Brainspotting TherapyBrainspotting Therapy in Texas
Where you look can help you heal.
Brainspotting is a therapy approach that uses your field of vision to help you process trauma and emotions that are hard to reach with words alone. With a licensed Dua Health therapist, you focus on specific eye positions while noticing what comes up in your body, giving your brain the chance to work through what it has been holding. Sessions are available online across Texas and in person in Austin.
Most insured members pay a $25 copay
Brainspotting at Dua Health is part of your therapy session, so it is covered by most major insurance plans, including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Oscar. Paying out of pocket? Self-pay sessions are $110. There is no waitlist.
What is brainspotting therapy?
Brainspotting was developed in 2003 by psychotherapist David Grand. It is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel.
A "brainspot" is an eye position linked to an emotional or physical response, such as tension, a memory or a strong feeling. By holding your gaze on that spot in a calm, supported setting, you give your brain and body a chance to process experiences that talk therapy alone may not reach.
Brainspotting is a newer approach, and research on it is still growing. Many therapists use it alongside other trauma-informed methods.
How brainspotting therapy works
A brainspotting session is quiet and focused. Your therapist guides you through these steps:
Choosing what to focus on
You bring a feeling, memory or concern to the session, notice where you feel it in your body and rate how intense it feels.
Finding your brainspot
Your therapist slowly moves a pointer across your field of vision and watches for small reflexive responses, like a blink or a change in breathing. You may also notice a spot that simply feels more intense.
Focused processing
You hold your gaze on that spot while noticing thoughts, feelings and body sensations. You do not have to talk the whole time. Your therapist stays attuned and present with you.
Grounding and closing
Before the session ends, your therapist helps you settle and check in on how you feel. Some therapists also use soft music that moves between your left and right ears.
What to expect
Sessions can feel deep, and some people feel tired afterward. Your therapist will make sure you feel steady before you leave and adjust the pace to what you need.
What can brainspotting help with?
Our therapists use brainspotting to support people with:
Is attachment-based therapy right for you?
Attachment-based therapy may be a good fit if you:
Feel that talking about it has only gotten you so far
Notice emotions in your body, like tension or a tight chest
Want to work through trauma without retelling every detail
Are open to a quieter, body-aware kind of therapy
How brainspotting compares to other approaches
| Approach | Main focus | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Brainspotting | Processing what is held in the brain and body through eye position | Short to medium term |
| Trauma-informed therapy | Safety, choice and healing at your pace | Short to long term |
| Parts work (IFS-informed) | Understanding and healing the parts of you that protect or carry pain | Medium to long term |
| Mindfulness-based therapy | Present-moment awareness of thoughts and body sensations | Short to medium term |
Not sure which approach suits you? Our care team will help match you with a therapist whose style fits your needs.
How to start brainspotting therapy at Dua Health
Tell us about yourself
Spend about 15 minutes sharing your history and what you would like help with.
Talk with a care expert
A quick 15-minute call helps us understand your goals.
Get matched with a brainspotting therapist
Review your recommended therapists and book your first session within 24 hours.
Begin your sessions
Meet online from anywhere in Texas or in person at our Austin office.
Brainspotting therapy FAQs
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Brainspotting is a therapy approach that uses specific eye positions to help you access and process trauma and emotions held in the brain and body. It was developed by David Grand in 2003.
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Both are used for trauma and work with the eyes. EMDR follows a structured protocol with side-to-side eye movements. Brainspotting uses a fixed eye position and tends to be more flexible and client-led.
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Many people describe it as calm and inward-focused. Emotions, memories or body sensations may come and go. Some people feel relief afterward, while others feel tired.
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Brainspotting is a newer approach, and research is still developing. Many clients report benefits for trauma and anxiety. Your therapist will help you decide if it is a good fit and may combine it with other methods.
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It depends on your goals. Some people notice change after a few sessions, while deeper trauma work may take longer.
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Yes. Dua Health offers online attachment-based therapy anywhere in Texas, as well as in-person sessions in Austin.
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Brainspotting happens within a regular therapy session, so it is usually covered the same way. Most insured members pay a $25 copay, and self-pay sessions are $110.
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Book a free 15-minute consult. Our care team will match you with a licensed therapist trained in brainspotting, usually within 24 hours.
Healing can start beneath the words
Work with a licensed brainspotting therapist online across Texas or in person in Austin.