Deep Brain Reorienting – DBR
DBR is based on the neurobiology of trauma, and it can help to resolve the effects of shock to the brain. DBR was developed by UK Psychiatrist Frank Corrigan M.D., FRCPsych.
Shock can imprint our brain from many events. Some examples of events that can shock the system:
- Physical shocks: accidents, falls
- Emotional shocks: our parent turns away, a parent’s angry voice, the smell of someone who hurt us.
DBR is a gentle therapy which allows the system to release these shocks. It focuses on the brain’s first orienting response towards something that was a difficult or frightening.
Our instinctive brain registers threats or problems. The mid-brain is the first place this early registration happens, before we have any feelings about it. DBR works at this deep mid-brain level. During sessions some feelings can come up but they are not the main focus of the therapy.
DBR doesn’t require you to repeat a story or explain details of an event. The only part we explore is the very first moment that your brain registered a threat. DBR is not an ‘re-exposure’ therapy and you don’t need to have a clear memory of an event to work with DBR.
DBR is suitable for PTSD and early attachment trauma C-PTSD.
An article about DBR was published in the magazine Psychology Today in August 2025
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I am trained at Level 1 & 2 in DBR. Member of Deep Brain Reorienting UK.
Read more information about DBR here.
DBR is not suitable for current alcoholism or drug addiction. If you are having problems with regular drug usage please contact: DAROS and Turning Point.