Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Sometimes therapeutic work requires going deeper than words alone — DBR offers a way of working at that level.
Since 2022 I have been integrating Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) into my therapy work.
If you are reading this, you may be curious about how DBR could support you, and how it might complement approaches such as CBT or EMDR. I have included some links below, and further down the page I have written more about what DBR can offer and how clients have experienced it.
· Learn more about DBR at the DBR Association website: https://deepbrainreorienting.com
· Find out about Martin Warner’s work with DBR and the Alexander Technique: https://martinwarner-at-interweaves.com/dbr-at
I have trained directly with Dr Frank Corrigan (who developed DBR) and Martin Warner, and I continue to have regular consultation with Martin to bring in the Alexander Technique interweaves.
So what is DBR, and how might it help?
DBR is designed to gently release the intense shock that can happen in moments of trauma. It allows emotions to be processed more fully and helps with the uncomfortable feelings that are often held in the body, so they can gradually ease and move through.
Some of the ways DBR may help
· Work with shock held at a deep level, often “below memory”
· Support self-esteem and open up a fresh perspective on yourself
· Ease inner conflicts and help with clearer decision-making
· Complement CBT by reaching deeper roots of difficulty
· Help process trauma linked to physical health conditions
Some of the advantages of DBR — from my clients’ perspectives
It works at a level “below memory”.
DBR draws on the expertise of Dr Frank Corrigan, who developed this approach and has a deep understanding of how the brain responds to shock at its deepest levels. The therapy helps to release the shock energy that is often felt in traumatic experiences. This energy can intensify emotions and bring memories to life in a very raw way. By first working at this deep brain level, DBR makes it possible to clear the shock — which then allows memories and emotions to be processed more fully and with greater ease.
“I really like DBR. I always notice a release. Sometimes it’s a bit later that I notice a shift in myself. I like the fact that it works on a deeper level. It’s really nice that with traumatic memories I only have to touch on them briefly and not revisit the whole trauma — the latter can feel traumatic in itself.”
(Female, online, aged 27)
It can support self-esteem and a new sense of self.
Clients sometimes describe DBR as opening up a fresh perspective on themselves. This is what we call in DBR a deep brain change of perspective — where a more compassionate and confident sense of self can emerge.
“One of the things I like about the process is that I don’t feel the need to ponder the depths of myself and the causes of how I feel in the world. It allows me to explore my experiences a bit, touch on them and move on peacefully. It almost takes away the need to dig around for how everything is connected. I feel like my self-esteem is building whilst the work is being done in the background, during each DBR process. At the end of today’s session, I felt lighter. I have never had that much feeling of deep peace for such a long period of time. I feel I can breathe.”
(Female, online, aged 42)
It can help with inner conflicts.
Conflicts within us — such as between what we want and what we feel we “should” do — often begin at a deep brain level. DBR helps to settle these underlying tensions. Once the shock energy is released, the higher parts of the brain can function with more flexibility, which supports clearer choices and everyday decision-making.
“I feel better. I have settled some conflicts in my mind, e.g. my decision for my future. Previously I had set myself unrealistic expectations with my running since the incident… After DBR I am setting myself more realistic expectations. I am less critical and more forgiving of myself. I am looking forward to the future, putting into play the lessons I have learned rather than continually looking back.”
(Male, online, aged 24)
It can also help with the impact of physical health conditions.
Because DBR works with the body’s response to shock, it can also be helpful when physical illness has been experienced as traumatic.
“I had an IVF treatment and unfortunately developed moderate OHSS. It felt horrendous and it was very upsetting… Sarah used DBR and it helped me process the trauma. After a couple of sessions, the pain just went. DBR helped release some trapped feelings held at a deep level that I had not been aware of before.”
(Female, online, aged 39)
It can work alongside CBT for deeper issues.
Some clients notice that while CBT helps them make progress, DBR can reach the deeper roots of their difficulties — often the parts they were not fully aware of.
“The CBT was effective, and I made some good progress with that. The DBR was really powerful and helped with deeper issues that were associated with my fear of asbestos, that I wasn’t aware of.”
(Male, in person, aged 31)
Each person’s experience of DBR is unique, but what many clients share in common is a sense of release, greater ease, and new possibilities for living. If you are interested in exploring whether DBR could be helpful for you, you are welcome to get in touch.