Brainspotting BIPOC Nation is Born, in Atlanta, GA 2019!
In the Beginning...
"Tracy, Tracy, Tracy...the woman who changed my life from the back of the Conference room after seeing me struggle with the acceptance/acknowledgement of race and color coming from my heritage of Black (slave), White (Spanish), and Indigenous people of the conquered Island. When you said Ase sister! I see you! I see all of you! You are the people you came from and they are you! Embrace them! Embrace all they gave you and come into your fullness!" Nikki M
I am Tracy Gantlin-Monroy, MDiv, LPC, Certified Brainspotting Practitioner/Consultant/Trainer. When I started the Brainspotting journey, POC (persons of color) or BIPOC (Black Indigenous Persons of Color) did not exist. (BIPOC Brainspotting trainings started December 2019 in Atlanta, GA). I was introduced to Brainspotting by a former supervisor, in 2013 or there about. I was an associate licensed professional counselor working towards full licensure. While in supervision, my supervisor stated, "I know your tribe, but you will have to wait until you are fully licensed to afford it." She began to teach me Brainspotting technique. Some years later, while preparing for private practice, I consulted with my former supervisor and asked, "EMDR or Brainspotting?" At which she replied, "Brainspotting all the way!" Needless to say, here I am.
This tremendous formal journey started at a Phase 1 training with Cynthia Swartzberg in Atlanta, GA. In fact, I shared Brainspotting with 2 colleagues from a former agency and invited them on the adventure. At the training, I immediately noticed a room full of people with 3 persons of color; there was me, the person I invited and a woman from NC. A facilitator at the training knew my former supervisor intimately which served as a sense of familiarity. I forwardly asked the facilitator, "are there any persons of color involved in Brainspotting...how many Black folks come through here?" She looked at me and replied, "let me think about how many...there aren't many as I think about it." In fact, her response stirred curiosity.
I immediately began to squawk. I began to ask questions during the training to be clear about my intent. Unapologetically I made it known the need for healing in my community. The need for developmental, personal, and intergenerational trauma healing is stupendous. This work requires representation; persons of color often times require cultural humility, understanding, non-compliance and resonance. I became impassioned by the pain, disparity, oppression, and lack of access known by marginalized communities…we deserve healing too.
As the training kicked off, I became fascinated with Brainspotting, As Cynthia taught, I noticed nuances that riddled my nervous system at which my spiritual tin hat began to tingle. I stated, "I have a whole tribe of folks that need healing...where is my tribe and why don't we know about Brainspotting?!" I became inquisitive. I actually received healing from a childhood trauma at a training. I then traveled to Florida for the Phase 2 training and immediately began consultation to gain a deeper insight, I wanted to know everything there was to know about Brainspotting. My sole goal was to "hold my stick on 'em” and support healing in community, my community, marginalized community.
Well, 12 consultations later with Cynthia, conversations with POC organizer at the behest of Cynthia led to the birthing of what quickly grew into “BIPOC Nation” according to Dr. David Grand.
I could not have known the impact of Cynthia’s invitation to reach out to another constituent would have resulted in BIPOC Nation. It became a thing of need; We met virtually and a few months later, we kicked off the 1st Persons of Color Brainspotting Phase I training in Atlanta, December 2019, whereby mission minded practitioners of color showed up and showed out from as far away as Canada. When I say mission minded, we were mission minded. It was beautiful. We were Black, Asian, Indian, Latin to name a few on that talented, heartfelt, determined, committed team of Brainspotting folks that believed in the vision.
I will never forget my initial encounter with Dr. Grand at that training. Up to that point, David as we affectionately call the genius, was a legend of sorts. I can still sense David’s kidlike amazement of what was witnessed, felt, and experienced. Healing abounded in that space. Tears, love, laughter, joy, pain, compassion was all there. David swarded the Brainspotting terrain in that moment; he covered the land of Brainspotting with that patch of green grass; those Brainspotting practitioners that traveled from near and far to support the monumental kickoff, BIPOC Brainspotting Nation was born. David stated, “this team are not helpers, you are facilitators.” It was amazingly memorable and set a wonderful precedence. History was made! In a huge way. The energy was simply electric and here we are, here I am.
What I came to learn by experience with BIPOC Brainspotting project, there is a need for counterspace. While in Denver at the International Brainspotting Conference, I was in the hotel’s giftshop. A LatinX sister approached me and stated, “Do you remember me from training?” She reminded me of our encounter during that kickoff BIPOC training; that's her quote up above in this writing. This is what Brainspotting is about, us as clinicians and them, as clients.
There is a need for individuals to “BE” all of themselves, especially in learning environments. It’s challenging enough to promote growth, let alone in constricting environments that promotes code-switching increasing anxiety that comes along with taking in information. The nervous system registers and there are more than a few stories about persons of color learning in dominant cultured spaces resulting in less than positive, healthy outcomes. Journeying with the BIPOC Nation within the Brainspotting community has impacted me personally, professionally and otherwise.
