Although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence regarding TRE, and many pilot clinical outcome studies are in progress and have verified its efficacy around the globe, larger controlled quantitative and qualitative studies are needed. To participate in any ongoing research programs or to begin your own, please contact the TRE Research department at Research@traumaprevention.com

Publications: Research

  • L. Skovgaard, P. Trénel, K. Hanehøj, M. Lynning: Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Adv Mind Body Med. 2025;39(1):4-12. View 
  • 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(1). View
  • Oh, J., & Shin, C. S. (2021). A pilot study on the anxiety reduction effect of tension, stress, and trauma releasing exercises (TRE). Asia-Pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange, 7, 379–388. Download
  • Beattie, J., & Berceli, D. (2021). Global case study: The effects of TRE on perceived stress, flourishing and chronic pain self-efficacy. View Full Version | View Short Version
  • Torres de Almeida, J., & Oberto Rodrigues, G. (2021). Tension Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) regulates the autonomic nervous system, increases heart rate variability, and improves psychophysiological stress in university students. View
  • Lynning, M., Svaneb, 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. View
  • Thommessen, C. S., & Fougner, M. (2020). Body awareness in acting – A case study of TRE as a supporting tool for drama students’ personal and professional development. Journal of Theatre, Dance and Performance Training. View
  • Heath, R., & Beattie, J. (2019). Case report of a former soldier using TRE (Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises) for posttraumatic stress disorder self-care. Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health, 27(3). View
  • Winkler, S. (2018). Neurogenes Zittern als neuer Baustein in der Traumabehandlung? – Praktische Erfahrungen und theoretische Erläuterungen. Psychotherapeutenjournal, 3, 244–250. View
  • Amaral, M. A., Andrade, E. A. R., Angnes, G. M., Sardeiro, E. R., Carvalho, L. B. S., Fonseca, V. M. A. C., & Vasconcelos, A. A. (2018). Innovative solutions for the promotion of adolescent mental health in primary care. Revista Adolescência e Saúde, 15(1), 66–72. (Also available in Portuguese and Spanish). Portuguese Download | English Download | Spanish Download
  • Harrison, E. G., Keating, J. L., Morgan, P., et al. (2018). Novel exercises for restless legs syndrome: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 31, 783–794. Download
  • Предварительные результаты нескольких исследований проведенных на небольшой выборке в Украине, во время тренингов TRE (упражнения для снятия стресса и травмы по Д. Берсели)на различных уровнях Download
  • Herold, A. (2015). Preliminary results of several small sample studies in Ukraine during TRE on different levels. Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy, 2(1–2). Download
  • Schweitzer, E., & Bradt, K. M. (2015). Dem Malinowski-Blues entgehen: Körperorientierte Entspannungsübungen zur Stressbewältigung während der Feldforschung. Ethnoscripts, 17(1), 228–242. (German). Download
  • Berceli, D., Salmon, M., Bonifas, R., & Ndefo, N. (2014). Effects of self-induced unclassified tremors on quality of life among non-professional caregivers: A pilot study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 3(5), 45–48. Abstract
  • Berceli, D. (2010). Neurogenic tremors: A body-oriented treatment for trauma in large populations. Trauma und Gewalt, 4(2), 148–156. (German). Download
  • Berceli, D., & Holley, L. (2005). Evaluating the effects of stress reduction exercises. Unpublished manuscript, Arizona State University.

