Skip to main content

Release Stress, Heal Trauma, and Restore Balance with TRE®

Finding the balance the body needs

Get in touch Learn more
Background image

Do you suffer from:

    Lower back pain?

    Anxiety?

    Palpitations?

    Insomnia?

    Depression?

    Poor eating habits?

    Nervous tension?

    Panic attacks?

    Breathing problems?

    High blood pressure?

    IBS?

    Brain fog?

You’re not alone. Many people experience these symptoms without understanding the underlying causes.

These issues are often the result of your body holding onto stress and trauma that’s been suppressed over time.

Why you might feel this way

When we’re stressed, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol - the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormones. These are innate responses that animals and humans evolved to deal with threats and danger.

While we're not fending off sabre-toothed tigers any more, we live in a culture that over stimulates the nervous system and triggers our brains into eliciting these primal responses.

As well as 'fight and 'flight', there are two other stress responses: 'freeze' and 'fawn'. Collectively these are called FFFF.

You might have felt a FFFF response present itself with some or all of these feelings at some point:

Fight

  • Self preservation at all costs
  • Explosive temper and outbursts
  • Aggressive, angry behavior
  • Controls others
  • Bully
  • Can't "hear" other points of view
  • A sense of entitlement
  • Demands perfection from others
  • Dictatorial tendencies

Typically mis-labeled as:

Narcissist, sociopath, conduct disorder

Flight

  • Obsessive and compulsive behavior
  • Feelings of panic and anxiety
  • Rushing around
  • Over-worrying
  • Workaholic
  • Can't sit still, can't relax
  • Tries to micromanage situations and people
  • Always 'on the go', busy doing things
  • Wants things to be perfect
  • Over-achiever

Typically mis-labeled as:

OCD, bipolar, ADHD, panic disorder, mood disorder

Freeze

  • Spacing out
  • Feeling unreal
  • Hibernating
  • Isolating self from outside world
  • Couch potato
  • Disassociates
  • Brain fog
  • Difficulty making/acting on decisions
  • Achievement-phobic
  • Wants to hide from the world
  • Feels 'dead', lifeless

Typically mis-labeled as:

Clinical depression, schizophrenia, ADD, DID

Fawn

  • People pleasing
  • Scared to say what they really think
  • Talks about 'the other' instead of themselves
  • Flatters others to avoid conflict
  • Angel of mercy
  • Over-caring
  • Sucker
  • Can't stand up for self or say no
  • Easily exploited by others
  • Concerned with social standing and fitting in
  • Yes-man/yes-woman

Typically mis-labeled as:

Codependent, victim

In nature, animals instinctively shake off this stress after a threat passes, but humans have been taught to suppress these natural responses, holding tension in the body instead.

"Man up"

"Stiff upper lip"

"Don't cry"

"Chin up"

"Pull yourself together"

Sound familiar? It might seem stoic and strong, but if we suppress our natural coping mechanisms, the stress hormones stay trapped our body, meaning it is in a constant state of FFFF. This can affect you both mentally and physically.

A persons emotional state can be gauged with this mental health barometer. It ranges from feeling calm and comfortable, to more extreme states such as anxiety, panic, or even suicidal thoughts:

Comfortable Discomfort Severe discomfort Overwhelmed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Safe - Go for it

  • Grounded
  • Calm
  • At ease
  • Relaxed
  • Peaceful
  • Creative
  • Loving
  • Playful
  • Motivated
  • Present
  • Focused
  • Connected

Caution - Slow down

  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Frustration
  • Guilt
  • Loneliness
  • Impatience
  • Worry
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability
  • Impatience

Danger - Stop

  • Panic
  • Pain
  • Rage
  • Fear
  • Exhaustion
  • Anger

Shutdown - Standstill

  • Suicidal
  • Depressed
  • Disconnected
  • Numb
  • Withdrawn
  • Isolated
  • Helpless
  • Shame
  • Hopeless
  • Blocked
  • Stuck
  • Shut down
  • Can't concentrate
Safe Life Threatening

Some people will spend most of their time in the 'comfortable' or 'discomfort' zones, and maybe 'severe discomfort' for short periods. Others may always be in the discomfort zone or higher.

Chronic build up of the stress hormones and chronic contraction of the body can result in anxiety, panic attacks, depression, lower back pain and many more ailments in the body.

The part of the brain that will logically help us to decipher whether we are in real danger ceases to work efficiently, whilst living in FFFF, as our brain only reacts instinctively and emotionally when it perceives danger or threat.

All of this leads to physical discomfort, emotional stress, and a lack of balance in our lives. This causes dis-ease.

What is TRE and how can it help?

Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), developed by Dr David Berceli, is a simple yet effective set of exercises that help the body release stress, tension, and trauma by triggering a natural shaking mechanism.

This gentle shaking relaxes the muscles, allows the built up hormones to dissipate, and calms the nervous system, encouraging the body to return to a balanced state.

