Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

What is Deep Brain Reorienting?

 

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a type of talk therapy used to help people who have been through scary, painful, or upsetting experiences — also called trauma. It was created by Dr. Frank Corrigan, a psychiatrist who studies how the brain responds to stressful events.

 

DBR is different from some other therapies because it focuses on what happens deep inside the brain — in an area called the brainstem — during a traumatic event. The brainstem is one of the oldest parts of the brain, and it controls automatic reactions like turning your head toward a loud noise or tensing your muscles when you feel scared.

 

How Does It Work?

 

When something scary happens, your brain goes through a fast chain of steps — almost like dominoes falling:

 

1. Orienting: Your brain notices something important. You might turn your head, shift your eyes, or tense up — even before you know what is happening.

 

2. Tension: Your muscles tighten, especially in your head, neck, and shoulders. This happens automatically.

 

3. Feeling (Affect): An emotion shows up — like fear, anger, sadness, or shock.

 

In DBR, the therapist helps you slow down and pay close attention to each of these steps, one at a time. By noticing the small muscle tensions and body feelings that come before the big emotions, you can begin to process the memory in a calmer, safer way.

 

What Happens in a Session?

 

- You and your therapist talk about a memory or experience that still bothers you.

 

- The therapist asks you to think about the moment just before the upsetting feelings hit — the very first instant your brain noticed something was wrong.

 

- You pay attention to small body signals, like tightness in your neck or a shift in your eyes.

 

- By slowing down and noticing these signals, the memory can be processed without feeling as overwhelming.

 

- Sessions can be done in person or by video call.

 

Who Can It Help?

 

DBR was designed to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also help people who have experienced:

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Difficult or painful relationships

• Shock or horror from accidents, violence, or loss

 

Does It Work?

 

A clinical trial studied DBR in adults with PTSD. After eight sessions:

• PTSD symptoms dropped by about 37% right after treatment and by about 49% three months later.

• About half of the people treated no longer met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

• Very few people dropped out, which suggests the therapy is well tolerated.

 

Is It Safe?

 

DBR is a talk therapy — it does not involve any surgery, medication, or devices. It is considered safe. The therapy is designed to go at a pace that feels manageable, so you are not pushed to relive painful memories all at once.