Questions to Ask a Brainspotting Therapist in Atlanta

Sometimes sorting through online therapist profiles can feel as stressful as navigating Atlanta traffic. But let’s say that find a couple of Brainspotting therapists that interest you, but you aren’t sure what to ask them? Traditional talk therapy itself can be a bit mysterious, never mind something as cutting edge as Brainspotting therapy. How do you know if Brainspotting is right for you?

One of the most important things, regardless of the type of therapy, is how you feel talking to the therapist. Do you feel like this is someone you can work with? Is there something that just doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t articulate it? Go with your gut. Sometimes it comes down to simple chemistry. And it is okay if you decide that it’s just not a fit. Fortunately, there are a lot of therapists in Atlanta. Here are some common questions I receive in my Atlanta based Brainspotting therapy practice.

Question #1: What is Brainspotting?

Even if you have heard from a friend about Brainspotting, read about it or watched an informational video online, it is helpful to hear how this therapist explains Brainspotting. Pay attention to how you feel as you talk to the therapist. You are learning about Brainspotting but also getting a sense for this person and whether you think you could work with them. Brainspotting is an experiential therapy so you probably won’t fully “get” it until you experience a session. However, the therapist should be able to speak clearly about the modality in a way that you can understand. And they should be able to answer your questions about it in a way that makes you feel heard. And remember there really are no silly questions.

Question #2: Do you have experience using Brainspotting to work with the issues I am looking for help with?

Perhaps Brainspotting sounds intriguing based on the Brainspotting therapist’s initial explanation. And your friend had a great experience with Brainspotting and told you, “You have to try Brainspotting, it will change your life!”. That’s wonderful for your friend, but maybe they went to therapy for a very different issue. Ask the Brainspotting therapist if Brainspotting might be helpful with your particular issue. Have they used Brainspotting or another therapy approach with your particular concern? For example, if you are suffering from PTSD from a recent car accident and this Brainspotting therapist’s expertise is in Brainspotting for Performance Enhancement they may not be the best Brainspotting therapist for you. You may want to find someone who has experience or training in treating recent accident trauma.

Question #3: Can you tell me about your training as a therapist and other approaches you may use?

You may also want to ask the Brainspotting therapist, how much training they have had in Brainspotting? Professionals who have taken only Phase 1 can do some incredible work. But if you feel like your situation is especially complicated, or you’re a person who just feels more comfortable with someone who has more specialized Brainspotting training, that is ok. Everyone is different. It may also be helpful to ask the therapist if there are other types of therapy they integrate with Brainspotting (e.g., more traditional talk therapy, art or movement etc.). And if you don’t understand the therapist lingo they are using, ask for a translation into lay terms so that you can understand. If this extra information isn’t important or helpful to you, no problem. Just know that this is a situation in which you can ask questions that feel important to you to ask…even if you aren’t sure why you feel that way. As mentioned above, listening to yourself while interviewing a Brainspotting therapist in Atlanta is important.

Question #4: Do you provide therapy in person in Atlanta or online?

Some Brainspotting therapists in Atlanta only see clients via video (or even phone), others work in person, and some do a hybrid. It is usually clear on their web site or directory listing but, you may want to confirm that the info is up to date.

Question #5: How long are Brainspotting sessions and how frequently will we meet?

Many Brainspotting therapists in Atlanta offer standard 50 minute sessions while others prefer longer sessions, usually 90 minutes. Some Brainspotting therapists prefer to see clients weekly while others are more flexible with session frequency. There are also some Brainspotting therapists in Atlanta who offer Brainspotting intensives where you meet for 2 to 3 hours, a whole day or more. If this is of interest to you, ask the if they offer Brainspotting intensives.

I hope this helps you find the right Brainspotting therapist in Atlanta. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (207) 295-7427 or click here for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discover how brainspotting and therapy can help you.

If you are interested in learning more about me and my approach as a Brainspotting therapist in Atlanta, you can read more about me , Brainspotting, and how I can help here.