Deep Brain Reorienting
What is DBR?
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a cutting-edge therapy that takes a different approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. While traditional talk therapy focuses on thoughts and feelings, DBR works directly with the brain’s natural threat response system. This allows for the reprocessing and integration of traumatic memories at a deeper, neurological level, often leading to lasting relief when other treatments haven’t been effective.
How DBR Works:
DBR is grounded in the understanding that our initial reactions to threat originate in the deeper, more primitive parts of the brain. Many other therapies primarily focus on thoughts and beliefs, which occur in the higher levels of the brain, sometimes overlooking these initial, deeper reactions. This can leave people feeling like their brain’s alarm system is going off even when there’s no real danger, leading to anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other distressing reactions.
DBR takes a different approach. It uses specific, body-based (somatic) techniques to help the brain process past experiences and essentially “recalibrate” this alarm system. This process helps calm the nervous system, reduces emotional reactivity, and empowers you to respond to the present moment rather than being hijacked by triggers from the past.
What Can DBR Help With?
DBR can be particularly effective in treating a range of issues, including:
- Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders (including DID)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias)
- Depression
- Trauma-related symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, hypervigilance)
- Attachment issues
- Emotional dysregulation
Many clients who have tried other therapies without success have found significant relief through DBR. It offers a powerful and efficient way to address the underlying causes of emotional suffering and creates lasting positive change
What to expect in a DBR Session:
A DBR session begins with identifying a “target” for processing. It’s a relief for many of my clients to discover that even seemingly small triggers- like a fleeting expression on someone’s face or a sudden loud noise- can be effective targets. You don’t need to focus on intense emotions related to the trigger; simply noticing the initial moment that “grabs your attention” is enough.
Once we’ve identified the target, we’ll use a brief grounding exercise to bring your awareness to the present moment. This helps prepare you for the processing work. We’ll then gently access and process the target by focusing on sensations in your body. These sensations might feel unfamiliar at times, but this is a normal part of the DBR process.
Some people experience a release of emotions or gain a profound “new perspective” during or after a session. However, it’s also common for sessions to feel less dramatic. Rest assured that even if a session feels uneventful, processing is still happening, and you’ll likely notice positive changes over time. DBR is a collaborative and supportive process, and I’ll guide you through each step, tailoring the approach to your individual needs and ensuring your comfort.
Is DBR Right For Me?
If you’re tired of traditional talk therapy and are seeking a more direct, body-centered approach to healing, DBR might be the answer. It’s particularly helpful for those who haven’t found success with other methods, or who find it difficult to talk about their trauma. DBR works at a deeper, neurological level, helping your brain reprocessing past experiences without the need to consciously recall every detail. This somatic approach focuses on releasing the physical and emotional residue of trauma, leading to lasting relief from anxiety, emotional distress, and other related challenges.
1208 Pointe Centre Drive,
Suite 205
Chattanooga, TN 37421