Conference Presentations

  • Nissen, M.M.: Understanding and practicing the ability for self-regulation through Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises. Workshop on The 9. International Congress of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation: “From diagnosis to treatment: Recognizing complex trauma & dissociation.”. Katowice, Polen. October 2024.
  • Nissen, M.M.: From dysregulation to self-regulation using Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises. A case of reactivation of suppressed post‐traumatic stress disorder as a consequence of brain surgery 31 years after a robbery. Symposium on The 9. International Congress of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation: “From diagnosis to treatment: Recognizing complex trauma & dissociation.” Katowice, Polen. October 2024.
  • Nissen, M.M.: A Shaky experience for animals and humans. Presentation at KABS VIDEN’s National Conference on Drug and alcohol abuse: “Adaptation - Worry or hope.” November 2024 View PDF
  • M. Fiol, M. Marrodan, S. Henriquez, A. Benedicto, M.N. Lopez, J.M. Guerrini, C. Oneto, K. Cavallli, I. Burs, F. Meni Bataglia, F. Belaustegui, C. A Martinez Canyazo, M.C. Ysrraelit, M. Morin Nissen, J. Correale. Body-mind therapy intervention improves quality of life in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. A pivotal study. Poster on ECTRIMS 2022, 38th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and the 27th Annual RIMS Conference. Amsterdam. October 2022. View 
  • Amaral MA, Almeida JT, Flores R, Menezes PFM, Machado DA, Silva PH. Programa de apoio emocional e redução de estresse para profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia da covid-19 (Emotional support and stress reduction program for health professionals during the covid-19 pandemic). First Virtual Congress of the National Council of Municipal Departments of Health-CONASEMS, Jul 10 - Nov 06 2020, Brazil. | View
  • Stepišnik Perdih, Tjaša. TRE as a body-mind therapy working with traumatic consequences of physical and mental illness: TRE for breast cancer survivors. Symposium on the 7. Biennal ESTD (European Society for Trauma & Dissociation) Conference: The Legacy of Trauma and Dissociation: Body and Mind in a New Perspective. October 2019, Rome. Symposium ID SM-0 [View Abstract]
  • Nissen, Michael.  TRE as a body-mind therapy working with traumatic consequences of physical and mental illness: Using TRE (tension and trauma releasing exercises) with people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society. Symposium on the 7. Biennal ESTD (European Society for Trauma & Dissociation) Conference: The Legacy of Trauma and Dissociation: Body and Mind in a New Perspective. October 2019, Rome. Symposium ID SM-0 [View Abstract]
  • Törmi, Kirsi. TRE as a body-mind therapy working with traumatic consequences of physical and mental illness: Hidden motion – working with deprived young adults in TRE and dance art. Symposium on the 7. Biennal ESTD (European Society for Trauma & Dissociation) Conference: The Legacy of Trauma and Dissociation: Body and Mind in a New Perspective. October 2019, Rome. Symposium ID SM-0 [View Abstract]
  • Lynning, Marie. Perceived benefits of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) among people with multiple sclerosis – qualitative results from a pilot study. RIMS conference June 2019 in Ljubljana (European Conference for Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis). View here: View abstract (Submission #48)| Slide
  • Lynning, Marie. Exploring outcomes of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) on people with multiple sclerosis – a pilot study. RIMS conference June 2019 in Ljubljana (European Conference for Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis). View here: View abstract (Submission #47)| Slide
  • Stepišnik Perdih, Tjaša. TRE for athletes. In: PAJEK, Maja (ed.), et al. Plenary lectures, invited proceedings, book of abstracts and book of proceedings, 5th International Scientific Conference of Slovenian Gymnastics Federation, Ljubljana, January 2018. Ljubljana: Slovenian Gymnastics Federation. 2018, p. 151-159. | Download
  • Nibel H. and Herold A. Körperorientiertes Coaching für ressourcenschonendes Auflösen chronischer Stressreaktionen (Body-oriented coaching for resource-saving resolution of chronic stress reactions): Erdinger Coaching-Kongress, February 2017, Erdinger, Germany. | Download
  • Nibel H. Shake it up baby! Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE@) as a new promising offering in promoting occupational health Proceedings of the Gesellschaft für Arbeitswissenschaft [Society of Occupational Science] Spring Convention; 2015 Feb 25-27; Karlruhe, Germany.  | Download
  • Nissen, M.: Working with TRE (tension and trauma releasing exercises) with people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society. Presentation at The 4. European Conference for Trauma, Dissociation and Attachment. Copenhagen, Denmark. March 2014
  • Johnson S. Interventions for stress and burnout of secondary school educators in high-risk schools. In: Robert M, ed. Abstracts of the 30th International Congress of Psychology; 2012 Jul 22-27; Cape Town, South Africa. Oxon, UK: Psychology Press; 2012. p. 167. | Download

PhD and Masters Dissertations

  • Plajh, L. (2023). Effects of the TRE technique on the quality of life of individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome [Master’s thesis]. (Slovenian with abstract in English). Download
  • Hagberg, R. (2022). Experiences of the use of TRE®-exercises among adults who stutter: A quasi-experimental intervention study [Master’s thesis]. (Finnish with abstract in English). Download
  • Nordstroem, J. (2021, November). Literature synthesis on neurogenic tremor [Research paper]. Saybrook University. Download
  • Atterbury, E. M. (2019). Exploring therapeutic neurogenic tremors with exercise as a treatment for selective motor and non-motor Parkinson's disease symptoms (Doctoral dissertation). Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Talvinen, H. (2017). The effects of TRE-method on stress relief: Research to describe the effects of TRE-method on stress relief among psychiatric healthcare employees [Master's thesis]. (Finnish with abstract in English). Download
  • Macedo, D. (2013). Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercise: Application to situations of domestic violence [Master’s thesis]. Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil. (Portuguese). Download
  • McCann, T. (2011). An evaluation of the effects of a training program in Trauma Releasing Exercises on quality of life [Master’s thesis]. University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Download
  • Berceli, D. (2009). Evaluating the effects of stress reduction exercises employing mild tremors: A pilot study (Doctoral dissertation). Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ. Download

