Somatic Stress & Trauma Release
What is TRE®?
A series of 7 innovative exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma, activating the nervous system's own natural healing mechanism.
The Practice
Tension & Trauma
Releasing Exercises®
TRE® is a series of 7 innovative exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. The exercises safely activate a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, supporting the nervous system in becoming more responsive and resilient. When this muscular shaking and vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance.
Grounded in research and used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, TRE® works from the understanding that stress, tension and trauma are not only psychological but deeply physical, stored in the body long after the original experience has passed.
The Science
How TRE® Works
TRE® uses specific exercises to fatigue and stretch the muscles of the body, inducing the body's natural shaking or tremoring mechanism. These involuntary muscle vibrations release chronic tension held deep in the body's core, particularly in the psoas and surrounding musculature, signaling to the nervous system that it is safe to discharge the stored stress and return to homeostasis.
This is not a learned behavior. It is a biological process innate to all mammals. Animals in the wild shake off stress after a threatening encounter as a matter of survival. TRE® simply creates the conditions for this natural mechanism to re-emerge safely, allowing the body and nervous system to complete the stress cycle and reset.
TRE® is designed to be a self-help tool that, once learned, can be used independently as needed throughout one's life, thereby continuously supporting and promoting personal health and wellness.
Two Paths, One Source
TRE® & Neurogenic Yoga™
How They Relate
Both TRE® and Neurogenic Yoga™ activate the body's natural neurogenic tremoring response to release stored stress and tension. They share the same foundation and offer two beautifully complementary approaches.
The Original Method
Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises
TRE® uses specific exercises designed to fatigue and stretch the muscles of the body, particularly the psoas, to induce the body's shaking mechanism. It is a structured, evidence-based somatic practice used globally with veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and everyday people navigating stress. Once learned, TRE® becomes a lifelong self-care practice that can be used independently, wherever you are.
The Integrated Practice
Movement, Breath & Tremoring
Neurogenic Yoga™ weaves TRE® principles together with gentle yoga postures, breath, and meditation to create an accessible, embodied pathway into the same profound neurological reset. By integrating movement and awareness practices with the body's natural tremoring response, Neurogenic Yoga™ offers a richer somatic experience that is particularly well-suited for those coming from a movement or yoga background, or seeking a more holistic body-based practice.
The Founder
Dr. David
Berceli, Ph.D.
David Berceli, Ph.D. is an international expert in trauma intervention and conflict resolution and the creator of Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®). As the founder and CEO of Trauma Recovery Services, Dr. Berceli has spent over two decades living and working in nine countries, providing trauma relief workshops and designing recovery programs for global organizations. His extensive field experience includes work in Israel/Palestine, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt, and Lebanon, and he is fluent in both English and Arabic.
Dr. Berceli's approach combines deep academic grounding in psychotherapy and therapeutic bodywork with hands-on expertise and a nuanced understanding of religious and cultural dynamics. This rare integration allows him to develop processes that support individuals in healing from personal trauma while fostering reconciliation and understanding across diverse communities worldwide.
Visit TraumaPrevention.com for more informationFor Everyone
Who Is TRE®
For?
TRE® is based on the fundamental idea that stress, tension and trauma are both psychological and physical. The body's natural tremoring response belongs to all of us, and once activated safely, it can serve as a lifelong tool for self-regulation and well-being. Because of this, everyone can benefit from TRE®.
Reported Benefits
- Release of deep muscular patterns of stress & tension
- Feelings of peace and well-being after sessions
- Calming of the nervous system
- Discharge of stored physical & emotional trauma
- Reduction of anxiety, hypervigilance & stress
- Improved sleep quality
- Decreased chronic pain & muscle holding
- Greater sense of inner calm & resilience
- Increased body awareness & presence
- Lifelong self-help tool for ongoing wellness
This Practice Serves
Processing the cumulative weight of service-related stress, hypervigilance, and traumatic memory held in the body.
Finding a gentle, body-led pathway through PTSD, complex trauma, or the lingering effects of difficult life experiences.
Caregivers, healthcare workers, educators, and executives ready to discharge the accumulated tension of demanding roles.
Building a personal, independent tool for ongoing nervous system regulation and long-term health and wellness.
The Integration
TRE® & Neurogenic Yoga™
Neurogenic Yoga™ is rooted in Dr. David Berceli's TRE® and enriched through the integration of gentle yoga postures, breath practices, and meditation. Together, these elements create a deeply accessible, embodied pathway to the same profound neurological reset, available to anyone regardless of background or experience level. Whether you come to TRE® directly or through Neurogenic Yoga™, the body's own intelligence leads the way.
Learn more about Neurogenic Yoga™Take the Next Step
Ready to Experience
TRE®?
Explore our 220-hour dual certification in Neurogenic Yoga™ and TRE®, or reach out to learn how this practice can support your nervous system, your resilience, and your well-being.