Understanding TRE and Its Benefits for Nervous System Regulation

TRE®

TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a body-based self-regulation practice designed to support the nervous system in releasing excess stress and tension.

TRE® uses a series of gentle, guided exercises to activate the body’s natural tremor response. These neurogenic tremors are an innate mechanism present in all humans, helping the body discharge accumulated stress and return toward balance.

TRE® does not require talking about past experiences or trauma. Instead, it works directly with the body and nervous system in a gradual, safe way.

How TRE® Works

When we experience stress - whether from daily pressures, emotional strain, or prolonged overwhelm - the nervous system may remain in a heightened state of activation. Over time, this can lead to chronic muscle tension, fatigue, anxiety, or a sense of being constantly “on edge.”

TRE® supports the nervous system by:

Gently activating the body’s natural tremor response
Allowing stored tension to be released at a pace the body can tolerate
Supporting a return toward greater regulation and flexibility

Throughout a TRE® session, the process is guided, paused when needed, and adjusted according to your nervous system’s capacity. You remain in control at all times.

TRE® is taught as a self-regulation practice, empowering individuals to build body awareness and learn how to support their own nervous system safely.

Potential Benefits of TRE®

People may experience a range of benefits from regular TRE® practice. These can vary from person to person and often develop gradually over time.

Potential benefits may include:

Reduced baseline stress and physical tension
Improved nervous system regulation
Increased body awareness and grounding
Greater emotional steadiness and resilience
Improved sleep and recovery
Enhanced capacity to cope with everyday stress

TRE® is not a treatment or cure, but a supportive practice that works alongside the body’s natural regulatory processes.

Who Can Benefit from TRE®?

TRE® may be supportive for individuals experiencing:

Ongoing stress or tension
Anxiety or nervous system overwhelm
Burnout or emotional fatigue
Difficulty relaxing or switching off
High levels of daily or work-related stress

TRE® is suitable for many people and can be adapted to individual needs. It is offered within a trauma-informed framework, where safety, choice, and pacing are prioritised.

If you are currently working with a mental health professional or managing trauma, TRE® can be used alongside existing support, when appropriate.

TRE® Sessions & Counselling

As a Registered Counsellor and Certified TRE® Provider, I am able to offer TRE® in two ways:

TRE® as a Standalone Practice

TRE® sessions can be offered without a counselling component, focusing purely on:

Nervous system regulation
Stress release
Learning the TRE® process in a guided, supportive environment

These sessions are educational and body-based, and do not involve counselling.

Integrating TRE® into Counselling

For clients already engaged in counselling with me, TRE® can be integrated into counselling sessions where appropriate. This allows for a holistic approach that supports both: