Brainspotting Therapy

In-person and online therapy available.

At Shoreside Therapies, we’re always looking for innovative, evidence-informed ways to help our clients heal. One of those approaches is Brainspotting, a powerful therapy technique that taps into the body’s natural ability to process trauma and emotional pain.

Whether you’re curious about how Brainspotting works or wondering if it’s the right fit for you, this guide will walk you through the essentials—plus what to expect in a session with one of our trained professionals.

What is the Brainspotting Technique?

Brainspotting (BSP) is a brain-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. David Grand. It’s based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. By identifying “brainspots”—eye positions that correlate with emotionally charged issues—the therapist helps you access and process trauma, stress, and stored emotional pain at a deep neurological level.

Think of it as a way to bypass the “thinking brain” and go straight to the deeper emotional and somatic experiences stored in your body.

How is Brainspotting Different Than EMDR?

While both Brainspotting and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are effective for trauma treatment, they differ in structure and focus.

• EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) and is more protocol-driven.
• Brainspotting is more fluid and intuitive, allowing clients to process in a slower, often deeper way, guided by eye position and body awareness.

If you’d like a more in-depth comparison, check out our article: EMDR vs. Brainspotting: A Detailed Comparative Study

What Do You Do During Brainspotting?

You’re not expected to “do” anything specific, other than observe what comes up for you. You might notice body sensations, memories, or emotions. You might sit quietly for a while or talk through what you’re experiencing. The key is allowing your brain to process in its own time.

What Does Brainspotting Look Like?

To an observer, Brainspotting might seem surprisingly simple. You may be sitting in a chair, gazing at a pointer or fixed spot while listening to bilateral music. But inside, powerful healing work is happening—often beneath the surface of conscious awareness.

Who Should NOT Do Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is generally safe for most people, but it may not be suitable for:

• Those who have recently experienced severe dissociation and are not yet stabilized
• Individuals in active crisis without therapeutic support
• People seeking a highly structured or directive approach to therapy

Your therapist will help determine whether Brainspotting is the right fit for your needs and goals.

Procedure & Things to Know Before You Start

• No need to “talk it all out.” Brainspotting works even if you’re not ready to verbalize your trauma.
• Sessions are client-led. You’re in control of the pace and depth.
• Can be done in person or virtually. Yes, it works over telehealth, too!
• You may feel tired or emotional afterward. Give yourself time to rest and integrate.

How Effective is Brainspotting?

Research and clinical experience suggest that Brainspotting can be commonly used to address:

• PTSD and trauma
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Performance blocks
• Attachment wounds and grief

Many clients report feeling “lighter,” calmer, and more integrated after just a few sessions. Like all therapy, outcomes depend on consistency, readiness, and the therapeutic relationship.

Meet Your Brainspotting Therapist in Milwaukee

Sam Coulson, LCSW

Brainspotting & EMDR · Trauma & PTSD · Men's Mental Health · Anxiety
Milwaukee office (1429 N. Prospect Ave) and online across Wisconsin · Accepting new clients

Sam works with adults who want real change rather than a place to vent — often people who have talked things through before and found the knot still there. He is trained in both Brainspotting and Brainspotting's more structured cousin, EMDR, and decides with you which fits rather than fitting you to a protocol.

Read Sam's full bio →

Brainspotting or EMDR — Which One?

Both are brain-body approaches to processing what talking alone has not moved. EMDR is structured and heavily researched, following an eight-phase protocol with bilateral stimulation. Brainspotting is quieter and more open-ended, following where your eyes settle rather than a script. Sam is trained in both and will talk through which is the better starting point for you — and some people use both over the course of their work.

If you want the longer comparison, we wrote one: EMDR vs. Brainspotting — a detailed comparison. For concentrated work over one to three days rather than weekly sessions, see our Brainspotting intensives with Sam.

Brainspotting in Milwaukee — In Person and Online

Brainspotting sessions are held in person at our Milwaukee office at 1429 N. Prospect Avenue on the East Side, and by video for clients located anywhere in Wisconsin. Shoreside Therapies is a private-pay, out-of-network practice: sessions are $200 for 45 minutes, and we provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Want to go deeper, faster? Sam also offers Brainspotting intensives: half-day to three-day sessions held in person at our Prospect Avenue office, for people who want concentrated work instead of weekly sessions.

Brainspotting: Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides Brainspotting at Shoreside Therapies?

Sam Coulson, LCSW provides Brainspotting at our Milwaukee office on Prospect Avenue and online across Wisconsin. Sam is trained in both Brainspotting and EMDR and works primarily with adults carrying trauma, anxiety, and long-standing stuck patterns.

What is the difference between Brainspotting and EMDR?

Both work with how the brain and body store difficult experiences rather than relying on talking alone. EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol with bilateral stimulation. Brainspotting is quieter and less scripted, using where your eyes rest to access material that words do not reach. Some people do better with one, some use both.

How long is a Brainspotting session?

Standard sessions run 45 minutes. Some people choose a longer format so there is room to open and settle within the same appointment; your therapist will talk through what makes sense for you.

Do I have to describe what happened to do Brainspotting?

No. Brainspotting can be done without narrating the details of a difficult experience out loud, which is part of why some people choose it over talk-based approaches.

Is Brainspotting available online?

Yes. Brainspotting is offered by video for clients located in Wisconsin, using the same eye-position work adapted for a screen.

Does insurance cover Brainspotting at Shoreside?

Shoreside Therapies is a private-pay, out-of-network practice. Sessions are $200 for 45 minutes and we provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Where is Brainspotting offered in the Milwaukee area?

In person at our Milwaukee office at 1429 N. Prospect Avenue on the East Side, and online for clients anywhere in Wisconsin.