reach of traditional talk therapies. By accessing these areas, Brainspotting can help clients process and alleviate anxiety symptoms more effectively.

During a Brainspotting session, the therapist guides the client to find a brainspot associated with their anxiety. This process involves observing subtle cues such as eye movements, physical sensations, and emotional responses. Once a brainspot is identified, the client focuses on it while the therapist provides a supportive environment for processing the underlying issues.

The Benefits of Brainspotting Therapy for Anxiety

1. Deep Processing: Brainspotting goes beyond surface-level symptoms and addresses the root causes of anxiety, leading to long-lasting relief.
2. Non-Verbal: This therapy is particularly effective for those who find it difficult to articulate their feelings, as it relies more on physical and emotional responses than verbal communication.
3. Holistic Approach: Brainspotting considers the whole person, integrating the mind and body in the healing process.
4. Speed of Results: Many clients experience significant improvements in a shorter time compared to traditional therapies.

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Finding Anxiety Therapy in Lisbon

For those seeking anxiety therapy in Lisbon, Brainspotting in-person is an option while nternational clients can benefit from Bainspotting therapy online.

In conclusion, Brainspotting provides a powerful and innovative approach to treating anxiety. By targeting the deeper brain processes associated with anxiety, this therapy offers hope and healing for those struggling with anxiety in Lisbon. If traditional methods haven't worked for you, consider exploring Brainspotting with a qualified therapist and take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life.

To discuss if Brainspotting for anxiety is a good fit for you, please feel free to schedule a free initial 15-min Zoom call with Alicja Ligeza from Lisbon Counselling practice.

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*The information provided in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or mental health professional advice. If you are struggling with any of the issues described in this post, please seek appropriate personalised help from a qualified mental health professional.

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Sources:

Marowitz, A., & Snipes, A. (2020). The effectiveness of brainspotting in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A pilot study. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies

Dr Javier Anderreg (2015) Effective Treatments for Generalised Anxiety Disorder www.semanticscholar.org

Psychology Today (2024) Brainspotting: A Complement to Talk Therapy www.psychologytoday.com

Brainspotting International (2024) What Is Brainspotting? www.brainspotting.com