DBR
Deep Brain Reorienting
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a gentle, neuroscience-informed approach to healing trauma, developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan. It works with the brainstem that first responds to something overwhelming—whether that’s a moment of fear, a loss, or a disruption in connection, such as unmet needs or threat.
DBR focuses on the brain’s earliest response to these experiences, helping to process both the initial shock and the emotions that follow. This can be helpful for a single distressing event as well as for repeated relational or attachment wounds over time.
Sessions begin by identifying what you would like to work on, followed by a grounding practice that supports your sense of being present and oriented. From there, the focus shifts to tracking subtle bodily sensations rather than analyzing or talking through events. This “bottom-up” approach allows your nervous system to process and release what has been held in the body, often bringing a sense of relief and settling.
Many people find DBR to be a more comfortable and manageable way to work with trauma because it doesn’t require retelling or reliving painful experiences. We move at a pace that feels steady and supportive, reducing the risk of overwhelm while allowing deeper healing to unfold over time.
Throughout the process, I offer a calm, supportive presence while giving space for your experience to emerge in its own way. Over time, this work can support a greater sense of calm, clarity, and ease—both in your body and in your relationships.
DBR can be especially helpful for trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, complex trauma, and attachment wounds, and can be used alongside other approaches like EMDR, DARTT, and neurofeedback.
