Focused Attention and Body Awareness
Brainspotting Therapy in Vancouver & Across BC
Brainspotting is an approach developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It uses a sustained gaze position while you notice emotions, memories and body sensations with support from your therapist. The aim is to explore distressing experiences at a pace you can manage.
At Wellspring Counselling & Psychotherapy, some therapists may incorporate Brainspotting techniques within an integrative approach. Ask about their training and how they assess whether the approach fits your needs.
Wellspring provides science-based counselling, psychotherapy, and personal growth services in Vancouver, and province-wide in British Columbia. Founded in 2016, Wellspring is led by Alistair Gordon, RCC, UBC Adjunct Professor, published author, and the developer of both CorMorphosis™ Psychotherapy and Core Needs Therapy™ (CNT).
Meet our top-rated and diverse team of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) & Registered Psychotherapists (RP). Book a free 15-minute consultation to ask about fit, training and what sessions involve. Most therapists offer this introduction; regular counselling sessions are separate, paid appointments. Review fees and policies before booking. For sessions outside BC, check our province guide and confirm clinician eligibility.
How Brainspotting Therapy Works?
Brainspotting brings together a sustained gaze position, attention to body sensations and a supportive therapeutic relationship. A session may include:
- Focusing your gaze on a point associated with a feeling or body sensation
- Attuned, relational presence from your therapist
- Mindful observation of your inner experience (emotions, body sensations, thoughts)
- Bilateral sound, when agreed with your therapist
Sessions are adapted to your goals and readiness, and you can ask to pause. The specific brain mechanisms proposed for Brainspotting remain under study. Research is developing; published studies describe promising findings alongside important limitations. Read a 2022 comparative study and a 2025 study of Brainspotting with cognitive behavioural therapy, and discuss the evidence and other options with your therapist.
What Brainspotting Therapy Can Help With?
Concerns to discuss when considering Brainspotting include:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Depression and mood dysregulation
- Performance blocks (e.g., in sports, public speaking, creative work)
- Grief and loss
- Chronic pain and tension
- Dissociation and emotional numbness
- Attachment wounds and early developmental trauma
These concerns need an individual assessment. Your therapist can discuss the evidence, other approaches and whether Brainspotting techniques fit your needs. The pace and outcomes of therapy vary.
Start with a Free 15-Minute Introductory Consultation
Brainspotting at Wellspring Counselling
Some of our therapists use techniques and principles of Brainspotting and combine it with other methods, such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CorMorphosis™ Psychotherapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. We create a safe and caring environment for our sessions, and you stay in control of what you want to explore.
You and your therapist can discuss whether to include these techniques, how to prepare and what to do if feelings become overwhelming. You can pause or stop and review the pace together.
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Counselling Services
Comprehensive online counselling and psychotherapy services are the specialty of Wellspring.
We offer treatment for various issues like anxiety, stress, anger, depression, relationships, trauma, parenting, and personal development.
Those looking for assistance navigating the complexities of the mind and challenges in life and relationships can access experienced and skilled counsellors.
Look into our specialized services here:
Stress
Stress from your job, home or social life may be taking a toll on you and you might be finding it difficult to cope.
Anger
Anger is both a powerful motivating emotion, and one that can be destructive without proper redirection.
Anxiety
Anxiety comes in many forms, such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, or even phobias.
Self Esteem
Our sense of self-worth can be impacted negatively because people internalize the responses they receive.
Depression
The good news is that a skilled and compassionate counsellor can help you to move toward a productive and meaningful way of life.
Relationships
In sessions, you will learn constructive communication skills that are necessary for respectful and flourishing relationships…
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Testimonials
Mr. Gordon is someone that captures the spirit and the heart of active engagement. He is empathic, genuine and incorporates action and creative problem solving into his practice. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Gordon as an effective career and personal counsellor.
I had no experience with therapy and was unsure of the whole process. Alistair made everything very accessible and unintimidating. It was clear that he puts quite a lot of effort and preparation into every session. I'm so glad that I decided to do this, and could not have asked for a better person to help me with this. I would highly recommend Alistair to anyone who has ever thought that they might benefit from talking to a professional.
I am a young professional which for a long time now, has struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty in finding effective life coping mechanisms. Alistair was referred to me by a friend and upon the first meeting, I found Alistair to be empathetic, compassionate and intuitive. I have now been seeing Alistair regularly for 6 months and through that time my anxiety has significantly decreased, I have found effective methods of dealing with stress, found support dealing with identity issues, as well as finding inner strength to get through a tough break up. Alistair again and again, went the extra mile -thank you Alistair for your candor, openness and a safe space to get support. Thank you for playing such a large role in keeping me healthy and positive.
I have been working with Alistair Gordon as my counsellor at Wellspring for almost 6 months now and cannot begin to tell you how far I have come with his help. I have tried working with other counsellors and therapists in the past but never really found one that clicked for me. I always felt judged, unsupported, and rushed at those appointments until I booked my first appointment with Wellspring and with Allistair. To anyone on the fence about booking an appointment or engaging in therapy: if you are willing to do the work, you couldn't ask for a better partner in your healing journey.
When I decided to find a counsellor, I tried to find someone that I could relate to, someone that is like-minded and down-to-earth and with Alistair I really found the right person. He uses an integrative approach, showed me techniques to relax and get aware of my emotions, and helped me see things in a new perspective. Of course this is an ongoing process but I enjoy meeting and working with Alistair every time. The downtown office is a very neutral place - not too intimate, not too clinical - which is helpful to overcome apprehension, especially the first couple of times. What I find remarkable is that Alistair almost always knows what I'm trying to say, even if I can't put it into words. Working with Alistair helped me a lot and it was the right decision to put my trust in him.
Alistair really cares about you the person, and I could really feel him trying to tackle my challenges. He was also very available for off-session contact via text and email. I think he did a great job with confronting me where I needed it. Alistair always could remember the important peoples' names in my personal life, which really helped with talking about my problems. I really felt like I was talking to a friend.
Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.
I enjoy how sessions are collaborative where I can take the lead for the direction of what we talk about, and at the same time I know that Alistair will offer helpful guidance and insight along the way. I also like how we focus on the future instead of just the past. I find this to be empowering and helpful to move forward in life.
Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.
I have always felt very comfortable with Alistair. He has a calming presence, and you can tell he cares about being the best counsellor for you. He helps you with all aspects of your concern, and is always able to help me find a solution to the problem I'm having.
Alistair is an exceptionally talented counsellor and has always demonstrated strong ethics, great compassion, wisdom and respect for others. I highly recommend him as a counselling practitioner.
Brainspotting Therapy in Vancouver & Across BC
Explore Your Inner World with Brainspotting
Ask whether Brainspotting techniques within an integrative approach suit your concerns, preferences and goals.
Book a free introductory consultation, offered by most therapists, to ask questions about fit. Regular counselling sessions are separate, paid appointments.
At Wellspring Counselling, you can compare therapist profiles or contact the clinic for help choosing. Confirm the therapist’s Brainspotting training, province eligibility and availability, and any in-person location, before arranging an appointment.