I started this class not knowing too much about TRE but being very open to the opportunities of growth it could bring.  I am a high school science
teacher and once I attended class with Dr Berceli I realized that I could
easily incorporate this into my anatomy/physiology curriculum as a “nervous system decompression” exercise for my students.

Not only were the TRE excercises extrememly sucessful and popular among my students (I had students who didn’t even have me asking if they could come in and learn them after school) but they had a surprising side effect for my kids that was HUGE – it helped them sleep.  Teenagers have notoriously horrible sleeping patterns, staying up very late and wanting to sleep through the majority of the day.  The problem with this is that they have school at 7am so they stay up late (Because they have trouble falling asleep – part of the development at this age) but have to get up early and expectedly are tired, comatose and basically not incredibly receptive to learning.  When my kids started doing TRE in the evening, they reported falling to asleep immediately and sleeping  soundly throughout the night (even when their phones were going off from
text messages from their friends – seriously a miracle that they would sleep through that considering the importance of their social connections).

My student athletes started taking this a step further and began doing the
exercises before practice in order to “get in the zone” and so hooked were
they that I had the school trainers come and learn how to do them so they
would know what the heck their athletes were doing.
Thank you Dr. Berceli for not only developing these exercises but having
the passion and tenacity to educate so many people, it is a domino effect
that I have no doubt will touch many lives in this world.
Lots of smiles,
JV

“David Berceli’s PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) exercise has changed my life in a tremendous way.  The third time of doing these exercises my body tremors began to intensify and I felt awkward.  I have trouble sleeping at nite, but when I did the exercises sleep came easy to me.  David Berceli’s PTS relief exercises are like the sleeping pill I never had!”  W.N. Age 18

“…I was feeling uneasy about my volleyball practice the following day.  I was nervous as well. …Afterwards I felt like jello.  My muscles were relaxed and I did not want to sit up at all.  I was completely centered. I fell asleep within minutes, which I can never do.  I usually stay up for a long time staring at the ceiling.  I woke up like I had slept for over ten hours, but it was only 5.  I definitely felt relaxed and ready for the day.  I really liked it.  It was very calming.  I would definitely do it again.”  S.S.

“During class, Mrs. V showed us these wonderful exercise methods that created some of the muscles in the body to fatigue.  The fatigue would soon give off tremors through-out the body.  Although many people in my class did have the tremors occur, I sadly did not.  I thought I should have many tremors throughout from all the injuries that occur from cheer, yet failed to have any.  Mrs. V suggested that I had to fatigue the muscles more to let the tremors show.  So after practice the other day, I decided that I fatigued the muscles enough to show tremors.  This theory actually worked.  I got great results and had tremors throughout my legs.  It also left me in a calm and tired state before going to bed which was a very good thing.  I automatically went to sleep once my head touched the pillow.  The next morning, I woke up to a new and fresh me.  I felt new and refreshed from all the injuries that had occurred in the past.  I will now and forever pass on these wonderful methods to those who have ever had injuries and other related pain to their body”.  A. M.

“Because of a disease in my leg, I’ve always had to compensate for weak bones when I walked.  I never realized just how much pain I was in.  When I did these exercises, the pain was suddenly gone.  With relaxed muscles, walking is a lot less painful, and if I sleep with them relaxed then walking is much easier.  Though the tremors freaked me out at first, I’m really grateful that I’ve learned these exercises.”  A.F. Age 16

“…it helps reduce stress after a game and (I) sleep better.  I’ve even taken the time to show my dad who has back problems and he’s said that (the exercises) helps him sleep much more peacefully. …This is a great exercise and my family will continue to use it!  I’m so glad I’ve had an opportunity to learn the exercises!  Thank you!”  B.F. Age 17

“I usually feel really stressed from things like work and school, as well as stress from basketball.  I also usually have a hard time sleeping, and often toss and turn, waking up many times throughout the night.
After finishing (the exercises) I went straight to bed.  I felt like my body was tired and I fell asleep pretty quickly.  I only woke up once throughout the night, but I felt as if I slept a longer, deeper sleep than usual.”  S.A. Age 17

“…I started to shake, it was so cool, and I was so excited it finally worked!  It was definitely really cool to feel shaking going through my legs when I didn’t even try to shake.  To be honest, once I got the shakes the exercise is now addictive to me!  I think if some don’t get the shakes at first they just need to relax and not focus on the vibration, but focus on breathing and relaxing.  All in all this exercise is calming, fun, and very interesting and I thank Mrs. V. for taking the time to teach us, and advise everyone to try it!”  E. F. Age 18

