Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

What is Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)?

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a newer, bottom-up trauma treatment approach that allows the body to release traumatic shock without requiring clients to dig up intrusive memories for processing. Research is showing that DBR can provide significant relief from traumatic symptoms, along with decreased avoidance of trauma-focused work.

DBR offers a “back-door” pathway into the brain and body, where traumatic memory is stored as both physical and emotional pain. The neuroscience behind DBR indicates that traumatic re-experiencing is held in the brainstem (often referred to as the “reptilian” part of the brain), where our survival responses originate.

The body holds onto the initial shock energy—the tension that occurs before emotions and thoughts begin to process that something bad is about to happen. Rather than targeting thoughts and emotions, DBR focuses on slowing the process down and allowing the body to release this original, stored shock energy.

As the body releases the pent-up shock, corresponding emotions may arise and then dissipate at a more tolerable level than in many traditional trauma therapies. For some individuals, this shock release alone is sufficient to reduce triggers and increase enjoyment of life. For others, DBR can significantly reduce the fear and physical overwhelm that have prevented them from engaging in traditional trauma treatment.

DBR can help bring clients into the “window of tolerance” that therapists talk so much about.

What to expect during a DBR session.

If you have previously engaged in traditional therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) may feel unfamiliar at first. DBR is not a traditional talk therapy; instead, it asks clients to remain oriented and anchored in the present while tuning into their body’s internal experiences. This may feel intimidating for some, but DBR only requires clients to tune in just enough to be able to follow the body’s release of shock.

Because individuals who have experienced trauma may re-experience symptoms in the present moment in various ways (e.g., through smells, places, word combinations, or tone of voice), DBR does not require clients to identify the original memories connected to those triggers. This can be especially helpful when clients have little or no conscious awareness of the original traumatic experiences.

A DBR therapist will first assess whether an individual is able to orient to the present and access enough bodily sensation for processing. This capacity is referred to as the “WhereSelf.” If a client is not yet able to access the WhereSelf, the therapist will work with them to develop the skills needed to do so.

When a client is able to engage in the WhereSelf during a session, an Activating Stimulus (AS)—a triggering event from the past week—is selected. The therapist helps the client identify the moment they first noticed becoming triggered. The AS is introduced only once during the session, allowing the body to access the shock response without repeated exposure.

The therapist does not ask for details about the event and instead continually redirects the client to allow any shock or affect that arises the time needed to release. Any images, memories, or other details that may briefly surface are allowed to pass through, while the focus remains on the release of shock energy.

At the end of each session, the therapist simply asks the client to notice whether there has been any change or shift in their sense of self. In the following session, a new AS is chosen, and the process begins again.

The impact of DBR so far

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) was first introduced to therapists in 2022. Since that time, more formal DBR training programs have been developed. This training includes hands-on practice, consultation, and foundational education in the concepts underlying DBR. Although there are some highly experienced DBR therapists who were trained early on, it is strongly recommended that clients ask their therapist about their training to feel confident that DBR is being practiced appropriately.

DBR is currently used only with adults and adolescents who are capable of engaging in the existing DBR process. At this time, training for the use of DBR with children is still in development and not yet available.

An additional research study has been completed and is expected to be published in 2026. This study shows significant changes in brain activity among individuals who engaged in DBR, with results indicating an approximate 50% reduction in symptoms using DBR as a standalone treatment.

Further studies are underway, and many trauma professionals are working to integrate DBR with other trauma modalities, including EMDR, neurofeedback, and more traditional trauma treatment approaches.

It is essential for DBR trainers to have a strong foundation in research. This ensures that practitioners, clients, and insurance providers can have confidence that DBR is an evidence-based practice.