What is TRE?

TRE® stands for Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises

TRE® is an innovative series of exercises that assist in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma held in the body, a modality that was developed by Dr. Berceli (a bodyworker, social worker and field traumatologist). More specifically, it is a physical practice that activates a natural reflex mechanism of vibration deep within the body. This sustained vibration or shaking response allows the body and the nervous system to be calmed, safely restoring a grounded sense within the body, while calming down the nervous system. TRE® is based on the fundamental idea, backed by recent research, that stress, tension and trauma is both psychological and physical. The reflexive muscle vibrations in TRE® generally feel pleasant and soothing.  And after doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being.

TRE® is a form of therapeutic shaking, a practice that teaches people how to safely activate an innate reflexive tremoring response, inviting the same release process that we see in animals in the wild who "shake it off," after experiencing a threatening event. As distinguished (though related) from dance, Tai Chi or Qi Gong exercises that invite participants to consciously shake, TRE guides participants through a series of simple movement exercises that open a gateway whereby an automatic or more reflexive shaking response can occur. This is most effectively done with the safety and support of a trained facilitator. 

Perhaps you've witnessed in yourself or a child or a pet in a particular moment, accessing this kind of bodily response to stress? Shaking with fear (pets with loud sounds - thunder, fireworks), or just feeling shaky from a stressful exchange? Perhaps after surgery or after an accident or an injury you have sensed a shakiness within? Or perhaps at the other end of the spectrum, the quivering with delight kind of feeling (little children will sometimes flap/shake their arms or torso with delight), the tingle or effervescent quality of excitement, not to mention the intimate and healthy trembling that happens with sexual energy. This is all a part of the continuum that we experience as mammals responding to life as it is, in the moment, as embodied beings. This process of therapeutic shaking we engage with in TRE can be restorative, calming, relaxing and ultimately freeing. 

How can TRE be supportive?

TRE is based on the premise that the experience of every-day stress and prior trauma express themselves in our body in BOTH psychological and physical ways. Manifestations of that stress can express in many different ways, but a few include: muscle tension, soreness, pain, headaches, difficulty sleeping, disturbance of digestion function, anxiety, depression etc. Much of the time it can be challenging and frustrating to relieve the stress in our lives through direct psychological work or traditional exercise alone. TRE allows one to release some amount of both every-day stress and built up trauma in the body through a mindful embodied practice that can be practiced in the home. Tension release in the body oftentimes leads the brain to register a reduction in the fight or flight signals, contributing to a an overall reduction in stress and pain.

Who can benefit from TRE?

All of us!

Since this shaking mechanism in the muscles is part of our natural behavior as humans, (other mammals engage in this process of shaking/stress release in the wild all the time) everyone can benefit from TRE. This shaking of the muscles increases the resiliency of the body because it causes deep relaxation that naturally reduces stress levels. It can release emotions ranging from mild upset to severe anxiety whether it is caused by work stress, excessive worry, conflict in relationships, physical stresses, car accidents or other traumas. As individuals surviving modern culture and all of the stressors and traumas potentially found therein, TRE helps to create more resiliency and adaptive energy in the whole body and mind.

TRE® has helped many thousands of people globally. Although there are some preliminary research findings on the benefits of TRE®. The not-for-profit organization, TRE for All, continually seeks research funding to identify all that is involved in this naturally occurring process.

TRE® is a safe and effective stress release technique for most people. The TRE® process should not be used as a substitute for trauma recovery procedures of a medical or psychiatric nature. Individuals who have physical or psychological conditions that require strict regulation, individuals with fragile psychological defenses, a complex history of trauma or restricting physical or medical limitations should consult their medical practitioner or a Certified TRE Provider prior to performing these exercises.

Whether you are a a soldier suffering with PTSD, a parent/spouse who would like more patience with your family, a survivor of violence, someone suffering from the effects of a car accident, an athlete, a dancer, or simply a person who wants to become more resilient and just feel better about life, you can benefit from TRE®.

Research Links

https://traumaprevention.com/research/

Lauren is available to schedule both In-Person and Online TRE sessions.

Both individual and group session options, please call or email to schedule 512-699-1086, lauren@earthskybodyworks.net.