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BRAINSPOTTING THERAPY IN URBANDALE, IA & VIRTUAL
A gentle, brain-based approach to processing what words alone can’t reach.
Bloom Women’s wellness
Healing That Goes Beyond Talking.
Some experiences live in the body as much as the mind. Brainspotting is a brain-based therapy that uses your natural eye position to help locate and process the places where stress, trauma, and overwhelm are held. At Bloom, our trained counselors offer brainspotting in a calm, supportive space, at a pace that always stays in your control.
WHAT MAKES BRAINSPOTTING WORTHWHILE FOR YOU
Go Deeper, Without Having to Retell It All
Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand and is built on a simple observation: where you look affects how you feel. Your counselor helps you find an eye position, called a brainspot, that connects to what’s weighing on you. By staying present with that spot, your brain and body can begin to process what has felt stuck.
Because brainspotting works with the body’s own responses, you don’t need to relive every detail of what happened to make progress. That makes it a good fit for people who feel stuck in talk therapy, find it hard to put painful experiences into words, or are carrying birth, pregnancy, or postpartum experiences that still feel raw.
How CBT Can Help You
Process trauma without having to retell every detail
Ease anxiety, panic, and a body that won’t settle
Work through birth trauma and perinatal or postpartum distress
Release stress and tension held in the body
Move past feeling stuck in talk therapy alone
Build a deeper connection between mind and body
What to Expect
Sessions typically last [45–55 minutes: confirm] and take place in person at our Urbandale clinic. Your counselor will begin by talking with you about what you’re hoping to work on, then guide you to a brainspot, often using a pointer and sometimes calming, bilateral music.
From there, you simply notice what comes up, whether that’s thoughts, emotions, or sensations in the body, while your counselor stays with you. There’s no pressure to talk through everything, and you can slow down or pause at any time.
Brainspotting can feel quiet and subtle, or surprisingly powerful. Everyone responds differently, so your counselor will check in often and tailor the pace to you.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
If your question wasn’t answered here, or you’d like more information before booking an appointment please reach out via our contact form, or give us a call. We will make sure you have everything you need to make your decision.
What is brainspotting and how does it work?
Brainspotting is a brain-based, body-focused therapy that uses eye position to help access and process difficult experiences. Your counselor helps you find a spot in your field of vision that connects to what’s bothering you, then supports you in staying with it while your brain does its natural work of processing.
What concerns can brainspotting help with?
Brainspotting is most often used for trauma, anxiety, panic, and stress held in the body. At Bloom, it’s also a good option for birth trauma and perinatal or postpartum distress. Your counselor will help you decide whether it’s the right fit.
Is brainspotting the same as EMDR?
They’re related but different. Both are brain-based therapies that help with trauma processing, but EMDR follows a more structured set of phases and uses bilateral stimulation, while brainspotting is more open-ended and follows your body’s own responses. Our brain-based therapy guide breaks down the differences between brainspotting, EMDR, and ART.
Does brainspotting work, and is it evidence-based?
Many clients and clinicians find brainspotting helpful, and research on it is growing. It is a newer approach than therapies like CBT and EMDR, so the body of research is smaller. Your counselor will be upfront about this and can talk with you about whether it’s a good fit or whether another approach would serve you better.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Brainspotting doesn’t require you to retell everything that happened. You can share as much or as little as you want, and the work often happens through what you notice in your body and mind rather than through detailed storytelling.
Does Bloom accept insurance for brainspotting sessions?
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, and Health Partners. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking your benefits or contacting our team before your first visit.
What if I don’t have insurance or my plan doesn’t cover therapy?
We offer private pay options and a sliding fee scale, and CareCredit is available. Visit our Payment Options page or contact us to talk through what works for you.
Contact Bloom Women’s Wellness
Payments Accepted
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and private pay clients. We believe that mental health care should be accessible and we’re happy to work with you on a sliding fee scale.
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Contact Bloom Women’s Wellness
Payments Accepted
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and private pay clients. We believe that mental health care should be accessible and we’re happy to work with you on a sliding fee scale.