“I did this exercise before bed.  I was feeling very tired and tense.  Normally it takes me up to an hour and a half to fall asleep and I don’t stay asleep through out the night.  I slept still through the night, which never happens.  I woke up less sore and feeling fresh”.  Y.A. Age 18

“…I slept wonderful that night.  The exercise put me in a great mood.  I had a positive mindset all day.  The second time was mostly same results, but I felt shaky all throughout the day.  Overall after the tremor exercise I felt awesome.”  A.S. Age 18

I performed these exercises and the tremors.  I felt (they) made me feel relaxed.  When I ever feel stressed I will definitely do this”.  J. Age 17

TRE in China

TRE was chosen by a Chinese Government representative to be one of four modalities used in China to assist in the healing and recovery process of the millions of people affected by the earthquakes in Sichuan, Province.

TRE was chosen for its ability to provide tension and trauma recovery assistance to large populations without the guidance of professional therapists. The TRE training program is being designed to train professionals as well as non-professionals. The goal is to have trained teachers, parents, emergency relief personnel, and therapists to provide TRE to one million people by the end of 2008.

The counseling center that was directly involved in learning and eventually teaching TRE in China is the PsycheCN directed by Dr. Helena Guo. She is an insightful and dedicated Dr. of Psychology who is personally and professionally helping the earthquake survivors return to a life that can resolve some of the pain and hardship they have endured.

An Overview of TRE in China

Earthquake Zone in China

The following video is a short visual of the aftermath of the earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. Dr. David Berceli took the video while traveling in a car. It shows the dramatic effects of such a powerful earthquake and the disruption of lives that it has caused.

TRE Workshop in China

This video demonstrates how TRE is already being translated in Chinese and taught by the local leaders of the earthquake zone in Sichuan Province, China.

Dr. Helena Guo is teaching the theoretical background for the exercises which includes education on the effects of trauma in the brain and the body. One of the local teachers from the school in which we were working with is guiding the teachers of the area through the exercises. It is important that they have a personal experience first prior to teaching it to others.

This video demonstrates how TRE is already being translated in Chinese and taught by the local leaders of the earthquake zone in Sichuan Province, China. Dr. Helena Guo is teaching the theoretical background for the exercises which includes education on the effects of trauma in the brain and the body. One of the local teachers from the school in which we were working is guiding the teachers of the area through the exercises. It is important that they have a personal experience first prior to teaching it to others.

TRE was chosen for its ability to provide trauma recovery assistance to large populations without the guidance of professional therapists. The TRE training program is being designed to train professionals as well as non-professionals. The goal is to have trained teachers, parents, emergency relief personnel, and therapists to provide TRE to one million people by the end of 2008. China announcement

The counseling center that was directly involved in learning and eventually teaching TRE in China is the PsycheCN directed by Dr. Helena Guo. She is an insightful and dedicated Dr. of Psychology who is personally and professionally helping the earthquake survivors return to a life that can resolve some of the pain and hardship they have endured.

Arizona – Infinite Healing Arts

Since 1998, Infinite Healing Arts Center has been serving its unique style and Network Chiropractic Care to the communities of Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler of the greater Phoenix area in the southeast valley.  We are greatly passionate about helping you decrease pain, re-energize and transform your body and awaken your inner human spirit.

Brazil

ABRATECOM – Associação Brasileira de Terapia Comunitária This is an amazing organization that expands the integration of community therapy which encourages public participation and representation for the resolution of personal and social issues. To contact members of this organization please go directly to their site:http://www.abratecom.org.br/

Libertas Comunidade is a counseling center in Recife, Brazil that teaches a variety of counseling programs and techniques. Along with TRE trainings they also provide trainings in various health and safety programs as well as Bioenergetic Analysis. You can visit this site for more information at: http://www.libertas.com.br/novo/

Canada

The North American Firefighter Veteran Network promotes TRE as a self-help method for stress, tension and trauma as a result of their potentially traumatizing profession. The Director, Shannon H. Pennington has supported fire fighter veterans to use TRE as a self help healing process.www.firefighterveteran.com

Joan Wright and Associates is one of the leading counseling center in Eastern Canada. Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, they are the major training center for TRE certification. They have numerous trainees in the program as well as certified staff providing the necessary guidance and mentoring. http://www.joanwright.ca/services.php

