Recommended Reading
This curated list provides foundational texts for understanding TRE, trauma, and somatic approaches. Each section includes both accessible introductions and deeper explorations for those wanting to go further.
Essential Starting Points
If you're new to this material, start with:
- The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process by David Berceli – The TRE foundation
- Trauma Is Really Strange by Steve Haines – Accessible illustrated introduction
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Understanding trauma in the body
TRE-Specific
The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process by David Berceli. Foundational text on TRE by its creator. Accessible introduction to the method, its theoretical basis, and applications across diverse populations. Essential reading.
Shake It Off Naturally by David Berceli. Practical companion guide with detailed photographs of the exercises and additional guidance for self-practice. Essential reading.
Trauma and the Body
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. Essential reading on how trauma is held in the body. Provides comprehensive scientific context for all body-based approaches. Integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and clinical practice.
Trauma Is Really Strange by Steve Haines. Illustrated guide explaining trauma, the nervous system, and recovery in an accessible graphic format. Excellent introduction for anyone new to somatic concepts. Good for beginners.
Pain Is Really Strange by Steve Haines. Companion to Trauma Is Really Strange, explaining modern pain science and the mind-body connection through clear illustrations. Good for beginners.
Anxiety Is Really Strange by Steve Haines. Explores anxiety through a body-based lens with practical approaches. Part of the accessible "...Is Really Strange" series. Good for beginners.
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine. Foundational text of Somatic Experiencing. Explores how the body holds and can release trauma, with emphasis on the innate healing capacity present in all mammals.
In an Unspoken Voice by Peter Levine. Deeper exploration of Somatic Experiencing principles and practice. Integrates polyvagal theory, neuroscience, and clinical examples. More advanced.
Healing Trauma by Peter Levine. Practical guide with exercises for working with trauma. Includes audio exercises for direct experience of somatic techniques. Good for beginners.
Trauma and the Body by Pat Ogden, Kekuni Minton, and Clare Pain. Comprehensive textbook on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, another key body-based approach. More clinical and detailed than Levine's work. Advanced.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy by Pat Ogden and Janina Fisher. Clinical approach to trauma therapy integrating body awareness. Advanced material for those interested in professional applications.
The Nervous System
The Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges. Academic introduction to polyvagal theory. More technical but foundational for understanding autonomic nervous system regulation. Advanced.
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges. More accessible introduction to polyvagal concepts. Good starting point before diving into the academic text.
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg. Practical exercises based on polyvagal theory for self-regulation. Includes hands-on techniques. Good for beginners.
Anchored by Deb Dana. Applying polyvagal theory to everyday life. Accessible and practical with exercises and reflections. Good for beginners.
Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana. Clinical applications of polyvagal theory. Useful for practitioners and those wanting deeper understanding.
Related Reading
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Classic text on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). The foundation of secular mindfulness practice in the West.
Breath by James Nestor. Comprehensive exploration of breathing practices and their effects. Combines history, science, and practical techniques.
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky. Scientific exploration of stress and its effects on the body. Engaging, accessible neuroscience with humour.
The Psoas Book by Liz Koch. Deep exploration of the psoas muscle and its significance. Particularly relevant for TRE practitioners.
When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté. Explores connections between stress, emotion suppression, and disease. Compelling case studies.