Brainspotting Therapy in Lynnwood, WA: When Talk Therapy Isn't Enough

Sometimes life kicks your ass in ways that leave you feeling completely stuck. You're overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, and honestly? Just talking about it one more time isn't going to cut it. If you're in Lynnwood and you've been searching for something that actually works—not just another hour of "and how does that make you feel?"—then Brainspotting therapy might be exactly what you need.

I'm here to tell you that healing doesn't have to mean endlessly rehashing your trauma. Your brain and body already know how to heal themselves. Sometimes they just need the right conditions and a guide who gets it. That's where Brainspotting comes in, and that's where I come in.

Key Takeaways

• Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to help your brain release stored trauma without forcing you to relive every painful detail
• This approach works directly with your nervous system, bypassing the mental loops that keep you stuck
• It's particularly effective for anxiety, relationship trauma, substance use, and binge eating when these issues stem from deeper wounds
• Sessions are longer than traditional therapy (60-90 minutes) because real healing can't be rushed
• I offer both in-person sessions in Lynnwood and virtual sessions throughout Washington State

What the Hell is Brainspotting Therapy Anyway?

Let me be straight with you. Brainspotting therapy isn't some mystical woo-woo nonsense, but it does tap into something pretty profound about how your brain and body work together. Developed by David Grand, the core principle is simple but powerful: where you look affects how you feel.

Think about it. When you're stressed or anxious, your eyes naturally drift to certain places. When you're remembering something painful, you might notice your gaze shifting without even realizing it. These aren't random movements—they're your body's way of showing you where emotional material is stored in your brain.

The Real Deal: How Brainspotting Actually Works

Here's what makes Brainspotting different from every other therapy you've tried. We're not going to spend sessions upon sessions analyzing why you are the way you are. We're not going to make you tell your trauma story over and over until you're raw and exhausted.

Instead, we find specific spots in your visual field—brainspots—that connect directly to where trauma, stress, and difficult emotions are stored in your nervous system. By holding your gaze on these spots, your brain gets to do what it's naturally designed to do: process and release what's been stuck.

This is what's called a "bottom-up" approach. We start with what your body is telling us, not what your thinking mind wants to say. Because honestly? Your thinking mind has probably been trying to figure this out for years, and if that worked, you wouldn't be here.

Why Brainspotting Works When Talk Therapy Doesn't

Traditional talk therapy has its place. I'm not knocking it. But for many of the women I work with—women who have been the "good girl," who've been over-functioning and hustling and pushing down their real feelings for years—talk therapy can become another place to perform. Another place to analyze and intellectualize instead of actually feeling and healing.

Brainspotting bypasses all that mental gymnastics. It works directly with your nervous system, accessing parts of your brain that words simply can't reach. We're talking about the midbrain, the brain stem—the deep, reflexive core where your body has been storing all those experiences you've been trying so hard to cope with.

The Science Behind the Magic

I take my role as a healer seriously, which means I'm always learning, always reading, always trying to understand the latest research. Brainspotting isn't just based on theory—it's grounded in neuroscience and how trauma actually gets stored in your body.

Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Tries to Forget

When you go through something overwhelming—whether it's a toxic relationship, a traumatic event, or years of neglecting your own needs—your nervous system doesn't just file it away neatly. It gets stuck in survival mode. Your body literally holds onto these experiences, which is why you might feel anxious for no apparent reason, or why certain situations trigger you in ways that seem out of proportion.

This isn't about being weak or dramatic. This is your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do: protect you. The problem is, it's still protecting you from threats that aren't actually present anymore.

Brainspotting helps us access these stored memories and sensations. We're not trying to make you relive trauma, but we are helping your nervous system finally complete the processing that got interrupted. It's like finding the pause button that's been stuck and finally pressing play so your system can move forward.

Accessing the Deep Brain

The really cool thing about Brainspotting is that it reaches into the subcortical regions of your brain—the parts that exist below your conscious awareness. This is where trauma lives. This is where your body has been keeping score of everything you've been through.

Traditional therapy often works with your prefrontal cortex—the thinking, analyzing part of your brain. And look, that's helpful for understanding patterns and making connections. But healing? Real, deep healing that changes how your nervous system responds to the world? That requires getting beneath the thinking mind.

