What is TRE?
TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) was devised by Dr David Berceli and his book, The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process, is a definitive text in understanding how TRE works. Dr Berceli recognised the purpose of tremors as a way of “shaking out the excess charge” following a traumatic experience and noticed this occurring naturally in children and animals, but more commonly repressed in adults.
The seven exercises of TRE are a powerful tool to induce therapeutic tremors that can be used to release tension and connect back to the body.
I was breathing in the fresh air and looking at the trees with their autumnal colours and for the first time in a long while I found myself thinking, “It’s good to be alive.”
Why is tremoring or shaking through TRE good for us?
Our bodies are perfectly designed to carry out a huge number of functions: muscles for movement, organs for processes, minds for living.
But tension and trauma can impact these functions, leaving us with tight muscles, rigid defensive postures, hyper-alertness, being easily startled, ready to run or fight, feeling numb, responding to pain. This can affect the healthy functioning of all parts of our bodies. Carrying these things can also reduce our window of tolerance and make us more susceptible to overwhelming emotions.
Shaking to release tense or held areas of the body through TRE can allow the restoration of healthy functionality and bring back balance and harmony. And alongside this physical release, we can develop a greater resilience to dealing with challenging situations and difficult emotions.
Dr Berceli summarises this beautifully: “Used regularly (TRE) can prevent life’s everyday minor stresses from turning into chronic tension.”
What happens in a TRE session?
I begin the session with a grounding exercise. This enables us to arrive in and settle into our bodies before shaking. I will then guide you through a series of seven simple exercises designed to gently tire the big muscles in the legs and wake up your connection to your body. The final exercise involves laying comfortably on a mat on the floor and this is where you shake. The end of the session is a comfortable rest with a blanket and cushion.
What should I expect?
We do TRE slowly, aiming for a gentle release. You will shake for around 15 minutes and, as your TRE provider, I will guide you through this, helping you explore your tremors. You remain in complete control and I will encourage you to regulate your own experience. Throughout your session I will help you to stay grounded and connected to your body.
How will I feel after a TRE session? After a few sessions?
Many people describe feeling calm, relaxed or even energised at the end of a session. And regular TRE sessions can have a cumulative benefit as you become more familiar with your shaking and more deeply connected to your body. You may find the benefits you notice with a regular shaking practice to be broad, positively impacting both your physical and emotional wellbeing.
A huge thank you for holding such a supportive, open, safe space for me. I feel heavy and it’s a nice feeling. And I had the best night’s sleep in a long time!
How many TRE sessions will I need?
There isn’t a recommended number of sessions as such, but the benefits of tremoring can develop and deepen with regular practice. I would encourage you to be guided by your own experience. You are, after all, the expert on you.
How often should I shake?
A weekly session would be a good, regular practice, and likely to enable you to establish and develop your tremoring and notice the benefits. But it’s okay if weekly sessions aren’t practical for you – our bodies remember and you will benefit from TRE however you access it.
Can I do TRE on my own?
Once you have learned the exercises and are able to ground yourself and regulate your experience you can practice on your own. There are, however, many added benefits to shaking with a Certified TRE Provider as I can explore and encourage your tremoring with you.
I would always suggest a few sessions with me before thinking about self-practice and some people only ever shake with a TRE provider, feeling it enhances their experience.
Can you recommend sources for further reading about TRE?
Yes! David Berceli devised TRE. You can find his excellent website here. I trained with Steve Haines and highly recommend his website here.
I’m not local to you, how do I find a Certified TRE Provider in my area?
Make sure you are accessing the ethical and responsible shaking model developed by David Berceli. To find a Certified TRE Provider in the UK, use this resource on Steve Haines’ website. For a worldwide list use this resource on David Berceli’s website .
A note about testimonials
All of the testimonials quoted here are genuine messages from my TRE clients. And they are all unsolicited, clients simply letting me know what and how they are feeling after their TRE sessions.