What happens during Brain-Switch 2.0?
“Are you going to switch out my brain?” 😨
Luckily for you (but unluckily for me?), I’m no brain surgeon. But the changes I’ve seen in many of my clients after Brain-Switch 2.0 can be just as dramatic!
Created by senior psychotherapist Dr Joachim Lee, PBM, Brain-Switch 2.0 is a content-free, neuroscience-based approach that uses the client's imagination and creativity to reduce the emotional weight of distressing memories.
The actual process of Brain-Switch 2.0 has been designed to be very simple for the client. But after a session, almost every client tells me they feel “lighter”.
The issue they worked on feels more distant and manageable, and they feel able to move forward and create the life they want.
But what actually happens during a session of Brain-Switch 2.0? Here’s a broad overview of the process, which will be tailored for each client and the issue they want to work on.
Identify the Issue
Like MEMI (Multichannel Eye Movement Integration), Brain-Switch 2.0 can be “content-free”, which means that you don’t need to tell me the details of what you want to work on. But you’ll need to tell me enough so that I can figure out if Brain-Switch 2.0 is suitable for the issue.
Brain-Switch 2.0 can be used for traumatic memories, as well as a wide variety of issues where we feel stuck, e.g.:
“I had a really unhappy childhood, and it’s affected the way I see myself and the world.”
“My 20-year marriage ended, and I don’t know who I am anymore.”
“I’ve been job-hunting for 2 years with no luck. I’ve lost hope.”
The New You
After we’ve identified the issue, we’ll create a vivid image of the version of you who’s free from the issue.
It’s not that anything in the past or present has changed, but this version of you has the inner strength and resilience to move forward, to handle difficult circumstances with grace.
Release the Memories
Next, I’ll guide you through a process of releasing the memories that you no longer want to be triggered by.
You won’t be reliving those memories as this could potentially be retraumatising.
Instead, you’ll process the memories quickly like a montage.
What’s important to note is that we can’t delete or change memories. But we can reduce the intensity of the negative emotions they arouse in us.
Your Preferred Future
I’ll then ask you to imagine the future you want for yourself.
Lastly, you’ll visualise how the version of you who’s free from the issue would respond to the challenges you’re facing.
What’s unique about Brain-Switch 2.0?
The Brain-Switch 2.0 process is deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful.
It’s not retraumatising as you don’t have to talk about or relive the memories.
It’s fast - you don’t need to spend hours and hundreds of dollars to analyse your problems as in traditional talk therapy.
My clients find Brain-Switch 2.0 quite fun as they need to use their imaginations to create objects, move them and get rid of them.
It puts things in perspective. Clients feel more neutral about the issue and can often find creative solutions.
It instils hope. It’s not just about getting rid of a problem. It’s about giving yourself permission to imagine and embody the person you want to be, the life you want to live.
Brain-Switch 2.0 at Home
I also teach some of my clients how to do Brain-Switch 2.0 by themselves.
Some like to do it at night before they go to sleep, as a way of clearing out unpleasant incidents, thoughts or feelings from the day. It’s a form of self-care.
Some also use Brain-Switch 2.0 as a way to self-regulate, e.g. before giving an important presentation.
I use Brain-Switch 2.0 myself and find it super helpful!
Curious to try Brain-Switch 2.0? WhatsApp me to find out more.
Eunice Tan
Trauma & Attachment Psychotherapist, Free From Trauma
I help people heal from painful memories.
