FAQ — Heartspring Wellness

Question 1

What exactly is Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)?

Accepted Answer

Deep Brain Reorienting is a trauma therapy developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, a Scottish psychiatrist and trauma researcher. It works at the level of the brainstem — the most primitive part of the brain — rather than through memory, narrative, or cognitive processing. DBR targets the orienting and shock responses that are activated in the moments before conscious thought, which is where the deepest roots of complex trauma live. Because it works beneath language and story, it's particularly effective for early, pre-verbal, and attachment-based trauma.

Question 2

How is DBR different from EMDR or talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

Talk therapy works primarily through language and insight — understanding why you feel the way you do. EMDR processes traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation to reduce their emotional charge. DBR goes even deeper: it works with the brainstem-level responses that fire before a memory is even formed. You don't need to retell your story or revisit traumatic events in detail. Instead, we gently attend to subtle physical sensations and orienting responses, allowing the nervous system to complete and resolve what was interrupted. Many clients find it less activating than other trauma approaches.

Question 3

Do I need to talk about my trauma history for DBR to work?

Accepted Answer

No — and this is one of the things that makes DBR so valuable for people with complex trauma. DBR works beneath the level of narrative. You don't need to recount what happened to you in detail. We follow what's happening in your body and nervous system in the present moment, which allows the trauma to resolve without requiring you to relive it verbally.

Question 4

Is DBR evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

DBR is a newer approach and formal research trials are ongoing, but it is grounded in well-established neuroscience — particularly the work of Jaak Panksepp on affective neuroscience and the role of the brainstem in emotional processing. Dr. Corrigan developed DBR from decades of clinical practice and neurobiological research. Many clinicians trained in DBR report significant results with clients who have not responded fully to other trauma therapies, including those with early or pre-verbal trauma.

Question 5

What is CPTSD and how is it different from PTSD?

Accepted Answer

PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event — a car accident, assault, or natural disaster. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, often in childhood, often at the hands of caregivers or within relationships where escape wasn't possible. This includes emotional neglect, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, and growing up in a chaotic or unpredictable home. CPTSD tends to affect a person's sense of self, their ability to regulate emotions, and their capacity for trust and connection in ways that go beyond the flashbacks and hypervigilance associated with PTSD.

Question 6

I've been in therapy before and it didn't help. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common things I hear — and it makes complete sense. Many people with CPTSD have spent years in talk therapy without experiencing the deep shift they were hoping for. That's not a failure on your part. It often means the therapy wasn't reaching the level where the trauma is actually stored. DBR, EMDR, and attachment-focused work operate at different levels than traditional talk therapy — addressing the nervous system, the body, and the relational patterns that talk alone can't fully reach. I also work slowly and carefully, building safety before any processing begins.

Question 7

How long does trauma therapy take?

Accepted Answer

There's no honest one-size-fits-all answer to this. Complex trauma, by its nature, took years to develop — and healing it is rarely quick. That said, many clients notice meaningful shifts within the first few months. Some people work with me for a year or two; others for longer. The pace is always yours to set. I don't believe in rushing this work, and I don't believe in keeping people in therapy longer than they need to be. We'll check in regularly about how things are going and what feels right.

Question 8

Will therapy make things worse before they get better?

Accepted Answer

It can feel that way temporarily — and I want to be honest about that. When we begin to access material that's been held at bay, it can stir things up. This is why I place so much emphasis on building safety and stabilization before any trauma processing begins. I won't push you into territory you're not ready for. The goal is always to work within your window of tolerance — challenging enough to create change, but not so activating that you're overwhelmed.

Question 9

Do you work with children or teenagers?

Accepted Answer

I work exclusively with adults ages 18 and older. If you're looking for a therapist for a child or adolescent, I'm happy to point you toward resources that may help.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). For all other insurance plans, I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill directly — however, many clients with PPO plans are able to seek reimbursement from their insurance company for a portion of session fees. I can provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) after each session that you can submit to your insurer. I recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card and asking about your out-of-network mental health benefits before we begin.

Question 11

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy sessions are $125 per hour. Extended processing sessions are available for deeper EMDR or DBR work — pricing is discussed during consultation. The initial 20-minute consultation is free. I hold a small number of reduced-fee spots for clients who would otherwise not be able to access care — please ask about availability during our consultation.

Question 12

Do you offer telehealth or in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

I offer both. Many clients prefer the convenience and comfort of telehealth, and research supports its effectiveness for trauma therapy. In-person sessions are available at my office in West Columbia, SC. Some clients choose to alternate between the two depending on the week. We can discuss what feels right for you.

Question 13

What happens in the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The consultation is a 20-minute phone or video call — no paperwork, no pressure. It's a chance for you to share a little about what's going on and what you're hoping for, and for me to answer any questions you have about how I work. We'll both get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There's no obligation to continue after the call.

Honest answers to common questions about therapy and getting started

About Deep Brain Reorienting

About CPTSD and trauma therapy

Practical questions

Healing is possible — we often just need the right supports.