Brainspotting: An Emerging Tool for Trauma & Beyond
Native New Yorker Jodi Forman shares what trends she’s seeing in today’s teens and what strategies parents can use to maintain good mental health at home.
Local therapist Jodi Forman offers an emerging tool to help clients work with unresolved experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Developed in 2003, brainspotting therapy is a somatic (relating to the body as distinct from the mind)-oriented approach that uses eye positions to access and help process trauma and emotional blockages not easily reached through more traditional therapy. Evidence and scientific consensus vary on its results.
Forman grew up in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., majoring in psychology and social science interdisciplinary at SUNY Stony Brook. She completed her master’s in social work at the University of Georgia School of Social Work. She has been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for more than 25 years.
In private practice since 2001, Forman works with adolescents and adults focusing on trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and treatment for adolescents with sexually inappropriate behaviors.
She further describes brainspotting as “a gentle, brain-body therapy that uses eye positions to help process unresolved trauma. It relies on a strong therapeutic relationship and dual attunement between client and therapist. Brainspotting can be effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, emotional regulation difficulties, performance anxiety, and chronic pain. It can help people who feel ‘stuck’ in traditional talk therapy. It’s suitable for both children and adults.”
She reports that some clients notice improvement even after one session, while others may require more time. Because brainspotting works directly with the nervous system, many experience faster progress than with traditional talk therapy. Brainspotting can be performed within a standard 50-minute session and is covered by most insurance. Forman also offers longer intensive sessions, which are not covered by insurance, for $200 per session.
Forman has noticed a rise in anxiety and depression among teens compared to 10 years ago, believing that increased digital device use plays a role, contributing to poor academic performance, disrupted sleep, social withdrawal, and higher risk for depression and anxiety. She also sees greater use of pornography and illegal sexual behavior facilitated by digital communication, and increased substance abuse and drug-related overdoses.
Following COVID, rates of adolescent depression and anxiety have risen, along with social awkwardness, due to school closures, social distancing, and isolation. Forman suggests that, “Girls show higher rates of depression and anxiety, typically internalizing their problems. Boys are more likely to exhibit distress through behavior or conduct issues. Research suggests that, on average, boys’ brains mature slightly later than girls particularly in areas related to self-regulation and impulse control. Societal expectations often encourage girls more than boys to develop emotional skills and discipline, traits commonly associated with maturity.”
Forman offers five tips for parenting:
* Normalize and validate – Teen angst is a normal part of development. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.
* Stay calm and avoid taking things personally – Teens often direct strong emotions toward the safest people in their lives. Respond with patience, maintaining open communication.
* Encourage expression – Let your teen share thoughts and feelings without unsolicited advice.
* Engage with their interests – Show genuine interest in their hobbies, TV shows, music, or games to strengthen connection.
* Model healthy coping – Demonstrate emotional regulation and constructive coping strategies; seek help for yourself if needed.
Forman also suggests seeking professional help if your teen:
* Shows persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability;
* Withdraws from friends or activities they usually enjoy;
* Experiences significant changes in sleep, appetite, or academic performance;
* Talks about self-harm, suicide, or engages in risky behaviors;
* Struggles with substance use or aggression.
Forman describes emotionally healthy teens as able to regulate emotions, cope with setbacks, maintain supportive relationships, have a positive self-image, respect boundaries, take responsibility for their actions, and adapt well to change.
Forman has a 22-year-old son who attends Georgia Tech. In 2014, she lost her younger son to glioblastoma at age seven. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and pickleball. For more information, please visit www.jodiformanlcsw.com.