- Demonstrates your dedication, experience, competence and fidelity as a DBR therapist
- Deepens your theoretical understanding of DBR
- Refines and hones DBR practise skills
- DBR-P approval confirms your commitment to DBR and will provide greater confidence and assurance to potential clients looking for DBR therapy
- Enhances your professional skill profile – Stand out from the crowd as a DBR Approved Practitioner
- Grants you a free listing in the DBR Therapist Directory – potential clients will find you!
- Leads you towards becoming a DBR Approved Consultant – enabling you to provide officially recognised and approved consultation to DBR trained therapists.
The information outlined below will provide you with the criteria and the process for becoming an Approved DBR-P. If you cannot find the information you require, please contact Maxine Sherrell at approval@deepbrainreorienting.com
We look forward to receiving your application.
1.1 Why become DBR-P Approved?
The DBR approval process contributes towards establishing the global quality standard for the practise of DBR. We consider this to be of importance for several reasons.
DBR heralds a paradigm shift in the treatment of trauma. It is a novel and scientifically based approach to the practice of working with clients who have experienced trauma. Practising DBR requires the acquisition and development of skills and knowledge, which over time, facilitates progression from being a DBR novice to achieving high levels of skill and competence in DBR, it also requires therapists to develop capacity to work from a deep brain level of self-integration and understanding.
One of the important ways that these requirements can be achieved is through working towards attaining DBR-P Approval. Benefits include:
- Develop and deepen your skills and knowledge gained from DBR Level 1, 2 and 3 training
- Assure your clients of your competence in DBR
- Supports ethically sound and robust clinical application of DBR
- Develops therapist integration at a deep brain level
- Enhances DBR treatment and research fidelity
- Monitors and maximises client/ patient protection
- Receive a certificate of competence as an Approved DBR-Practitioner
- Be listed on the DBR Therapist Directory
As a means of achieving this, DeepBrainReorienting has developed approval frameworks to support clinicians in working towards achievement of both ‘DBR-P Approved’ and Deep Brain Reorienting Consultant Approved (DBR-C Approved) status. The main purpose of these are the demonstration of key competencies by the clinician.
DeepBrainReorienting Ltd is the ONLY organisation globally endorsed by Professor Frank Corrigan to grant DBR-P (Practitioner) Approved, DBR-C (Consultant) Approved and DBR-T (Trainer) Approved certificates.
1.2 Is gaining DBR-P Approved required to practise DBR?
Becoming DBR-P Approved is not a requirement to practise DBR. The core training in DBR provides a certificate of attendance but does not provide development of participants competence. DBR-P Approval is a voluntary process, supportive of facilitating progression over time, of the development of knowledge, skills and competency necessary for the sound and ethical use of DBR within clinical practice.
You are eligible for the ‘DBR-P Approved’ certificate when you have completed all of the DBR Core Training Levels, 1, 2 and 3 and you can demonstrate you meet the following:
a. you have met the DBR training eligibility criteria (see 3 below)
b. a minimum of two years practice with DBR (see 4 below)
c. at least 25 hours consultation with a DBR-C. At least 5 of these hours must be individual (see 5 below)
d. a minimum of 8 personal DBR sessions (with someone level 3 trained and in Consultation, or Approved DBR-P or DBR-C) (see 6 below)
e. a minimum of three DBR-C reviewed audio-visual recordings with accompanying session transcripts (annotated to show understanding of process) (see 7 below)
f. a minimum of 20 clients presented at case consultation where DBR has been employed (see 8 below)
g. a minimum of 100 DBR practice hours (see 8 below)
h. a letter verifying the number of cases brought to consultation, from each of the Approved DBR-C with whom case consultations have taken place (see 9 below)
i. a letter from a Professional who is able to attest to your ‘Good Standing’ professionally (see 10 below).
For more information subscribe to be a DBR Member
3.1 Eligibility to Train in DBR
In order to meet eligibility requirements to train in DBR, you must have:
- a core professional qualification in mental health and/or psychotherapy
- a minimum of 2 years clinical psychotherapy experience post accreditation/ registration/ clinical licensure
- 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
DBR training is not suitable for
- Therapists in training
- 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.
3.2 Scope of Practice
Please note: DBR Training is not a certification/diploma programme. Becoming DBR-P Approved does NOT provide a licence or qualification to practice counselling, psychotherapy or psychotherapeutic bodywork.
DBR is NOT a stand-alone counselling, psychotherapeutic or bodywork therapy. DBR is a modality that is learned and practised in conjunction with, and underpinned by core competencies acquired through core professional training.
Those who are trained in DBR, and those who achieve DBR-P Approved status, are expected to work appropriately within the limits of their own professional scope of practice based on their existing formal qualifications, and to abide by the code of ethics and policies of associations of which they are members.
DBR trained professionals are expected to adhere to the DBR Professional Code of Good Standing and any policies of the organisation.
4.1 When can I start working towards DBR-P Approval?
You can start working towards DBR-P Approval as soon as you have completed DBR Level 2 training. You will receive a link to the Application Form on completion of training. The form can be completed as you progress with cases and build evidence of your practice. The form can be ‘saved and returned to’ for up to 5 years.
4.2 How long do I have after completing all three DBR training modules to submit my application for my DBR-P Approved certificate?
There is no time limit from when you complete your DBR training to when you apply for your DBR-P Approved certificate. However, the 25 consultation hours must have been undertaken within the last 5 years.
You can start working towards DBR-P approval following Level 2 training. We encourage early engagement in case consultation to support your learning and use of DBR in practice.
DBR trained professionals may apply for DBR-P Approval at any time after 2 years of practice experience post level 2. Participants are encouraged to complete requirements at their own pace and based upon their own needs, practice and personal situations.
There is no maximum time limit to apply for DBR-P Approval, however, where there has been a significant time lapse since the initial training, applicants may be required to do a training update to ensure that they are abreast of any current theoretical and clinical practice developments.
All three levels of DBR training are required prior to submission of the DBR-P Application. A minimum of 2 years post level 2 will be required prior to application. However, sufficient time for the integration of materials from level 3 is also required, likely a minimum of 6 months.
4.3 If I am successful in my application, how long does the DBR-P Approved certificate last?
If your application is approved, your DBR-P Approved certificate credential will be granted for a three-year period. Renewal will be required every 3 years to maintain this credential. To learn more about DBR-P Approval renewal, please click here (see 11.8 below)
5.1 Is DBR Consultation the same as ‘Supervision’?
These terms mean different things in different countries. In many countries, ‘supervision’ and ‘consultation’ may be used interchangeably by clinicians. However, in North America these terms have very distinct meanings.
So, to clarify exactly what we mean by DBR Consultation and how this is both similar to, and also how it differs from clinical supervision is important.
In N. America, in a clinical context the term ‘supervision’ confers very specific legal responsibilities upon the supervisor, including:
- responsibility for the wellbeing of the clients of the supervisees
- legal responsibility for the services provided by the supervisee, and
- in the face of a complaint, a supervisee may be required to have supervision for licensure to be reinstated
Thus, the supervisor performs an evaluative role in relation to legal and administrative requirements. The supervisor may also not have specific expertise in the psychotherapy approach of the supervisee.
In N. America the term ‘consultant’ refers to a person who is more experienced within a specific approach, and who provides consultation within the context of a peer relationship. Normally, the consultant would not also be the practitioner’s supervisor, as there would be a role conflict.
In Europe, the term ‘supervisor’ may be more commonly used for someone who provides clinical support to another in their work, and may often include all of the meanings ascribed to both ‘consultation’ and ‘supervision’ as outlined above.
To offer consistency globally, we have adopted the term DBR Approved Consultant.
5.2 What is a Case Consultation?
Case consultations can be undertaken following attendance at DBR Level 1 training.
The purpose of Case Consultations includes supporting the consultee to:
- integrate the DBR core training material into clinical practice
- develop their knowledge and application of DBR theory and practice
- explore ways of applying DBR within the scope of practice for the consultee
5.3 How many hours of Case Consultation do I need to gain DBR-P approval?
A minimum of 25 hours of case consultations are required. These hours must take place with an approved DBR-C.
