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Why TRE Works for Trauma

TRE is particularly effective for trauma because it addresses the somatic roots of traumatic stress.

How TRE Addresses Trauma​

Works directly with the body: Accesses where trauma is actually stored, in the muscles, fascia, and nervous system.

Completes survival responses: The tremor mechanism allows incomplete fight/flight/freeze to discharge. The mobilised energy that was trapped in the body finally has a way out.

Doesn't require memory or narrative: Can release pre-verbal or nonverbal trauma. You don't need to know or remember what happened for the body to release.

Is non-retraumatising when done properly: You stay in control, use self-regulation, and work in titrated amounts. The process respects the body's pace.

Regulates the nervous system: Shifts from sympathetic activation to parasympathetic calm. Helps restore the natural rhythm between activation and rest.

Builds capacity: Regular practice widens the window of tolerance. The nervous system learns that it can handle activation and successfully return to baseline.

Is empowering: You learn to work with your own nervous system rather than being dependent on a provider. This builds agency and self-efficacy.

Key Points​

  • Trauma is the lasting impact of overwhelming experiences on the nervous system
  • It involves incomplete survival responses and lives in the body
  • Many types of trauma exist, all valid
  • Trauma narrows the window of tolerance
  • Somatic approaches are essential for complete trauma healing
  • Pendulation and titration are key principles
  • Healing happens through nervous system regulation

Moving Forward​

Understanding trauma prepares you to understand why TRE works, how to practise safely, and what to expect as your body releases stored traumatic activation.

Trauma is not who you are. It is what happened to you, and what remains in your system waiting to be released. TRE offers a path for that release.

Key Takeaways
  • Trauma is defined by impact, not the event itself
  • Both "Big-T" and "small-t" traumas matter
  • Trauma occurs when survival responses cannot complete
  • It manifests as hyperarousal, hypoarousal, or both
  • Trauma lives in the body as chronic tension, postures, and pain
  • Bottom-up somatic approaches access where trauma is stored
  • The window of tolerance narrows with trauma; healing expands it
  • TRE works because it completes survival responses and regulates the nervous system