Level 1 (all times are in Eastern Time) – Virtual via Zoom
Please note: All training components (lecture and training materials) are offered in English, unless otherwise indicated.
What is DBR?
DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting ®) is a trauma-processing psychotherapy that is neuroscientifically guided. It tracks the original physiological sequence that occurs when the deep brain was first alerted to a threat or attachment disruption. DBR was developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, a Scottish psychiatrist.
A randomized control trial regarding DBR and PTSD was completed by Breanne Kearney, Frank Corrigan, Dr. Ruth Lanius, and her research team at Western University. Here is a link to the first paper published on that study. The study showed a large effect size in all areas of PTSD symptoms (using DSM-V criteria) after 8 DBR sessions as well as at the 3-month follow up. Almost half of the people in the DBR treatment group no longer met the DSM-V criteria for PTSD following 8 sessions (48.3%) and that increased to just over half (52%) at the 3 month follow-up period. For those who were randomly assigned to the waitlist group had no significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms over the same time period. You can read the published article about this study here.
DBR Training
There are currently 3 progressive DBR Training levels are available, comprising underlying theory, demonstrations, and practicums, with opportunity for feedback and questions.
Cindy Shrigley, MSW, RSW and Dr. Tina Shrigley, C. Psych. are DBR-Approved Trainers and licensed by Frank Corrigan to offer DBR Trainings.
About DBR Level 1 Training
DBR Level 1: Healing of the Shock at the Core of Traumatic Experiences
Level 1 DBR training offers participants an opportunity to understand the key role of midbrain systems in traumatic experiences which have clinical consequences.
It emphasizes attachment shock, which may be historic or recent, and early life adversity. A distinction between brain circuits for shock and circuits for affective and defensive responding underlies the clinical approach of Deep Brain Reorienting.
DBR is a trauma memory processing modality that has developed from an understanding of stimulus-response sequences in the upper brainstem and uses these in a way that diminishes the risk of overwhelm or dissociation.
Tracking the sequences, informed by the knowledge of how they occur physiologically, activates a healing process which, optimally, promotes a complete resolution of the clinical consequences of the traumatic experiences.
DBR can also be useful when attachment urges are conflicted because of adverse experiences. For example, when the capacity to orient toward connection simultaneously triggers the impulse to move away,
often with negative affects emerging, the urge to connect with significant others is conflicted at a level not readily accessible in talk therapy.
Who should take the DBR training?
We consider DBR therapy to be an advanced psychotherapy suitable only for qualified mental health professionals with at least two years’ post-qualification clinical experience.
Additionally, training and experience in working with trauma and early adversity are required.
The following information is provided by deepbrainreorienting Ltd., Frank Corrigan’s organization with whom we are licensed to provide training. We comply with all of the following criteria and policies.
DBR Training attendance and exclusion criteria
Please read the following criteria carefully before registering.
Clinicians can enrol in DBR Level 1 Training based on the following criteria:
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Frank Corrigan has established the following policies and criteria to ensure consistency and fidelity in the training and implementation of DBR. DBR Training attendance and exclusion criteria
- a core professional qualification in mental health and/or psychotherapy
- a minimum of 2 years of clinical psychotherapy experience post accreditation/ registration/ clinical licensure. This means those with professional statuses such as qualifying, associate, intern, limited, provisional, temporary, pre-license, or similar descriptors are not eligible.
- current professional body/state board accreditation/ registration/ licensure
- current professional indemnity insurance
- significant experience of working with trauma and/or trained in psychologically based trauma-focused approaches
- Proficiency in speaking and understanding English, as we do not offer translation services during this training
Please note bookings that do not meet the attendance criteria will be cancelled and subject to a 20% cancellation fee. For guidance, please refer to the list of accepted professions/ qualifications and professional/ regulatory bodies below. The list is not exhaustive. Please also read the exclusion criteria carefully.
If you are not sure you meet the criteria, please email: [email protected]
If you are making an inquiry regarding your eligibility for training in DBR, please note that we provide trainings internationally. Please provide clear and detailed information including:
- registering/professional affiliations in full – i.e no acronyms
- duration of core training
- full details of the training body
- duration and specifics of modules pertaining to psychotherapy/mental health
- the exact academic level e.g. Post Graduate Diploma (of 2 years duration)/Masters (3 years with 2 years clinical practice experience)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Therapists in training – including those with professional statuses such as qualifying, associate, intern, limited, provisional, temporary, pre-license, or similar descriptors are not eligible.
- Practitioners without a core professional mental health qualification and who are trained in another therapeutic modality e.g. Biofeedback, Internal Family Systems, Neurofeedback and Somatic Experiencing
- Hypnotherapists, Massage Therapists, Yoga Therapists, Therapeutic Coaches without core professional mental health qualification.
If you are not sure you meet the criteria, please email [email protected]
2027 Training Dates – Registration is now open!
(Please note that each set of dates is one DBR Level 1 training)
Click a set of dates to register.
