The Science Behind Brainspotting: Why It’s a Powerful Tool for Trauma Therapy

Something traumatic happened to you. But it was so scary and difficult that you’ve never been able to speak about it. The problem is even though you don’t talk about it, the images replay again and again in your head. You feel stuck. Anxiety, fear, and isolation plague you. After doing some research, you decide to go to a brainspotting therapist. The work is hard, but one day you suddenly realize that when you wake up in the morning, your mind doesn’t automatically go to the event. You can live freely, without fear, without anxiety. And you have your boldness back.

The truth is that brainspotting is a powerful tool in trauma therapy, particularly for high-performing and highly sensitive women in Houston. It helps to unlock trauma stored deep in the brain for lasting healing..

What is Brainspotting? A Quick Overview for Trauma Therapy in Houston

Brainspotting is essentially a simple way of allowing you to unlock the areas of your brain where trauma and strong emotions are locked. Sometimes when you go through a traumatic event, because your body or mind isn’t ready to process it, it gets trapped in the deepest layers of your brain. It then proceeds to take over your life and bother you through symptoms likes dissociation, anxiety, fear, avoidance, tearfulness and irritability. Trauma can even begin to negatively affect your work and the relationships around you.

When you are finally able to gain access to those deep layers of the brain, you can then process, digest and finally clear the trauma from your brain.

Goodbye icky feeling!

Other traditional talk therapies only allow you to target the outer layers of the brain. Can they help you get rid of trauma? Probably. But they work so much slower and are not as powerful. Brainspotting can cut down the amount of time spent in therapy.

Hello savings!

The Neuroscience of Brainspotting: How It Targets Trauma

Your eyes are a part of your brain. Therefore where you look directly affects how you feel. Each eye movement targets a certain part of the brain. And because trauma gets stored in your brain, what better way to access trauma than utilizing your eyes? It’s the closest thing we can get to accessing your brain aside from actual brain surgery!

When your therapist guides you to look at a certain location- also known as a brainspot, it allows your brain to scan itself, thereby noticing problem areas and your brain naturally begins to solve these complex problems. The brain naturally wants to solve its own problems, the struggle is that we often don’t know the right tools to do so.

But when we use brainspotting, we are able to target the specific location in the brain where the trauma is held. Once we do this, your brain can then find the trauma, scan it, digest it and discard of it.

Brainspotting essentially connects specific eye positions with emotional healing. And it’s backed by neuroscience.

Why High-Performing Women Thrive with Brainspotting Therapy in Houston

A lot of high achieving and high performing women do not like having their time wasted. They are often too busy to take the time to go to therapy. They also like quick results. So brainspotting is especially helpful because you get great results, the results are quicker than those of talk therapy and you dive deep. I’m pretty sure you do not want superficial therapy.

Struggles with anxiety, feeling stuck, dissociation, intergenerational trauma, trauma from childhood, people pleasing, perfectionism, struggles with big emotions, decision making, are all areas that we can work on during our brainspotting sessions. If it interferes with your life, we can brainspot about it.

The Brainspotting Process: What to Expect in Trauma Therapy in Houston

A typical brainspotting session is so much easier than you’d expect. You come in, pick an issue that has been bothering you. It could be an event you experienced, or even a memory. I then ask you what emotion comes up for you as it concerns the event. So you would say something like “Fear” or “Anxiety” or “Disappointment” or “Terror.” Then I ask you where you feel this in the body. Although you might not have noticed this, our minds and bodies are actually connected, so we do feel emotions physically in our bodies. We then identify how it is felt on a scale of 1-10. 1 being the smallest and 10 being the largest,

Using a pointer, I help you find your brainspot- which is simply a point in space for you to look at. Once I find your brainspot, we allow your brain to do the work. It will feel like a bunch of emotions that are connected to the event naturally come up. Sometimes you cry, sometimes you speak out loud and other times, you’re more silent. All this is normal. You can’t do it wrongly.

An important part of brainspotting is also the relationship you have with your therapist. The therapist’s role is to help you feel comfortable, provide a space in which you can process safely and in comfort. Brainspotting is great because it is gentle, non invasive and also backed by science.

