General Info

Brainspotting (BSP) Certification consultation sessions are geared towards making sure you know the theoretical underpinnings of Brainspotting, that you're comfortable with all of the foundational setups from phase 1 and 2, and that you have a basic understanding of - and ability to explain to clients - the basics of the neurobiology that goes into BSP. 

Because competence is the goal, not the number of consultation sessions, the number of sessions depends on how solid your BSP knowledge is, and how focused we are on the certification process—6 sessions is the minimum, but sometimes it takes longer. 

In the course of your consultation, we will also discuss 3-6 specific clients and your thinking about them. How deep we get into the case consultation part depends on how well you know the basics.

Anti-Oppression, Diversity Affirmative Consultation

I strive to make my consultation “room” an anti-oppressive, diversity affirmative space. I actively and regularly work on my knowledge, understanding, and practices in all forms of liberation (anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-ableism, anti-patriarchy, etc.). That being said, If I do or say something that you find problematic in any way, please do not hesitate to bring it up with me.

Course of Consultation

The typical course of consultation goes something like one of these two tracks:

Track 1 - For someone who is confident in their BSP skills and wants to focus more on case consultation

• Session 1 - Meet and greet, goal setting, identification of trouble spots (if known)

• Sessions 2-3 - Systematic discussion of topics and demonstration of setups on Consultant Reporting Form, to ensure proficiency (this can be shortened to one session if consultee is highly proficient and succinct in their responses)

• Sessions 4-6 - Work through trouble spots, case consultation (1-2 clients per session) practice assignments for between consultations to shore up knowledge or skills identified as needing focus

Track 2 - For someone who needs more foundational support

• Session 1 - Meet and greet, goal setting, identification of trouble spots (if known)

• Sessions 2-4 - Work through trouble spots, case consultation (1-2 clients per session) practice assignments for between consultations to shore up knowledge or skills identified as needing focus

• Sessions 5-6 - Systematic discussion of topics and demonstration of setups on Consultant Reporting Form, to ensure proficiency

If neither of the above outlines fits your needs, please let me know and we can create a customized consultation plan.

Recordings of Consultation Sessions

Unless you object, I record all consultation sessions and provide you with access to the recording for 30 days. This allows you to review what we’ve discussed/demonstrated without pressure to try to remember it all during the consultation sessions. This recording also comes with closed captioning/live transcription via the Zoom automated processes. These recordings are for your benefit only, and are not to be shared with anyone else without my written permission in advance.

Accommodations

If you have any accommodations that would help support your learning and/or felt sense of safety and comfort, please let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs. 

Fees

My standard fee is $250 USD per hour. Payment is made via the scheduling system mentioned below. Financial accommodations are available upon request, based on my availability and your individual circumstances.

Location

All consultations are held via Zoom. You will receive links for each of your sessions via the scheduling system listed below.

Frequency

I suggest scheduling sessions either weekly or bi-weekly, based on your desired pace for certification and your budget. While ad-hoc sessions are an option, this approach might prolong the certification process, or potentially leave it incomplete.

Scheduling

Please click here to schedule your consultation appointments.

When you schedule your first appointment, please be aware of the following:

• When you schedule your first appointment(s), the system will ask you to enter a payment method to secure the appointment (s), but you will not be charged until the appointment time unless you decide to pre-pay.

• Please register for an account so you’ll be able manage your appointment schedule and make payments as needed.

Cancellation Policy

My cancellation policy is 48 hours* — and I do take that literally. I do make exceptions for things that are truly emergencies/unexpected situations. The best way to cancel/reschedule is via the scheduling system above. Second best is to send me a text (707-881-8010) or an email (erin@erinfindley.com).

* My rule of thumb is “the more notice you can give me, the more flexible I can be with you.”

Also, I hate charging missed session fees, so whenever possible, I prefer to do a no-charge reschedule instead. No-charge reschedules need to take place before the next typically scheduled session or they are forfeit (so, for example, if your regular consultation frequency is monthly, the no-charge reschedule would need to happen within a month of the missed session). If sessions are on an ad hoc basis or are not regularly scheduled, the no-charge reschedule window is 2 weeks.

Session Videos

I recommend you bring at least one video of yourself doing BSP with a client, but it isn’t required. If you do plan to use video for these purposes, please ensure each client has signed a release to be recorded and for their recording to be used for consultation purposes. I can give you a sample recording consent form if you don’t have one already.

Required Resources

• Phase 1 Manual

• Phase 2 Manual

• Consultant Reporting Form - this is the list of topics you need to demonstrate proficiency in, in order to complete certification.

• Certification Application

• Session Tracking Form - this is where you record the sessions you’ve completed. (I can give you a sample of a completed entry if needed.)

• Brainspotting Ethics Code

Recommended Resources

Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change by David Grand, PhD

3D - The Brain in 20 Minutes video series by Damir del Monte, PhD

1. Introduction & Brainstem

2. Cerebellum & Diencephalon

3. Cortex & Limbic System

4. Basal Ganglia

Trauma, Memory, Flashback by Damir del Monte, PhD

Preparation for First Consultation Session

Here are my recommendations for preparing for our first consultation session:

1. Think about what goals you have (outside of certification) for our consultation time together, if any

2. Review the Consultant Report Form and familiarize yourself with what you will be expected to be proficient in for certification

3. Decide if you want Track 1, Track 2, or need a more customized approach

4. Go through the different setups from Phase 1 and Phase 2 to identify what questions you have about any of the specific setups

5. Take a look at the sessions you have documented already, and identify which setups you use the least and see if you can come up with a few ideas about why you’re not using those setups as much as the others

6. Think about clients or situations you might want to consult about, and begin communicating with clients if you wish to record their sessions for consultation