Reflections on therapy, trauma, and the nervous system

Articles and reflections from my practice

This page brings together articles and reflections from my practice.

Some focus directly on therapy, trauma, the nervous system, and relationship patterns. Others reflect more broadly on the values and human questions that shape how I think about suffering, care, relationship, and psychological work.

If you have come here because you are considering therapy, you may also want to look at the main therapy pages, About, or Getting started to get a clearer sense of how I work.

You can also read more about some of the key values behind my work.

May 29, 2026

Why trauma therapy can feel subtle before it feels transformational

May 29, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

In trauma-informed therapy, the first signs of change are often quiet. A reaction may still arise, but pass more quickly. A familiar feeling may still be present, but no longer take over in the same way. This article explores why trauma therapy can feel subtle before it feels transformational, especially where developmental trauma, nervous-system regulation, pacing, integration, and relational safety are part of the work.

May 07, 2026

DBR and Mindfulness: Similar Attention, Different Clinical Purpose

May 07, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

DBR and mindfulness both involve careful attention, but they use attention differently. Mindfulness listens to what emerges in present-moment experience. DBR works earlier in the nervous system sequence, close to where orienting and shock first arise.

April 25, 2026

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR): benefits, side effects, and what they mean in practice

April 25, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) can support trauma processing, regulation, and reduced reactivity, but it may also bring temporary side effects. This article offers a balanced overview of benefits, possible after-effects, pacing, and integration.

March 20, 2026

The Relational Nature of TA, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, DBR, and ILF Neurofeedback

March 20, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

Transactional Analysis, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Deep Brain Reorienting may sound different, but all are deeply relational approaches. ILF neurofeedback can also support the nervous system conditions that make grounded attunement and relational presence more possible.

March 14, 2026

What It Means to Work Relationally in Therapy

March 14, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

Working relationally in therapy means more than talking about relationships. This article explores self-exploration, ego states, shock, affect, and the integration of top-down and bottom-up approaches.

February 11, 2026

DBR and ILF neurofeedback: when regulation support helps trauma work

February 11, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

DBR and ILF neurofeedback can complement each other: neurofeedback supports regulation and sleep; DBR resolves shock patterns. Here’s how integration works.

January 28, 2026

DBR, EMDR, and somatic therapy: a balanced comparison

January 28, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

Confused by DBR, EMDR, and somatic therapy? Here’s a clear, balanced guide to how they differ, what they share, and who they can suit.

January 14, 2026

The orienting response: a DBR-friendly explanation

January 14, 2026/ Paolo Imbalzano

Have you ever jumped at a sudden noise, felt your stomach drop when someone’s tone changed, or noticed your body tense before you even understood why?

That’s not you being “too sensitive.” That’s your nervous system doing its job.

December 29, 2025

After a DBR session: what you may notice and how to support integration

December 29, 2025/ Paolo Imbalzano

What happens after Deep Brain Reorienting? Common responses include tiredness, vivid dreams, emotional softness, and calmer reactivity. Here’s how to integrate.