TRE® is safe for most people when learned with a certified provider. If you have no history of stress or trauma, you can teach yourself TRE from TRE for All youtube page. It is especially recommended to work with a provider if you: - Have a history of complex trauma or PTSD - Experience overwhelming emotions - Have chronic pain or medical conditions - Are taking psychiatric or muscle‑relaxant medications - Note: learning TRE® should be avoided during pregnancy (especially after the first trimester) unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

What Is TRE® and How It Supports Stress, Tension, and Trauma Recovery

sara6996
May 27
3 min read

Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®) is a accessible body‑led method designed to help release deep patterns of stress, tension, and trauma stored in the nervous system. Developed by Dr. David Berceli, TRE® uses a simple series of exercises to activate the body’s natural reflexive tremor mechanism—an innate process shared by all humans that helps the body return to balance.

TRE® is now used worldwide by mental‑health clinicians, body‑based practitioners, first responders, and individuals seeking a natural way to regulate their nervous system and build resilience. As a psychotherapist and certified TRE® Provider in Calgary, AB, I integrate TRE® into therapy and workshops to support clients in reconnecting with their bodies, reducing overwhelm, and restoring a sense of calm.

How TRE® Works

TRE® activates a natural shaking or vibrating reflex in the body—called neurogenic tremors—which helps discharge stored tension from the muscles and calm the nervous system. When practiced in a safe, supportive environment, these tremors help the body shift out of chronic stress patterns and return to a more regulated state.

This shaking response is not new; it is a biological mechanism observed across mammals. After stressful events, animals naturally tremor to reset their nervous systems. TRE® simply provides the conditions for humans to access this same innate process.

Benefits of TRE®

Research, practitioner reports, and global user experiences highlight a wide range of benefits. While individual experiences vary, many people report meaningful improvements in both physical and emotional well‑being.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

TRE® helps release deep muscular tension associated with chronic stress, allowing the nervous system to settle. Many people report feeling calmer, more grounded, and less reactive after sessions.

2. Supports Trauma Recovery

TRE® offers a non‑verbal, body‑led pathway for releasing the physiological effects of trauma without requiring individuals to retell or relive traumatic events. This makes it a supportive complement to psychotherapy.

3. Improves Sleep and Relaxation

Regular TRE® practice is associated with better sleep quality, reduced racing thoughts, and deeper relaxation.

4. Enhances Emotional Regulation

By helping the nervous system return to balance, TRE® can increase emotional resilience, reduce irritability, and support clearer thinking.

5. Relieves Chronic Muscle Tension and Pain

TRE® targets deep muscular holding patterns—especially in the psoas and pelvic region—helping reduce chronic tension, stiffness, and stress‑related pain.

6. Increases Body Awareness

TRE® encourages a gentle reconnection with bodily sensations, helping individuals notice early signs of stress and respond more effectively.

7. Builds Long‑Term Resilience

Once learned, TRE® becomes a lifelong self‑care tool that can be practiced independently to support ongoing nervous‑system health.

Several reasons why TRE may appeal to you:

Body‑led, not story‑led: No need to revisit traumatic memories. The body guides the process.
Accessible and adaptable: Suitable for most people and can be practiced at home once learned.
Universal: Based on innate human physiology, making it effective across cultures and ages.
Complementary: Works well alongside psychotherapy, mindfulness, yoga, and other healing modalities.

Is TRE® Safe?

TRE® is safe for most people when learned with a certified provider. If you have no history of stress or trauma, you can teach yourself TRE from TRE for All youtube page. It is especially recommended to work with a provider if you:

Have a history of complex trauma or PTSD
Experience overwhelming emotions
Have chronic pain or medical conditions
Are taking psychiatric or muscle‑relaxant medications

Note: learning TRE® should be avoided during pregnancy (especially after the first trimester) unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

TRE® with Sara Clark

As a Certified TRE® Provider and TRE® Certification Trainer, I offer:

Individual TRE® sessions online (globally) and in person
TRE® integrated into psychotherapy in Alberta
Group workshops online and in person
Training for those who wish to become certified TRE® Providers to teach others TRE®

Learn more or book a session at www.saraclark.ca.