Over the years as a mental health clinician, I have studied numerous modalities and engage eclectic practices consistent with client needs. None of the modalities learned and practiced spoke to me as Brainspotting does. Brainspotting spoke to my spiritual and indigenous practicalities that served as an interesting embodiment as a psychotherapist. Brainspotting brought a sense of neurobiological, scientific hypothesis, noncompliance, non-oppression, non-pathologizing embodiment that can be engaged by anyone, clinician or not to activate healing. Brainspotting entered by bones and was a natural flow to my countenance as a healer.
Dr. David Grand, Developer and Founder of Brainspotting is my mentor. I have facilitated and attended numerous Brainspotting trainings both BIPOC and mainstream as I call them to mean inclusive trainings. Again, BIPOC was nonexistent at the beginning of my Brainspotting journey. I attended numerous MasterClass trainings with David to include UK by Zoom. I developed Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice training in collaboration with David, presented Marginalized Communities: Serving the Culturally Diverse at the International Brainspotting Conference 2021 in Denver, Colorado and have attended Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 Brainspotting Trainings as well.
Registration Information
BIPOC Brainspotting Phase 1 & Phase 2 trainings, Inclusive Brainspotting Trainings (Ph 1 & Ph 2) and Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (inclusive) training Dates & Registration Links below. Trainings are Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 7 pm EST via Zoom
BIPOC Phase 1 Training Dates 2023:
March 3, 4, 5, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-1-training-march-3-5-2023
June 9, 10, 11, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-1-training-june-9-11-2023
October 6, 7, 8, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-1-training-october-6-8-2023
BIPOC Ph 2 Training Dates 2023
April 14, 15, 16, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-2-training-april-14-16-2023
November 3, 4, 5, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-2-training-november-3-5-2023
Inclusive Brainspotting Trainings
Dates 2023 (All are welcome--Non-BIPOC & BIPOC together through an intersectionality lens)
Brainspotting Phase 1 & 2
February 10, 11, 12, 2023 (Phase 2)
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/inclusive-brainspotting-phase-2-training-february-10-12-2023
August 4, 5, 6, 2023 (Phase 1)
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/inclusive-brainspotting-phase-1-training-august-4-6-2023
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (inclusive) training dates 2023
May 19, 20, 21, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bsp-intersectionality-social-justice-may-19-21-2023
September 22, 23, 24, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bsp-intersectionality-social-justice-september-22-24-2023
Location: Online Zoom
BIPOC Brainspotting Phase 1 training March 3-5, 2023 on Zoom! BIPOC Phase 2 April 14-16, 2023!
Online BIPOC Brainspotting Training For BIPOC Mental Health and Healthcare Professionals
Addiction Counselors | Professional Counselors | Social Workers | Psychologists | Marriage and Family Therapists | Psychiatrists | Nurse Practitioners | Occupational Therapists | Executive/Life Coaches | Naturopaths | Acupuncturists
Asian | African American/Black | Latinx | Indigenous/Native | Mixed Race | Southeast Asian | Pacific Islander | Middle Eastern (if believe that you are treated differently and perceived to be a person of color, this training is for you!
BIPOC Brainspotting Trainings are typically
Friday/Saturday/Sunday
Time: 10am to 7pm Eastern Standard Time each day
Cost: $645 Registration includes training materials
Brainspotting Phase 1 and 2 Trainings for BIPOC Mental Health and Healthcare Professionals are approved by Brainspotting Trainings, LLC and meet the requirements and standards to become a certified Brainspotting practitioner.
Requirements and Expectations:
- If you are unable to adhere to these requirements please do not register for the training.
- 100% attendance is required for each day. This means it is not acceptable to leave the training for a few hours to go attend another meeting etc. and then return to the training. If you are unable to attend 100% each day then do not register for the training. In case of an emergency, I am happy to provide a prorated refund of registration fee and you can take the training in the future.
- I realize we are emerging from a pandemic and sociopolitical issues which have caused strain in many areas to say the least. However, if you are not able to be fully present for whatever reason(s) please do not register for the training. This training is highly experiential and REQUIRES your full attention and presence. The inability to be fully present adversely impacts other attendees during experiential practicums. Opting out of practicums is NOT permitted.
- If you become ill during the training and are not able to be fully present I am happy to provide a prorated refund. Just observing is not permitted. All aspects of the training must be completed with full participation.
- By registering for this training you agree to the requirements and expectations.
SPECIAL REQUESTS & NOTIFICATIONS:
Do Not Complete the registration form instead:
Email: tracybrainspottingtraining@gmail.com in the following situations:
- To request a payment plan (options available on the registration form):
In your request chose either option A or option B
Option A - 2 payments of $322.50 (on registration form)
Option B - 3 payments of $215 (on registration form)
- Students enrolled in a mental health degree program: $400
Email to request student rate and include the name of the school and program in which you are currently enrolled.
- Canadians and those outside of the USA please email for special registration process.
- Limited reduced rates are available to those with a true and demonstrable financial hardship.