China

The Psychology China has chosen TRE as one of four methods to be used in the recovery process for the earthquake survivors of Sichuan Province. This method is being used because it can be taught to large groups of people and can be used without the aid of a professional counselor. Teachers of the many school districts have been taught how to use these exercises for their own recovery, the school children, their communities and organizations. Dr. Helena Guo he director of Psych China can be contacted at:  <dr.helena@yahoo.com.cn>

Denmark

This counseling center in Denmark teaches TRE to professionals and para-professionals. They are introducing TRE into diverse populations in Denmark. Their trainees consist of people from around the world and from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about the counseling center go to: http://www.holoworld.dk/ If you would like to write to the directors directly send your e-mail to: jarmsted@dadlnet.dk

Germany

The North German Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis Association (NIBA)
Das Norddeutsche Institut für Bioenergetische Analyse e.V. (NIBA)
This institute has been a primary trainer for Bioenergetic Analysis and body psychotherapy for many years. They have incorporated TRE into their curriculum and are the major trainers for the certification program in Germany. To contact the director of this institute write to: Dr. Heiner Steckel

Until recently most research programs on trauma and post traumatic stress symptomatology were conducted in the field of psychology. Subsequently all of the recovery programs designed to help relieve symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) addressed the psycho-emotional behaviors of the individual. As a result of this limited understanding of trauma, post trauma symptoms became labeled as psychological weaknesses. This labeling actually caused individuals in trauma inducing professions not to seek help for their symptoms for fear of being identified as weak, not able to cut it, unable to cope etc. This created an atmosphere of increased fear and apprehension in an already stressful profession.

The most recent research in the field of traumatology is helping to dispel this limited view of trauma and PTSD. The new fields of study such as psycho-biology, neuro-physiology and physiological psychology have given birth to a new understanding of trauma known as somatic traumatology. This is an emerging field which acknowledges the critical interaction and mutual interdependency of autonomic body responses and neurological processes. Whether the trauma occurs in a physiological, cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal form it is inevitably carried by the physical body.

In order to understand this process better, it is helpful to understand how all species deal with traumatic experiences. Animal species that are still living in their natural habitats often encounter trauma. They however, unlike humans, still have access to their natural ability to discharge the excess energy generated during trauma and completely recover and move on with life.

The trauma response of the human animal is similar to that of most other animal species. Therefore, the humans response to trauma can be found in their roots as an animal or biological organism. Similarly, the mysterious key that activates the release mechanism of our natural recovery process can be found discretely hidden right within the natural psycho-neuro-physiology of our bodies as well.

As a living species on this planet, we like all other living species are genetically encoded to experience, survive and resolve trauma. It is part of our natural instinct that guarantees we will not only survive but actually evolve as a species. Without it the human animal would already have become extinct.

Post trauma reactions are caused by the residual undischarged excitement (biochemical energy) generated at the time of the event. If this high state of aroused energy is prevented from being discharged in the body it remains trapped in a bio-neural-physiological loop that causes a repetition compulsion behavior. Until the brain receives a signal from the central nervous system that the danger is over, the body will continue to repeat the bio-neural pattern of protection and defense. The key to a successful recovery from trauma is to activate the organisms natural release mechanism that signals the body to return to a state of rest and recuperation.

Individuals working in trauma inducing professions often experience multiple traumas as a daily routine. Therefore, they need a prevention and recovery process that can be self-applied, is immediately effective and can also be integrated into their daily routines. For professionals who desire to be physically fit to perform their jobs, the Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) of a body based prevention and recovery process is a perfect fit. Its focus on body awareness creates a natural deterrent from and reduction of PTSD.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Information on this site is for information purposes only and not intended to constitute professional advice as circumstances will vary from person to person. Likewise, the results and the performance of Trauma Releasing Exercises and the additional trauma information is assumed by the user, and in no event shall TRAPS or David Berceli be liable for any consequential, incidental or direct injuries suffered in the course of using the exercises or information in this web site. Use of the information contained in this web site may contain restrictions on use.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a very real and destructively unconscious, psychological behavior. The longer individuals, or in this case an entire culture, are exposed to the trauma of war, the more pervasive, irreversible and incurable post traumatic symptoms become. Eventually if/when peace is achieved the trauma patterns of behavior will be so deeply embedded in the psyche of the culture that the violence will continue to perpetuate itself within the social structures of the society. So that, domestic violence, substance abuse, spousal and child abuse will take on proportions of a greater magnitude than the violence of the war itself. Unless the Sudanese people seriously consider the effects of trauma on the culture they will unintentionally spawn hyperactive, learning impaired, violence-prone citizens in their future. For each, day, month and year that the violence continues, the Sudanese leaders and people of both sides will become more entrenched in the reenactment of victimization. They must seriously consider that after 50 years of war, an unconscious traumatic thought process has gained an unrelenting grip on their psyches from which they cannot escape without serious external, peaceful intervention.

