rebirthing /rēbur″thing/ , a form of psychotherapy developed by Leonard Orr that focuses on the breath and breathing apparatus. Orr believes the premature severing of the umbilical cord deprives the newborn of oxygen and forces him or her to suddenly learn to breathe through fluid-filled lungs, resulting in panic and terror with every breath taken. The goal of treatment is to overcome the trauma of the birth-damaged breathing apparatus so that the person is able to use the breath as a supportive and creative part of life.
