❋ Trauma Therapies at Upstate Integrative Mind Counseling

Regulate. Integrate. Elevate.

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

“Deep Brain Reorienting opens up a new perspective on how traumatic experiences become embedded in the brain and body."

— Bessel Van der Kolk

❋ What is Deep Brain Reorienting?

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a trauma therapy developed by psychiatrist Dr. Frank Corrigan that focuses on the brain’s earliest response to threat. Rather than beginning with thoughts or beliefs, DBR helps clients process the deep nervous system reactions that occur before conscious awareness—often experienced as shock, tension, fear, shame, or emotional overwhelm.

DBR is a gentle, body-based approach that allows traumatic experiences to be processed without repeatedly retelling the story or becoming emotionally flooded. By working with the nervous system's natural healing process, many clients experience reduced reactivity, greater emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of safety.

❋ Who Benefits from Deep Brain Reorienting?

DBR may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:

  • Complex or developmental trauma

  • Attachment wounds and relationship trauma

  • PTSD and chronic stress responses

  • Dissociation or emotional numbing

  • Persistent shame, fear, or feelings of being "stuck"

  • Trauma that feels stored in the body rather than easily explained in words

❋ Why Choose Deep Brain Reorienting?

While therapies such as EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy have strong research support, some clients find that DBR reaches aspects of trauma that are difficult to access through traditional talk therapy. Because DBR works directly with the nervous system's orienting and shock responses, it can be especially effective for clients who become overwhelmed by exposure-based approaches or who struggle to put their experiences into words.

DBR offers a slower, more focused path to healing that helps the brain and body process trauma at its roots rather than simply managing symptoms.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

“EMDR helps the brain do what it was designed to do: process difficult experiences so they become part of your story rather than something that continues to control it."

— Francine Shapiro

❋ What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from distressing life experiences. When overwhelming events occur, memories can become stored in a way that leaves individuals feeling stuck in the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with the original experience. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they no longer feel as emotionally intense or disruptive.

During EMDR therapy, clients briefly focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This process helps the brain integrate previously unprocessed experiences, allowing new insights, emotional relief, and adaptive beliefs to emerge.

EMDR may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:

  • PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Negative self-beliefs and low self-esteem

  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds

  • Grief and loss

  • Phobias and performance anxiety

  • Distressing memories that continue to affect daily life

❋ Who Benefits from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?
❋ Why Choose Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies available and is recognized by major health organizations worldwide for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to repeatedly discuss every detail of a traumatic experience. Instead, it helps the brain naturally process and integrate difficult memories so they can become part of the past rather than continuing to feel present.

Many clients choose EMDR because it can create meaningful change at the emotional, cognitive, and physiological levels, helping them move beyond survival and toward greater resilience, confidence, and well-being.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

“Safety is the treatment"

— Stephen Porges

❋ What is Safe and Sound Protocol?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening-based intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of Polyvagal Theory. SSP uses specially filtered music to help regulate the nervous system by supporting the vagus nerve and the body's social engagement system.

When people experience trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or sensory overwhelm, the nervous system can become stuck in states of protection, making it difficult to feel safe, connected, or calm. SSP is designed to help the brain and body recognize cues of safety, allowing clients to become more regulated, socially engaged, and resilient.

The protocol involves listening to specially filtered music over a series of sessions while working with a trained provider. As the nervous system becomes more regulated, many clients experience improvements in emotional regulation, social connection, attention, and their ability to engage in deeper therapeutic work.

❋ Who Benefits from Safe and Sound Protocol?

SSP may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Autism spectrum disorders

  • Social anxiety and difficulty connecting with others

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Hypervigilance and chronic feelings of unsafety

  • Difficulties with attention and self-regulation

❋ Why Choose Safe and Sound Protocol?

Unlike traditional talk therapies, SSP works directly with the nervous system through the auditory system. It can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle to access therapy because their nervous system remains in a state of protection or overwhelm. By increasing physiological regulation and feelings of safety, SSP often serves as a foundation that enhances the effectiveness of other therapies, including EMDR, DBR, and traditional psychotherapy.

Many clients find that as their nervous system becomes more regulated, they experience greater emotional stability, improved relationships, increased resilience, and a stronger capacity to engage in everyday life.