Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)

Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) is the body’s natural process for releasing stress, tension and trauma. TRE is a set of gentle exercises to activate the body’s inbuilt tremoring mechanism so it can shake out the tension, stress and trauma. When the body is triggered in threat or perceived danger it gets pumped full of adrenaline and cortisol to prepare it to fight back or run away. If you don’t run or fight those chemicals stay within the body and contribute to the chronic tension, tightness, and soreness that we feel when our muscles are locked up and have restricted movement. TRE helps to unwind these tension patterns. Once you have learned how to self-regulate your tremoring you can use TRE regularly on your own at home to help your body relax, let go of any stress, tension and trauma, and return to its natural calm state.

Dr Jodi-Anne Smith – What is Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)? (5:01 mins)
Dr David Berceli – Trauma expert helps PTSD recovery with self-initiated shaking/muscle trembling technique (2:11 mins)
Dr Jodi-Anne Smith – Stress & its impact on our body – how TRE helps (8:45 mins) – explains how stress, tension and trauma gets stored in our body when we’re overwhelmed, can’t run or fight back. This leads our nervous system to stay in an activated, hyperalert state resulting in anxiety. If we experience traumatic situations such as child abuse, surgery, domestic violence or car accidents the body interprets these as life-threatening and will go into freeze. If not helped to come out of it we can go into depression and a form of shutting down. TRE can help us complete the trauma activations so that we can move out of freeze, fight and flight, regaining a sense of safety in the body that enables us to more joyfully interact with others.
Dr David Berceli – Shake and relieve anxiety? (8:49 mins) – explains how stress and tension in the body result in anxious thoughts as the body interprets tension as a lack of safety and sends danger signals to the brain that then scans for danger and stays hyperalert even if there is no actual external danger. If you release the tension in the body through TRE the body feels safer, the danger signals reduce, so the mind relaxes and isn’t as anxious.

Want to learn TRE?

Over 5 million people have learnt TRE. It is taught in over 60 countries worldwide. TRE can be learned via an appointment in person or online. A minimum of 3 sessions is recommended to ensure that you have learned how to self-regulate your tremoring. You can bring a friend and share the cost! Once you have learnt how to self-regulate you can continue using TRE at home for the rest of your life as part of your self-care routine. You do not have to see a TRE provider regularly. However, you may choose to have occasional or regular sessions with a TRE provider if you want more guidance or support with your tremoring process.

TRE can also be learnt in workshops and through a free TRE online course. Please note the free online course is not suitable for:

  • Anyone with psychological/psychiatric conditions that require strict regulation
  • Anyone with fragile psychological defences
  • Anyone who has a history of complex trauma (near-death experiences, abuse, violence, major accidents, natural disasters, surgeries, severe losses, etc)
  • Anyone with physical conditions that require strict regulation
  • Anyone with physical or medical limitations.

For anyone in the above categories, it is best to consult with a TRE provider, like me, to make sure TRE is suitable for you and to teach you how to use it safely.

testimonials

To view more testimonials click here.

Want to learn more?

Below are links to more information on TRE.