Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) in Invermere and online

DBR is a gentle trauma therapy that works with the body’s very first reactions to a hard moment, before the big emotions arrive. It’s offered here by Alana Cotterall, Registered Psychologist, and Bridget McDermott, RCC.

Find An DBR Practitioner

Who DBR may help with

DBR can be used on its own or alongside EMDR and talk therapy.

Shock & shame

Feeling frozen

Early trauma

Before clear memories

Overwhelm

Too much to talk about

Feeling stuck

Tried other therapies

What a DBR session is like

DBR was developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, a psychiatrist in Scotland. In a session, you bring a situation to mind and then slow way down, noticing the small shifts in your head, neck, face and body as they happen. The pace is slow and quiet, and you don’t need to tell the whole story. Some people find it feels gentler than other trauma work.

How does DMR compare with EMDR

EMDR

Uses back-and-forth movement, like eye movements or tapping, while you briefly hold a memory in mind. One of the most researched trauma therapies. See EMDR

DBR

Focuses on the moments right before an emotion takes over, using slow attention to sensations in the head and body. Newer, with promising early research.

Practitioners who offer DBR

Alana Cotterall

Adults
In-person & online
DBR Level 2

Bridget McDermott

Adults
In-person & online
DBR Level 2

Both are trauma therapies. EMDR uses back-and-forth movement while you hold a memory in mind. DBR focuses on the moments right before an emotion takes over, using slow attention to sensations in the head and body.

DBR is an emerging psychotherapy with promising initial research, but it is not yet extensively or long-term researched compared to established trauma therapies like EMDR. Early studies are promising, and more research is under way.

Not in detail. DBR works with what you notice in your body, so you can keep the story private if you prefer.

Yes, DBR works by video as well as in person.

Whenever you’re ready

Take the first small step

Have a look through the counsellors at Hearthstone, or book a free 20-minute consult with someone who stands out.

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