Email: tracybrainspottingtraining@gmail.com
This Online Brainspotting Phase 1 or Brainspotting Phase 2 training is reserved for BIPOC Mental Health and Healthcare Professionals. This training is approved by Brainspotting Trainings, LLC and meets the Brainspotting requirement towards Brainspotting certification.
Seminar Overview
Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of challenging symptoms. Brainspotting is a simultaneous form of diagnosis and treatment, enhanced with BioLateral sound, which is deep, direct, powerful yet focused and containing.
Brainspotting identifies activated eye positions designated as Brainspots. Located through either one or both eyes, Brainspots are observed from either the "Inside Window" of the client's felt sense and/or the "Outside Window" of the client's reflexive responses (i.e., blink, eye twitches or wobbles, pupil dilation, quick breaths, and subtle body shifts).
Students will first learn the phenomenological approach that underpins strategies for Brainspotting, followed by strategies for identifying and processing Brainspots. Attention will be given to the utilization and integration of Brainspotting into ongoing treatment, including highly dissociative clients.
Brainspotting is adaptable to almost all areas of specialization. Brainspotting provides therapists with powerful tools which enable their patients to quickly and effectively focus and process through the deep brain sources of many emotional, somatic and performance problems.
Brainspotting Phase 1 Seminar Objectives:
Participants will be able to...
1. Summarize the standards of care and professional practice of the International Brainspotting Association.
2. Describe the hypothesized neurological underpinnings of how Brainspotting works.
3. Summarize the research that supports the hypothesized way in which eye positions activate and accesses midbrain activity.
4. Explain the uncertainty principle as it relates to Brainspotting.
5. Describe the concepts of simultaneous neurobiological and relational attunement.
6. Explain the importance of client-therapist attunement during Brainspotting.
7. Explain how the treatment frame is set and held by the therapist. Explain the role of focused mindfulness in Brainspotting.
8. Discuss the similarities and differences between the activation and resource models of Brainspotting.
9. Explain the concept of limbic countertransference.
10. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the outside window Brainspotting technique.
11. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the inside window Brainspotting technique.
12. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the gaze spot Brainspotting technique.
13. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the resource model of Brainspotting technique.
14. Assess the appropriate Brainspotting techniques for the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder, including the Dissociative Subtype, and other trauma-related symptoms.
15. Describe two challenges to assessing and providing evidence-based treatment to individuals with Complex PTSD.
Brainspotting Phase 2 Seminar Objectives:
Participants will be able to...
1. Summarize the research on client-therapist attunement in in-person and online psychotherapy sessions.
2. Set and utilize the dual attunement frame.
3. Explain the way in which bilateral auditory stimulation may enhance processing during Brainspotting.
4. Explain the role of the allocortex and the agranular Isocortex in Brainspotting.
5. Describe the Oculocardio reflex and its relationship to the Vagus nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system.
6. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the z-axis and vergence therapy techniques.
7. Explain how the one-eye Brainspotting technique can focus and enhance processing of trauma-related experiences.
8. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the one-eye Brainspotting technique.
9. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the rolling Brainspotting technique.
10. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the advanced outside window Brainspotting technique.
11. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the use of the advanced resource model of Brainspotting.
12. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the combined outside-inside Brainspotting technique.
13. Demonstrate a basic mastery of the second level advanced resource model of Brainspotting.
14. Assess how specific advanced Brainspotting techniques can be used for complex PTSD and other trauma related conditions.
A word about CEs
CE providers do not permit CEs for trainings that are advertised as BIPOC only trainings. All BIPOC Brainspotting trainings are approved by Brainspotting Trainings, LLC and David Grand, PhD Founder and Developer of Brainspotting. This training meets the Phase 1 requirement towards becoming a certified Brainspotting Practitioner.
Cancellation and Refund Policy can be found on Registration forms for specific trainings!
Registration link for BIPOC Phase 1 March 3, 4, 5, 2023 Training:
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-1-training-march-3-5-2023
Registration link for BIPOC Phase 2 April 14, 15, 16, 2023 Training:
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bipoc-brainspotting-phase-2-training-april-14-16-2023
Tracy Gantlin-Monroy, MDiv, LPC
Trainer
2023 Training Dates (Registration Open)
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
February 10, 11, 12, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/inclusive-brainspotting-phase-2-training-february-10-12-2023
BIPOC Brainspotting Phase 1
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
Bipoc brainspotting Phase 2
Inclusive Brainspotting Phase 2
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
bIPOC Brainspotting phase 1
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
Inclusive Brainspotting phase 1
Inclusive Brainspotting phase 1
Brainspotting: Intersectionality & Social Justice (Inclusive)
Inclusive Brainspotting phase 1
Brainspotting: Intersectonality & Social justice
Brainspotting: Intersectonality & Social justice
Brainspotting: Intersectonality & Social justice
September 22, 23, 24, 2023
https://gracetrainings.aidaform.com/bsp-intersectionality-social-justice-september-22-24-2023
Bipoc Brainspotting Phase 1
Brainspotting: Intersectonality & Social justice
Brainspotting: Intersectonality & Social justice