Choosing the Right Brainspotting Trauma Therapist in Houston

If you are ready to give brainspotting for trauma therapy a try, it’s important to choose the right therapist. Ensure that their website or therapy profile explicitly state ‘Brainspotting.’ The best step would be to schedule a consultation if possible, and also ask the therapist if they are trained and experienced in brainspotting.

Next, ensure that you feel comfortable with the therapist. Do you like their voice? Their approach to therapy? Are you comfortable around them? Do they answer all the questions you have? Does their schedule match yours? Ask yourself whether you want in person or online (although in my opinion, both will give you great outcomes). Think of finances too. How much are you budgeting per month for therapy?

Harnessing the Science of Brainspotting for Healing

Brainspotting is a powerful way to heal from trauma and get yourself unstuck. It is a great transformative experience for those ready to overcome trauma.

Start Your Healing Journey with a Brainspotting Trauma Therapist in Houston!
Ready to experience the power of brainspotting for yourself? If you’re a high-performing woman or a highly sensitive woman looking to heal from trauma, let’s connect! Click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation call for brainspotting trauma therapy in Houston and unlock a new path to healing!

About Me

My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia.

I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.

Many of my clients are:

Highly sensitive people

High performing women

People with insomnia

Couples who want to regain their friendship and trust

If you’re ready to take the next steps, click here.

Virtual Trauma Therapy: How to Heal from Trauma Without Leaving Your Houston Home

Healing from Home in Houston

You’ve been struggling for a while. You’re also curious about starting therapy, but you’re unsure. Do you really have the time to drive through Houston traffic with your already overpacked schedule? Are you ready to hear whatever the therapist has to say? And are you ready to put in the work? The process of finding a great therapist in Houston can be daunting, but once you’ve found the right one, your life will change. I guarantee it.

If time and traffic constraints are keeping you from seeking therapy, I present to you that virtual trauma therapy in Houston is a convenient and effective solution for you.

No office visits, no parking issues, no being stuck in traffic. All you need is an electronic device, internet access and a willing heart. Boom!

What is Virtual Trauma Therapy? A Modern Approach to Healing

Virtual trauma therapy is essentially therapy using the internet. Some therapists do phone sessions, while others add a video component to it. I prefer real-time video sessions because I can see you, you can see me and it feels like a regular conversation.

And once we add the layer of groundbreaking trauma therapy like brainspotting, it works amazingly over video. In fact, I received all my brainspotting trainings through video. That way I am sure that it’ll work for you.

After the pandemic of 2020, most therapists had to take a crash course in virtual therapy. Although prior to the pandemic I was already conducting both phone and video sessions. But after the pandemic hit, it was clear that we therapists had to figure out how to provide effective care to our clients regardless of whatever is going on in society. The great part about it is that it is not only convenient for you, it’s just as effective as in person therapy.

Benefits of Virtual Trauma Therapy for High-Performing Women

I love virtual sessions because they are flexible. I’ve had clients attend sessions while in their cars, in their bedrooms, in their kitchens, in between meetings, in hotel rooms, and at work. There is sometimes a fear that occurs when you are entering a therapist’s space. It is already dffiicult enough to open up and trust a therapist you’ve just met, let’s not add another barrier to it.

Highly sensitive women are especially vulnerable to their environments. Something as small as the smell of the therapist’s perfume or the rough texture of the couch can distract them from their own personal healing. Wouldn’t it be great for you to work on healing within our own safe space?

When I was only offering in person therapy sessions, location and distance were huge barriers. Some clients didn’t have reliable transportation, they had other life responsibilities that got in the way or they just couldn’t fit therapy into their busy schedules. With virtual therapy you’re saving probably about 30 minutes-1 hour each session, depending on the therapist’s distance to your home or place of employment.

I love that my clients can dress comfortably while they remain in the comfort of their own environment. You can snuggle up in your bonnet, with your favorite blanket, while wearing house shoes and drinking from your favorite mug. All of these things not only give you comfort but they provide space for you to open up in therapy. An open, comfortable client will receive better results than one who is struggling to open up.