By using specific eye positions, Brainspotting accesses these deeper brain structures directly. We're having a conversation with your nervous system in its own language, which is physical sensation and instinct, not words and analysis.

What I Actually Treat with Brainspotting

I work with women who are done pretending they're okay. Women who have been coping, managing, surviving—and who are finally ready to actually heal. Here's what that often looks like:

Getting Free from Toxic Relationships

If you've been in relationships where you felt controlled, manipulated, or like you were constantly walking on eggshells, your nervous system learned to be hypervigilant. You learned to monitor everyone else's emotions while completely disconnecting from your own. You became the ultimate people-pleaser, the fixer, the one who makes everything okay for everyone else.

That's narcissistic abuse, and it does serious damage to your sense of self and your ability to trust your own instincts. Brainspotting helps process the trauma that comes from these relationships. We work on helping you reconnect with your own needs, your own boundaries, and your own damn truth. You learn to trust yourself again instead of constantly second-guessing everything you feel.

Breaking Free from Substance Use

Let's be honest about what substance use really is for most people: it's a way to cope with feelings that seem too big, too scary, or too overwhelming to face. Whether it's alcohol, weed, or anything else you're using to numb out, I get it. I'm not here to judge you for finding ways to survive.

But here's the thing—those coping mechanisms that helped you survive? They're now keeping you stuck. Brainspotting helps us get to the root of what you're trying to escape from. When we process those core wounds, the need to numb out often naturally decreases. You start finding healthier ways to be with difficult emotions because you're not being flooded by unprocessed trauma anymore.

Healing Your Relationship with Food and Your Body

Binge eating, restriction, obsessing over food—these issues are almost never actually about food. They're about disconnection from your body, from your needs, from your right to take up space in this world. Often, they're rooted in trauma, shame, or years of learning that your body and its needs are somehow wrong or too much.

Through Brainspotting, we can uncover and heal the emotional wounds driving your relationship with food. We process the body pain and the deep distress that keeps you trapped in cycles of binging and shame. This isn't about willpower or meal plans—it's about addressing what's actually happening underneath. When we heal that, your relationship with food and your body starts to shift naturally.

I also integrate Intuitive Eating principles in my work, helping you rebuild trust with your body's natural hunger and fullness cues. But we can only get there once we've addressed the deeper stuff that's been keeping you disconnected.

Calming the Constant Anxiety

That feeling of always waiting for the other shoe to drop? The sense that you're never quite safe, never quite okay? That's your nervous system stuck in overdrive. It's exhausting, and I see you.

Brainspotting helps reset your nervous system by working with the parts of your brain that are stuck in fight-or-flight mode. We're not just teaching you coping strategies (though those can help too). We're addressing why your system is on high alert in the first place. The goal is to help you feel genuinely calm and present, not just managing your anxiety but actually feeling safe in your own body.

What Actually Happens in a Brainspotting Session

I know stepping into something new can feel vulnerable, especially when you've been the person who has it all together for everyone else. So let me walk you through what working with me actually looks like.

Before We Even Start: The Free Consultation

I offer a free consultation because I want you to feel comfortable with me before we dive into the deep work. This is your chance to ask questions, get a sense of my approach, and see if we're a good fit. I'm not for everyone, and that's okay. Some people need someone gentler. Some people want someone who's going to sit back and nod. That's not me.

I'm engaged every minute of every session. I'm present, I'm attuned to what's happening for you, and I'm going to be real with you. If you're doing something that's keeping you stuck, I'll call you on it—not to be harsh, but because I care enough to tell you the truth.

During the consultation, we'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. I'll explain how Brainspotting works and answer any questions you have. No pressure, no obligation—just an honest conversation about whether this is right for you.

The Intake Process: Getting to Know Each Other

If we decide to work together, I'll get you set up in my practice management system (I use Charm). We'll schedule a longer intake session—this isn't a standard 50-minute hour. I need time to really understand your story, what's brought you here, and what your goals are.

This first session is also about starting to build rapport and trust. I take this seriously because the relationship between us is where healing happens. It's not just about the technique; it's about you feeling safe enough to let your guard down and do the deep work.

Finding Your Brainspot

There are a few different ways we can find your brainspot, and I'll choose the approach based on what I'm sensing from you and what feels right in the moment.

