TRE® - Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises
“The body doesn’t speak words as a way of remembering the past. You realise intellectually that you’re safe now, but your body continues to respond otherwise.”
— Jessica Maguire—
TRE® - Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises
I am a certified TRE® provider and hold 1:1 and group workshops in person and online.
TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) is an effective stress and tension reduction somatic therapy that returns the body and nervous system to a healthy baseline. TRE® therapy invites us on a profound journey inward. A return to the body’s innate wisdom.
Many of us have conditioned ourselves over time, through no fault of our own, to swallow our emotions and feelings and ignore the body’s natural impulses to release the build-up of tension and stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline through shaking, crying and even yawning.
Through a gentle sequence of physical exercises, TRE® invites the body to engage in its natural shaking or tremoring response. This primal response helps to bring your body back into a state of rest and digest and out of a mobilised (fight/flight) or immobilised (freeze/dissociation) state. TRE® allows you to explore your narrative through movement rather than words, and is an ancient process humans share with all living mammals.
This beautiful therapy helps guide your nervous system back into balance and bring you back home to yourself.
Whether tension has built up in the body through sitting at a desk 8 hours a day, a physical accident, a particularly stressful period in your life or traumatic experiences from childhood, TRE® is a grounding practice to rebalance the nervous system, rewire neural pathways, enabling a deeper connection to yourself, others in the world around you whilst feeling safe and finding deep inner peace.
Benefits of TRE®
Stress, tension and pain reduction
Improved sleep
Emotional release allowing integration of emotions from passed trauma
Reduced feelings of anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms
Embodiment – Self-empowerment and enhanced body awareness
Increased resilience to manage stress and anxiety
Improved mood and emotional regulation and well-being
Enhanced muscle flexibility and range of motions
Taking part in TRE® (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) as a couple can offer profound benefits on your relationship.
Couples TRE® can enhance connection and communication, improving a relationship on an emotional, physical, and energetic level. Together, couples can release stored stress and tension in a safe and supportive environment. Couples will also learn about nervous system regulation, the wonders of coregulation and supporting each others needs.
Vulnerability and trust are also promoted in Couples TRE® sessions when both partners become more attuned to each other’s emotional well-being.
On a physical level, TRE® helps release muscle tension and increases bodily consciousness and awareness. This is turn can foster deeper physical connection and affection.
A couples TRE® session lasts 75-90 minutes and can be carried out in person or online.
TRE® for Couples
TRE® for Teenagers
You may have noticed that your teenager has difficulty sleeping, is very snappy, unfocused, shuts themselves aways for days in their room and their school grades aren’t what they used to be. You have tried asking your teenager how their day was. You’ve offered advice and spending time together. You’ve suggested therapy. But they just shut down or say “I’m fine” when clearly they’re not.
The teenage years can be a time of big changes and pressures, with school, friendships, social media, and the natural challenges of growing up all affecting wellbeing. TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) offers teenagers a safe and gentle way to release stress that builds up in the body without needing to put it into words. Through simple movements that activate the body’s natural tremor reflex, TRE® helps teenagers to let go of deep muscular tension, calm the nervous system, restore balance and get deep sleep.
Because it is body-based and non-verbal, TRE® can feel less overwhelming than talk-focused approaches. Many teenagers find it both grounding and empowering, giving them a tool they can return to whenever they feel anxious, stressed, over-tired or “stuck.” Over time, TRE® supports emotional regulation, better sleep, digestion, increased energy and focus and a stronger sense of resilience. Therefore, helping young people feel more connected to themselves, centered and better able to navigate life’s challenges.
FAQs
-
In a TRE® session, you will be guided through a series of exercises to engage/fatigue certain muscles. This prepares your body to enter a state of natural tremoring/shaking. The tremors are gentle, controlled, and completely normal. Most people feel relaxed afterward, and some may even experience emotional release as the body releases stored tension.
You will need to wear comfortable clothing and jogging pants or leggings are ideal for this work. Please do not eat a heavy meal at least 2 hours prior to the session.
To start, I recommend at least 4-6 sessions not more than 14 days apart.
-
No, TRE is a body therapy in that it is a physical practice that helps release tension from the body, though it can complement psychological therapy. It focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself from stress and trauma, without the need to verbalize or revisit specific traumatic events.
-
No, you won’t lose control. The tremors are a natural, self-regulated process that you can stop at any time. You remain fully present and in control throughout the session. I am there to hold space and guide and support you, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable during the session.
-
After a TRE session, most people feel deeply relaxed, grounded, and calm. Some may experience feelings of lightness, emotional release, or a sense of renewal. It’s also common to feel tired as your body continues to process the release of tension. Each person’s experience is unique as are we all. It is best not have a huge amount to do after a session, due to possible tiredness.
-
Yes, online TRE can be just as effective online as in-person sessions. The exercises are simple to follow. I hold space for clients online allowing the tremors to happen safely so the benefits remain the same.
For further information, please go to: https://traumaprevention.com/ to read more
-
Absolutely. Is is a wonderful therapy for couples to participate in together.
TRE can help couples down regulate their nervous system together in a shared space. Gaining a deeper connection with oneself fosters more authentic and meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues and family members alike.
If you feel ready to explore TRE®, I’m here to support you.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if this practice is right for you.
