David’s Bio:

Dr. Berceli is an international author, presenter and trainer in the areas of trauma intervention, stress reduction, resiliency & recovery training. He has lived and worked in war-torn countries and natural disaster zones around the world. He specializes in recovery with large populations i.e., military personnel, national and international relief agencies, and government and non-government organizations whose staff are living and working in life-challenging environments. Dr. Berceli is also the creator of a revolutionary set of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). He is the author of three books that have been translated into 13 languages. Currently he teaches trauma recovery and awareness in 50 countries and provides relief services through his non-profit organization to survivors of natural and human made disasters around the world. His academic career includes a degree in Social Work (PhD), Clinical Social Work (MA), Theology (MA), Middle Eastern Studies (Lic). He is also certified as a Massage Therapist (MT), and Bioenergetic Therapist (CBT).

According to David, why TRE works to improve mental health:

Shaking during stress, tension or trauma is as healthy and natural as shivering when we are cold. Medical science has overlooked and misinterpreted this natural neurogenic shaking mechanism as a pathological process. By inhibiting or medicating oneself to stop this organic tremor response we interrupt the body’s natural healing process.

Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) is designed to reactivate this tremor/shaking mechanism in a safe environment so the nervous system can complete the discharge of its over-stimulated state. These tremors are felt as a mild vibrational sensation that assists the human organism in both calming the nervous system as well as relaxing physical tension in the body. The result is the restoration of homeostasis. Benefits include a reduction in physical tension and a decrease in emotional stress, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms. Greater emotional and physical resiliency is the end result of using this technique.

I teach this technique to large traumatized populations as a simple exercise routine that is easily accessible and can be replicated without the guidance of a therapist. My belief is:

1. The tremor mechanism in the human body appears to be an essential component of our regulatory system.

2. This implies that all humans have a right to this self-regulating human mechanism as a means of supporting self-care.

3. TRE is about teaching this mechanism to others and guiding them to learn how to use this ‘ancient/new’ body mechanism in a safe and responsible manner.

David’s Resource Recommendations:

websites:

traumaprevention.com – This website provides a listing of all the certified TRE Providers and Trainers globally. Likewise, it has links to purchase his books and DVDs and has links to videos, which provide visual examples of the tremor mechanism. It also explains the TRE process, provides testimonials, and the current research that has been completed thus far.

profiles where you can find David:

YouTube

Twitter

Linked-In, under “Dr. David Berceli”