About Deep Brain Reorienting
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is an emerging approach to trauma therapy that focuses on the brainstem's role in processing difficult experiences. While our network of DBR-trained therapists is growing, you can explore professionals who offer trauma-informed, body-based approaches.
Deep Brain Reorienting is a therapeutic approach developed to address the deep-seated, automatic responses that occur in the brainstem during traumatic experiences. Unlike approaches that focus primarily on thoughts or emotions, DBR works with the body's orienting response—the initial moment when we first become aware of a threat before the emotional reaction takes hold.
This approach may be helpful for people who have tried other trauma therapies and are looking for something that addresses the physiological roots of their experiences. DBR is still relatively new and specialized, so practitioners are not yet widely available. However, many therapists on First Session offer trauma-informed care using body-based and somatic approaches that may support similar healing goals. You can browse therapist profiles and watch intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you.
Nayab Tahir
Nayab Tahir
Lauren Gaudet
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Lauren Gaudet
Therapy is hard work.
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a trauma therapy developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan that focuses on the brainstem's role in processing traumatic experiences. It works with the orienting response—the body's initial reaction to potential threat that happens before conscious awareness or emotional response. By addressing these deep neurological patterns, DBR aims to help resolve trauma at its physiological source.
People who have explored DBR report that it may help address trauma responses that other approaches haven't fully resolved. Because it works at the brainstem level, it may help with automatic, body-based reactions to triggers. Some find it particularly useful for early or pre-verbal trauma. As with any therapy, individual experiences vary, and it's important to work with a qualified practitioner.
DBR may be considered by people who experience persistent trauma symptoms, particularly those involving automatic physical responses like freezing, hypervigilance, or dissociation. It's sometimes explored by individuals who have tried other trauma therapies and are seeking an approach that works more directly with the body's neurological responses. A qualified therapist can help determine if this approach might be appropriate for your situation.
Because Deep Brain Reorienting is a specialized approach, trained practitioners are not yet widely available. On First Session, you can explore therapists who offer trauma-informed care and body-based approaches. Watch intro videos to learn about each therapist's training and methods. You might also consider related approaches like somatic therapy, EMDR, or other trauma-focused modalities while the DBR practitioner network grows.
If you're interested in body-based trauma therapy, you might explore somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, or brainspotting. These approaches also work with the body's responses to trauma and may be more widely available. Many therapists on First Session offer trauma-informed care using these and other evidence-informed methods.
First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada who offer various approaches to trauma and healing. You can browse profiles, watch intro videos to understand each therapist's style, and book directly online. Credentials are verified during onboarding. Learn more about finding a therapist in Canada to guide your search.