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DBR Therapy in Dubai with Dr Millia Begum

Dr Millia Begum provides Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) therapy in Dubai for adults experiencing trauma-related difficulties such as PTSD, Complex PTSD, attachment wounds and dissociation. As a Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive experience in trauma therapy, Dr Millia may use DBR alongside EMDR and IFS therapy as part of an individualised approach to trauma treatment.

 

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Is DBR Therapy Right for Me?

DBR therapy is a promising, neuroscience-informed trauma psychotherapy that targets the deep brain structures involved in the initial physical response to threat. These early threat responses may be part of several trauma-related conditions such as Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, attachment trauma and dissociative symptoms.

Want to understand how Deep Brain Reorienting works? Read the complete guide to DBR Therapy

 

What Can DBR Therapy Help With?

DBR may be particularly relevant when traumatic experiences continue to trigger strong bodily, emotional or defensive responses in the present time.  Along with other therapeutic modalities, DBR therapy may be helpful for:

 

What are the Potential Benefits of DBR Therapy?

Research into DBR is still developing. An initial randomized controlled trial found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms following eight sessions of DBR. Depending on the individual’s presentation and treatment goals, therapy may also focus on difficulties such as:

  • Reducing symptoms of intrusive memories and reliving the past
  • Reducing chronic states of hypervigilance
  • Reducing flashbacks and nightmares 
  • Reducing trauma-related anxiety and fear
  • Improvements in dissociative responses

It is not uncommon for clients to say: “I was searching for who I am all my life, now I know who I am. I am this calm state that I never knew existed in me” 

 

What Is Different About DBR Therapy?

Deep Brain Reorienting differs from many trauma therapies in where it begins the processing sequence. Rather than starting primarily with thoughts, meanings or emotions, DBR pays close attention to early orienting and potential shock responses before subsequent emotional and defensive responses emerge.

DBR processing is deliberately slow, maintaining attention on orienting tension and associated bodily sensations as shock, emotional and defensive responses unfold. This allows trauma-related material to be processed while maintaining present-moment orientation and reducing the likelihood of emotional overwhelm.

 

Why Work With Dr. Millia?

Dr Millia Begum is a Consultant Psychiatrist with more than 25 years of experience working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. She also has expertise in EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Professional DBR Training & Recognition

Dr Millia Begum has undertaken advanced training in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) and is listed on the independent Find a DBR Therapist directory.

Founding Therapist — Listed on Find a DBR Therapist — Independent Directory

Common Questions About DBR Therapy

How Is DBR Different From EMDR?
DBR and EMDR are both trauma-focused therapies, but they approach trauma processing differently. EMDR works with distressing memories using alternating eye movements while processing associated thoughts, emotions and body sensations. DBR begins with subtle orienting tension emerging from an activating experience and tracks the unfolding sequence of shock, emotional and bodily responses. Learn more about EMDR Therapy.

Can DBR Be Combined With EMDR and IFS?
Yes. DBR may be used alongside other trauma therapies such as EMDR, IFS when clinically appropriate. The choice and sequencing of therapy depends on the individual’s difficulties, treatment goals and response to treatment. Learn more about IFS Therapy.

Do I Need To Talk About My Trauma In Detail?
Not necessarily. DBR does not usually require a detailed retelling of traumatic experiences. After an initial assessment and preparation, attention during DBR processing is directed primarily towards orienting, bodily and emotional responses, rather than detailed narrative or storytelling.

Is DBR evidence-based?
DBR is a newer trauma therapy with an emerging evidence base. A randomized controlled trial involving 54 adults with PTSD found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms following eight DBR sessions compared with a waitlist control, with improvements maintained at three-month follow-up. However, the research base for DBR remains considerably smaller than that of established trauma therapies such as EMDR.

Read more about the DBR study in PTSD in these links:

How Many DBR Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Some people benefit from DBR as a standalone therapy, while others use it as part of a broader trauma treatment plan.

What Happens During the First Appointment?
The first appointment focuses on understanding your difficulties, symptoms, history, and goals. Together, we discuss whether DBR therapy, EMDR therapy, IFS therapy, or a combination of approaches would best support your recovery.

 

Book a DBR Therapy Session in Dubai

To book a therapy consultation or learn more, please get in touch:

 

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