1 hour of individual = 1 case consultation hour
2 hours of group consult = 1 case consultation hour (e.g. 50% of the group time)
3 hours of group consult = 1.5 case consultation hours (e.g. 50% of the group time)
A minimum of 5 hours of the required 25 case consultation hours must be taken as individual case consultations.
Group consultation sizes will vary. DBR-Consultant providers are advised to offer groups of up to 6 participants, whereas DBR-Trainers are able to offer consultation groups that are larger than this. It is likely, where the majority of consultation has been taken in larger groups, that more consultation hours will be required to demonstrate competencies.
An Approved DBR-P (in DBR-C training), can only provide group consultations to groups of no more than 4 Consultees. Where groups are larger than this, the Consultee will not be able to count the hours within their own DBR-P Approval application.
5.4 How often do I have to have Case Consultations?
The 25 (minimum) required hours of case consultations must be completed within the five years prior to application.
5.5 Is there a time limit within which I have to complete the case consults to achieve DBR-P approved status?
It is anticipated that no less than 2 years will be required to attain all elements for DBR-P Approved status.
The 25 required hours of case consultations must be completed within the five years prior to application.
Please note, that the case consultation recommendation for DBR- P Approval is a minimum guide. Many will require more than this to demonstrate their readiness to become DBR-P Approved. (see more in 5.11 below)
5.6 How can I gain the most value from a Case Consultation?
To gain the most value from a case consultation, it is advised that you prepare and present your enquiry with a DBR focus.
This might include:
- clarification of DBR theory
- application of the DBR protocol therapist guidelines in practice
- integration of DBR into your existing practice/scope of practice
- queries on specific clients and case work e.g. how might you start with a client, what might the next step be, areas of ‘stuckness’ etc.
5.7 Do I need to log my Case Consultation hours?
Yes, a Case Consultation Log is included within the DBR-P Approval Process application form.
The consultee is responsible for maintaining a record of their case consultation attendance by recording each one on the log. The log will be approved by the DBR-C who has provided the case consultations.
5.8 How do I find an Approved DBR-C?
A DBR-C must have been approved by DeepBrainReorienting Ltd to provide DBR consultations.
Confirmation of DBR-C Approved provider details can be found at www.deepbrainreorienting.com.
If the DBR-C is not listed, please contact enquiries@deepbrainreorienting.com to verify the provider.
5.9 Can I work with a DBR-C who is not in my State/Country?
Consultees’ are responsible for checking with their Professional Body and/or insurance provider to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate clinical support for their clients.
DBR-C providers support learning and integration of DBR into practice and are not providing clinical supervision. In most jurisdictions it should be possible to work with a DBR-C who is not registered/licenced in your State/Country, however consultees are advised to check requirements with their local relevant authorities.
5.10 Can my 25 hours (minimum) Case Consultation hours be gained with different DBR-C’s?
Yes. Different providers will have differing professional backgrounds. You may gain additional benefit from their diverse experience, education, backgrounds and styles.
5.11 Do DBR Consultation hours count towards DBR-P Approval if they are with a DBR-P (in DBR-C training)?
Yes. A DBR trained professional working towards DBR-P Approval can only count 20 of the 25 hours (minimum) with a DBR-P in training to become a DBR-C.
A minimum of 5 hours of consultation must be provided by an Approved DBR-C. Please note that the Approved DBR-C may also require more than 5 hours of consultation to be able to provide a recommendation for their consultee.
The DBR-P will be able to show you the letter of endorsement which they are given following their DBR-C Approved Orientation Training, so that you know they have been approved to begin offering consultation.
5.12 How much do Case Consultations cost?
DBR-C’s are independent providers and set their own fees for case consultations. The DBR-C will provide you with their Terms and Conditions and payment details.
Individual and group session fees will vary, together with any variation of fees according to their geographical region.
6.1 Why do I need personal DBR sessions?
Personal sessions not only help therapists with their own healing but also deepen their embodiment of DBR practice which in turn, supports practice development. A minimum of 8 personal DBR sessions is required.
Personal sessions may be undertaken with an approved DBR-P or DBR-C or with someone Level 3 trained and who attends Consultation.
Confirmation of approved provider details can be found at in the DBR Therapist Directory at www.deepbrainreorienting.com.
If the provider details are not listed, please contact enquiries@deepbrainreorienting.com to confirm.
