Explore Trauma & Attachment healing guided by neuroscience.

DEEP BRAIN REORIENTING (DBR) in Vancouver & online across BC.

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YOU’RE READY FOR A NEW APPROACH TO THERAPY.

Deep Brain Reorienting is a trauma processing modality that works to process the shock of difficult or traumatic experiences. It does this by tracking the original sequence that happens when the deep brain first becomes aware of a threat or attachment disruption.

DBR is an evidence based treatment. A recent research study demonstrated that DBR had a statistically significant effect on PTSD symptoms after only 8 sessions.

DBR is designed to reduce overwhelm when processing difficult or traumatic experiences. It does this by helping a part of the deep brain (the superior colliculus) to orient to the present moment. From there, we work slowly to help the body and brain process the experience of shock. Once enough shock is cleared, emotions associated with a difficult or traumatic experience are able to process much more smoothly with less overwhelm. For theory videos of DBR, click here.

How DEEP BRAIN REORIENTING can help

How DBR works

If your brain or body has ever sent you messages of danger— “fight”, “hide” or, “no one likes you” and you look around and can’t see what it’s SO worried about, DBR can help. DBR works to shift automatic patterns in the deep brain that were learned during another time in your life. These learnings were greatly needed then, but if your circumstances have changed, these automatic patterns may not be needed anymore.

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What to expect

DBR sessions are often slower paced than traditional talk therapy. We start the session with a guided process that helps your brain orient to your location. As the session progresses you may feel physical sensations (heat, tension, pressure), emotions and impulses arise and subside. At times it can feel intense, but we work to keep it in a range that is manageable for you.

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How it can help you

When we work with the deep brain to process old patterns, we become more present with our partners, kids, coworkers and friends. We feel more at ease in our bodies and— somewhat counter-intuitively— increase both physical and emotional safety. This is because we become better able to accurately assess present-moment danger and relational strain.

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what matters most is this:

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FINE AS YOU ARE.

&

THINGS CAN BE EASIER.

DEEP BRAIN REORIENTING

Who it’s for

DEEP BRAIN REORIENTING MAY BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF…

  • You avoid thinking about certain events because they make you too uncomfortable

  • You grew up in a home(s) where you didn’t always feel safe or understood

  • You notice that your emotions often feel bigger than what seems to “make sense” to you

  • You notice patterns in your relationship(s) of difficulty with a) closeness b) spaciousness or c) conflict resolution

  • You feel stuck, and don’t know why you can’t move forward

  • You feel like your reactions happen very quickly or outside of your control

Together, we will:

Explore

Together we will discuss the things in your life causing you the most difficulty right now. I’ll ask you a few questions and we’ll make a plan about how to move forward.

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Get Specific

DBR understands that many of the triggering or emotionally overwhelming experiences we have in our present day are connected to long standing patterns in the deep brain & nervous system. Each session we will choose a specific moment of present day difficulty, for example-- a fight with a partner, or a distressing comment from a coworker. These moments are the entry point into processing old patterns that may no longer be serving you.

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Process

DBR is specifically designed to process difficult or traumatic content while reducing overwhelm and dissociation. This feature is quite unique to DBR and is a welcome relief for trauma survivors who have not been able to process traumatic content due to significant overwhelm or dissociation during therapy.

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Please know this:

YOUR BRAIN CAN HEAL

FAQs

COMMON QUESTIONS

  • DBR may be a good fit if:

    • You feel “stuck” despite previous therapy

    • You’re easily overwhelmed or, on the other hand, feel numb or disconnected

    • Talking about your experiences hasn’t fully helped shift how you feel inside

    • You have difficulty accessing how you feel

  • DBR shares some similarities with approaches like EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, but the focus is different.

    DBR works very slowly and precisely with the sequence of how the brain and body respond to perceived threat—starting with orientation (where your attention goes), then tension, then emotion. Rather than actively changing thoughts or using specific techniques like eye movements, DBR emphasizes careful tracking and allowing the nervous system to process at its own pace.

  • No. DBR does not require you to go into detailed storytelling. In fact, we often work with very small pieces of experience, which can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.