The Outside Window: This is where I'm watching you closely—your breathing, your body language, the subtle shifts in your facial expressions. As I guide your gaze to different points in your visual field, I'm looking for signs that we've hit something significant. Maybe your breath catches, maybe you shift slightly, maybe something flickers across your face. These body cues guide us to the right spot.

The Inside Window: This approach puts you more in the driver's seat. You're tuning into your internal experience—what you're feeling in your body, what emotions are coming up. You tell me what you notice, and we use that information to find the brainspot together. This method really honors your body's wisdom and your ability to know what needs attention.

Gazespotting: Sometimes the most powerful brainspots are the ones you find naturally. As you're talking about what's bothering you, I'll notice where your eyes naturally want to go. There's often something significant about that spot—it's where your system is already trying to take you. We just hold your gaze there intentionally and see what wants to emerge.

The Processing Phase: Where the Healing Happens

Once we've found your brainspot, you hold your gaze there. This is where your nervous system gets to do its thing. My job is to be present with you—to offer support, to help you stay grounded if things get intense, and to trust your system's ability to heal itself.

You don't have to force anything. You don't have to make something happen. You just stay with the brainspot and notice what comes up. It might be emotions, physical sensations, images, memories, or just a sense of release. Sometimes people feel a lot, sometimes they feel very little. There's no right way to do this.

What's happening beneath the surface is your brain accessing and processing information that's been stuck. This is deep, subcortical work that often can't be reached through talking alone. Your nervous system is releasing what it needs to release, reorganizing what needs to be reorganized, and integrating what needs to be integrated.

I'm tracking you the whole time. I'm attuned to your nervous system, watching for signs of overwhelm or disconnection. If you start to leave your body or get flooded, I'll help bring you back. We move at a pace that your system can handle.

After the Session: Integration and Self-Care

After a Brainspotting session, you might feel tired. This is completely normal—your brain and body have been doing significant work. Some people feel lighter, some people feel a bit raw, some people feel surprisingly calm. All of these responses are okay.

Before you leave, I'll make sure you're grounded and regulated enough to go back into your day. We'll also talk about self-care between sessions. This might include gentle movement, journaling, spending time in nature, or just making sure you're getting enough rest. The healing doesn't stop when the session ends—your system continues to integrate what we've worked on.

I'm not available 24/7 for crisis support, and I'm upfront about that from the beginning. What I offer is consistent, reliable, deeply engaged care during our scheduled sessions. I book clients in three-month blocks (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December), with the same day and time each week. This consistency is important for your nervous system—it helps you feel safe and allows for deeper work.

How Brainspotting Fits with My Other Approaches

I'm trained in multiple therapeutic modalities because different people need different things, and sometimes we need to blend approaches to get the best results. Here's how Brainspotting integrates with other methods I use.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is about figuring out what really matters to you—your core values—and then taking action toward those values, even when it's uncomfortable. When I combine ACT with Brainspotting, we use Brainspotting to clear out the trauma and emotional blocks that have been keeping you from living according to your values.

Think of it this way: Brainspotting clears the path, and ACT helps you figure out where you want to go and how to get there. We identify what's truly important to you, we process the fears and wounds that have been holding you back, and then we develop concrete steps to move toward the life you actually want to be living.

Person-Centered Therapy

This is the foundation of how I work. Person-centered therapy is built on the belief that you already have everything you need inside you to heal—you just need the right conditions and support to access it. I'm not here to tell you what to do or fix you. I'm here to create a safe space where you can explore, process, and discover your own truth.

In every Brainspotting session, you're in charge. Your body's wisdom guides the process. I'm here to support you, to stay present with you, and to offer attunement—but the healing comes from within you. This approach honors your autonomy and your inherent capacity for growth and change.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART for short, is a very fast and effective way to process trauma without having to even talk about it! ART combines hand movements with voluntary image replacement so that you keep the knowledge but lose the pain of event including sensations, images and emotional reactivity.

It can be great to blend ART and Brainspotting, especially if you choose to do an intensive. The combination offers a very comprehensive approach to trauma with two different, scientifically sound approaches that work at the root of trauma so you can begin to live a life without trauma attachment wounds.

