Background

A successful entrepreneur and coach was grappling with intense feelings of abandonment and self-doubt following the end of a long-term relationship. The emotional turmoil was affecting her physical well-being, manifesting as chronic jaw pain and digestive issues. Despite her professional achievements, she felt overwhelmed by the weight of her responsibilities and recurring patterns in her intimate relationships.

Challenges

• Feelings of Abandonment: Past and present relationships triggered deep-seated emotions of being abandoned by significant male figures.

• Self-Abandonment: Recognized a pattern of neglecting her own needs to maintain relationships.

• Physical Symptoms: Experienced jaw pain, nausea, and digestive discomfort linked to emotional stress.

• Overwhelming Responsibility: Felt burdened by carrying the emotional and practical weight in relationships.

• Gender-Based Pain: Expressed regret about being a woman due to perceived increased emotional labor and responsibility.

Intervention

She decided to undergo a brainspotting therapy session to address these underlying issues. The therapist guided her to focus on the physical sensations associated with her emotions, particularly around her belly and jaw. Through specific eye positioning and mindful awareness, she accessed and processed deep-rooted feelings of abandonment and self-abandonment.

Process

• Identifying the Anchor: Pinpointed a swirling, chaotic sensation above her belly button, associated with a high level of emotional discomfort.

• Exploring Emotions: As she focused on this sensation, vivid imagery and emotions surfaced, including feelings of manipulation, powerlessness, and betrayal by masculine figures.

• Physical Release: Experienced nausea and jaw tightness as physical manifestations of her emotional pain.

• Self-Realization: Recognized that leaving unhealthy relationships would prevent self-abandonment.

• Embracing Self-Compassion: Acknowledged her pattern of self-abandonment and expressed a desire to release past attachments.

Outcomes

• Emotional Relief: Felt significantly lighter, with a reduction in feelings of abandonment.

• Physical Improvement: Noted that jaw tension eased and digestion improved.

• Empowerment: Gained clarity on the importance of not abandoning herself and trusting her commitment to personal growth.

• Shift in Perspective: Opened up to the possibility of healthier relationships with masculine figures.

• Increased Self-Awareness: Recognized the need to honor her experiences compassionately without clinging to past patterns.

Client Feedback

"I can honor the fact that I have experienced quite a bit of abandonment from the masculine and that I have lived through these patterns. I also realized that I can let it go and not remain attached to it. By letting it go, I'm open to having a different experience with the masculine."

Conclusion

Through brainspotting therapy, she was able to process and release deep-seated feelings of abandonment and self-abandonment. The session facilitated both emotional and physical healing, empowering her to move forward with greater self-compassion and openness to healthier relationships.