TRE® TENSION & TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISE

WHAT IS TRE® 

Developed by Dr. David Berceli, PhD,  TRE® is a body based (somatic) process consisting of a simple yet innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma, calming down the nervous system.  When done correctly it can allow the individual to discharge tension from the body, which often does not require "revisiting the story".  TRE® activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating within the body.  If this is done in a safe and controlled environment the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance.  When tension is released anywhere in the body, the brain registers a reduction in pain signals producing new hormones that promote healing.  

TRE® is being used by thousands of people around the world as an effective tool to reduce pain, increase mobility and aid in healing past injuries, for releasing chronic traumatic stress, physical tension and emotional trauma. It can release emotions ranging from mild upset to severe anxiety whether caused by work stress, excessive worry, conflict in relationships, or traumatic events such as natural disasters, social or domestic violence.   

Stress, anxiety and trauma are common events in people's lives.  We often experience stress on a daily level, either at home or at work.  The body constantly responds to elevated levels of stress by contracting the muscles to "get through" the situation.  However, we seldom recognize these contractions until we experience pain, discomfort or illness.  

WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Trauma is the experience of being overwhelmed.  Trauma can be anything from a car accident, personal injury, serious harm, natural disasters, prolonged psychological or emotional child or spousal abuse, domestic or social violence.  The impact of any single event or the accumulative impact of events is contingent on many different variables.  Two people could go through the same exact experience and be affected in totally different ways.  

Vicarious Trauma / Compassion fatigue - Any unconscious effect on someone due to exposure to other people's experiences or stories.  Any intense emotional experience in which one's own emotions are suppressed or unacknowledged.  

Cultural Trauma / Mass Trauma - A shock to the cultural tissue of society, such as a natural disaster or man made one.

Transgenerational Trauma -  War is the most common form of this type of trauma and can be passed down from one generation to another.

Religious Trauma -  A form of psychological abuse and brainwashing that inculcates the shameful message that we are sinful and must live in a constant state of penance and atonement to escape ultimate punishment.  This can be experienced in highly controlled groups or cults.

THE MIND BODY CONNECTION 

Trauma causes deep muscle contractions which are designed to protect the body from harm during the traumatic episode.  Since the body is an accurate history book of our experiences in life it is essential to include the body in the healing process.  It is essential to release the chronic tension pattern after the event has ended in order to restore the body back to its relaxed state.  If we do not discharge the excess energy accumulated during an experience it can cause post trauma reactions which will remain trapped in a bio-neural-physiological loop that causes a repetitive compulsive behavior.