“I Don’t Know Why I’m Anxious” - How Brainspotting Finds the Root Cause
Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious for no clear reason? Maybe your heart races, your stomach churns, or you feel a sense of dread, but you can’t pinpoint what triggered it. You might even ask yourself, “Why am I like this?” or “What’s wrong with me?” If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
Anxiety doesn’t always come with a neat explanation. Sometimes, it’s rooted in experiences or emotions that are buried deep beneath the surface, outside of our conscious awareness. The good news? You don’t have to know the “why” to start healing. Brainspotting is a powerful therapy that helps you access and process the root causes of anxiety—even when you can’t put them into words.
The Mystery of “Unexplained” Anxiety
Many people believe that if they could just figure out the reason for their anxiety, they could fix it. But the truth is, our brains and bodies are complex. Anxiety can stem from:
Early childhood experiences you don’t consciously remember
Accumulated stress or “micro-traumas” over time
Unprocessed grief, loss, or disappointment
Family patterns or generational trauma
Physical health issues or hormonal changes
Sometimes, anxiety is simply the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention—even if the mind can’t identify what it is.
Why “Figuring It Out” Isn’t Always the Answer
Traditional talk therapy can be incredibly helpful for making sense of your feelings and finding coping strategies. But what happens when you’ve talked it through, journaled, analyzed, and still feel stuck? That’s when it’s time to try a different approach—one that goes beyond words and taps into the wisdom of your body.
How Brainspotting Works
Brainspotting is a gentle, body-based therapy that helps you access the deeper layers of your brain and nervous system—where unprocessed emotions and memories are stored. Here’s how it works:
Tuning In: With the support of a trained therapist, you focus on the physical sensations or emotions that come up when you feel anxious. You don’t need to know the story or the reason—just notice what’s happening in your body.
Finding Your “Brainspot”: Your therapist helps you find a specific eye position—your “brainspot”—that connects to the feeling. This spot acts as a doorway to the part of your brain where the anxiety is stored.
Gentle Processing: As you focus on the brainspot, you simply notice what comes up—thoughts, images, emotions, or shifts in your body. There’s no pressure to talk or analyze; just being present is enough.
Release and Relief: Over time, many people notice their anxiety lessens, even if they never “figure out” the original cause. The body and brain have a chance to process and let go of what’s been stuck.
Why You Don’t Need to Know “Why” to Heal
One of the most freeing aspects of brainspotting is that it works even when you don’t have a clear narrative. Our brains store experiences in ways that aren’t always accessible to conscious thought—especially if they happened early in life or were overwhelming at the time.
By working with sensations and emotions in the present moment, brainspotting allows your nervous system to process and release old patterns, without needing to dig up every detail or memory. Healing becomes about what you feel now, not what you can remember or explain.
What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
If you’re new to brainspotting, here’s what a session might look like:
Check-In: You and your therapist talk briefly about what’s coming up for you—maybe it’s a general sense of anxiety, a physical symptom, or just a desire to feel better.
Tuning In: You notice where you feel the anxiety in your body. Is it a tight chest, a fluttery stomach, or something else?
Finding the Brainspot: Your therapist guides you to find an eye position that seems to “hold” the feeling.
Processing: You focus on the brainspot and simply notice what arises. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—your body leads the way.
Integration: After the session, you might feel lighter, more relaxed, or simply more aware of yourself. Sometimes, insights or memories surface later, but they’re not required for healing to happen.
Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is helpful for anyone who:
Feels anxious but can’t identify the cause
Has tried talk therapy but still feels stuck
Experiences physical symptoms of anxiety (like headaches or stomachaches)
Wants a gentle, non-invasive way to process emotions
Is open to trying something new, even if it feels a little mysterious
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis or traumatic event—just a willingness to explore your experience with curiosity and compassion.
Tips for Navigating “Unexplained” Anxiety
While brainspotting can help at a deep level, here are some things you can do right now:
Practice mindfulness: Notice your sensations and emotions without judgment.
Ground yourself: Use grounding exercises (like feeling your feet on the floor or taking slow breaths) when anxiety hits.
Be kind to yourself: Remind yourself that you’re not “broken” for not knowing why you feel anxious.
Reach out for support: You don’t have to figure this out alone. Therapy, support groups, or trusted friends can make a big difference.
You Deserve Relief—Even Without All the Answers
Anxiety doesn’t always make sense, and that can be frustrating. But you don’t have to wait for perfect understanding before you start to heal. With brainspotting, you can access the root of your anxiety—even if you never find the “why.” You deserve to feel calm, confident, and at ease in your own skin.
If you’re curious about brainspotting or want to learn more about how it can help, reach out. Relief is possible—one gentle, courageous step at a time.