TRE recognizes that stress and trauma affect both mind and body. Many people find the vibrations soothing and report feelings of peace and well-being after practicing TRE.

This video gives a good overview of the science behind TRE and how it can help you release built-up tension:

Once learned, TRE becomes a self-help tool, allowing individuals to use it as needed to support their health and well-being throughout life.

Some of the benefits of TRE include:

Hello, I'm Jo - your TRE Provider

After discovering TRE and experiencing its profound impact on my own well-being, I knew I had to learn more.

The deep sense of relief I felt from releasing stress and tension through these exercises was life-changing. I realized that this was something I wanted to share with others, especially those who, like me, have struggled with stress, anxiety, or trauma.

This led me to become fully trained and certified as a TRE provider, so I could help others benefit from this incredible practice.

Watch TRE in action

Curious about what's actually involved? Watch this video of Elliot's second TRE session. I provide guidance and commentary throughout, and Elliot describes the sensations he is experiencing.

How much does it cost?

Each session costs £60, with a discount available for three sessions at £150. After three sessions most people are ready to continue practising TRE on their own.

I work one-to-one with individuals, or with multiple people in group settings. I can lead the sessions in person, or online via zoom.

1 session

£60

Per person

  • Introduction to TRE
  • Establishing the problems you may be trying to solve
  • Fully guided first session
  • After session discussion and recap
  • Guidance and advice for you moving forward
Book now

You can take as many or as few sessions as you need to begin practising TRE by yourself.

Because we're unlocking the body's natural tremor response, it doesn't take long before you can do it easily by yourself. The body wants to do it, and the more you allow it to do so, the easier and more effective it will be over time.

What my clients say

After first chatting with Jo I started to learn about the flight/fight responses we have to certain situations, so I started to explore TRE further after becoming stressed at work.

After a few sessions I started to notice I became less stressed in situations inside work and out, it helped me a lot. Now I have had a few TRE sessions with Jo, I can now do the exercises at home where I am more comfortable.

I have noticed that when frequently doing the exercises I am more in touch with my body, TRE overall has been really beneficial to me.

- Elliot

I met Jo while she was training and I didn’t fully understand what TRE was at the time but I knew I’d started to feel stressed out on a regular basis.

I began helping her with her training videos at the age of 18 and didn’t realise the impact the first session had on my body. Immediately I felt clearer in my mind and could tackle my daily challenges with logical thoughts rather than reacting to them with emotion.

After just 3 sessions I felt safe enough to do the exercises at home and release on my own, I still continue to do them to this day and I cannot thank Jo enough for helping me to connect my mind and body.

- Jez

I met Jo a few years ago at a yoga class when she introduced me to the practice of TRE which I had never heard of.

I am a practicing, qualified, accredited counsellor with many years of experience and we got on to the subject of trauma and how it impacts the nervous system, this is something I have researched and use within my practice. Jo demonstrated a short exercise to a small group of us and explained clearly how beneficial TRE can be.

Since then, I booked a one to one session with Jo and now I am confident in instigating the exercises at home when I feel the need to.I always feel better afterwards and allow myself to go with whatever my body is telling me.

I have witnessed Jo share the practice with others, she has a calm, attentive and sensitive manner which helps put people at ease.

Having experienced a lot of personal trauma and the absorption of clients trauma at times, I have noticed a difference in my mood and self development.

- Helen
Show more

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions people ask about TRE and my sessions. If you have any other queries or questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Who can benefit from TRE?

TRE is suitable for anyone who experiences stress, tension, or trauma. It’s gentle, adaptable, and can be practiced by people of all ages.

Are you trained to teach TRE?

Yes, I am a fully qualified and accredited TRE® provider. After feeling the benefits for myself, I wanted to share it with others. The most effective way to do that was to complete the full TRE provider course from TRE Scotland.

You can view my certificates here:

What areas do you cover?

I am based in Warrington and offer in-person sessions within the local area. If I can't make it to you, or vice-versa, I also offer sessions via Zoom, making TRE accessible to everyone.

I'm only free in the evenings or weekends, can I still book a session?

Yes of course. I'm flexible and able to work around your commitments.

Do you do joint or group sessions?

Yes, I do both individual and group sessions. Some people find it comforting and reassuring to try TRE with a friend of family member, which helps the process of releasing tension.

Can I use TRE with other treatments?

Yes of course, TRE is a great addition to your mental health toolbox. It works and supports other wellbeing practices and treatments such as meditation and CBT.

How many sessions would I need?

It depends on the individual, but most people find they can practice TRE by themselves after 3 sessions. Of course, I'm always available for "top-up" sessions if you feel like you need more advice or guidance.

Ready to get started?

If you'd like to book your first session, or are curious about TRE and would like to learn more, please get in touch using the details below, or use the contact form, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.