Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a specialized trauma therapy developed by psychiatrist Dr. Frank Corrigan specifically to address the profound effects of trauma at the subcortical and neurophysiological levels. Unlike some therapies that require detailed recall or re-experiencing of traumatic events, DBR allows for a more focused and gentle approach. DBR targets the brainstem where trauma-related responses are stored, facilitating effective processing and healing.
Who is it for?
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is for individuals with trauma, especially those for whom traditional methods such as talk therapy have failed to improve. It is particularly helpful for those with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, as well as for those who have difficulty accessing conscious traumatic memories. DBR can be helpful in healing trauma stemming from early life experiences or attachment issues. DBR therapy can be effective for individuals who are highly analytical and have difficulty "feeling" emotions during therapy sessions.
Scientific Framework
DBR is based on the premise that our most intense emotional responses, particularly those related to trauma, are stored in the brainstem, which regulates our basic survival instincts. These responses can become deeply ingrained when we experience intense or repeated traumatic events, especially those associated with complex trauma.
DBR focuses on the self-other systems, which include orientation, affective responses, and the search for connection. Disruption of these systems by trauma can lead to ongoing emotional distress and relationship difficulties. By focusing on specific, intense fragments of experience - whether a memory, sensation, or feeling - DBR works to reorient these disrupted sequences, allowing the brainstem to process and release stored emotional reactions.
What Happens During a Session?
A DBR session is designed to be both effective and manageable. Instead of requiring full recall or re-experiencing of a traumatic event, your therapist will help you focus on something specific - what we call a "activating stimulus". This can be the most intense part of a memory, a specific sensation, a strong feeling, or even clusters of similar experiences, such as repeated instances of the same type of trauma.
The goal is to select something that represents the emotional response we want to process. This fragment, or cluster, allows us to access the place where the response is stored in the brainstem, without requiring full recall or re-experiencing of the trauma.
During the session, your therapist will help you notice subtle changes in your body as you focus on this activating stimulus. Mindfulness of these sensations will allow you to connect with your brainstem response, making it easier to release and process the emotional response. Over time, this approach can lead to significant symptom relief and a greater sense of emotional well-being.
Effectiveness
Although research on DBR is still developing, preliminary results suggest it is a promising approach for treating various forms of trauma, particularly complex trauma involving repeated or prolonged exposure to stressful experiences. Clinical studies have shown that DBR significantly reduces the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
DBR's ability to address intense fragments of experience and its focus on the brainstem make it particularly suitable for individuals who have struggled with traditional therapies. By targeting the source of emotional reactions, DBR offers the potential for profound and lasting healing.
Summary
DBR offers a unique and effective approach to treating trauma and emotional distress. By focusing on the most intense fragments of memories, sensations, or feelings - and without requiring full recall - DBR allows for a gentle yet effective way to process and resolve deeply rooted emotional reactions.