How Brainspotting Works in a Virtual Setting

Brainspotting primarily focuses on eye gaze. When we do brainspotting online, because your field of vision is limited to the size of the screen, it allows you to really focus on the work. All the distractions that would have come from my office (the couch, the rug, my diffuser, items on my wall, smells, sounds) are gone. This way you can focus more on the work of processing trauma and engaging.

Some clients worry that virtual therapy is not as effective as in person therapy. Well that isn’t true. Because I am using the exact same skills and training to guide you. It’s just like saying you are unable to communicate with your loved ones because you’re talking through FaceTime.

When I utilize virtual brainspotting, I can actually focus on your brainspot a lot easier because I simply mark it on my computer screen. When we are in person, It is almost impossible for me to keep my hand so steady for an entire hour and move it to the brainspot you identified. If you’ve ever attended a brainspotting, all of this will sound like gibberish to you. That’s okay.

What to Expect in Your First Virtual Trauma Therapy Session

To prepare for a virtual brainspotting session or a virtual trauma therapy session, think about location. As long as you have a device that has access to the internet, and a place that offers some sort of privacy, you’re good to go. If you’re attending therapy in your busy living room, the entire family will be listening in on your business and they might be tempted to chime in. I’m pretty sure you don’t want that.

So pick a space where you can be focused and alone for about an hour. Emotionally, you don’t really have to do much. Brainspotting doesn’t involve any pre-work or preparation. Come with a willing, curious heart.

For maximum effectiveness, make sure you are comfortable in your environment. Prop your phone or device up so that you don’t have to tilt your neck in session and your hands can be free. I also advice that you bring a glass of water, some tissues (because tears happen in therapy) and a comfort object if you need one. Shoes are optional- wear them or don’t. It’s up to you. I will only be able to see you from about the chest up.

During the session, let go of distractions like the TV, place your devices on silent or do not disturb and let the people in your home or office know that you need about 1 hour of uninterrupted time.

Finding the Right Trauma Therapist in Houston for Virtual Sessions

It is important to note that not every therapist provides brainspotting or virtual therapy. So if you're specifically looking for someone who does brainspotting, you would have to ask them if they're open to virtual brainspotting. Another thing that you can ask them is if they have actually conducted virtual brainspotting sessions and how it has gone for them. It is also important to note that not every trauma therapist has been trained in brainspotting. It is a science backed game changing form of therapy that actually helps you heal trauma from the deeper levels of your brain. The results? A life free from fear, avoidance and the dissociation that trauma causes.

After you have found a brainspotting therapist in Houston who offers virtual therapy, it is also important to ask yourself what else you need. Think of the therapist’s age, gender, religious background, personality and also cost. How much are you willing to invest? I do have to say that in the long run, brainspotting tends to save you more money because your trauma heals fast and you will be attending fewer sessions than if you were only to attend talk therapy. As a high-performing woman I know you enjoyed value for money as well as efficiency. You don't have time to waste.

As a high performer or highly sensitive woman, ensure that your therapist is knowledgable about your unique needs. Scour their website or directory profile to find out if they make mention of these terms. And when you meet with them for a consultation, ask them directly if they understand your unique needs.

Embrace the Power of Virtual Trauma Therapy

I love brainspotting. I especially love that I am able to help my clients heal their brains and their bodies from the comfort of their own homes and offices. We all know that Houston traffic can be crazy, so don't get involved in it if you don’t have to. Find a great brainspotting therapist who can help you heal trauma and anxiety without leaving your own comfortable environment. Support is just a click away and healing can happen in the comfort of your own space.

Start Your Healing Journey with Virtual Trauma Therapy in Houston!
Are you a high-performing woman ready to heal from trauma without leaving your home? Experience the transformative power of virtual brainspotting therapy! Click here to schedule your free 15-min consultation call for trauma therapy in Houston and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!"

About Me

My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia.

I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.