Reiki Healing

If you are wanting to really combine brain and body in your healing process, adding in a reiki session in addition to Brainspotting can bring the ultimate healing. Reiki works by transferring the healing power of the universal life force energy into your body for the healing that your body is needing and ready to accept. It also promotes relaxation and a sense of calm in addition to balancing your chakras.

Intuitive Eating Therapy

If you're struggling with food and body image, we'll likely integrate intuitive eating principles into our work. But here's the thing—you can't just jump straight to intuitive eating if you're disconnected from your body or if there's unprocessed trauma driving your relationship with food.

That's where Brainspotting comes in. We use it to process the emotional pain, the body shame, the trauma that's been fueling disordered eating patterns. As we work through this deeper material, we can start rebuilding trust with your body. You begin to reconnect with your natural hunger and fullness cues, to eat without guilt or shame, to take up space without apologizing.

This integrated approach addresses both the root emotional wounds and the practical steps toward healing your relationship with your body and food. It's not about restriction or control—it's about freedom and peace.

Why Choose Me for Brainspotting in Lynnwood

Look, I'm not going to pretend I'm the right fit for everyone. I'm not soft and gentle all the time. I'm not going to just sit back and nod while you talk yourself in circles. What I am is real, engaged, and deeply committed to this work.

I Understand What You're Going Through

I get it because I've lived it. Not the exact same story as yours, but the exhaustion of always being the one who has it together. The disconnection from yourself that comes from years of putting everyone else first. The confusion and overwhelm that surfaces when you finally slow down enough to hear your own thoughts.

I understand what it's like to feel like you're too much and not enough all at the same time. To have learned to be the "good girl" and to still be paying the price for that. I know what it feels like to be sensitive in a world that doesn't always honor that.

And I know the way out. Not because I read it in a book, but because I've walked this path myself and I've been guiding other women through it for years.

I Show Up Fully

When you're in session with me, you have my full attention. Every. Single. Minute. I'm not checking out, I'm not thinking about my next client, I'm not phoning it in. I'm present, I'm attuned to what's happening for you, and I'm actively engaged in supporting your healing process.

This level of presence and engagement is what allows the deep work of Brainspotting to happen. You can't do this kind of healing without feeling truly seen and held. I take that responsibility as seriously as I take my role as a mom. This is my calling, and I believe that shows up in how I work with clients.

I'll Tell You the Truth

One of the reasons my clients choose to work with me is because I'm honest. I have a soft front and a strong back, and I'm not afraid to call you on your bullshit when you need to hear it. Not because I want to be harsh, but because I care enough to tell you the truth.

If you're making excuses for someone who's hurting you, I'll point it out. If you're stuck in patterns that aren't serving you, I'll name it. If you're doing that thing where you're taking care of everyone else and completely neglecting yourself, I'm going to lovingly call you back to yourself.

This isn't about judgment. It's about helping you see what you can't see from inside your own patterns. Sometimes the most compassionate thing I can do is be direct with you.

The Spiritual Element

I have a witchy, spiritual side that's been crucial in my own healing journey, and I bring that into my work when it feels aligned. For some of my clients, this resonates deeply. For others, it doesn't, and that's fine too. I'm not going to force any beliefs on you.

But I do believe in honoring the wisdom of your body, the power of intuition, and the mysterious ways that healing happens when we create the right conditions. There's something sacred about the healing relationship, and I honor that.

Getting Started with Brainspotting Therapy

If you've read this far, something is resonating. Maybe it's time to stop managing and start actually healing. Here's how we can work together.

In-Person Sessions in Lynnwood

I offer in-person sessions in Lynnwood for those who prefer face-to-face connection. There's something powerful about sharing physical space when doing deep healing work. Many of my clients find that being in the same room helps them feel more grounded and connected during Brainspotting sessions.

Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes because this work can't be rushed. We schedule in three-month blocks to create consistency and stability. Your nervous system thrives on predictability, especially when you're doing deep trauma work.

Virtual Sessions Throughout Washington State

I also offer virtual sessions throughout Washington State. Brainspotting translates beautifully to online sessions, and many people actually prefer working from the comfort of their own space. If you're in Seattle, Everett, or anywhere else in Washington, we can work together virtually.

The effectiveness of Brainspotting doesn't diminish on a screen. We're still finding your brainspot, you're still processing, and I'm still fully present and engaged with you. The healing happens just the same.

