About Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

Deep Brain Reorienting is a trauma therapy approach that focuses on the brain's initial response to distressing experiences. While our network of DBR-trained therapists is growing, you can explore therapists who specialize in trauma and nervous system work.

Start your search

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a therapeutic approach developed to address trauma by focusing on the brain's earliest responses to overwhelming experiences. Unlike some trauma therapies that focus primarily on memories or emotions, DBR works with the deep brain structures involved in the initial orienting response—the moment when the brain first registers a potential threat.

This approach may be helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma and are looking for body-based, neurologically-informed treatment. If you're interested in DBR, First Session can help you connect with therapists who work with trauma, somatic approaches, and nervous system regulation. You can browse therapist profiles, watch intro videos, and book a free consultation to discuss your needs and find the right approach for you.

Marie Schoppen

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in AB, MB, SK, NL, NT, ON, YT, NU, and BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Marie Schoppen

Marie Schoppen

Registered Psychotherapist
She / Her
$200/session
Attachment wounds, Relationships, Life transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Mind-body connection, Nervous system regulation, Self-esteem, Identity and Self-Exploration, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dreams, Intergenerational trauma, Wellness Counselling, Existential questions, People pleasing, Mindfulness, Meaning and purpose, Intimacy concerns, Spirituality, Empowerment, Psychedelic therapy, PTSD, Stress, Trauma, Emotional regulation
Attachment wounds, Relationships, Life transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Mind-body connection, Nervous system regulation, Self-esteem, Identity and Self-Exploration, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dreams, Intergenerational trauma, Wellness Counselling, Existential questions, People pleasing, Mindfulness, Meaning and purpose, Intimacy concerns, Spirituality, Empowerment, Psychedelic therapy, PTSD, Stress, Trauma, Emotional regulation
Watch Intro
View & Book
View & Join Waitlist
No results found. Your criteria may be too specific.
Search finds the closest match while filters exclude profiles that do not match your criteria. Try clearing your filters and using search to find a match.
We add therapists weekly. Sign up to receive updates.
Browse All Therapists
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
About First Session
What is Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)?

Deep Brain Reorienting is a trauma therapy approach that focuses on the brain's initial orienting response to threatening or overwhelming situations. Developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, DBR works with the brainstem-level reactions that occur in the moments before conscious awareness of a threat. The approach aims to help resolve trauma by addressing these deep-brain responses rather than focusing solely on memories or emotions.

What are the potential benefits of DBR?

DBR may help individuals process traumatic experiences at a deep neurological level. Many people find that addressing the body's initial threat responses can support healing that feels more complete. The approach may be particularly helpful for those who have found that talk therapy alone hasn't fully resolved their trauma symptoms, or for those interested in body-based approaches to healing.

Who might benefit from Deep Brain Reorienting?

DBR may be helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma and are interested in neurologically-informed treatment approaches. It can be particularly relevant for those who experience physical symptoms related to their trauma, such as tension, hypervigilance, or difficulty feeling safe in their bodies. People who are drawn to somatic or body-based therapies may find DBR aligns with their preferences.

How do I find a therapist trained in DBR?

DBR is a specialized approach, and therapists specifically trained in this method may be limited. However, many therapists on First Session work with trauma using related approaches such as somatic therapies, EMDR, or other neurologically-informed methods. You can search for therapists who specialize in trauma and watch their intro videos to learn about their specific approaches.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

If you're interested in body-based and neurologically-informed trauma treatment, you might explore therapists who offer somatic experiencing, EMDR, brainspotting, or other somatic approaches. These methods also work with the nervous system and body's responses to trauma. Learn more about EMDR techniques to see if they might be helpful for you.

How can First Session help me find trauma support?

First Session makes it easy to find therapists who specialize in trauma. You can filter by specialty, watch intro videos to understand each therapist's approach, and book directly online. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding. If you're not sure where to start, you can book a free consultation to discuss your needs.