Brainspotting Therapist in Washington, DC

How Brainspotting Therapy Works and Why It’s Effective

Brainspotting is a neurobiological and experiential therapy that accesses deeper brain processes than traditional methods. Developed by Dr. David Grand, it is especially effective for healing trauma and other mental health concerns that live beneath conscious awareness. As a trained Brainspotting Therapist in Washington, DC, Elizabeth Handy uses this technique to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. So how does Brainspotting work? When a person experiences trauma, their brain may store those memories and sensations in a way that is fragmented and inaccessible to rational thought. Brainspotting allows the brain to locate those trapped emotional experiences and process them at the source—without needing to retell the traumatic story. A typical session includes:

• Establishing safety and focus with Elizabeth as your guide
• Identifying a physical sensation, emotional pain, or symptom
• Using a pointer to locate your “brainspot” in the visual field
• Engaging in deep focus, mindfulness, and tracking of physical and emotional responses
• Allowing your brain to process and release stored trauma at its own pace

This gentle yet powerful approach makes Brainspotting Emotional Healing in Washington, DC a life-changing experience for many. It’s especially ideal for those who have struggled to express their trauma verbally or those who feel “stuck” despite previous therapy. Elizabeth is an Advanced Brainspotting Therapist in Washington, DC, meaning she has completed extensive post-certification training to refine and deepen her expertise. You’ll be in caring, capable hands every step of the way.

Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting Therapy in Washington, DC?

If you’ve ever felt like traditional therapy helped “a little” but didn’t fully address your deeper emotional wounds, Brainspotting may be the answer. This method is ideal for people whose trauma, anxiety, or depression feels rooted in something beyond conscious awareness. Elizabeth Handy works with adults, professionals, creatives, and trauma survivors in Washington, DC and beyond. Her Brainspotting Therapy for PTSD in Washington, DC is widely sought out by those healing from:

• Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse
• Accidents or medical trauma
• Panic attacks, anxiety, or OCD symptoms
• Emotional dysregulation or chronic stress
• Grief and loss that hasn’t fully processed
• High-performance stress or blocks in athletes, performers, and executives

Brainspotting also supports those who have difficulty verbalizing what they’re feeling. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t know why I feel this way,” or “I can’t find the words,” this therapy offers a non-verbal, somatic-based pathway to clarity and relief. Elizabeth understands that everyone’s story is different. As one of the few Brainspotting Therapists in Washington, DC with years of trauma-focused experience and a background in emergency response, she is uniquely prepared to handle complex cases with empathy and professionalism. Whether you’re seeking immediate relief from anxiety or long-term healing from complex trauma, Elizabeth provides a grounded, focused space where your brain and body can do what they’re naturally wired to do—heal.

Begin Your Healing Journey with a Brainspotting Specialist Today

Healing doesn’t have to be a struggle. You can begin feeling relief and clarity through Brainspotting Therapy in Washington, DC with Elizabeth Handy—without needing to relive your trauma or rehash painful memories over and over. This work is powerful, deep, and personalized. Elizabeth’s private practice is rooted in confidentiality, compassion, and clinical excellence. As the sole provider at EMDR and Psychotherapy, she offers one-on-one care with no handoffs or rotation of therapists. Each session is tailored to your nervous system, your trauma history, and your healing goals. Whether you're interested in Brainspotting for Anxiety and Trauma in Washington, DC, or want to explore how Brainspotting can help you with chronic stress or emotional pain, Elizabeth is here to walk with you—every step of the way. Clients across Washington, DC, and throughout D.C. trust Elizabeth for her integrity, warmth, and proven expertise. She also offers EMDR therapy and specializes in PTSD, depression, panic disorders, and dissociative conditions. You don’t have to carry your pain alone. Book your first session today and take the first step toward lasting emotional freedom.

Start Brainspotting Therapy Now