Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Deep Brain Reorienting DBR is a somatic intervention working with the mind and body to release patterns of trauma and shock activation. Put simply, when we are in danger (real or perceived), our system has a pattern that it activates to protect us. Often however this is an old pattern that we don’t need anymore and doesn’t serve us.
DBR aims to access and process traumatic experience by tracking the original sequence of physiological responses that occurred when the deep brain had been alerted to a threat or an attachment disruption. DBR is often used for complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and attachment issues. It helps you move out of a "frozen" state, allowing you to feel more present in your body and improve your sense of safety and connection ability.
Deep Brain Reorienting involves a four-step sequence
Grounding and Orienting - Once the core experience topic and starting point have been identified, we look to release tension and orient to the space around us (we come back into our bodies and stop thinking about the experience)
Anchoring the Tension - The topic is then reintroduced, and there is a focus on the initial tension, which actually happens at the base of the neck and the eyes (activated through the midbrain). This Anchoring Tension is the basis of the connection before the body launches into its more obvious responses below.
Body Response - We then notice the hollowing, the tingling, the nausea and/or the tension that the body activates. This is actually the body’s shock response.
Emotional Release - Emotion then follows – fear, sadness, anger, aloneness. Often, the emotions are minimised by the prior stages.
We work through the sequence of the responses in a safe, slow approach to allow the body and brain to unravel and reprogram the response
Key Aspects of DBR
Target Area
Focuses on the brainstem and midbrain, areas responsible for the initial "shock" of trauma before it reaches the conscious, emotional, or cognitive brain.
Mechanism
DBR involves tracking physical sensations, specifically the tension in the head and neck that occurs when you turn towards a threat.
Goal
The therapy aims to resolve the "disconnection pain" or "trauma shock" that underlies many PTSD symptoms, including chronic anxiety, shame, and dissociation.
DBR allows you to remain grounded in the present while processing, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed or retraumatised.
The process concludes when the body and brain find a new approach/outlet/movement pattern… and they do.
In essence, the trauma response is reprogrammed to a new, healthy, updated version.
For further information
Ready to "...rethink your potential™"?
If you’re ready to release what no longer serves you, work through a challenge, or open up to new possibilities, this may be the right moment to reach out for support.
Ready to "...rethink
your potential™"?
If you’re ready to release what no longer serves you, work through a challenge, or open up to new possibilities, this may be the right moment to reach out for support.