Heather O'Brien Counselling

01/23/2026

It is wonderful to see the interest and curiosity in response the recent posts about Deep Brain Reorienting. In case your curiosity did not lead you to discover the other brilliant videos created by Hannah and Frank, I am happy to fill your appetite here. In the video below you will be introduced to the various experiences of freeze that have been identified and the related deep brain activity of those three key areas that we believe are in the mix.

If you or someone in your life could benefit from this kind of therapy, reach out for a complimentary

In this video, Dr Hannah Young revisits the three main brainstem structures underpinning Deep Brain Reorienting, a psychotherapy developed by Dr Frank Corrig...

01/17/2026

Thank you to all those who reached out eager to learn more about Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). It is thrilling to witness the growing interest and availability of this novel trauma therapy. One of the things I find most intriguing about DBR is its ability to shift and process Complex Trauma or C-PTSD and attachment wounding.

The DBR organization has developed some easy to digest videos in response to those wanting to understand more about Deep Brain Reorienting. I find them helpful and always direct my clients to this rich resource. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

This is "A Brainstem Model video" by Silvia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

01/13/2026

Feeling extra grateful to have had Deep Brain Reorienting enter my clinical and personal life after a weekend of assisting the training of a new cohort of clinicians. It is so moving to hear learners share their first personal experiences with this therapy and the excitement imagining what this therapy could offer their clients.

If you think that DBR could be benefit you, reach out for a complimentary consultation.

What DBR Helps With:
Trauma & PTSD:
Directly addresses the brainstem's response to shock and trauma, reducing symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD):
Effective for chronic or developmental trauma from childhood or long-term adverse experiences.
Anxiety & Depression:
Eases overwhelming physical and emotional distress linked to past trauma.
Attachment Wounds:
Heals deep relational wounds from early disruptions or abandonment.
Chronic Shame & Self-Criticism:
Processes deep-seated feelings of worthlessness.
Emotional Dysregulation:
Helps individuals manage intense emotions and feel more in control.
Relationship Difficulties:
Improves trust and connection issues stemming from trauma.

www.hobriencounselling.com
heather@hobriencounselling.com
416-996-6694

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/healing-from-trauma/202508/targeting-traumatic-shock-with-deep-brain-reorienting-dbr

Unlike other therapies, Deep Brain Reorienting works to resolve traumatic shock, opening new pathways for healing from trauma and PTSD.

12/01/2025

Have you been curious about trauma therapy? The options are expanding as we learn more about what happens in the brain. The more we learn, the more hope there is for meaningful shifts in the pain and suffering so many live with.

Watch the video below to learn more about Deep Brain Reorienting and reach out to set up a consultation if you would like to explore how DBR could benefit you.

I am trained in all 3 levels

https://deepbrainreorienting.com

https://vimeo.com/998224928?fl=pl&fe=sh

This is "A Brainstem Model video" by Silvia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

11/24/2025

03/11/2021

“Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today – one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease – we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends, and loved one."
PM Justin Trudeau

As you mourn and honour today, remember to stay open to how you can bring love into the life of the grieving around you.

03/09/2021

What a rich and powerful quote.

03/09/2021

Although adults may not choose bubble letters with dots to represent their coping tools, the idea of scaling problems is a great tool to introduce to children as young as toddlers, and to use throughout the life span. This has been an especially helpful tool as I work with children and youth to break down the HUGE covid problem into smaller problems that impact their lives directly. Do you do this in your life?

03/08/2021

Happy International Women's Day🙋‍♀️

May we celebrate in where we come from, who we are, and what the future holds for our girls.

03/04/2021

Sleep keeps coming up in my conversations with clients. It seems to be one of the many things that are taking a hit with living in pandemic times. As you take a minute to check your sleep and bedtime habits, remember that sleep is a long game. Any changes that you make will take a bit of time to set and help you snooze with more ease. I tell kids it is like the difference between air-dry and baked clay :)

02/28/2021

I have had such a rich week of learning and reunion this past week interviewing friends about caring for kiddos that have a Rare disease or disorder. The interviews were full of love, hope, grief, struggle and resilience.

On this last day of February this community and their allies come together to recognize all that Rare is, and what Rare needs from those around.

With 1/12 people living with a rare disease, this is an issue that deserves and demands more care, attention and problem solving.

Take a moment to learn more. The more we know...
Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
https://www.raredisorders.ca

If you don't see the subtitles, make sure to activate them by clicking on the subtitle button. Or choose the language you would like the subtitles in under s...

02/26/2021

What a wonderful learning opportunity being offered this Saturday via zoom.

Essence of Mind and BrAIDS for AIDS Presents:

"Lift Every Voice" Building Resilience Through Dealing with Stigma

In Celebration of Black History Month, join us for our event that will help shine light on Mental Illness and help defeat the stigma.

Hear uplifting stories from individuals who have faced /are facing the wrath of a mental illness and just how they are still able be a beaming light.

Saturday: Feb 27, 2021

Time: 1-3pm

Via: Zoom

With Special Guest Speakers:

Dr. Adisa, Psychologist

Desiree Kerr -Living Experience

Jelani Daniels-Poet

and Asante Haughton - Community Worker/Mental Health Advocate.

This seminar will be an in depth conversation about:

-Mental Health

-HIV/AIDS

-Black Identify

-The Healing Process



Hosted on the ZOOM platform. The link will be emailed to registered guests.

Register here on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lift-every-voice-building-resilience-through-dealing-with-stigma-tickets-141189113439

For more information email monique.hughes@braidsforaids.com or info@myessenceofmind.org

Thanks everyone!

We look forward to seeing you!

Please share! :)



www.myessenceofmind.org
www.braidsforaids.com

💚