Processing Dreams Through Brainspotting
Have you ever had dreams that feel significant to explore in therapy? Or experience nightmares or flashbacks that you would like to get rid of? You can process these dreams and intrusive images through Brainspotting.
A brainspot is your eye position associated with feelings or memories. It is the entry way to processing. There are many different ways to find a brainspot. Depending on what your concern is, there are different types of Brainspotting that may be beneficial for you.
One type of Brainspotting is Dreamspotting or Projected Image Spotting. Dreamspotting or Projected Image Spotting can be helpful for processing dreams that feel significant, nightmares, recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and even daydreams or fantasies. Dreams can be a window into the subconscious. I have often discussed dreams with clients and found that common themes in their dreams were relevant to issues experienced in their waking life. Dreaming in itself is also a way of processing information, experiences, thoughts, and feelings from our daily lives. While a person is dreaming, their whole brain is active. Dreams can contain important information from the subconscious that can lead to a breakthrough or relief
Dreamspotting works by having the client choose a dream or nightmare that they would like to process. Then they will mentally “project” the image of the dream or nightmare on the wall behind the therapist. Next, the client and therapist will notice where the clients eyes fall or are drawn to within the image the client mentally projected. From there, the client will engage in a focused mindfulness and process on the spot the same way they would in a regular Brainspotting session. The client is able to process the elements, themes, and other important aspects of the dream through Dreamspotting.
Sometimes, our dreams don’t always make sense, which is normal. If there is a part of the dream that still feels significant or relevant for you, no matter how weird or confusing they might be, we can still process it. If you can only remember part of your dream and it feels relevant, even if you’re unsure how, we can process that as well. For either scenario, we would follow the same process previously described.
Remember, Dreamspotting is one of the many ways we can find a Brainspot. If you don’t have a dream that feels like a good fit, there are many other ways for Brainspotting to be effective. There are many other ways to find a Brainspot.
As always, please reach out with any questions or if you’re interested in booking a Brainspotting Intensive. I offer free consultation calls to determine how an Intensive can help you and if you’d be a good fit.
Wishing you ease on your healing journey!
