Brainspotting Therapy in Idaho: A Somatic Approach to Healing Trauma
Are You Carrying Pain That You Can’t Quite Put Into Words?
If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in old patterns—even when you know you're doing your best—know you are not alone. Many women I work with come to me because they are tired of holding it all together. They might be recovering from a toxic relationship, trying to be a good mom while constantly feeling exhausted, or spending countless hours people-pleasing or being a perfectionist, trying to feel “good enough” in their lives.
That’s where Brainspotting therapy comes in. It’s a powerful, body-based way to help you heal from trauma. And the best part? You don’t have to leave your home. I offer online brainspotting therapy in Idaho so that you can do this work in a safe and comfortable space.
Let’s talk about what Brainspotting is, how it works online, and how it can help you heal—especially if you’ve been carrying pain for a long time.
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting is a trauma therapy modality that helps your brain and body process trauma by tuning into the body's physiology. It is different from traditional talk therapy in that with Brainspotting, you are tuning into how the body is responding to a memory or event. You might have thoughts, images, or emotions pop up, or you might experience different sensations in the body. All is okay, and all are welcome in the Brainpsotting therapy process.
Dr. David Grand developed Brainspotting, which is based on the idea that “where you look affects how you feel.” During Brainspotting, we locate a “brainspot,” an eye position connected to where your brain holds onto unprocessed trauma, emotions, or stress. This technique allows your body, not just your thoughts, to lead the way in healing.
Here’s a simple way to understand it:
Trauma can get stuck in your nervous system. Even if you’ve moved on with life, your body might still feel like it's in danger. Brainspotting helps your brain and body release that old fear, pain, or sadness.
It’s like finding the key that helps you unlock stored emotions, memories, and pain you didn’t even know were still there.
How Brainspotting Supports Trauma Healing in Women and Moms
So many of the women I support are carrying trauma they didn’t even know they had.
Here’s how trauma might be showing up:
You feel on edge all the time, even when nothing is wrong.
You snap at your kids, partner, or yourself—and feel awful afterward.
You lie awake at night replaying things from the past.
You feel responsible for everyone’s happiness, yet your own needs are always last.
You can’t fully relax. A voice always says, “You should be doing more.”
If you’ve lived through a toxic relationship, childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or just years of putting yourself last—that’s trauma.
Brainspotting therapy allows us to access and heal those stored wounds so you don’t have to keep living in survival mode.
How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?
During a Brainspotting session, I’ll guide you to notice how your body feels when you think about something upsetting or stressful. Then, using a pointer or your eye movements, we find the "brainspot"—a specific eye position that connects to where the trauma is stored in your body.
We don’t force anything. You don’t have to explain everything. You just notice what comes up—maybe a feeling, a memory, or a sensation in your body—and let your brain process it. It’s okay if you don’t know what to say. Your body already knows how to heal. My job is to hold the space and gently guide the process.
What a Session Feels Like
Clients are often surprised at how simple yet powerful Brainspotting feels.
Here’s what you can expect:
We start by checking in. You don’t need to “prepare” anything. We’ll talk about what’s been coming up and what feels important to explore.
We find a brainspot. I’ll gently guide you through eye positions to find the one that “feels like something.” You may notice a tightness in your chest, a wave of emotion, or a sense of calm. Your body gives us the clues.
You process. Once we land on your spot, you’ll observe what comes up. This might include emotions, body sensations, memories, or even just silence. There’s no right or wrong.
I support the space. You’re not doing this alone. I stay present and attuned, offering grounding and regulation support as needed.
We close gently. We’ll spend time helping you feel grounded and calm before ending the session.
You don’t have to share every detail of your trauma. Brainspotting gives you space to heal in your own way and in your own time.
Online Brainspotting Therapy in Idaho: How It Works
You might be wondering… “Can this really work online?”
Yes. 100%. Online Brainspotting therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions—and often more comfortable.
Here’s how online sessions work:
We meet on a secure video platform, and I guide you just like I would in an office.
You’ll need a quiet, private space where you feel safe and won’t be interrupted.
We use simple tools like a pointer or a spot to gaze at when finding your brainspot.
I support you the whole time. We go at your pace. You’re in control.
Many of my clients say they feel more relaxed and open when doing Brainspotting online. There’s no rush, no pressure to perform, just space to feel, release, and heal.
If you’re in Idaho, I offer online Brainspotting therapy to women across the state—from Boise to Coeur d’Alene to rural towns in between. And if you are in Sandpoint, I offer limited in-person Brainspotting therapy sessions.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
If you’ve tried talk therapy before but still feel stuck, Brainspotting might be what you need. It’s beneficial if you:
Feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on edge
Struggle with perfectionism or people-pleasing
Are healing from an unhealthy relationship or divorce
Grew up in a chaotic or toxic home environment or had strict parents or parents with high expectations
Have trouble sleeping, relaxing, or trusting others
Feel disconnected from your body
Carry shame, sadness, or anger you don’t fully understand
Many of the women I work with are moms, helpers, high achievers, or caretakers. They’re strong and smart, but they’re tired of carrying everything alone. They want peace, to stop feeling like something’s wrong with them, to feel like themselves again.
If that sounds like you, brainspotting therapy in Idaho could be a life-changing next step.
Common Questions About Online Brainspotting Therapy
How do I know if Brainspotting is right for me?
If you've tried talk therapy and still feel stuck, Brainspotting can help you go deeper. It’s ideal if you’ve experienced trauma, feel overwhelmed, or struggle with anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s totally okay. Brainspotting isn’t necessarily about talking. It’s about noticing what’s happening in your body. You don’t have to explain everything to heal.
What if I don’t remember my trauma?
That’s okay. You don’t need to remember or retell anything. Brainspotting works with what your body remembers, not just your thoughts.
How long does it take to feel better?
Every person is different. Some clients notice relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly and adjust as needed.
Can we do Brainspotting online even if I’ve never tried it before?
Yes! I work with women all over Idaho who are brand new to therapy or somatic approaches. I’ll walk you through everything, and we can proceed at your pace.
Why I Offer Brainspotting Therapy in Idaho
As a trauma therapist, I’ve seen how powerful Brainspotting can be. I’ve also seen how many women feel overlooked, rushed, or misunderstood in other types of therapy.
That’s why I offer online brainspotting therapy for women in Idaho. I want you to feel safe, seen, and supported—no matter what part of the state you are in.
This isn’t a quick fix. It’s deep, gentle healing. It’s about helping your nervous system feel safe again so you can live more fully, love more deeply, and feel more like yourself.
Ready to Start Healing?
Whether you’re an overwhelmed mom, a recovering perfectionist, or a woman healing from painful relationships, you no longer have to carry it all.
If you're searching for Brainspotting therapy in Idaho or wondering if online Brainspotting therapy could help you feel like yourself again—I’d love to talk.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation. Let’s see if this gentle and powerful approach is right for you. You’re worthy of healing—exactly as you are.
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Jarae Swanstrom is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor practicing online throughout Idaho. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, focusing on healing the whole body. Jarae helps women heal trauma causing perfectionism, people-pleasing, and emotional eating. Learn more about Jarae or schedule a free consultation at mountainrivertherapy.com.
