About the TRE® method
What is TRE®?
TRE® stands for Trauma/Tension Release Exercises. Thisvery gentle method uses a series of seven simple exercises or postures to help your body activate its natural mechanism of releasing muscle tension by shaking/vibrating.
The theoretical basis, backed by research, is based on the idea that stress and tension are both psychological and physical in nature. As such, this method is great for working with trauma (i.e., a not-yet-processed high-stress situation - whether emotional or related to a physical injury) as well as acute or chronic stress.
The muscle tremor reflex is genetically inherent in all mammals and allows us to successfully finish any stressful situation and regain both physical and mental balance.
The essence of the method is activation of the so-called neurogenic tremor in a safe and controlled environment.
The method also allows us to address tensions whose origin we are unclear about or prefer not to talk about.
Who created TRE® ?
T.R.E® is a method created by Dr. David Berceli, PhD., an American psychoneurologist and international expert in the field of trauma intervention and conflict resolution. He holds a solid academic and experiential grounding in psychotherapy and therapeutic body-work. He created the method in 1970s'.
Throughout his outstanding career, Dr. Berceli has worked s in many countries world all over (Israel/Palestine, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt, and Lebanon), ¨providing trauma relief workshops and designing recovery programs for international organizations. More information about him, the method and his research (studies and publications) can be found on the official website of the TRE® method: www.traumaprevention.com.
How does TRE® work?
TRE® is a very gentle method of working with the body, using a series of seven simple exercises/positions to allow your body to activate its natural mechanism of releasing muscle tension by shaking/vibrating.
The reflexive tremors that the client activates himself is not done intentionally, i.e. by will however the client is able to regulate it at any time, adjust the intensity and/or stop it completely. The whole process is very safe. People usually describe the experience of muscle vibration as pleasant and relaxing, followed by feelings of calmness and relaxation.
The essence of the method is the activation of the so-called neurogenic tremor in a safe and controlled environment. The muscle tremor reflex is genetically inherent in all mammals. It is the tool that evolution has given us to successfully cope with any stressful situation and regain both physical and mental balance once it is over. Animals and children use it quite naturally.
A little anatomy - Iliopsoas
One of the important muscles for relieving mental and emotional stress is the so-called Iliopsoas or shortly psoas. It is a massive muscle that connects the body, pelvis and legs. It is very deeply seated, gets activated every time we experience mental or emotional stress and remains in that tension unless the physiological stress cycle is closed correctly. As we go through life, the tension in psoas keeps building up and it may be a cause of many physical (back pain, muscle pain, menstrual pain, loss of libido, etc.) and emotional problems over time. TRE® is a way to relax this hard to reach muscle naturally and most importantly without causing even more damage that other techniques may inflict.
Who can benefit from TRE®:
TRE® can be practiced by almost anyone*. For child clients, the lower limit is 6-7 years.
- Those who feel stressed, find it difficult to relax, have difficulty concentrating, diagnosed with ADHD
- Those experiencing a recurring emotion in their life (fear, worry, anxiety, anger...), who react strongly to small things, get easily triggered
- Those who deal with stress by procrastination, food or scrolling
- Those who are looking for a convenient and efficient method of relaxation at home
- Those seeking inner balance
- Sports enthusiasts to relax muscles, increase flexibility and regenerate faster
- People with stressful jobs, at risk of a burnout syndrome
- Parents looking for an efficient way of recharging and have more energy
- Those who have troubles sleeping
- Those who desire greater physical or mental harmony but find it difficult to talk about problems
- People with back or muscle pain
- Women - preparing for pregnancy, menstrual pain, processing the experience of a difficult birth, pelvic bottom problems
- Helping professions (EMTs - police, firefighters, paramedics, military, therapists...)
- All those who feel tired and lack vitality for a long time
* Caution is only needed for clients with hypoglycemia, heart problems and epilepsy. A free entry consultation where limitations are discussed is always a must for every client. Once I learn about them, I can tailor each session to the client's needs.
Reported benefits include:
- Release of deep muscle tension patterns caused by stress/unprocessed emotional trauma or physical injury
- Elimination/reduction/relief of back pain, musculoskeletal or muscle pain
- Improved flexibility
- Calming of the nervous system, emotional stability
- Improved sleep
- Greater resistance to daily stress and better immunity
- More energy and vitality
- Improved relationships, less conflicts
- Improved sex life
- Faster recovery after physical injuries
- Greater ability to relax, anxiety reduction
- Greater ability to focus, greater performance at work or school
- It can be used on its own or in synergywith others such as physiotherapy, psychotherapy, it promotes sustainability of changes
- Teaches emotional self-regulation, which equals to less reactivity, thus reducing relational conflicts at home and at workplace
- It can assist with problems related to female well-being (pelvic floor issue, painful periods....)
- Relief from many other physical and emotional problems
- Greater sense of internal safety