As part of First Light Wilderness Therapy’s commitment to cutting-edge trauma treatment, the program proudly announces that three members of the clinical team have recently participated in and completed their level 2 Brainspotting training. A powerful, focused treatment method, Brainspotting works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional pain that may be stored in the body, trauma (either verbal or pre-verbal), dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. As a simultaneously diagnostic and treatment method, Brainapotting is enhanced with Biolateral sound, which is deep, direct and powerful. Discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D., Brainspotting is internationally recognized as an effective treatment for acute trauma, anxiety and dissociation.

First Light Wilderness’s clinical team utilizes a variety of trauma-responsive treatment methods, including CBT, DBT skills, Brainspotting, HeartMath (physiological coherence), EMDR and carefully designed programming to assess and provide interventions for young people that get to the root of trauma in order to treat and heal rather than avoid. Clinical team members participate in ongoing trauma-focused trainings, and completing Level 2 Brainspotting training allows for additional modalities of care for those clients that may benefit from this method of treatment.

First Light congratulates therapists Mycala Cherry, MS, APC, NCC, Kayla Davenport, MS and Kathleen Jamila Minnifield, LAPC, NCC for their completion of level 2 Brainspotting. First Light’s Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Consultant, Steve Sawyer, LCSW, CASC, stated, “I am extremely proud of First Light’s commitment to excellence in trauma treatment through participation in trainings and achievement of certifications such as level 2 Brainspotting. The team’s ability to effectively provide treatment to an acute clientele, with a level of sensitivity and willingness to help resolve trauma that has gone unprocessed is a testament to their desire to impact long-term treatment outcomes.” For more information on the research and case studies demonstrating the efficacy of Brainspotting, please visit: www.brainspotting.com/about-bsp/research-and-case-studies/.

About First Light Wilderness Therapy

First Light Wilderness Therapy is a trauma-responsive wilderness treatment program based out of Dahlonega, Georgia. Serving adolescents ages 12-18, First Light’s goal is for every student to achieve meaningful change by creating an environment where joy is re-discovered and nurtured, where adventure leads to self-discovery, and where relationships heal and grow. Set in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains, First Light’s field area is nestled in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forest and is sprinkled with miles of clear-running streams and rivers, making it an ideal setting for evidence-based outdoor behavioral healthcare. Learn more at www.firstlightwilderness.com.