Tension, Stress, and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®) is a somatic approach that utilizes a series of exercises to induce a natural reflex “tremor” mechanism of shaking or vibrating within our bodies. This natural mechanism allows the body to release muscle tension related to injury, stress, or trauma over time when activated in a safe and controlled manner. Furthermore, it assists in bringing our nervous systems into a state of ease and calmness and our bodies get encouraged to return to a natural state of balance and well-being.

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TRE® was developed by Dr. David Berceli, an international expert in the areas of trauma intervention and conflict resolution. His education as a Massage Therapist, Psychoneurologist, and Doctor of Social Work informed his observations of how individuals hold and release tension in their body tissues. He noticed that these natural shaking mechanics are the body’s built-in system for releasing muscle tension, thereby calming the body and quieting down the mind. This is supported by recent research that demonstrates the physical and psychological nature of muscle tension.

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The moment our muscles become overly tight or stressed, they will begin to tremor (shake) – if the body doesn’t organically shake, chronic muscle tension patterns develop. TRE® initiates the release of these muscle tension patterns that develop from various factors.  Such factors can include injury, accidents, and periods of physical, mental, and emotional stress arising from lifestyle choices, stressful workplaces, relationships, difficult life events, repetitive movement patterns, or merely poor ergonomics.

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Multiple benefits have been reported through a regular TRE® practice and the activation of our natural shaking mechanism. According to my own perception, a significant gift that the method can offer to our lives is greater body awareness. Our bodies hold their own intelligence. Listening and connecting to their wisdom is the first step to understanding ourselves, our wishes, desires, and through them, the world in a deeper way.

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In the fast-paced environments that lots of us are currently living, we have somehow learned to identify ourselves more with our minds and less with our bodies. Being less connected to our bodies can result in being less connected to ourselves, as every experience, memory, and emotion inhabits and leaves on them a signature. Therefore, reconnecting to our bodies' essence allows us to understand and reconnect to our human essence, as we deeply begin to listen to ourselves, and take steps towards greater transformation from the inside out. The process of TRE® often brings to us a sense of groundedness, presence, wholeness, and a deeper connection to ourselves and others.

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TRE® is designed to be a self-help and self-empowering tool that once learned to be used safely and in a self-regulating manner, it can be utilized as needed, as it continuously supports and promotes personal wellness and wholeness.

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TRE® sessions can take place with me online or in-person (depending on your area) in an either individual or group setting, and they can be held in either Greek or English. The sessions last between 60 to 75 minutes and all of the exercises will be adapted according to each individual's level of comfort, state, and condition.

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Important notice: TRE® is not a substitute for trauma recovery procedures of a medical or psychiatric/psychological nature, though it can supplement other healing practices and can be a highly effective complement to the exercises given by your physiotherapist or bodyworker.

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More information on TRE®, including research, and development, can be found at David Berceli's official website.