What is Brainspotting and How is it Used to Deactivate Trauma with Therapist Kirsten Powell

Do you feel on edge and can't calm yourself because of some trauma in your life or past?  Do you feel as though you can't move forward in life or live fully in the present?   There are many options out there to help those suffering from trauma, and on this week's episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show, we discussed brainspotting as one of those methods with therapist Kirsten Powell.   Kirsten shared her background in the mental health field, starting with a Master's degree in social work and then progressing to learn more techniques that connect the brain and mind with the body.  She studied Dr. David Grand's work that began in EMDR treatment and then moved into brainspotting, which pairs well with Kirsten's narrative style of therapy.   We discussed what brainspotting is and how we often use gaze spotting in our daily lives to allow our brain to process something while we have a fixed gaze on an object.  Kirsten shared how she uses a wand to help people move through different eye positions to determine the body's response in connection to emotional events.      Kirsten explained how the client is in charge of the experience and leads the session through his or her experiences and story.   As the therapist, Kirsten supports the client and helps them find a safe space in their body to process the trauma.   We explored what a session looks like, the recovery from a session and how progression through this process is made. Kirsten uses brain spotting both in person and virtually to help those needing to become unstuck.    Kirsten has over 18 years of work in behavioral health and is also certified in Compassionate Bereavement Care and Integrated Mental Health Care.  She has her own practice called The Well Rooted Life in Arizona.    Please join us to learn how brainspotting can help you along in your mental health journey!   Please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Powell at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kirsten-powell-scottsdale-az/309724.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com