Brainspotting · Phase 1
Frame Set-Up 1 of 4
Outside Window Frame Set-Up
The therapist locates the brainspot by watching for reflexive responses as the client's eyes track slowly across their visual field.
1
The beginning: choose the issue
Ask the client what they would like to work on today.
2
Check on activation
Invite the client to talk about the issue until they feel activated by it.
3
SUDs level (0 to 10)
Subjective Units of Distress: 0 is neutral, 10 is the worst it could feel.
4
Location of activation in the body
"Where do you feel that in your body?"
5
Slow horizontal eye tracking
Track slowly across the visual field to locate reflex spots observed in the eyes, face and body: blinks, twitches, swallows, shifts.
6
Focused mindfulness (processing)
The client observes whatever arises, without judgment, while holding the spot.
7
Go back to the beginning to assess change
Return to the original issue and re-check the SUDs level.
8
Squeeze the lemon
Try to reactivate the issue, then process any remaining activation until it stays at 0.
Brainspotting Phase 1 · Frame set-up guides · August 2026 edition1 / 4
Brainspotting · Phase 1
Frame Set-Up 2 of 4
Inside Window Frame Set-Up
The client locates the brainspot from their felt sense, reporting where activation is highest as the therapist tracks across both axes.
1
The beginning: choose the issue
Ask the client what they would like to work on today.
2
Check on activation
Invite the client to talk about the issue until they feel activated by it.
3
SUDs level (0 to 10)
Subjective Units of Distress: 0 is neutral, 10 is the worst it could feel.
4
Location of activation in the body
"Where do you feel that in your body?"
5
Find highest activation on the X axis
Track horizontally at eye level; the client reports where activation feels strongest.
6
Then find it on the Y axis
Track above, at, and below eye level for the highest activation to locate the brainspot.
7
Focused mindfulness (processing)
The client observes whatever arises, without judgment, while holding the spot.
8
Go back to the beginning to assess change
Return to the original issue and re-check the SUDs level.
9
Squeeze the lemon
Try to reactivate the issue, then process any remaining activation until it stays at 0.
Brainspotting Phase 1 · Frame set-up guides · August 2026 edition2 / 4
Brainspotting · Phase 1
Frame Set-Up 3 of 4
Gazespotting Frame Set-Up
The brainspot is found where the client's gaze already goes: the spot they look to naturally when talking about an activated issue.
1
Notice the unconscious gaze
Watch for the client looking (gazing) unconsciously at a fixed point while talking about a relevant, activated issue.
2
Point out the gazespot
Name what you observed, then ask for a SUDs level and the location of activation in the body.
3
Hold the gazespot for one minute
Encourage the client to keep looking at the gazespot while speaking, to initiate processing.
4
Extend the processing
Continue client processing on the gazespot for progressively longer periods of time.
Carrying through to full resolution
This initiates using the gazespot for full processing of the issue. Carry processing through until the issue fully resolves, go back to the beginning and reassess the SUDs level. When activation reaches 0, squeeze the lemon: try to reactivate the issue and process anything that remains.
Brainspotting Phase 1 · Frame set-up guides · August 2026 edition3 / 4
Brainspotting · Phase 1
Frame Set-Up 4 of 4
Resource Model Frame Set-Up (Inside Window)
For fragile or highly activated clients: the brainspot is located from where the body feels calm, grounded or strong (the resource) rather than the activation.
1
The beginning: choose the issue
Ask the client what they would like to work on today.
2
Check on activation
Invite the client to talk about the issue until they feel activated by it.
3
SUDs level (0 to 10)
Subjective Units of Distress: 0 is neutral, 10 is the worst it could feel.
4
Location of the resource in the body
"Where in your body do you feel calm, grounded or strong?"
5
Find the resource location on the X axis
Track horizontally at eye level; the client reports where the resource feels strongest.
6
Then find it on the Y axis
Track above, at, and below eye level for the resource location to determine the brainspot.
7
Focused mindfulness (processing)
The client observes whatever arises, without judgment, while holding the spot.
8
Go back to the beginning to assess change
Return to the original issue and re-check the SUDs level.
9
Squeeze the lemon
Try to reactivate the issue, then process any remaining activation until it stays at 0.
Brainspotting Phase 1 · Frame set-up guides · August 2026 edition4 / 4