My Specialized Groups and Intensives

In addition to individual Brainspotting sessions, I offer several group options:

Binge Eating Group: A supportive space to work on healing your relationship with food alongside other women who get it.

Women's Group Therapy: For women who are ready to heal in community, to be witnessed, and to witness others on their healing journeys.

12-Week Health Group: An integrative approach to health that addresses both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Intensives: For those who want to dive deep in a concentrated period of time. These longer sessions (typically 3-6 hours) can be incredibly powerful for processing specific issues or traumas.

What About Payment?

I currently accept Regence insurance through August 2026. If you have different coverage or are planning to pay out-of-pocket, reach out to discuss options. I'm upfront about the investment required for this work because I believe in transparency.

For specific pricing details and to discuss what makes sense for your situation, contact me directly. I'm happy to have that conversation during your free consultation.

Trust Your Gut

Here's the bottom line: if you've been doing therapy for years and you're still stuck, it's not because you're broken. It's not because you're not trying hard enough. It's because you haven't found the right approach yet.

Brainspotting might be that missing piece. It might be the method that finally helps your nervous system release what it's been holding onto. It might be the path to feeling genuinely calm instead of just managing your symptoms.

But beyond the technique, you need someone you trust. Someone who's going to show up for you, who's going to see you, who's going to be real with you. That's what I offer.

Your intuition is your guide here. If something about my approach resonates with you, if you feel like "yes, this person gets it"—that's worth paying attention to. And if something feels off, that's valuable information too. Trust yourself.

You've been strong for so long. You've been holding it together, managing, coping, surviving. Maybe it's time to stop surviving and start actually living. Maybe it's time to stop being so dysregulated and disconnected and start feeling at home in your own body.

The path forward starts with one conversation. Reach out for your free consultation, and let's see if Brainspotting therapy in Lynnwood is the right fit for your healing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting

How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?

Both Brainspotting and EMDR work with eye position and trauma processing, but they're different approaches. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (moving your eyes back and forth), while Brainspotting uses a fixed eye position. Brainspotting tends to be less structured and more responsive to what your nervous system needs in the moment. There's no protocol to follow—we let your body lead.

Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

Not necessarily. One of the beautiful things about Brainspotting is that your body can do a lot of the processing without you having to verbally recount every traumatic detail. Sometimes people share their stories, sometimes they don't. Both approaches work. We follow what feels right for you and what your nervous system needs.

How many sessions will I need?

Honest answer? It depends. Some people experience significant shifts in just a few sessions. Others need more time to work through layers of trauma and patterns. I schedule in three-month blocks, which gives us consistent time to work together. After that, we reassess and see if continuing makes sense for you.

What if I start feeling overwhelmed during a session?

This is exactly why the therapeutic relationship matters so much. I'm tracking you the entire session, watching for signs of overwhelm or disconnection. If you start to get flooded, I'll help you regulate. If you're leaving your body, I'll help bring you back. We work at a pace your nervous system can handle. Healing happens in the space between too much and too little activation—that's where I help you stay.

Can I do Brainspotting if I'm already in therapy?

Potentially, yes. Some people work with me specifically for Brainspotting while seeing another therapist for other support. We can discuss during your consultation whether this makes sense for your situation. I want to make sure we're complementing your healing journey, not complicating it.

Do I need to prepare anything before a session?

Just come as you are. Wear comfortable clothes. Make sure you have some time after the session to be gentle with yourself—this isn't the kind of appointment you want to rush from into back-to-back meetings. Beyond that, your willingness to show up and be present is all you need.

What happens if something comes up between sessions?

I'm not available 24/7 for crisis support, and I'm clear about that from the start. What I offer is deeply engaged, consistent care during our scheduled times. Between sessions, you have the self-care practices we discuss, and you have your own growing capacity to be with difficult emotions. If you're in genuine crisis, I'll make sure you have appropriate resources and support numbers.

How do I know if Brainspotting is right for me?

The best way to know is to schedule a free consultation. We'll talk about what you're dealing with, what you've tried before, and whether this approach feels aligned for you. Trust your gut. If it feels right, it probably is. If it doesn't, that's valuable information too.

Ready to explore whether Brainspotting in Lynnwood is your path forward? Schedule your free consultation and let's find out together.