• Becoming a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner reflects a balance of training, experiential learning in clinical practice, and guidance from an Approved Brainspotting Consultant. The certification process extends beyond neocortical understanding, emphasising embodiment and integration of the foundational principles of Brainspotting that support deep attunement to both self and client.

• Meeting Brainspotting Certification standards demonstrates a commitment to real-world expertise, trust, credibility, and ethical, effective practice. At the same time, certification is not an endpoint, but part of an ongoing process of growth and evolution as a Brainspotting practitioner. The most important aspect of becoming certified is the process itself—taking the time to reflect on and deepen your understanding of the art and science of Brainspotting is far more valuable than the title alone.

• An important part of this process is learning directly from David Grand, the developer of Brainspotting. Therefore, the standards for initial certification, effective November 1, 2025, include completing at least one course with him. Additionally, all standards must now be completed within two years of Phase 2 training.

• Effective immediately, practitioners due for certification renewal who have not yet completed an Advanced course must do so prior to recertification. Those needing additional time may extend their renewal date to meet this requirement. All Certified Brainspotting Practitioners must meet these standards, including at least one Advanced Course taken with David Grand, by November 1, 2027.

• Practitioners who have personal / medical / or financial concerns about meeting the new Re-Certification standards should discuss their needs with their Consultant, who can support them in developing a plan to become Re-Certified. 

• Practitioners seeking renewal who have already completed an advanced course are not required to take additional courses for ongoing renewal.

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                                                               Certified Brainspotting Practitioner Standards 

• The Brainspotting Certification Standards Committee has accepted and voted upon the following standards,  which will be implemented starting May 1, 2026. 

• Standards for Initial Certification:

• Complete Phases 1 and 2, and one advanced training of your choice (Phases 3-5 or Masterclass).

• Document 50 Brainspotting sessions representing the frame set-ups from Phases 1 & 2. Generally, these sessions are in the context of clinical or professional work. Use of any documented sessions outside of clinical settings should be discussed with the consultant.

• Complete a minimum of 6 hours of consultation with the same Approved Brainspotting Consultant (only 2 hours of consultation before completing Phase 2 can count towards certification) OR complete a 5-day Brainspotting Intensive with an Approved Brainspotting trainer.

• Complete your application, payment, and provide your documented hours and a copy of liability insurance (or request a waiver of liability insurance) to Brainspotting Trainings, LLC. Your consultant will provide you with their completed Consultant Report to be turned in with your application.

• All standards must be completed within 2 years of Phase 2 training.

• *The consultation standard for Certification may also be met via Brainspotting Intensive. Please talk with the Brainspotting Trainer about their specific process.

• *Practitioners who have personal / medical / or financial concerns about meeting the new standards for Certification should discuss their needs with their Consultant, who can support them in developing a plan for Certification.

• Two-Year Certification Renewal Standards:

• To renew your certification every two years, you will need to:

• Document, in-depth, one of each of the nine Phase 1 and Phase 2 frame set-ups including the following:

•         ·      Date and Anonymous Brainspotting Recipient Identifier

•         ·      Presenting issue

•         ·      Frame Set-up used

•         ·      Briefly describe what motivated you to choose this frame set-up

•         ·      Briefly describe the recipient’s process

•         ·      Briefly describe your experience of the process (Consider reflecting on attunement, staying in the tail

•                    of the comet, limbic countertransference.)

•  

• Complete 1 hour of consultation* with an Approved Brainspotting Consultant.  Use the prompts below to prepare for your consultation. No written documentation is required for the consultation meeting; instead, be ready to discuss the following prompts in detail.

•                 ·   Review the Brainspotting Consultant’s Report and clearly identify at least 3 principles or

•        practices that you feel are a strength and at least 3 principles or practices where you need      

•        support.

•  

•                 ·   Provide an in-depth description of your experience of providing Brainspotting for an  

•        individual/couple or family, including how you’ve understood their process, how you have

•        used Brainspotting with them, the ways Brainspotting has helped them, and how this  

•        experience has influenced your own practice.

•     Describe how your own Brainspotting has continued to support you.

•  

• Complete the renewal application, payment, and provide your 9 documented Brainspotting Sessions, and a copy of liability insurance (or request a waiver of liability insurance) to Brainspotting Trainings, LLC. Your consultant will provide you with their completed Consultant Report to be turned in with your application.

• Individuals who have not completed an Advanced Brainspotting course with David Grand (Phase 3, 4, 5 or Masterclass) must complete one course to meet the standards for recertification.

• *The consultation standard for Recertification may also be met via Brainspotting Intensive. Please talk with the Brainspotting Trainer about their specific process.

• *Practitioners who have personal / medical / or financial concerns about meeting the new standards for Re-Certification should discuss their needs with their Consultant, who can support them in developing a plan for them to become Re-Certified.

• Individual exceptions will be determined by the Brainspotting Consultant and BTL.