Brainspotting Psychotherapy Session Note

Psychotherapist Clinical Note - Brainspotting Psychotherapy Session Note Session Date and Duration: 1 November 2024, 75 minutes Client Presenting Issue/Theme/Memory/Incident: Client presented with persistent anxiety and flashbacks related to a specific childhood incident involving a car accident. Expressed feeling 'stuck' with the memory and its accompanying physical tension. Initial SUDS Rating: 8/10 Somatic Responses Observed: Client initially presented with shallow breathing, noticeable tension in the shoulders and jaw, and fidgeting hands. During processing, reported a 'pulling' sensation in the chest and later, a release of tension in the diaphragm. Eye movements were rapid and erratic initially, then became smoother. Brainspotting Frames Utilised: Utilised a 'Resourcing Brainspot' initially in the upper left visual field to establish a sense of safety, then moved to a 'Focussed Brainspot' in the lower right visual field, which appeared to trigger the core memory. Adjusted the eye position slightly upwards when client reported feeling overwhelmed, then returned to the lower right. Processing Observations: Client exhibited strong emotional responses, including tears and shaking, particularly when engaging with the Focussed Brainspot. Reported vivid visual recollections of the incident. Noted a shift from fear to a sense of detachment as the session progressed. Towards the end, there was a visible relaxation of facial muscles and a deepening of breath. Post-Processing SUDS Rating: 3/10 Client's Meaning Making: Client expressed a newfound perspective on the incident, stating, "It feels like it happened to me, but it's not happening to me now. I can finally breathe around it." Also noted a connection between the car accident and a general feeling of helplessness that has permeated other areas of their life. Session Outcome and Client Response: Client appeared significantly calmer and reported a reduction in overall anxiety. Expressed surprise at the depth of processing and feeling 'lighter'. Left the session with a sense of relief and hope. Plan for Next Session: Continue processing the lingering feelings of helplessness identified during this session. Explore how the newfound perspective on the childhood incident can be integrated into current challenges. Client will practice grounding techniques between sessions.