Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Photo credits for this page: Luca T
Step out of the mind and into the body
Welcome to the wonderful world of TRE- where layers of tension melt away and your body can come back into a natural state of balance.
TRE stands for ‘tension & trauma release exercises and is a powerful yet gentle way of melting away stored layers of stress that we unknowingly carry within our muscles, tissues, and fascia. Created by Dr. David Berceli, PhD, TRE safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system.
just as animals instinctively shake off stress (think of a dog after a stressful encounter) we too can physically ‘shake it off’ using TRE.
TRE increases your overall sense of wellbeing and brings calm to the body as well as helping to reduce symptoms of:
Stress
Chronic pain
PTSD symptoms
Anxiety
Old injuries
Sleep problems
Depression
TRE is more than a physical practice, it’s a process of building a relationship with your body, and reconnecting with yourself. As your TRE practice evolves, you’ll be able to access and release those deeply held layers of tension & trauma that you’ve been carrying for so long.
Connection creates safety
Central to the TRE experience is co-regulation, where our partnership creates a safe space for your practice. Like any therapeutic relationship, familiarity creates trust and trust creates safety; the safer you feel, the deeper you’ll go. Through ongoing communication and support, you’ll be able to access those deeper layers of held tension & trauma within your system.
Your comfort and needs are my top priority. With open communication and support, we’ll navigate your TRE journey together.
What happens in a TRE session?
Your TRE session begins with a check-in, where we take a moment to understand how you’re feeling on the day and tune into your body’s needs. From there, I’ll guide you through a sequence of seven gentle exercises, carefully designed to activate the innate neuro-muscular tremors within your body.
As we transition to the mat, you’ll experience the gentle yet profound tremors for approximately 15-20 minutes. I’ll first demonstrate how to initiate and pause the tremors so that you feel empowered and in control of the intensity. Throughout the practice, I’ll be there to support you and check in with occasional guidance.
Following the TRE session, you’ll have a period of rest and relaxation, allowing for the practice to integrate deeply into your body. We’ll then reconvene to explore your experience, noting any shifts or changes you may have noticed.
How many sessions will I need?
TRE isn’t just a one-time experience; it’s a transformative practice that becomes an invaluable tool for life. I recommend starting with five one-on-one sessions to establish a strong foundation before transitioning to your own personal practice. Even then, occasional guided sessions can provide invaluable support, as the presence of a trained professional enhances safety and facilitates access to deeper layers of tension.
“I had an incredible experience during my TRE session. The space Lenna created was calm and safe, allowing me to fully relax my body. Her clear guidance and caring attitude, combined with her evident wisdom and expertise, made the session truly effective.
My body and nervous system felt regulated, and the sense of relaxation stayed with me long after the session ended.”
LUCA T.
Photo credit: Luca T