David Bercelli's Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) ?

[mourningdove]

Has anyone ever tried this or know anyone who has?

Here is the description from the official TRE website. There is a strong caution at the end that makes me think it might be geared more toward people with "simple" PTSD and other stress. I did find one reliable online source with C-PTSD who claims it was beneficial, though that person has a very stable support system. I've been tempted to get the how-to video for a while now, but I'm a little scared that even if this method did release some physical trauma, then I could get flooded emotionally. I will also ask my T about it when I see her next.

TRE® (Tension, Stress & Trauma Release Exercise) is an innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. Created by Dr. David Berceli, PhD, TRE® safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking/vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance.

TRE® is based on the fundamental idea, backed by recent research, that stress, tension and trauma is both psychological and physical. TRE®'s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing.  After doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being.

TRE® emerged out of Dr. David Berceli's work with large traumatized communities while living in Africa and the Middle East. His observation and exploration led him to understand that this natural shaking/vibrating response appears to be the body's own built-in system for quieting down the brain and releasing muscular tension as a way of healing itself from chronic stress, tension and trauma.

TRE® has helped many thousands of people globally. Although there are some preliminary research findings on the benefits of TRE® The TRE For All, continually seeks research funding to identify all that is involved in this naturally occurring process.

TRE® is a safe and effective stress release technique for most people. The TRE process should not be used as a substitute for trauma recovery procedures of a medical or psychiatric/psychological nature. Individuals who have physical or psychological conditions that require strict regulation, individuals with fragile psychological defenses, a complex history of trauma or restricting physical or medical limitations should consult their medical practitioner or a Certified TRE Provider prior to performing these exercises.

I'm still a little skeptical about TRE, but I saw this interview with David Bercelli and I thought what he said made a lot of sense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i407tCabAFg.

[sasha~]

I bought the video and tried it a few times. Firstly, it's difficult and ouchy to hold positions until you have so much muscle strain that you tremble violently. Secondly, some of the movements in the video are very triggering (such as hip movements) and not soothing but scary. Also it felt like the idea is to let go and it's difficult to hold on to our emotions and let go of the body at the same time -- so the underlying fear that I was going to start sobbing uncontrollably and hysterically kept me distracted from the exercises. I think probably depends upon the trauma that caused the PTSD. Losing control of the body on purpose and rhythmic shaking and rocking movements could be really seriously triggering for some people whose trauma involves the body. JMHO.

[mourningdove]

Yikes! That does sound very scary, the way you described it. Thanks for the perspective, sasha.