6.2 Can I use the practicum sessions towards the requirements?
No. Practicum training sessions are not counted as part of the 8 DBR personal sessions.
7.1 What are session transcripts and recordings?
Session transcripts are verbatim transcripts of what has been said (by both client and therapist) in a DBR session, together with the therapist’s observations of what has taken place. The transcripts are then annotated according to the DBR Therapist Guidelines (formerly DBR fidelity checklist) and will be able to demonstrate some of the competencies as detailed on the DBR Clinical Video Competency Form.
Videos and accompanying session transcripts (either/or/or both) can be reviewed by the DBR-C in case consultations.
A minimum of three full sessions together with accompanying transcripts are required which meet the standard expected for DBR-P Approval.
It is likely that more sessions will be required as part of the development and learning process that takes place over time. A DBR Approved Consultant will need to be satisfied with your work over time to be able to make a recommendation.
7.2 What needs to be seen in a session recording?
Session recordings need to be of good picture and sound quality to be able to be reviewed in any meaningful manner. The audio-visual recording should ideally capture both the therapist and client within the picture frame (so that the face/upper body of both (ideally) can be clearly seen). Sessions that are recorded on platforms such as Zoom will require both therapist and client in the recording.
A DBR Clinical Video Competence Form is available (if this is helpful), to support your learning.
7.3 Why do I need DBR session recordings and transcripts?
Audio-visual recordings are a very efficient way of obtaining clear feedback on your DBR knowledge and skills and can support in rectifying misunderstandings quickly. Audio-visual recordings are beneficial to support learning and will likely mean that many more than 3 recordings will be required. Some recordings you take to Case Consultation will be for supporting learning purposes alone. Three will need to be shown to your Approved DBR-C that meet the standards required for them to make a recommendation for your gaining DBR-P Approval though more may be requested where needed.
Transcripts of video sessions provide opportunity to annotate your understanding of what you hypothesise to be happening in the process.
7.4 Who can review my recordings and transcripts?
An Approved DBR-C can review and provide feedback for you on session recordings and transcripts. Reviewing recordings or transcripts can be undertaken within case consultation to enrich learning and development opportunities.
7.5 Do I have to provide both written transcripts and audio/audio-visual recordings of sessions?
Yes. You may provide recordings of sessions to the Approved DBR-C which would be reviewed and discussed and you may provide transcripts of sessions. For both recordings and transcripts, explanation of the DBR process in accordance with theory and the DBR Therapist Guidelines / DBR Clinical Video Competency Form will be required.
7.6 What if my DBR sessions are less than a clinical hour?
While DBR sessions may vary in length, session recordings and transcripts for DBR-P approval should reflect an entire DBR processing session.
7.7 Do my session recordings and transcripts need to be with different clients?
The minimum of three transcripts and recordings should ideally be with a different client to further learning opportunities.
7.8 What about client confidentiality with the recordings and transcripts?
Each clinician should adhere to their Country/State and professional Code of Ethics and Practice when requesting, storing, and deleting session recordings and transcripts. Informed and written consent from clients should be acquired in accordance with local data protection and privacy requirements. We consider at a minimum this should include information regarding the purpose of these, together with how they will be protected/deleted, and who will have access to them.
8.1 Why do I need so many client cases and practice hours to achieve DBR-P Approval?
Progression from being a novice in DBR to achieving a high level of competence and skill takes time. Working with a range of clients and presentations supports development of competencies and skills while also gaining the most learning from case consultations.
8.3 Do I have to provide case notes to prove my 20 clients and 100 DBR sessions?
No. Please do not provide any case documentation or anonymised client/patient information. There is a Client Case Log within the application form for the listing of cases and hours. The Approved DBR-C recommendation letter together with personal testimony will provide confirmation of this.
8.4 Are there a minimum number of sessions required per client?
There is no minimum number of sessions required per client as part of the application for Approved DBR-P. However, it is expected that if you are fully meeting the requirement to demonstrate your work with a range of clients and presentations that the average for the cases listed would be no fewer than 8 sessions.
9.1 Why do I need a recommedation letter from my Approved DBR-C?
An applicant’s Approved DBR-C is well placed to support you in the learning and development of DBR and to support reflection on readiness to apply for DBR-P Approval.