Many of my clients are:

Highly sensitive people

High performing women

People with insomnia

Couples who want to regain their friendship and trust

If you’re ready to take the next steps, click here.

How Brainspotting Therapy Helps High-Performing Women Heal from Trauma

When you are a busy high performing woman, your life moves at a fast pace. There are lots of things to do and many goals to accomplish. Sometimes you don’t think you have the time to attend to your own emotional needs- which is a source of continued pain for you. The great thing about brainspotting for trauma is that it could fit right into your schedule. Unlike regular talk therapy, you don’t have to spend years and years in therapy. Brainspotting is a fast, effective, yet gentle way to experience relief from trauma and anxiety. And it does not have to disrupt your busy schedule.

What is Brainspotting? The Secret Weapon of a Trauma Therapist in Houston

Brainspotting therapy is an innovative and science-based approach to trauma and anxiety recovery. It actually has many applications outside of trauma and anxiety. Unlike traditional trauma therapy that might take years to complete or involve talking about the intricate details of trauma, brainspotting focuses on your eye gaze. As your therapist asks you to focus on a specific point, the therapy actually targets the areas of your brain where trauma gets trapped. Once you are able to do this, you can finally digest the trauma,

The result? Freedom from trauma. No more irritability, tears, fear, avoidance and dissociation.

As a trauma therapist in Houston, I use brainspotting to help you heal trauma much more effectively than if you were to spend 2 years talking about the details of your trauma each week. A lot of clients come to me because they have tried all the talk therapy, read all the books, and it just didn’t seem to work for them. I love brainspotting because it is gentle, fast and gets the job done. Translation? It could help save you money in the long run.

I personally stopped using talk therapy to treat my clients’ trauma because it felt like I was only traumatizing them more. My goal as a therapist is to be kind while being efficient.

Challenges of High Performing Women

As a high performing woman you most likely feel proud of all your accomplishments and accolades, however the down side is that all the years of hard work have possibly lead you to burn out. Juggling multiple projects regularly, tending to the needs of others and frankly, not having much time for yourself can leave you feeling worn out. Many high performing women also end up chasing the never stopping perfectionism train. You do all things with excellence, however you’re not sure when enough is enough.

As if all the above isn’t difficult enough to deal with, when we stack on an additional layer of trauma, you feel like you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

The great thing is that with the right brainspotting trauma therapist, we can rewire your brain so that you stop chasing perfection, learn how to slow down and learn how to set boundaries so that you’re not constantly trying to put everyone’s needs above yours.

Imagine how freeing that is.

Why Brainspotting is Ideal for High-Performing Women

I know you love efficiency and quality. I also know you tend to put your needs last. You’ve thought about seeking therapy, but you’re not sure if you have the time or if you should make such a financial investment. I love brainspotting because it cuts down the time in therapy compared to traditional talk therapy.

It also gets the job done. While talk therapists might spend months with you, and still be unable to help you access deep layers of your brain, a brainspotting therapist can do the job in just a few sessions.

Brainspotting is great for busy high performing women because there’s no need for prep work or pre-work. We jump right in. In my case, we’ll start the actual brainspotting in session 2. It’s great for someone who might not want to do a whole lot of talking or provide a lengthy back story. It’s also great if you are ready to begin the healing process now. Because brainspotting actually works on the deep layers of your brain where trauma lives, targeting those layers helps you finally heal from trauma.

We’re not just putting a bandage on the wound. We are actually healing trauma.

The great thing is that brainspotting is flexible. As a trauma therapist in Houston, I can customize the brainspotting work depending on what you need. We focus on the issues that are most pressing or troublesome in your life so you can start to feel the relief early on.

What to Expect During Your Brainspotting Session: A Journey Tailored for You

Most people are usually apprehensive during the first session. That’s okay. Your first brainspotting session does not need any fancy bells and whistles. We’ll work together to choose the issue that you want to focus on. I’ll guide you to find the point in which you need to look at. You’ll be asked what emotion is coming up for you, where the emotion sits in your body, then I’ll give you the space to begin to process the memories and thoughts that will rise to the surface. You’ll notice something happening really quickly. It will feel like a quick rush of emotion, but towards the end of the session, you might feel your body begin to calm down.

