FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Yes. Painted Bird is a virtual practice, so your sessions are held through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. If you’re located in Virginia, you can connect with your clinician from a private, comfortable space that works for you. Before your first appointment, you’ll receive simple steps for joining your session.

Yes. Painted Bird Psychotherapy accepts a variety of major insurance plans. Insurance participation may vary by clinician, so we encourage you to contact our office to verify coverage and clinician availability. Accepted plans may include: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Medicaid Aetna Aetna Better Health Medicaid Sentara Health Plans (formerly Optima Health) Humana Tricare East Carelon Behavioral Health UnitedHealthcare (select plans) Virginia Medicaid Fee-for-Service

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a gentle yet powerful trauma therapy that helps people heal from trauma by working with the deepest parts of the brain involved in threat, shock, and attachment responses. DBR focuses on the brainstem, where the body's original response to overwhelming experiences is first registered. By addressing trauma at this foundational level, many individuals experience profound healing from PTSD, complex trauma, attachment wounds, and developmental trauma. DBR was developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan and is supported by emerging neuroscience research.

DBR stands for Deep Brain Reorienting, a neuroscience-based trauma therapy designed to address shock and attachment-related trauma at its source. DBR is: Neuroscience-based and body-informed Focused on brainstem processing Effective for attachment trauma and PTSD Gentle and well tolerated Particularly useful for developmental and complex trauma

DBR differs from many trauma therapies because it works directly with the brainstem and midbrain, where shock and threat responses first occur. DBR: Works at the brainstem level Often feels less emotionally overwhelming Does not require detailed retelling of traumatic events Addresses both shock trauma and attachment wounds Helps the nervous system recognize that the threat is over While many traditional therapies can be highly effective, some individuals find that understanding their trauma cognitively does not fully resolve the body's trauma response. DBR helps address the deeper neurological patterns that may continue to keep the nervous system in survival mode.

Both Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective trauma therapies, but they approach healing differently. EMDR focuses on helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation while working with thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs. DBR works at a deeper neurological level by targeting the brainstem, the part of the brain that first registers shock and threat before emotions and thoughts develop. Many clients find DBR feels slower, gentler, and less activating than traditional trauma therapies. Your therapist can help determine which approach is best suited to your needs.

DBR may be beneficial for: Attachment trauma Developmental trauma Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) PTSD Early life trauma Aloneness pain Shock trauma Recent traumatic events Relational trauma

Yes. Research on DBR continues to grow. A randomized controlled trial conducted by Dr. Ruth Lanius and colleagues demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after eight sessions of DBR. Additional research and neuroimaging studies continue to explore how DBR affects brain functioning and trauma recovery.

Shock is often stored deeply within the nervous system and may continue to fuel symptoms long after the traumatic event has ended. Unresolved shock may contribute to: Anxiety Hypervigilance Panic Emotional reactivity Persistent trauma symptoms DBR helps process and resolve shock at its source, allowing the nervous system to settle and creating a stronger foundation for healing.

Following a DBR session, clients may experience: Continued body processing Increased calm and relaxation Greater emotional awareness Reduced trauma responses Improved connections to self and others Your therapist will help ensure you feel grounded before ending each session and will discuss appropriate self-care strategies.

Not at all. Expressive Arts Therapy is not about artistic talent. It is about using creativity as a pathway to self-expression, healing, and growth. Activities may include: Drawing and painting Creative writing and journaling Music and sound Movement and mindfulness Symbolic expression The focus is on the process—not the final product.

Yes. Painted Bird Psychotherapy provides professional immigration evaluations throughout Virginia. Services may include: Hardship Waivers VAWA Evaluations U-Visa Evaluations T-Visa Evaluations Asylum Evaluations Evaluations are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and completed according to professional forensic standards.

Yes. Painted Bird Psychotherapy offers supervision and consultation services for Virginia residents and clinicians seeking professional development. Services may include: Individual Supervision Group Supervision Case Consultation Ethics and Professional Development Trauma-Informed Training

Painted Bird Psychotherapy provides services for teens and adults. Our clinicians work with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families, providing individualized care tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.

The length of therapy depends on your goals, concerns, and individual circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific issues, while others choose longer-term treatment to address trauma, attachment wounds, and longstanding patterns. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your goals.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to learn about you and understand what brings you to therapy. Together, we will discuss: Your current concerns Personal history Strengths and support Goals for treatment Questions about the therapy process There is no pressure to share everything at once. We move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Yes. For clients who desire it, we offer faith-integrated counseling that thoughtfully incorporates spiritual beliefs and biblical principles into the therapeutic process. Faith integration is always client-led and never imposed. We honor and respect everyone’s values, beliefs, and personal journey.

Finding the right therapist is an important part of the healing process. When you contact our practice, we will take time to learn about your goals, preferences, and concerns before helping match you with the clinician who best fits your needs. Whether you are seeking support for trauma, anxiety, depression, military-related concerns, recovery, relationship challenges, or personal growth, we are committed to helping you find the right therapeutic relationship.

At Painted Bird Psychotherapy, we believe healing requires more than symptom reduction requires connection, understanding, and integration. Our practice combines trauma-informed care, neuroscience, evidence-based therapies, expressive arts, faith-informed approaches, and innovative trauma treatments including EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Trauma Model Therapy (TMT), and NEST™ (Nested Ego-State Systems Therapy). We are committed to helping clients move beyond survival and toward healing, resilience, and transformation. "Caged birds believe flying is an illness." Our mission is to help you remember that you were created to fly.”

You can start by reaching out for a free consultation. Once you contact us, our intake specialist will follow up within 48 hours to learn what you’re looking for and help you take the next step toward care.

Yes. If we do not accept your insurance, or if you prefer to self-pay, we can discuss your options and provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please contact our office for the most up-to-date fee information and to talk through what works best for you.

Painted Bird Psychotherapy is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in the U.S. and need urgent mental health support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are already an established client and need to reschedule after a crisis, please contact our office as soon as you are able.

You do not need to know that on your own. During your consultation and early sessions, we’ll talk through your history, symptoms, goals, and what feels safest for you. Based on that conversation, we may recommend EMDR, DBR, talk therapy, expressive arts therapy, or another trauma-informed approach that best supports your healing.

Yes. Painted Bird Psychotherapy is a virtual practice serving clients throughout Virginia. Because we provide telehealth services, you must be physically located in Virginia at the time of your session. If you are unsure whether your location qualifies, we’re happy to help clarify that during your consultation.