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What Is DBR?

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a neuroscience-based trauma therapy to treat deep-seated emotional and physiological responses to distress.

Unlike other therapies like CBT, DBR works at the brainstem level, where attachment wounds, trauma and survival responses are stored. This approach helps to reprocess trauma from its earliset neurological origins for effective and lasting healing.

At Dr Jo Gee Psychotherapy, we offer DBR for those struggling from trauma, attachment wounds and emotional dysregulation. Whether you attend sessions at our clinic in Guildford or online, our skilled therapists are here to guide you every step of the way.

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How Does DBR Work?

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DBR focuses on the deep brain structures involved in processing distressing and traumatic events.

When something unexpected happens, the superior colliculi in the brainstem direct attention towards the stimulus and triggers a range of automatic responses. These responses can be shaped by past experiences that are stored in the upper cortex which can replay traumatic memories.

A sudden stimulus also activates the locus coeruleus, which governs the body’s shock response and triggers various sensations, such as a tightness in the chest, a sinking feeling in your stomach and a heightened alertness due to noradrenaline release. These sensations are physiological survival responses – not just emotional reactions. The periaqueductal gray then activates, intensifying defensive reactions like fear, freezing or dissociation.

DBR helps to reprocess these deep-rooted brainstem responses to reduce their intensity and reset the nervous system.

This process creates a sense of safety and emotional balance without solely relying on cognitive processing. DBR is particularly effective for trauma, attachment wounds and chronic emotional dysregulation.

Deep Brain Reorienting helps cleints:

  • Identify and access pre-verbal and somatic (body-based) memories linked to trauma
  • Reprocess deep emotional responses stored in the brainstem
  • Reduce physiological dysregulation and chronic stress reactions
  • Restore a sense of safety and emotional balance

 

Start Your Journey with DBR Today

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

Whether you’re looking to process past trauma, reduce anxiety or improve your emotional wellbeing, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

DBR costs £120 per session (Please Note: From April 2025, there will be a £5 increase across all services in order to continue providing high-quality care). Book a free 15-minute consultation now to discuss how we can help.

DBR VS EMDR: What’s the Difference?

Both Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are powerful trauma therapies, but they are different and work in distinct ways.

  • DBR targets brainstem-level survival responses, helping to process trauma that exists beneath conscious awareness.
  • EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories using guided eye movements for emotional disensitisation.
  • DBR is particularly helpful for pre-verbal trauma, attachment wounds and deep emotional dysregulation.
  • EMDR is more commonly used for single-event trauma and PTSD, helping people integrate distressing experiences more adaptively.
  • DBR takes a slower, body-based approach, allowing natrual nervous system processing, while EMDR tends to work faster through memory-based reprocessing.

Both therapies can be effective depending on an individual’s need. DBR offers deep foundational healing, while EMDR helps process specific traumatic memories.

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

“From start to finish, it taught me so much about myself.”

LYRA, FARNHAM

“Thank you for challenging me when I needed it.”

SARAH, LONDON

“I can’t believe how much progress I’ve made in a short time.”

MOIRA, SHEFFIED

“After many years of therapy, you are the first person who gets me.”

ANNA, GUILDFORD

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Conditions Treated with DBR

DBR is a highly effective treatment for those with:

  • Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Healing deeply ingrained survival responses from chronic or developmental trauma.
  • Attachment Trauma: Addressing early relational wounds that impact emotional wellbeing.
  • Dissociation & Emotional Dysregulation: Reconnecting mind and body for better emotional balance.
  • Unresolved Emotional Responses: Processing lingering distress from past experiences.
  • Shock Trauma: Treating single-incident traumas that overwhelm the nervous system.

DBR is particularly helpful for those who have not been able to find lasting relief through traditional talk therapies or cognitive-based approaches.

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Why Choose DBR at Dr Jo Gee Psychotherapy?

Our clinic provides expert DBR therapy to help clients achieve deep healing at the neurological level. Here’s why clients choose us:

  • Expert Team: Our therapists are highly trained in DBR and other advanced trauma therapies.
  • Specialised Trauma Treatment: We address trauma at its source, targeting pre-verbal and physiological memories.
  • Convenience: In-person DBR therapy in Guildford and accessible online therapy options.
  • Comprehensive Healing: We integrate DBR with other evidence-based therapies to support long-term recovery.
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What Happens in a DBR Session?

DBR sessions focus on bodily sensations and the brain’s automatic survival responses rather than traditional talk therapy. The process typically involves:

  • Locating the Core Sensation: Identifying physical discomfort linked to distress, such as chest tightness or a sinking stomach.
  • Tracking the Body’s Response: Observing changes in the sensation without interference.
  • Natural Processing: Allowing the nervous system to adjust and release trauma responses at its own pace.
  • Reducing Emotional Intensity: Gradually decreasing distress for greater emotional stability.

DBR doesn’t require reliving traumatic memories in detail. Instead, it works directly with the brainstem’s survival pathways to restore a sense of safety and balance.

Contact Us Today

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Ready to book your appointment? Please press the button below to see our online availability. Can’t see what you need, then don’t hesitate to send a message via the contact form below or call or email our offices.

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Whatever your current struggle, we’re here to help.

We offer online psychiatry, psychology, counselling and psychotherapy appointments. Contact us for a free 15-minute phone discussion to ask any questions you might have.

Online Sessions

Many of our appointments can be conducted online if that’s preferable or easier for you.

Face-to-Face Sessions

For clinic appointments, we work from 3 Saxton Parklands, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 9JX.

Clients visit us from several nearby locations, including Addlestone, Aldershot, Ashford, Bisley, Camberley, Chertsey, Chobham, Cobham, Cranleigh, Dorking, Egham, Epsom, Esher, Farnham, Farnborough, Fleet, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere, Horley, Horsham, Kingston, Leatherhead, Lightwater, Oxshot, Redhill, Reigate, Richmond, Send, Shere, Staines-upon-Thames, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surbiton, Virginia Water, Walton-on-Thames, West End, Weybridge, Windlesham and Woking.

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    FIND DR JO GEE PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES

    ADDRESS

    DJGP

    3 Saxton Parklands

    Guildford

    GU2 9JX

    ADDRESS

    Guildford Therapy Rooms

    3 Beaufort Parklands

    Guildford

    GU2 9JX

    Hours

    Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 9.00pm

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