Brainspotting Therapy Melbourne Why Brainspotting Often Creates Deeper and More Sustainable Healing Than EMDR

If you are searching for trauma therapy in Melbourne, you have likely come across both Brainspotting and EMDR. While both approaches work with the brain and nervous system, the way they engage the body and support integration can feel very different.

In my work as a Somatic Therapist, Sound Therapist and Integrative Dietitian in Melbourne, Brainspotting consistently supports deeper regulation, safer processing and more sustainable change for many people, particularly those with complex trauma, chronic stress or nervous system sensitivity.

This is not about one method being right or wrong. It is about how the nervous system responds and what allows healing to unfold safely.

How Trauma Is Stored in the Nervous System

Trauma is held below conscious awareness in parts of the brain responsible for survival, sensation and reflex. These systems respond to safety, pacing and attunement rather than logic or effort.

When the nervous system has been overwhelmed, it may remain in patterns of hyper alertness, shutdown or oscillation between the two. This is why trauma often continues to affect the body even when the story is understood.

Effective trauma therapy must work at this nervous system level.

Brainspotting vs EMDR: Key Differences

Both Brainspotting and EMDR use eye position and bilateral input, but their clinical application and nervous system impact differ.

How EMDR Works

EMDR follows a structured protocol that involves recalling specific memories while bilateral stimulation is applied. This can be effective for some people, particularly when the nervous system is relatively stable.

For others, especially those with complex or developmental trauma, the pace and structure can feel activating or overwhelming, making integration more difficult.

How Brainspotting Works

Brainspotting identifies eye positions that access subcortical brain regions where trauma is stored. Once a brainspot is located, the nervous system is given space to process organically.

There is no requirement to relive memories or explain experiences verbally. The process unfolds through body sensation, nervous system shifts and internal regulation.

This allows the body to lead the healing process.

Why Brainspotting Often Feels Safer for Trauma Healing

Safety is central to trauma recovery.

Brainspotting prioritises nervous system regulation before integration. The pace is slower, more contained and responsive to moment by moment signals from the body.

People often describe Brainspotting as:

• Deeply grounding
• Subtle yet powerful
• Less overwhelming
• Easier to integrate between sessions
• Supportive of emotional and physical settling

Because the nervous system sets the pace, defensive responses are less likely to activate.

Brainspotting as a Somatic Trauma Therapy

Brainspotting is inherently body based.

Sessions are guided by:

• Changes in breath
• Muscle tone and posture
• Sensation and movement impulses
• Emotional shifts
• Autonomic nervous system responses

Attention stays with present moment body experience rather than narrative. This allows trauma to release at the level it is stored, without forcing or retraumatisation.

Integration Matters More Than Speed

One of the most important factors in trauma therapy is how well changes integrate into daily life.

When processing moves faster than nervous system capacity, people may feel unsettled, fatigued or emotionally reactive after sessions.

Brainspotting supports integration as part of the therapeutic process. This often results in:

• Greater emotional stability
• Improved sleep
• Reduced reactivity
• Increased capacity over time
• Fewer post session after effects

Healing becomes steady and sustainable rather than intense and destabilising.

The Role of Attunement in Brainspotting

Brainspotting places strong emphasis on therapist presence and attunement. Trauma healing occurs in relationship and safety.

Feeling seen, paced and supported allows the nervous system to relax protective patterns that have been held for a long time.

This relational safety is one of the reasons Brainspotting is often experienced as deeper and more effective.

Supporting Brainspotting With Sound and Nutrition

In my practice, Brainspotting is often integrated with sound therapy and nutritional support.

Sound therapy supports nervous system regulation during and after sessions.
Nutrition supports the biological foundations needed for processing and recovery.

Trauma healing is not only psychological. It is neurological and physiological.

Is Brainspotting Better Than EMDR for Trauma

Brainspotting is often particularly helpful when:

• Trauma is complex or long standing
• There is nervous system sensitivity or overwhelm
• Dissociation or shutdown is present
• Talking feels difficult or exhausting
• Previous therapies have not fully integrated

The most effective therapy is the one your nervous system can stay present with.

Brainspotting Therapy in Melbourne

If you are seeking Brainspotting therapy in Melbourne that works deeply with the nervous system, body awareness and regulation, this approach offers a grounded and respectful pathway to trauma healing.

Healing does not need to be forceful to be effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brainspotting safe for trauma
Yes. Brainspotting is designed to prioritise nervous system safety and pacing.

How many Brainspotting sessions are needed
This varies. Some people notice shifts within a few sessions, while complex trauma work may be longer term.

Do I need to talk about my trauma in detail
No. Brainspotting does not require verbal retelling of experiences.

Can Brainspotting help if EMDR was too intense
Yes. Many people choose Brainspotting after finding other approaches difficult to integrate.

Ready to Explore Brainspotting Therapy

If you are curious about Brainspotting or seeking trauma therapy in Melbourne that works at the level of the nervous system, I invite you to book a session.

Together, we support safe regulation, integration and lasting change.

Book your Brainspotting or somatic therapy session here



Sending love,
Anca Vereen

Somatic Therapist, Sound Therapist, Integrative Dietitian