An Approved DBR-C will be regarded as already having achieved the standard required for approval and therefore well placed to be able to ensure that high quality standards are maintained in making their recommendations.
9.2 If I have had more than one Approved DBR-C, do I need a recommendation letter from each of them?
Yes. The number of cases and clinical sessions taken to each consultant will need to be verified in their letter of recommendation.
Where consultation has taken place with a DBR-P (in DBR-C training), they are also able provide a letter of recommendation for the applications of their Consultees for DBR-P approval, in addition to the Approved DBR-Consultants recommendation letter.
9.3 What does the recommendation letter from the Approved DBR-C need to include?
The letter should include:
- a statement from the Approved DBR-C recommending the application for DBR-P Approval
- the number of cases that have been taken to case consultations.
- a statement of the number of both the individual or group consultation hours undertaken
- verification that the Approved DBR-C has seen evidence of the applicant’s DBR levels 1, 2 and 3 certificates
- verification of DBR session transcripts/video evidence reviews and confirmation of adherence to the DBR Therapist Guidelines
- confirmation that the Approved DBR-C has seen evidence of the applicant’s professional registration/licensure and professional practice insurance
- confirmation that the Approved DBR-C has reason to believe that you are of ‘Good Standing’ and are not currently subject to any professional complaint
- verification of participant numbers in consultation groups where the DBR-P (in DBR-C training) is making a letter of recommendation
9.4 Why do I need a recommendation letter from another Professional?
A recommendation letter from a line manager, clinical supervisor, Approved DBR-Consultant, Approved DBR-P (in DBR-C training) employer, professional colleague is for the purposes of attesting to your ‘Good Standing’ professionally.
Where an Approved DBR Consultant or Approved DBR-P (in DBR-C training) are providing this letter, if they have provided consultation on any of the cases listed, they must fulfil requirements as outlined in 9.3 above.
9.4 Why do I need a recommendation letter from another Professional?
A recommendation letter from a line manager, clinical supervisor, Approved DBR-Consultant, Approved DBR-P (in DBR-C training) employer, professional colleague or notary is for the purposes of attesting to your ‘Good Standing’ professionally.
Where an Approved DBR Consultant or Approved DBR-P (in DBR-C training) are providing a letter as per 9.2, this will fulfil this criteria – (you will not need another recommendation letter from another professional).
10.1 Steps to DBR-P Approval: Process Overview
To become DBR-P Approved and to have an entry on the www.deepbrainreorienting.com DBR Therapist Directory page:
- Undertake Level 1, 2 and 3 trainings in DBR (with an approved DBR Trainer).
- Apply DBR in clinical practice, attend case consultation, undertake personal therapy.
- Keep records of cases and transcripts in the application form (you can ‘save and review’ for up to 5 years).
- When the consultee thinks that requirements have been met, discuss your readiness to apply for Approved DBR-P with their Approved DBR-C(s).
- Approved DBR-C reviews application and provides a recommendation letter for approval of the DBR-P application – or lets the consultee know what they need to do to gain their recommendation.
- Consultee acquires second proposal letter/statement.
- Approved DBR-C reviews and signs.
- Consultee ensure application form is complete, together with date and signature.
- Consultant ensures the application is complete and that they can support the application.
Subsequently,
- DBR-Approval panel reviews application and makes recommendations to the DeepBrainReorienting Ltd Board of Directors.
- DeepBrainReorienting Ltd Board of Directors ratifies the recommendations.
- Consultee is notified of the outcome and sent the certificate of DBR-P approval.
- Upon receipt of your DBR-P Approval confirmation from DeepBrainReorienting, you may use the letters ‘DBR-P Approved’ or ‘Deep Brain Reorienting Practitioner Approved’ in your literature.
11.1 How do I submit my application DBR-P Approval Form?
The application process is automated on the website. Please click here to start completing the form.
Please note, that we cannot accept applications that are not submitted via the electronic/digitalised form.
11.2 How much does it cost to submit my DBR-P Approval application?
Application fee for DBR-P Approval is £240.00
The payment link is available here
11.3 Is the DBR-P Approval application fee refundable?
No. The application fee will not be refunded if your DBR-P Approval application is refused or if it is incomplete. You will have a year in which to provide outstanding evidence. After this time, a new application will need to be submitted.