The great thing about brainspotting trauma therapy for a busy woman like you is that you do not have to spend time driving up and down Houston traffic. We can do it virtually from the comfort of your own home, car or office. You decide.

Finding the Right Trauma Therapist in Houston for Brainspotting

The first step is finding the right trauma therapist in Houston. Brainspotting is a unique specialty, so most therapists in Houston aren’t familiar with it. The first step is to ask your prospective therapist if they are trained in brainspotting.

To find a brainspotting trauma therapist, you can do a Google search, use a therapist directory or even ask friends and family for a referral. Once you get a few names, I suggest going to the therapists’ website to find out more about them.

Think about what you want in an ideal therapist. Think of age, personality, gender, religion, virtual vs in person, cost, and what specific issues they are great at. All of these things matter.

Once you are done writing this out, focus on 3-4 therapists who fit the bill. The next step would be to schedule a consultation call. This will allow you to hear their voice, find out more about how they work, and decide if they are indeed a great fit for you. Don’t overthink this part. Just go with your gut.

If you are looking for a quick, but gentle path to healing from trauma, perfectionism or burn out, brainspotting could help.

High-performing women, it’s time to reclaim your peace! Discover how brainspotting therapy can help you heal from trauma and thrive. Click here to schedule your free consultation call for trauma therapy in Houston and take the first step toward a brighter future!

About Me

My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia.

I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.

Many of my clients are:

Highly sensitive people

High performing women

People with insomnia

Couples who want to regain their friendship and trust

If you’re ready to take the next steps, click here.

Finding the Best Trauma Therapist in Houston and Katy: Empowering Women to Heal

You’ve had it rough. Lots of cruel, sad things have happened to you, and you’re not sure how you’ve survived or made it this far. You’ve noticed that you’re snappy, you struggle to engage with friends, and your walls are up. Maybe it’s time to find a great trauma therapist in Houston to help you finally heal from the trauma.

You’re tired of being a hard shell. You want to enter your soft girl era.

Trauma therapy is so important because it helps you process through all the yucky memories that are sitting in your body and mind. They say the body doesn't forget.

And that is why I love brainspotting trauma therapy. It’s a non traditional way of approaching trauma in a gentler, but still effective way. With traditional talk therapy it might take a really long time to even feel comfortable broaching the topic of trauma.

But with brainspotting, you can jump right in. Your body does the work for you. And it takes you where you need to go without all the overthinking and cerebral-ness you’ve grown accustomed to.

We know that trauma can have you feeling disconnected from your own body. Brainspotting therapy helps you feel at home again.

So if you’re a woman in Houston or Katy who knows that the time is right for trauma therapy, please know that the first step is to find the right trauma therapist for you. Because the single most important factor in the success of therapy is the fit between the therapist and the client.

What Does a Trauma Therapist in Houston Do?

My job as a trauma therapist is simply to create a safe container so that we can begin to give you access to some of the memories that are locked safely inside your brain.

You see, when you go through trauma, your body does a protective thing by helping you forget some of the information. The problem is from time to time, when you least expect it, some of these memories seep back in at the most inconvenient of times. 

And so you sometimes find yourself crying, feeling angry, muscle tightening up, not trusting loved ones, feeling unsafe, and just wanting to crawl up into a ball.

My job is to give you a safe way to begin to unlock and kinda digest those memories so they stop controlling you. In addition to opening you up during brainspotting, I bring in additional skills to help you calm and soothe your body. Because I don’t want you feeling like you have lost all control when you're at the office, when you’re trying to raise your kids or when you’re simply driving down the street. 

Why Houston and Katy are Great for Finding Specialized Trauma Therapy

The great thing about the Houston area and Katy being so large is that there is a wide array of competent trauma therapists to choose from. There also is a positive culture of seeking physical and emotional wellness here. You can narrow down by gender, ethnicity, years of experience, style, location, personality, religion etc. You basically have your pick- and that’s a great spot for you to be in.

