DBR is an outpatient therapy developed by neuroscientist, EMDR trainer and psychiatrist Dr. Frank Corrigan. From his research related to trauma and attachment, he hypothesized that we needed additional treatments for trauma which would address the component of shock, which occurs at a brainstem level. He developed DBR as a therapy to help process shock at a deeper level, in the hopes that it might be a gentler way of processing trauma.

First, the grounding exercise known as “Where Self” is done.This exercise establishes an individual’s orientation in space, ability to stay present & capacity to attend to body sensations. At times, this exercise is challenging, and only when manageable would DBR continue. At that time, a client identifies a shock that needs further processing. As we sometimes talk about trauma with a small t or a big T, the shock might be a recent example when a partner reacted in a way which was difficult or it might be a larger shock of loss or abuse. Once this is identified, the session aims to go slowly as the therapist guides the client to attend to and allow the sensations of shock to process at a deeper brain level; if thoughts come up, it suggests the client is out of the deep brain which is associated more with sensation and emotion. The therapist prompts and supports the client to track and allow the physical sensations and emotional responses which arise. At the end of the session, there is the consideration of whether any new understanding has emerged which is helpful for the client.

DBR is a slow, steady deep therapy which often helps clients feel more embodied and calm.

To discuss adjunctive DBR therapy with Maria, please email or call me.

To learn more, please consult these resources:

https://deepbrainreorienting.com/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/202411/deep-brain-reorienting-maybe-a-promising-trauma-treatment https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37581275/