Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®)
What is TRE®?
TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a gentle, body-based practice designed to release deep muscular tension and calm the nervous system. Developed by Dr. David Berceli, TRE® uses simple movements that naturally activate the body’s innate shaking or tremoring reflex—a safe, built-in mechanism for releasing stress, tension, and stored trauma.
This natural process helps reset the nervous system, creating more ease, resilience, and a sense of grounded presence.
How TRE® Works?
Activates the body’s natural tremor reflex to discharge stress and tension stored in muscles
Engages the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body toward calm and safety
Supports emotional and physical regulation, often leading to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and greater vitality
Complement other therapies such as bodywork, counseling, and mindfulness practices
Who Can Benefit from TRE®?
TRE® can be helpful for people experiencing:
Everyday stress and overwhelm
Physical tension or pain patterns
Recovery from trauma or challenging life events
Anxiety, hypervigilance, or difficulty relaxing
A desire for deeper embodiment and nervous system resilience
Key Benefits of TRE
People who practice TRE® often experience:
Release of deep muscular tension and stored stress
A calmer, more regulated nervous system
Greater emotional balance and resilience under stress
Improved sleep and a deeper sense of relaxation
Increased energy, focus, and overall vitality
Enhanced body awareness, grounding, and connection to self
A simple, sustainable tool for ongoing self-care and well-being
Research and Reported Benefits
Research on neurogenic tremors—the natural shaking mechanism that TRE® activates—has shown promising results in areas such as:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved sleep quality and deeper relaxation
Decreased muscle tension and pain
Enhanced emotional regulation and resilience under stress
In addition, people who regularly practice TRE® often notice:
Feeling calmer and more grounded in daily life
Increased energy and vitality
Greater focus and mental clarity
Reduced irritability and emotional reactivity
Relief from physical discomfort or postural strain
A deeper sense of connection with their body and emotions
While research is ongoing and individual experiences vary, many people find TRE® to be a valuable tool for restoring nervous system balance and supporting overall well-being.
What to Expect in a TRE Session
Sessions begin with simple, guided movements to gently fatigue specific muscle groups. This allows the body’s natural shaking mechanism to emerge. The process is paced to ensure you feel safe, supported, and in control at all times. You will learn how to self-regulate and, if you wish, continue practicing at home between sessions.
TRE® sessions are available both in-person and online, so you can choose the format that best fits your needs.
Why TRE?: Awakening Your Innate Capacity for Healing
TRE® recognizes that our bodies already hold the tools for release and healing. This practice awakens a natural reflex that helps restore balance and ease, offering a pathway back to connection with oneself.
Learning how to engage with this built-in ability is deeply empowering and supports lasting change from within. I value TRE® for its simplicity and accessibility — it’s a practice people can continue using on their own to support ongoing resilience and well-being.
