DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting) is a trauma-processing psychotherapy, developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, that tracks the original physiological sequence occurring when the deep brain (midbrain) was alerted to a threat or attachment disruption. Through continued understanding of the brain, we know that unhealed shock can contribute to a cascade of events that can lead to PTSD and dissociative symptoms. Shock can be in response to a traumatic event or even relational trauma.

We can use DBR to process the underlying shock and emotions of a traumatic or threatening event or interaction. When enough shock is cleared, processing the emotions becomes more manageable, and less overwhelming. A research paper was recently published showing that DBR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms. DBR therapy begins by engaging a part of the deep brain (the superior colliculus) that helps you to have a deep sense of where you are in the here and now and helps to prevent overwhelm during processing. DBR can also help to access and heal core aloneness pain that is often at the root of traumatic experiences.