Brain spotting therapy for children in new jersey
A gentle, brain-based therapy to help children release anxiety, trauma, and big feelings
Some feelings are too big for words...
When your child is anxious, overwhelmed, or holding onto something they can’t explain, traditional talk therapy may not be enough. That’s where Brainspotting can help.
Brainspotting is a gentle, body-based therapy that helps kids process stress, trauma, and big emotions—without needing to talk about everything that happened. It’s especially helpful for children who are sensitive, anxious, or struggle to express themselves through words.
what is brain spotting?
Brainspotting helps your child access and heal what’s going on beneath the surface.
Using a special tool (like a pointer) and their eye position, we help their brain find a “brainspot”—a place in their visual field that connects to an unprocessed emotion or memory. Then we create a safe space for their brain and body to process it in a natural, healing way.
The beauty of Brainspotting is that it works with your child’s brain—not against it. Sessions may feel calming, quiet, or even creative.
When Is Brainspotting Helpful for Kids?
We use Brainspotting with children who are experiencing:
Generalized anxiety or panic
Big feelings they can’t explain
Nightmares or trouble sleeping
School anxiety or test performance stress
Chronic stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
Trauma from medical procedures, accidents, or family conflict
Emotional shutdown or constant emotional overwhelm
Perfectionism or people-pleasing
It’s especially helpful when your child wants to feel better but doesn’t know how to explain what’s going on.
What Happens in a Brainspotting Session?
Every child is different, but here’s what parents can expect:
Sessions are calm, child-centered, and supportive
We may use art, sand tray, or fidget toys to help your child feel safe and grounded
Your child will find a “brainspot” by focusing their eyes in a certain direction
The therapist gently observes and supports them as their brain begins to process
Children are not asked to relive or explain everything—they are simply invited to notice what they feel in their body and mind
The session may feel quiet, but powerful changes are happening internally.
Why We Offer Brainspotting for Kids
At Hanisch Counseling Services, we specialize in helping kids feel safe enough to heal.
We know how hard it is to watch your child struggle with anxiety or emotional distress. Brainspotting allows us to bypass the need for complex conversations and instead meet your child where they are—through their nervous system.
We use Brainspotting as part of our therapy approach for kids because it helps build emotional resilience, decrease anxiety, and create long-lasting change.
FAQ: Brainspotting for Kids in NJ
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Nope! That’s one of the best parts of Brainspotting—it doesn’t require your child to talk through or even fully understand what they’re feeling. The process taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal by focusing on where emotions are stored, not retold.
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We typically offer Brainspotting to children ages 6 and up. It works best when your child can sit with a therapist, follow visual cues, and identify basic body sensations or emotions (like “my chest feels tight” or “I feel nervous”).
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Every child is different, but many parents notice shifts after just a few sessions. Your child may seem calmer, more emotionally regulated, or better able to express their feelings. Brainspotting tends to work faster than traditional talk therapy for many kids.
Contact us.
Want to Learn If Brainspotting Is Right for Your Child?
If your child seems stuck in worry, fear, or big emotions that won’t go away—let’s talk.
We offer Brainspotting for children in New Jersey at our Lincoln Park office.