TRE® Reading List: Some suggested texts

During workshops, groups and one-to-one sessions, participants often ask for information about what they might read to support their understanding of TRE®; trauma, tension and stress release and the nervous system. This list is not exhaustive but provides a starting point for reading about these topics:

The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process: Transcend your Toughest Times - David Berceli

The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process shows what stress, anxiety, and trauma do to our mental wellbeing and physical health. Despite life experiences, Dr. Berceli argues that even the most damaging events can become a path to a more fulfilling life. The Trauma Release process seeks to re-establish a person's balance, stabilise their life, and help them to find an 'emotionally healthy place'.

In an Unspoken Voice - Peter A. Lavine

Peter A. Levine is a clinician, student of comparative brain research, stress scientist and keen observer of the animal world. He uses this experience to explain the nature and transformation of trauma in the body, brain and psyche. In an Unspoken Voice is based on the idea that trauma is neither a disease nor a disorder but an injury caused by fright, helplessness and loss that can be healed by engaging our inbuilt ability to self-regulate intense emotions.

The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk argues that traumatic experiences can disconnect the mind and body. He discusses how the mind might try to bury trauma to protect us but the body remembers - holding onto the raw sensations, emotions, and survival instincts activated during the traumatic event. He discusses how this can result in physical or emotional symptoms, signalling unresolved trauma.

The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory - Stephen Porges

This wonderful book provides insights about the autonomic nervous system to support understanding of trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. The book places an emphasis on the important link between psychological experiences and physical manifestations in the body.

Body Intelligence - Ged Sumner

Body intelligence provides a new understanding of how the body works. The anatomy of the body is explored. Exercises, meditations and movements are provided within the book, helping the reader to develop improved levels of health and body intelligence that are natural.

Trauma is Really Strange - Steve Haines

This wonderful graphic science book explains the nature of trauma and how it confuses the brain and affects the body. The comic structure is extremely accessible and reveals how trauma resolution involves changing the body's physiology. It describes techniques that can achieve this, including TRE®, a technique to 'safely release deep muscular patterns of stress and trauma'.

Pain is Really Strange - Steve Haines

This short graphic science book reveals how strange pain is and explains how understanding it often helps to relieve its effects. Pain is explained in an easy-to-understand, graphic format and the book shows how to change the mind's habits to transform pain.

Anxiety is Really Strange - Steve Haines

Another offering by Steve Haines in a similar, research-based graphic format. It discusses how anxiety is created by our nervous system trying to protect us, and how our fight-or-flight mechanisms can get stuck. Tips and strategies are provided to relieve symptoms of anxiety, and 'change the mind's habits for a more positive outlook'.

Touch is Really Strange - Steve Haines

The latest addition to the Really Strange series. Touch is Really Strange celebrates the power of inward touch (interoception) and looks at using 'skilful contact to promote feelings of joy, connection and vitality'.

If you read any of these, let me know what you think. Kate ❤️