1022-25: From Trauma to Transformation: Rewiring Neural Circuits with DBR for PMH Nursing

This session explores DBR therapy as a transformational, neuroscience-based approach to trauma-informed psychiatric nursing. Participants will gain insights into DBR’s brainstem-focused mechanisms, its role in treating trauma-related disorders, and its integration with precision psychiatry. Engaging discussions and case applications will equip PMH nurses with practical DBR skills.

Presenters:  Daniel D. Medlock, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LPC, CSAC; Evelyn Perkins, MS, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty, with the exception of those listed below, have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. All relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Daniel D. Medlock, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LPC, CSAC is on the speaker’s bureau for Myriad Genetics, Inc.

Session Length:  1 hour 15 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Apply deep brain reorienting principles to assess and intervene with trauma-related neurophysiological imprints.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Brainstem-based techniques address subcortical trauma responses beyond the reach of traditional trauma-informed care.
• Nursing-led interventions can resolve incomplete orienting responses to restore autonomic regulation.

Keywords:  Therapy, Trauma-informed Care, Conceptual Framework

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.25 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  January 6, 2026
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

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