Brainspotting: A Unique Approach to Healing Trauma

So let’s go back to brainspotting. If you've been doing your research on trauma therapy, you’ve probably heard about EMDR therapy. Well, brainspotting, in my opinion, is the gentler cousin of EMDR. 

Brainspotting utilizes your eye movements to help you locate the trauma in the brain so that you can digest it and eliminate it.

There isn’t a whole lot of talking from your therapist. It feels like you get locked in the zone and your brain will naturally bring up whatever needs to come up. I call it ‘Supercharged therapy.’ It’s great for the busy woman who is definitely ready to heal, but does not want to spend a ton of time going back and forth with her therapist.

How Brainspotting Differs from Traditional Talk Therapy

With traditional talk therapy, you might have to give your therapist a play by play of exactly what happened to you. Your therapist asks you questions, you answer them, and then you ping back and forth.

But sometimes giving a play by play of exactly what happened feels like you are getting traumatized all over again.

Let’s be honest, as a busy woman, who has time for all that? You want to get straight to the root of the trauma and yank it out (gently of course) from your brain so it stops controlling you.

Finding a Trauma Therapist in Houston Who Specializes in Brainspotting

If you have decided that you are indeed ready for trauma therapy, then it’s time to start your search. 

You can just start with a simple google search. Type in “Trauma therapist Houston” or “Brainspotting therapist Houston.” This is where you need to trust your gut. Pull up the first 5-7 websites and read through them.

Does the therapist appear approachable?

Do they mention trauma or brainspotting?

What are your first impressions of the therapist? Go with that. If you feel meh, then skip on by and move on to the next person.

Once you have narrowed it down to about 3-4 therapists you like, you can schedule a consultation call to see if you feel comfortable with them. Now is the time to be clear on what you want to accomplish, find out about the therapist’s background and style.

If Google searches aren’t your thing, you can use a therapist directory, so you can narrow down by gender, specialty, religion, etc. Some helpful therapist directories are:

• Psychology Today

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Therapy Den

• Melanin and Mental Health

What to Expect During Your First Session with a Trauma Therapist

The first step in trauma therapy is typically the assessment session. If I were your therapist, I would want to know all the things about you because it helps me know what interventions to bring in for you. I do not offer cookie cutter service. Period.

You’ll learn about your rights as a client, your responsibilities a client, my responsibilities to you as a therapist, we’ll also talk about your upbringing, social environment, emotional status, romantic relationships, how your career is going, spiritual life, prior diagnoses and experiences with physical and mental health.

All. The. Things.

Why do I need to know this? Because I am looking at you as a unique human. I am assessing to see if trauma therapy is right for you. We are also building a rapport. You’re getting used to me and vice versa.

I will also walk you through what to expect from brainspotting, so that there will be no ugly surprises.

How Trauma Therapy Helps Women in Houston and Katy Reclaim Their Lives

Why do I love brainspotting trauma therapy so much? Because it frees women. They come in feeling small, stifled, overwhelmed, stuck, burdened. And they leave feeling like they can speak up, lift their heads up and go through life without the ugly fog that has been hanging over their heads for years

Taking the First Step: How to Connect with a Trauma Therapist in Houston

Although I’ve already said this, I need to drive it home. Once you select 3-4 therapists, reach out to them through their website or the therapist directory.

Ugly secret. Some therapists will not give you a call back (Not me. I respond to every single email, text and voicemail within 2 business days). It’s because we typically are solo business owners who are doing all the things alone. Don’t fret. If you don’t get a timely response, just move on over to the next person on your list.

Please know that it might take you a few tries to find the therapist for you. But please keep trying until you find the right match.

Ready to start your healing journey with a trauma therapist in Houston? Click here today to book your free consultation call for Brainspotting trauma therapy in Houston and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

About Me

My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia.

I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.

Many of my clients are:

Highly sensitive people

High achieving women

People with insomnia

Couples who want to regain their friendship and trust

If you’re ready to take the next steps, click here.