11.4 What happens when my application is submitted?
DBR-P Approval applications are processed through DBR Trainings. A panel comprising Approved DBR-C’s and DBR-Approved Trainer’s are responsible for reviewing applications. The panel makes their recommendations for Approval to the DeepBrainReorienting Ltd Board of Directors.
11.5 How will I know if my application has been successful?
Applications should be processed within 3 months of receipt. The Approval Panel meets 4 times a year and recommendations are then made to DeepBrainReorienting Ltd Board of Directors.
Successful applications will receive the DBR-P Approval notification by email.
You will thereafter be able to use the designated letters: ‘Deep Brain Reorienting Practitioner Approved’ ‘DBR-P Approved’ after your name or refer to yourself as an Approved DBR Practitioner.
Applications that are not submitted on the correct form or that are incomplete or where fees have not paid for will not be reviewed. Please ensure you fully complete, sign and date the application form.
11.6 Can my DBR-P Approval be revoked?
On being awarded DBR-P Approved status by DeepBrainReorienting Ltd, the therapist is expected to uphold standards of behaviour commensurate with the ‘DBR Professional Code of Good Standing’. All DBR Professionals trained in DBR and DBR Members should be familiar with this code. ‘Good Standing’ includes the following commitments which are made to DeepBrainReorienting and to other DBR Professionals. For the full code, please click here.
- to support the DeepBrainReorienting Ltd mission and fidelity to the DBR model
- to aim to provide the highest standards for the clinical practice of DBR and to meet all requirements for practice and standards as set out by DeepBrainReorienting Ltd
- to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including when representing DeepBrainReorienting Ltd, DBR and fellow members
- to uphold the good name of DeepBrainReorienting Ltd
- to deal honestly and fairly in business with fellow approved practitioners and consultants, the Directors, DeepBrainReorienting Ltd employees, competitors, partner organisations and the public
- to refrain from making detrimental public statements about DBR or DeepBrainReorienting Ltd
- to act according to the therapist’s core professional code of ethics and conduct, and to inform DeepBrainReorienting Ltd of any breach of any such code and of any sanction, suspension, disciplinary action or investigation to which they are subject by any other regulatory or governing body
- to comply with the data protection standards of the country in which the therapist’s professional registration is held.
If the therapist is unable to meet or does not adhere to the DBR Professional Code of Good Standing, DeepBrainReorienting Ltd will retain the right to revoke DBR-P Approval status and remove the therapist from the DBR website list of approved practitioners.
11.7 How do I get my details on the DBR Therapist Directory list once I have attained my DBR-P Approved certificate?
The information required for your details to be included upon the DBR website is requested within your application form. The inclusion of your details on the website is optional. That information includes:
Profession: Your core profession (e.g. Clinical Psychologist)
Professional designatory letters
Contact Details: Email/phone
Website: Private Practice website only
11.8 DBR-P Approval Renewals
In order to maintain practice standards and to keep up to date with developments in theory, it is expected that Approved DBR Practitioners will attend to their continuing professional development and education via the research literature, attendance at conferences and workshops, attendance at Case consultations. DBR-P Approved certificates will require renewal every 3 years.
11.9 What do I need to do to renew my DBR-P Approved certificate?
To renew your DBR-P Approved certificate you will need to demonstrate current professional registration and professional indemnity insurance and ongoing engagement in case consultation sessions. It is anticipated that for most practitioners utilising DBR in day-to-day practice that they will have no less than 10 consultation hours annually.
In addition, 30 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) /CE points will need to be evidenced, these may include:
- further trauma training
- engaging in research or publications where DBR is the focus
- reading literature on the underpinning neuroscience of DBR and on DBR research publications as they become available
- attendance at DBR trainings, mini practicum series
- DBR advanced skills workshops
Additionally, a letter of recommendation from your DBR Consultant verifying your CPD/CE and current professional standing (as above) and a letter from a DBR peer/colleague who can attest to your current ‘Good Standing’.
11.10 How do I submit my DBR-P Renewal Application
Please find the DBR-P renewal application process here.