What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting Therapy in Sydney: Somatic Healing for Trauma & Anxiety

Brainspotting is a gentle, body-based (somatic) therapy designed to process emotionally charged experiences that are often difficult to access through traditional talk therapy. Based on the neurobiological premise that "where you look affects how you feel," Brainspotting identifies specific eye positions, known as brainspots, that correlate with how trauma and stress are held within the nervous system.

How Brainspotting Works

Unlike standard psychotherapy which relies on retelling stories, Brainspotting taps into the brain’s self-scanning and self-healing capacities. By focusing on internal signals rather than external analysis, sessions are paced carefully to allow the nervous system to process information without force. This makes the modality an exceptionally effective tool for:

  • Complex Trauma & PTSD Recovery

  • Grief and Loss

  • Chronic Anxiety and Panic

  • Identity-Related Distress

  • Attachment Wounds & Developmental Trauma

A Non-Intrusive Path to Emotional Regulation

Many clients find Brainspotting to be quieter and less intrusive than other trauma-focused interventions. By working within the client’s "window of tolerance," Mathew ensures the process remains collaborative and regulated.

Through this targeted somatic enquiry, clients frequently report:

  • Immediate relief from emotional overwhelm.

  • Improved emotional regulation and nervous system grounding.

  • A restored sense of safety, presence, and agency within their bodies.

Brainspotting in Surry Hills with Mathew Bergan

As a certified practitioner, Mathew Bergan facilitates the conditions for the brain to do what it already knows how to do: process, integrate, and move through stagnant emotions. This neuro-experiential approach allows for deep integration, helping clients move beyond long-held patterns shaped by chronic stress.