April '25 - “Reclaiming Lost Parts of Self” with a Brainspotting Expansion Frame
One of the easiest ways to have a very successful Expansion Brainspotting session is to ask our clients, “What part or parts of you have you lost that you miss the most right now?” Often, precious aspects of our true selves get lost due to unresolved trauma. I have learned personally and professionally that clearing the trauma with Brainspotting in no way guarantees the client will get those beloved parts of themselves back.
Here are common examples that have been resolved in my office:
•After my divorce I stopped running. I was so afraid financially my legs literally would only allow me go towards work.
•After my sexual assault I stopped every single art form I enjoyed. It has been fifty years since I have done anything creative.
•After I found my father, who killed himself, I stopped working out at all. I loved working out my whole life.
•After my relationship with my ex, who is a sociopath, I simply cannot allow myself to open up to loving again. I am too afraid of being abused again.
•Ever since my assault by two strangers, I have lost my joyful, happy self.
Some of us lose our peace, our voice, our confidence, our faith, our will, our innocence, our trust in people, our hobbies, our capacity to love, etc. It is crucial as Brainspotting practitioners that we make a list of all parts of self that have been lost due to disturbing or traumatic experiences. Do not assume that Brainspotting the original injury will result in the lost parts of oneself returning.
The Expansion Frame I call, “Reclaiming Lost Parts of Self” is my favorite tool for individuals and groups who want to “come home” to their true nature. Because each person has an embodied memory of the desired part of themselves, the likelihood of being able to successfully access and expand the yearned for part of self is very high. Give this Expansion frame a try. Because Expansion Brainspotting activates and strengthens positive neural networks, clients report a marked increase in living the way they used to. This makes doing our work a joy.
EXPANSION FRAME: RECLAIMING LOST
PARTS OF SELF
1. Ask the client which part of themselves they miss the most.
2. Help activate the desired Expansion by exploring the senses, (sight, smell, sounds) emotional feelings, (one word at a time), and behaviors the client remembers when this part was fully present. Ask for several memories when they felt this part of themselves most strongly.
3. Ask, “How will you know you have expanded into your desired goal enough?” (Get specific such as, “I will be exercising three times a week.)
4. Where do you feel the desired Expansion most strongly in your body?
5. How strongly do you feel it in your body? (0 to Infinity).
6. Find the Expansion Brainspot with Inside Window. (Gaze and Outside Window work too)
7. Process mindfully
8. Check in with the client on the strength of the desired part’s Expansion (0 to Infinity)
9. Check with the clients in future sessions to assure the goal has been met.
I have added this question to my Intake paperwork. “Are there any parts of yourself you have lost that you really want back?” This is one of the easiest, and offers the highest percentage chance, of having a positive outcome with Expansion Brainspotting. If your client felt it once, they can certainly feel it again.
Come to the Trauma Mama free consultation group on Wednesday April 9th 11:00 am to 12:30 pm PST to see a live demonstration of the “How to Reclaim Lost Parts of Self Expansion Frame.” There will be time for Q and A.
***Please note: To protect the privacy of our demo volunteers, TM hours ARE NOT recorded for distribution.***
Topic: Healing Lost Parts of Self
Time: Apr 9, 2025 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86076085058?pwd=snY2LvHDp8vKlOvKowp6JbAUXQVrIL.1
Meeting ID: 860 7608 5058
Passcode: 891911
All the best,
Lisa Larson, BSP Trainer