How many more generations must wait without hope? How much longer must the Sudanese infrastructure have to be stunted and neglected because their national finances are spent on weapons rather than hospitals and universities. How many more children have to be reared in poverty and schooled in revolution and hatred? How much longer must mothers agonize over their children as they watch them go into the military, not knowing whether theyll be ambushed, captured, mutilated or killed?

There will be many opportunities for embracing true peace in the future and unfortunately they will result in the same conclusion failure – if we do not recognize the underlying cycle of unresolved, psychological traumatic behavior.  It is tragic that each of these future failures will cost many more lives and increase the bitterness, hopelessness and helplessness of the Sudanese people who have already suffered beyond the capacity of normal human endurance. How much longer? How many more failed opportunities must we endure before we consider the implacable grip that trauma has on the leaders and citizens and this nation?

Emergency Team

Trauma inducing professions are careers that deliberately put the individual is situations of high stress, anxiety, danger and potential trauma. Professions such as police force, firefighters, emergency medical teams, first responders, etc., are potentially trauma inducing professions. The experiences encountered in these careers often do not allow the professional to recover from one stressful, traumatic or dangerous episode before they are confronted with another. These repeated and prolonged experiences of stress and trauma can exhaust the physical and psychic reservoirs of the individual. Over extended periods of time this process disrupts the chemicals created in the body that help the individual survive dangerous episodes. Eventually, the body begins to produce these chemicals (adrenaline and other chemicals) in greater quantities which creates a new biological baseline. This causes these individuals to stay at highly active and alert states even when there is no longer a need for hypervigalence. At a certain point, the individual will become chemically exhausted and their body forces them into a state of recuperation usually manifesting in some form of physical illness.

Due to high adrenal, cortisol and opioid levels, people exposed to multiple traumas for prolonged periods will often experience a loss of neuromodulation.  This is the experience of having an exaggerated response to simple everyday stressors.  What occurs is that trauma and stress have become a state of preoccupation for the mind instead of a passing experience.  The individual’s response to daily events becomes tainted with an unconscious life or death threat.  Thus, their responses to minor stressors have an exaggerated reaction as though it is life threatening.  A simple example of this is an outburst of rage over a simple and non-threatening event or comment during a meeting.

Organizational trauma is common within trauma inducing professions. Trauma behavior, much the same as alcoholic behavior, becomes embedded in the relationship patterns of the organization or institution.  There are numerous manifestations of these relational patterns that are unconsciously designed to keep the institution running but through abeyance of rules and regulations rather than personal collegial relationships.

Traditional stress reduction techniques and general exercises are largely ineffective for people in trauma inducing professions.  This is because general physical stress reduction techniques only resolve surface or superficial tensions in the body but are not able to dissolve deep chronic tension patterns created under prolonged stress.  Likewise, medication or mind concentration methods of stress reduction are largely ineffective because a traumatic state of preoccupation prevents the mind from relaxing its control for fear that danger may be just on the horizon.

As muscle tension increases, the capacity for muscular sensation and feeling decreases.  This lack of sensation or peripheral input causes a low level anxiety in the individual because the brain relies on this somato-sensory input for safety.  Unconsciously, the individual attempts to restore these feelings through any immediate means available such as: substance abuse, sugar, caffeine, sexual exploitation, consumerism and destructive or violent acts. All of these help to restore an immediate sense of feeling but lack the long term stimulation necessary to alleviate the underlying anxiety.

The solution to the restoration of feeling, inner safety and relaxation is through deep chronic tension release. This is particularly appealing to professionals who are used to keeping their bodies physically fit to perform their jobs proficiently.  The techniques and awareness taught in this program guarantees the participant tangible results of physical sensation and relaxation at the deepest level of muscle tension in the body.