Frequently Asked Questions

The Total Release Experience® is becoming more and more known.  The article in the Daily Mail written by one of my clients, raised initial awareness with a wider UK audience back in 2012. Everyone who engages with our programme has a very different experience – little wonder there are many questions.

What is the TRE

The Total Release Experience® (The TRE)  is a 5-Step Programme that Caroline evolved from over a decade of experience.  It is an empowering programme that includes self-help practice.  It enables the permanent release of symptoms from stress, tension,  anxiety, and PTSD from the physical, mental and emotional body.  At TRE UK® we adapt to each individual’s physical ability.  We teach to a high level so that clients feel safe and supported as they learn to invoke their body’s innate tremoring response in a controlled and sustained way.  You would safely and gently release symptoms of stress, tension, and trauma from the core of the body. What is held and undischarged in the muscle memory brings profound freedom.

Chronic muscular tension is released from the core of the body, where the protective pattern of muscle contraction is created.  The body returns to a more calm, relaxed and balanced state.  The technique is easily learned, self-empowering and immediately effective.  However, at TRE UK® we pride ourselves on ensuring all our clients get full education and resources around the practice and provide unlimited support as each one progresses on their own healing journey.

Our programme has a significant impact on reducing symptoms of general stress, anxiety, tension, and pain.  This makes it ideal not only for survivors of extreme trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but anyone with chronic stress and tension, bringing about a greater sense of well-being.

The TRE requires ‘no talking’, so there is no need to recall specific events or re-experience unwanted emotions or memories.  The TRE releases stored physical energy and tension from the deeper core of the body.  Learning with a TRE UK® Practitioner is a safe and gentle way to heal.

That all seems a bit scary.

We understand you may feel that.  However, be reassured there is nothing to be afraid of.  TRE UK® clients get full education and support.  They often cannot believe how calming and relaxing the practice feels because it is so natural. No one can tell you what it will feel like until you do it.  It is the work of the TRE UK® skilled practitioners to guide and support you through the practice so that you feel confident and comfortable to continue.  It becomes a tool for life and a life tool.  How can you be afraid of your own body – which has an amazing ability to heal itself?  As someone who learned said, ‘Everyone should do this – why wouldn’t’ they?’

Will I feel better if I practice  The TRE?

Regular practice of The TRE has released symptoms that have been endured for years by some clients.  As tension releases from the body, the brain registers a reduction in pain signals, producing new hormones that promote healing from within, bringing about a greater sense of well-being. Sustained regular practice is the key to feeling better. One of the inmates at the prison where we teach said, ‘If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got’.  If you want things to change, you must do something for yourself.  We are there every step of the way with you.

What makes The TRE technique different as a release for stress, anxiety or PTSD?

Your body already knows what it needs to do.  Unfortunately, like everyone, it has been suppressed and forgotten. The process activates an involuntary vibration in the muscles.  Individuals do not use the conscious control of their body or brain that most other relaxation techniques rely upon.  It is a natural practice and requires no talking.

How will I benefit from TRE?

Stress, tension, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in the UK.  Adults and teenagers often experience stress daily, brought on by many factors.  Trauma may have happened from events over which we have had no control as we go through elevated stress levels; our deep core muscles contract holding the stress in our body.  It is not until we experience pain, discomfort or illness that we associate how we feel as directly related to our stressful or traumatic experiences.

The TRE releases symptoms of stress and anxiety held in your body.  If left unchecked, symptoms can elevate to the point of chronic illness. By practising The TRE, you can prevent stress and tension levels from getting out of control. You heal from your past and build resilience.  You will start to heal from the past and build resilience; for our clients, it has been transformational.

What do I wear?

We advise comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing, such as trousers, leggings or a tracksuit.

Will The TRE improve my sleep?

Sleep difficulty is an indicator that our body may be out of balance. Sleeplessness is often a symptom of stress, anxiety or tension.   One of the key factors of stress is a worried mind!  Deep muscular relaxation, which the TRE elicits, induces our body to activate the rest/digest.  This brings about the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system.  This will allow our bodies to sleep.  Many of our clients report better sleep.

How does TRE  reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and PTSD?

Symptoms of stress and anxiety can be difficult to manage if left unchecked.  We can feel overwhelmed at times.  The TRE requires ‘no talking’, which makes our programme a more welcome experience for all, especially young people.  Using it in a therapeutic context enables the Practitioner to encourage the body to bring about the stress reduction process by breaking down the iceberg tension deep from the core of the body.

If you have further questions, please get in touch so we can add them to our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page.