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Understanding Deep Brain Reorienting: A New Approach to Trauma Therapy
If you've been working in the trauma therapy world for any length of time, you've likely accumulated a growing list of modalities - EMDR, IFS, somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and polyvagal-informed approaches. Each adds something unique. Each has its particular territory. Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is newer to most clinicians' awareness, but it's worth knowing about—not as a replacement for what you already do, but because it addresses a specific layer of
Katie Helldoerfer


Before the Parts Speak: The Brainstem Layer IFS Therapists Should Know About
I want to say upfront that I love Internal Family Systems. I'm IFS Level 2 certified, I use it as the primary lens in my clinical work, and I believe deeply in the model's capacity to facilitate real, lasting healing. What follows isn't a critique of IFS - it's a question I've been sitting with as I train in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), a neurobiologically-informed trauma approach developed by psychiatrist Frank Corrigan. The question is this: is there a layer of physiologic
Katie Helldoerfer


You're Not Resistant — Your Nervous System Is Overloaded
In the midst of turbulent waves and stormy skies, a hand reaches out desperately, symbolizing the struggle of feeling one moment away from being overwhelmed. A certain kind of person shows up to therapy and does everything right. They've read the books. They understand their patterns. They can articulate exactly where their anxiety comes from, exactly how their avoidant attachment formed, exactly which part is running the show. They feel genuine compassion toward their protec
Katie Helldoerfer
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