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Working with Memories

Sometimes TRE triggers memories: sometimes clear and specific, sometimes vague and fragmentary. This is the body's way of processing stored experiences as tension releases.

Types of Memory That May Arise​

Explicit memories:

  • Clear recollection of specific events
  • Visual scenes or images
  • Remembered conversations or situations
  • Childhood experiences surfacing

Body memories:

  • Sensations without clear narrative
  • Feeling a physical experience from the past
  • Pain or discomfort linked to previous injury or event
  • A sense of reliving without cognitive details

Fragmentary content:

  • Flashes of images
  • Partial sensations
  • Emotional tone without clear source
  • A vague sense of "something"

Implicit memories:

  • Reactions that don't make sense in the present
  • Fear responses without apparent trigger
  • Behavioural patterns emerging
  • Emotional states that feel "old"

Why Memories Surface During TRE​

The body holds memories in tissue, posture, and tension patterns. When tremoring releases these holding patterns, the associated memory content can surface. This is not a malfunction: it's the body's natural way of processing and integrating stored experiences.

Memories are more likely to surface when:

  • Tremors reach areas where trauma is held
  • The nervous system feels safe enough to process
  • Deep relaxation allows defended material to emerge
  • Practice continues over time, reaching deeper layers

How to Work with Memories​

Stay in the body. The memory may come with sensations and emotions. Keep attention on how it feels in your body rather than getting lost in the story.

You do not need to relive it fully. Traumatic memories do not need to be fully re-experienced to heal. Touch into it, allow some release, but do not force yourself deeper.

Use pendulation. Move your attention between the difficult memory/sensation and something resourceful: a calm place in your body, the support of the floor, your breath. This prevents overwhelm.

Stop if needed. If a memory is taking you into overwhelm, use the brake pedal and ground yourself. You can always return to this material later, preferably with professional support.

Titration: Working in Small Doses​

Titration means working in small, manageable doses rather than trying to release everything at once.

In TRE, this means:

  • Shorter sessions when difficult material arises
  • Using the brake pedal to moderate intensity
  • Not forcing deeper into whatever emerges
  • Building capacity gradually over time

With difficult memories, you might touch into the material briefly, then return to neutral ground. Touch in again, return to neutral. This allows processing without flooding.

Think of it like entering cold water slowly rather than jumping in.

Pendulation: Natural Oscillation​

Pendulation is the natural oscillation between states of activation and states of calm.

In TRE, this means:

  • Not staying in intensity continuously
  • Moving attention between activation and resource
  • Allowing the nervous system to expand and contract
  • Trusting the body's own rhythm of engagement and rest

When a memory arises:

  1. Notice the activation (sensations, emotions, images)
  2. Stay with it briefly
  3. Shift attention to something resourceful (breath, ground, safety)
  4. Notice the settling
  5. Return to the activation if it feels right
  6. Continue oscillating

These principles allow for deep work without overwhelm. The body can process anything: but not everything at once.

Healing is not achieved by flooding the system with intensity. It is achieved by repeated, manageable doses of activation followed by successful return to regulation. This is how capacity is built.

– Peter Levine, Healing Trauma

Specific Guidance for Traumatic Memories​

If memories of traumatic events surface:

Do not push yourself to remember more. Whatever emerges naturally is enough. Forcing recall can be re-traumatising.

Allow partial processing. A memory does not need to be fully recalled or understood to be processed. The body can release without the mind fully knowing.

Use grounding liberally. Keep one foot in the present whilst processing the past. Name where you are, feel the floor, notice safety cues in your environment.

Consider professional support. If traumatic memories are surfacing regularly, consider working with a trauma therapist alongside your TRE practice. Modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, or IFS can help process this material safely.

Trust the pace. Your nervous system will bring forward what you're ready to process. If something feels too big, that's information: it may need professional support or more preparation.

When to Seek Support​

Consider working with a TRE provider or trauma therapist if:

  • Traumatic memories consistently overwhelm your capacity
  • You cannot use self-regulation effectively
  • Memories are interfering with daily functioning
  • You have a history of complex trauma or PTSD
  • Memories are becoming more intense rather than resolving

There is wisdom in recognising when you need support. A skilled provider can offer:

  • Co-regulation through their presence
  • Guidance tailored to your specific needs
  • A safe container for exploring difficult material
  • Integration support between sessions
A Note on Trauma

If you have a significant trauma history, approach TRE with particular care. Consider learning TRE with a certified provider before self-practising. Start with very short sessions. Build self-regulation skills thoroughly. Have therapeutic support available. TRE can be valuable in trauma recovery, but it is most effective as part of a broader approach that includes professional support.