Research Reports

  • Davis, M., Hustead, M., Dietrich, B., Berceli, D., & Kent, M. (2018). Neuromuscular tremors as tension and trauma releasing (TRE): From cultural practices to controlled clinical trial. In Poster Abstract Book, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, 34th Annual Meeting: Promoting Societal Change, November 8–10, Washington, DC. Abstract
  • Kent, M. (2018). Neurogenic tremors training (TRE) for stress and PTSD: A controlled clinical trial: Final report. Download
  • Salmon, M. (2013, May). Pilot TRE research program with Chrysalis Academy students: Interim research report 2. Cape Town, South Africa. Download
  • TRE Tension, Stress and Trauma Releasing Exercises (Evaluation eines ressourcenschonenden traumatherapeutischen Verfahren).  Download
  • Department of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. (2011, June). Mind-body skills for regulating the autonomic nervous system. Download

Publications: TRE Frameworks and Methods

  • Heath, R. (2022). Winning the war within: Why body-based trauma recovery is a missing link in preventing defence and veteran suicide. Submission to the Australian Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide. Download
  • Heath, R. (2021). Tremors, trauma, TRE and re-embodiment. In J. Guthrie, K. Sargent-Wishart, H. Hill, & A. Clarke (Eds.), The art of embodiment (pp. 37–50). Dance Therapy Association of Australasia Publications. View abstract | Purchase Book containing full article
  • Heath, R. (2018). A trauma-informed model of shakes & tremors, the failure to progress, post-traumatic birth recovery & midwifery self-care. Practice Matters, Australian Midwifery News (Summer ed.). Download
  • Heath, R. (2018). Debriefing the body: Supporting health-related quality of life of volunteers & first responders through TRE resilience training. Submission 120 to the Australian Parliamentary Inquiry. Download
  • Edwards, L. (2015). The potential role of trauma releasing exercises (TRE) in the treatment of trauma, PTSD and its comorbid conditions including anxiety, depression and somatoform disorders. Download
  • Neurogenic tremor through TRE: Tension, stress and trauma releasing exercises according to D. Berceli in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (2015). Download
  • Heath, R. (2013). The use of trauma release exercises for resilience training & early intervention in the Australian Defence Force. Submission to the Australian Parliamentary Inquiry. Download
  • Berceli, D., & Napoli, M. (2007). A proposal for a mindfulness-based trauma-prevention program for social work professionals. Complementary Health Practice Review, 11(3), 1–13. Abstract

Case Studies

  • Hruby, H. and Beattie, J. (2021). Case Study: The effects of TRE on depression, anxiety, and stress in First Responders. (Unpublished Paper). | Link
  • Salmon, M. June, 2016. TRE Case Study: How often is Bi-Polar misdiagnosed? Presentation, Somerset West, Western cape, South Africa. | Link
  • MyLife Organisation 2010-2011. TRE Case study: Stress in Youth. Cape Town, South Africa. Watch

Evaluations

  • Rosenberg, T.: “Testing the TRE method among people with arthritis.” Psychologist Michael Morin Nissen and psychologist Marianne Kjærem Nielsen held two workshops for the Danish Arthritis Association in the spring of 2019 with 20 participants in each workshop. Participants were to continue to do TRE for 3 months thereafter. Pixi edition in Danish of the external evaluation report of the company HR7 by psychologist Thomas Rosenberg. With support from The danish foundation TrygFonden. The Danish Arthritis Association, 2020 View PDF
  • Heath, R,: “Evaluation of Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) Workshop for Bushfire Affected Communities.” Physiotherapist Richmond Heath provided TRE Recovery workshops for 80 survivors of the Black Saturday Bushfires in Australia in 2013 with and evaluation of a 1-day TRE workshop with 39 participants. Funded by Skyline Road North & Wallace Road Bushfire Zone Alliance (SWBZA Inc), 2013 View Evaluation Report

Books

  • D. Berceli: Body Tremors: The Natural Restorative Mechanism of the Human Body. In: H. Grassmann (Editor), M. Stupiggia (Editor), S. W. Porges PhD (Editor): Somatic-Oriented Therapies. Embodiment, Trauma, and Polyvagal Perspectives. P. 161 – 168. February 4, 2025

Research In Progress

  • December 2021 to October 2023. Zhi-Xia Mao. TCM and psychological intervention on patients with Somatic Symptom Disorders of Heart-Kidney Disharmony and its effect evaluation. (Control study on patients with somatic symptoms as chief complaints, such as headache, back pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, sleep disorder, anxious emotion. The participants are assigned to 3 groups randomly, treated by Western medicine, TCM and TRE, respectively. Observe the curative effects in each group.)
  • October 2021 to March 2022. Embodiment through the use of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) in autistic cultural and creative leadership praxis. An exploration of method and insight (Provisional Title). Fellowship Grant: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) [Download Research Extract].
  • January 2022. Williams-Hindle, Hayley. ‘Embodiment’ in Autistic Cultural and Creative Leadership praxis. An exploration of method and insight. [Download]