Reducing Cravings and Unhelpful Coping Behaviours with Brainspotting

In my work with people struggling with substances or other painful coping behaviours, I use a specialised Brainspotting® approach developed by Dr. Roby Abeles to reduce or eliminate cravings, or the urge to engage in the behaviour. This method aims to weaken cravings but also provide insight into your relationship with the substance or behaviour itself.

Dr. Roby Abeles, an trauma specialist with over 33 years of experience and an internationally certified Brainspotting trainer, developed the Double Spot Setup© based on principles of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and rewire itself. This approach helps disconnect old patterns while creating new, healthier ones.

Research (Connolly, Bell, Foxe & Garavan, 2013) has shown that substance dependence weakens the connection between two key areas of the brain:

• The anterior cingulate cortex (which activates during cravings)
• The lateral prefrontal cortex (which processes consequences)

Normally, these two areas communicate to weigh cause and effect—like recognising the consequences of giving in to a craving. However, the longer someone engages in the compulsive behaviour, the weaker this connection becomes. This breakdown makes it harder to resist cravings, even when the consequences are harmful.

The double spot setup strengthens this neural connection using two Brainspots—one that resonates with cravings and one that resonates with consequences—helping the brain restore balance and improve decision-making.

Understanding Your Relationship with Substances and Coping Behaviour

At some point, the substance or behaviour may have helped you cope. But over time, its hold over you grew, causing more harm than relief. Brainspotting not only helps reduce cravings but also brings clarity to your underlying pain. By addressing the why behind the behaviour, we can begin the healing process.