A Gentle, Body-Based Approach for Trauma and Overwhelming Experiences
Deep Brain Reorienting
(DBR Therapy)
What Is Deep Brain Reorienting Therapy?
Deep Brain Reorienting, often rereferred to as DBR, is a trauma-focused therapy designed to work with the body’s earliest responses to threat and shock. Rather than beginning with thoughts and emotions, DBR focuses on the very first orienting response that occurs when something feels threatening, overwhelming, or unsafe. For some people, trauma is held not only in memory, but also in the body through tension, shock, startle, fear, or a sense of being “stuck”. DBR works with these deeper nervous-system responses in a slow and structured way. This approach can be especially helpful for people who feel that they understand their trauma intellectually but still experience strong emotional or physical reactions.
What Does DBR Help With?
Trauma and PTSD
Complex or developmental trauma
Childhood trauma or neglect
Attachment injuries
Betrayal or relationship trauma
Panic or intense fear responses
Hypervigilance
Strong startle responses
Dissociation or feeling disconnected
Persistent body tension related to stress or trauma
Emotional overwhelm
Shame or fear linked to past experiences
Trauma the feels difficult to access through talk therapy alone.
DBR can also be useful for clients who have done significant therapy already but continue to notice strong body-based reactions, emotional activation, or nervous-system responses.
How Does DBR Therapy Work?
DBR begins by helping you slow down and notice the body’s earliest response to a distressing experience.
Rather than immediately focusing on the full traumatic memory, your therapist may help you notice subtle physical responses such as tension in the face, neck, shoulders, or body.
These early responses can be connected to the brain’s natural orienting system, the part of us that automatically turns toward or reacts to possible threat.
By carefully working with these responses, DBR aims to help the nervous system process the shock, fear, or activation that became connected to the experience.
The work is generally slow, focused, and guided by the therapist.
Potential Benefits of DBR
DBR may help you:
feel less reactive to trauma reminders
reduce feelings of shock or overwhelm
experience greater emotional regulation
feel more grounded in your body
understand your nervous-system responses
reduce persistent tension connected to trauma
feel safer and more connected in relationships
process experiences that have felt difficult to reach through talk therapy
The goal is not to erase what happened, but to reduce the intensity of the response your mind and body continue to carry.
Who May Benefit From DBR?
DBR may be a good fit if you:
have experienced trauma or complex trauma
feel easily overwhelmed by emotional triggers
experience strong physical reactions during stress or conflict
have difficulty staying present when activated
feel that talk therapy has helped, but something still feels unresolved
want a trauma therapy that places less emphasis on detailed retelling
experience attachment or betrayal-related trauma
Your therapist will work with you to determine whether DBR is appropriate based on your history, symptoms, and goals.
Our Therapists Offering DBR
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Michelle Farrow
CLINIC OWNER & DIRECTOR, REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health
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Elyse Schweighofer
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Couples
We’re Here to Help.
Get matched with a therapist suited for your needs, by reaching out below.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your free 15 minute consultation below.