Deep Brain Reorienting: Using Sound to Support Healing

What if sound could be used to support the healing process?

DBR S2, also called the Sudden Sound Protocol, is an advanced technique within Deep Brain Reorienting™ (DBR) that uses a neutral sound to help begin the DBR process. 

This approach offers another way of working with trauma and shock without having to begin with a specific traumatic memory or the story of what happened.

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a somatic trauma therapy developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan that works with the brain’s natural orienting response. When something sudden or unexpected happens, our brain naturally turns its attention toward it. This happens very quickly, often before we have time to think about or make sense of what is happening.

DBR S2 uses sound to help begin this orienting process.

DBR S2 was developed by Chris Vavro, with assistance from Claire Vernon, Laura McMurry, and Ben Zimmer, at the request of Dr. Frank Corrigan.

Why Use Sound?

In Core DBR, we usually identify an activating stimulus from the client’s experience or story. Sometimes, however, talking about a difficult event and identifying the activating stimulus can cause a person to become activated before the deeper DBR process has even begun. They may feel triggered or begin to brace against the experience of shock.

DBR S2 offers another way to begin.

Instead of starting with a memory or part of the client’s story, we use a neutral sound as the activating stimulus. The sound is not chosen because it is pleasant or unpleasant, and it is not a sound that connects to the client’s trauma history. For example, someone who has experienced medical trauma would not be given the sound of a medical device.

The client is offered several different sine waves and chooses the tone that they feel their deep brain is naturally gravitating toward. This creates a more individualized starting point for the DBR S2 process.

The sound is also not intended to frighten or startle the client. Its purpose is to engage the brain’s orienting response and begin the DBR process.

As this happens, a client may notice a sensation of orienting tension in the forehead, around the eyes, or at the base of the skull. This orienting tension is an important part of the DBR process. It can also serve as an anchor that the client can return to during the session if the experience begins to feel overwhelming.

How Can This Be Helpful?

One potential benefit of DBR S2 is that it may allow the client to begin the process with less activation.

The client does not have to start by describing the traumatic event or searching through the story to identify an activating stimulus. This may reduce the amount of time spent identifying the activating stimulus in session and allow more time for processing.

Because the client is not starting with a specific memory or story, there may be less need to think, analyze, or figure out what is happening. Instead, the client can stay more connected to what they are experiencing in their body.

For some clients, DBR S2 may also support deeper processing, including the emergence of Core Pain, and create an opportunity for deeper healing

Early Childhood Trauma

DBR S2 may also be particularly useful when working with early childhood trauma.

Some people have clear memories of difficult experiences from childhood. Others experienced trauma or overwhelming experiences so early in life that they were not yet old enough to form memories that they can consciously recall.

This can make it difficult to identify a specific memory or event to use as an activating stimulus.

Because DBR S2 uses a neutral sound rather than requiring the client to begin with a specific memory or narrative, it may provide another way to work with experiences that happened very early in life—even when there is little or no conscious memory of what happened.

The goal is not to create or recover memories. Rather, the process allows the client to stay with what is actually happening in their body and experience in the present moment.

What Might I Experience?

Everyone’s experience with DBR S2 is different. Because you are beginning with a neutral sound rather than a specific memory or traumatic event, you may not know what your brain is processing—and you don’t need to know.

You may notice sensations in your body, changes in your breathing, emotions, images, memories, or subtle shifts in how you feel. You may also experience sensations or feelings that are difficult to describe or put into words.

As the shock processes, you may notice a new perspective or awareness of yourself beginning to emerge. This may include a greater sense of connection with yourself, more compassion toward yourself, or a greater sense of embodiment and presence. You may find that you are able to turn toward something that previously felt impossible to face or approach. For some people, this can bring a greater sense of peace.

You don’t have to make sense of everything while it is happening. Your therapist’s role is to stay closely attuned to you, help you feel supported, and give the process the time and space it needs to unfold naturally.

Who Is DBR S2 For?

DBR S2 is an advanced DBR technique and is not necessarily the starting point for everyone.

Before using DBR S2, clients will experience Core DBR session. This allows you to become familiar with what the DBR process feels like and allows the therapist to determine whether DBR S2 is a good fit for you.

As with all DBR work, slowing down is important. We are not trying to force anything to happen. We allow sensations, emotions, and other experiences to unfold naturally.

For some clients, using sound may provide another way to access and process experiences of shock and trauma—without having to begin with the story of what happened.

DBR S2 is a relatively new and evolving approach, and there is still much to learn about the protocol. It is exciting, however, to see the transformative changes some clients are experiencing through this work.

Ready to Learn More?

Curious whether DBR S2 may be right for you? Contact us today.