← The Phase 4 guide
Brainspotting · Phase 4

The Frame

We set and hold a frame around the somatic and affective activation of the client’s experience.

1
Its shape is not fixed: like an amoeba, altering with circumstance
2
Its purpose is neural and experiential focus
3
Focused mindfulness leads to systemic change
Brainspotting · Phase 4

Projected Image Spotting

Memories, fixed images and flashbacks project onto the wall behind the therapist.

1
Ask whether the client is visualizing the image
2
“Where do you see it on the wall behind me?”
3
Gaze at that spot and process
4
Periodically guide them back to the image
5
Let the ending be organically determined
Brainspotting · Phase 4

Dreamspotting

Projected Image Spotting applied to dreamwork. The whole brain is active during dreams.

1
The client presents a dream
2
Ask first whether they are visualizing it
3
“Where do you see the dream on the wall behind me?”
4
Gaze at the Dreamspot and follow the processing
5
Periodically return to the dream
6
Let the end be organically determined
Brainspotting · Phase 4

The Expansion Model

SUDs goes from ten to zero. Expansion goes from zero to infinity.

1
Return awareness to the original body vulnerability
2
Explore the experience of expansion in the body
3
Locate the expansion spot: multispotting is common
4
Hold the Expansion Frame together and follow
Brainspotting · Phase 4

Bodyspotting

A pressed bodyspot, found intuitively, and the gazespot that locks in with it.

1
Hand the pointer to the client
2
Invite them to touch and press a spot on their body
3
Notice where the eyes lock as the pointer presses
4
Process from the paired bodyspot and gazespot
5
Two or more pointers if it fits
Brainspotting · Phase 4

Emotional Memory and Flashback

Much attention is given to body memory, less to emotional memory.

1
Emotional and body memories: together or separately
2
Emotions felt in adulthood may actually be memories
3
Especially sadness, grief, anxiety and panic
4
Panic and phobias may be unrecognized flashbacks
5
Frame the emotional state itself