Recommended Readings
The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process
David Berceli, PhD
Written by the creator of TRE®, this book explores how stress and trauma affect the body and explains the science and theory behind the body's natural tremoring response.
Shake It Off Naturally
David Berceli, PhD
A practical and accessible introduction to the body's innate ability to release tension, stress, and overwhelm. This book includes real-world applications and examples of TRE in practice.
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk, MD
A groundbreaking exploration of how trauma impacts the brain, body, and nervous system. Dr. van der Kolk's work helped bring widespread attention to the importance of body-based approaches in trauma recovery.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma
Peter A. Levine, PhD
This influential book introduces the concept that the body possesses natural biological mechanisms for recovering from traumatic stress and restoring balance.
Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory
Deb Dana, LCSW
An accessible guide to understanding the nervous system and developing greater resilience, connection, and emotional regulation through the principles of Polyvagal Theory.
Polyvagal Theory
Stephen W. Porges, PhD
A foundational text explaining how the autonomic nervous system influences safety, connection, stress responses, and overall well-being. Dr. Porges' research has significantly influenced modern trauma-informed practices.
Research & Evidence
Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®) is a body-based self-regulation practice designed to activate the body's natural tremoring mechanism to help release deep muscular tension and support nervous system regulation. While research on TRE is still emerging, published studies have reported positive outcomes related to stress reduction, anxiety management, well-being, and trauma-related symptoms. Researchers consistently note that additional large-scale studies are needed to further strengthen the evidence base.
East African Refugee Trauma Study (2024)
Parker and colleagues examined the effects of an 8-week TRE program among East African refugees resettled in the United States. Participants who practiced TRE demonstrated significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms compared to a delayed-treatment control group. Researchers concluded that TRE was associated with meaningful improvements in trauma symptom severity.
Read the study: https://content.scirp.org/pdf/psych_2024012514113608.pdf
Citation:
Parker, J., Shook, B., Washington, D., English, B., & Tatum, C. (2024). The Effect of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) on Trauma Symptoms in East African Refugees. Psychology, 15, 77–91. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2024.151006
Multiple Sclerosis Pilot Study (2021)
Lynning and colleagues evaluated a 9-week TRE program for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. Participants reported improvements in stress levels, sleep quality, fatigue, and overall well-being. The researchers concluded that TRE showed promising effects and recommended larger randomized studies to further investigate the findings.
Read the study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8427467/
Citation:
Lynning, M., Svane, C., Westergaard, K., Bergien, S. O., Gunnersen, S. R., & Skovgaard, L. (2021). Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises for People with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Pilot Study. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 11(5), 383–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.02.003
Important Note
TRE is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. TRE providers do not provide psychotherapy, counseling, or medical treatment unless separately licensed to do so. Individuals with significant trauma histories, medical concerns, or mental health conditions should consult with appropriate healthcare professionals regarding their care.