In the ever-evolving field of mental health, innovative therapies are revolutionising how we address stress, trauma and emotional distress. One such ground-breaking method is Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), a therapy that taps into the brain’s foundational processes to facilitate profound healing.
As a Level 2 trained DBR therapist and psychologist, Philipa Thornton is uniquely equipped to guide individuals on their journey toward emotional freedom and resilience. This blog explores how DBR works and why it’s a transformative option for those seeking meaningful change.
What is Deep Brain Reorienting?
Deep Brain Reorienting, developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, is a neurobiologically informed approach that focuses on the brainstem—the most primitive part of our brain. Unlike traditional therapies that address cognitive or behavioural symptoms, DBR engages with the body’s innate healing mechanisms to resolve trauma at its core.
This therapy identifies and releases deeply stored physical and emotional imprints, often stemming from overwhelming experiences that bypassed conscious processing. These unresolved imprints can manifest as persistent anxiety, emotional disconnection, relationship issues, or chronic patterns of stress.
How Does DBR Work?
DBR involves a structured yet gentle process of reconnecting with the body’s shock sensations linked to traumatic events or moments of grave concern. Through careful guidance, and therapist attunement individuals access the brainstem’s initial response to trauma, allowing the nervous system to reorganise and reprocess these experiences. This promotes emotional release and long-term balance.
For instance, if someone carries unresolved tension from an early life event, DBR helps access and integrate these implicit memories. By working at this foundational level, the therapy fosters emotional healing that is both deep and lasting.
Who Can Benefit from DBR?
Deep Brain Reorienting offers hope for individuals who:
- Struggle with PTSD, emotional dysregulation, or chronic fear.
- Experience anxiety or depression tied to unresolved past events.
- Have attachment wounds originating in early relationships.
- Feel stuck despite trying other therapeutic approaches.
As a therapy that connects directly with the brain’s autonomic responses, DBR is particularly effective for addressing pre-verbal trauma that may be inaccessible through conventional talk therapy.
The Science Behind DBR
DBR’s efficacy lies in its grounding in neuroscience. Trauma often disrupts the brain’s natural processes, leaving individuals in a state of hyperarousal or emotional shutdown (van der Kolk, 2015). DBR targets the brain stem to restore this disrupted balance, facilitating the integration of traumatic memories and enhancing overall well-being.
What to Expect in a DBR Session
In a safe and supportive environment, clients are guided to connect with their body’s sensations tied to past trauma. This somatic focus allows for the gentle release of deeply held emotional patterns. Memory reconsolidation occurs within the session. As a certified DBR practitioner, Philipa Thornton ensures that sessions are paced to prioritise safety and emotional comfort, fostering trust throughout the healing process and offering a new perspective.
Why Choose Deep Brain Reorienting with Philipa Thornton?
Philipa Thornton brings a wealth of expertise as a psychologist and Level 2 trained DBR therapist. Her compassionate approach ensures that each client receives personalised care tailored to their unique needs. DBR’s focus on the brain’s most fundamental layers enables transformative healing beyond surface-level change.
Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of trauma, seeking relief from chronic emotional pain, or looking to break free from old patterns, Philipa’s experience and dedication make her an exceptional guide on your journey toward emotional well-being.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Deep Brain Reorienting offers a path to profound and lasting change. Under the expert caring guidance of Philipa Thornton, you can access the brain’s innate capacity for healing and experience greater emotional freedom.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation. Take the first step toward a brighter, more balanced future.
References:
- van der Kolk, B. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.
- Corrigan, F. (2020). Deep Brain Reorienting: A New Model for Understanding and Treating Trauma.
- Corrigan, F. M., & Christie-Sands, J. (2020). An innate brainstem self-other system involving orienting, affective responding, and polyvalent relational seeking: Some clinical implications for a “Deep Brain Reorienting” trauma psychotherapy approach. Medical Hypotheses, 136, 109502.