Trauma-Focused Therapy
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
A body-aware psychotherapy that works slowly with the early brain and nervous-system responses connected to trauma and attachment wounds.
What is DBR?
Starting Before the Emotion
Deep Brain Reorienting was developed by psychiatrist Dr. Frank Corrigan. It is based on a proposed sequence of rapid responses that may occur when the brain detects threat or an attachment disruption: orienting, tension, shock, and then emotion.
Rather than beginning with the strongest feeling or repeatedly retelling every detail, DBR starts with subtle tension in the face, around the eyes, or at the back of the neck. A trained therapist helps you stay connected to that early orienting response while the rest of the experience unfolds at a manageable pace.
The DBR Sequence
How Deep Brain Reorienting Works
The therapist follows the sequence slowly and returns to the orienting anchor whenever more stability is needed.
- 1
Activating moment
A present trigger or a carefully chosen part of a memory captures attention.
- 2
Orienting tension
Subtle tension around the eyes, forehead, face, or neck becomes a steady anchor.
- 3
Shock response
Any bracing, jolt, pressure, or surge is noticed slowly and only within a manageable range.
- 4
Emotion and meaning
Fear, grief, rage, shame, or another response can emerge and be processed with support.
Watch & Learn
A Brainstem Model
This introductory video from the official Deep Brain Reorienting organization explains the proposed neuroanatomical model and the deeper brain structures involved in orienting and changes in the body.
View the official DBR theory seriesPotential Benefits
Why DBR May Be Helpful
Every person responds differently. These features describe the therapeutic approach and should not be read as a guarantee of a particular result.
A paced approach
The sequence is slowed down so you and your therapist can notice each response without rushing toward intense emotion.
An anchor for regulation
Returning attention to orienting tension can provide a steady reference point when the work begins to feel overwhelming.
Body and brain awareness
DBR pays close attention to subtle physical responses that may occur before thoughts and emotions become fully conscious.
Trauma-focused processing
The work can address the shock and emotional responses connected with traumatic experiences or attachment disruptions.
Emerging Research
What the Evidence Shows So Far
A 2023 randomized trial of 54 adults with PTSD compared eight weekly online DBR sessions with a wait-list condition. The DBR group showed larger reductions in PTSD symptoms after treatment and at three-month follow-up, with low treatment dropout.
These results are promising, but DBR is still an emerging therapy. The study was small, used a wait-list rather than another active treatment, and its authors called for larger trials and direct comparisons with established trauma therapies.
Read the peer-reviewed studyCurious Whether DBR Fits Your Needs?
A consultation is a place to discuss your goals, ask questions, and decide on an approach that feels appropriate for you.
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