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PODCAST - The Early Days of TRE® in the USA ft. Jacy Sundlie

In this blog post, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Jacy Sundlie, a long-time friend, supporter, and colleague of TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercise) founder, Dr. David Berceli. 

Jacy shares her journey with TRE, from her first encounter with David Berceli to her role in shaping the certification program in the United States. We also explore the power of group work, personal experiences with TRE, Jacy's involvement in creative projects like mask making and how TRE impacted her creativity. 

Additionally, we discuss her ongoing efforts to document the history of TRE and her vision for its future growth and expansion.

The Early Days of TRE: An Unexpected Encounter 

Jacy's introduction to TRE came unexpectedly in late 2008 while she was working in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Her acquaintance told her about a trauma therapist visiting the area, Dr. David Berceli, and the opportunity to meet him. 

Curious but unaware of who he was or what he did, Jacy agreed to organize a workshop for him. Little did she know that this encounter would mark the beginning of her lifelong journey with TRE. After meeting Dr. Berceli, Jacy felt an instant connection and a strong inner calling to work with him.

The Birth of the TRE Certification and the Global Nature of TRE 

Jacy's involvement with TRE deepened over the years as she became part of the team working on the certification program. Alongside Sherry Mills, Joan McDonald, and others, they established a structure for training individuals to become TRE providers. 

One significant challenge they faced was adapting the certification requirements to accommodate the diverse practices in different countries. Through collaboration and a desire to promote safety and grounding, the certification program evolved into a more global and accessible framework.

The Power of Group Work 

One of the unique aspects of TRE is its emphasis on group work. Jacy shares her passion for facilitating groups and highlights the importance of creating a space where everyone's expertise is valued and shared. Through group dynamics, participants can learn from one another, feel heard, and experience collective growth. Jacy sees herself as a facilitator rather than a teacher, allowing individuals to explore and learn together.

Personal Transformation through TRE 

Jacy reflects on her personal journey with TRE and how it transformed her life. She recalls a profound moment during a workshop where she realized the possibility of post-traumatic growth. This realization enabled her to let go of her belief system that had kept her stuck for years. Alongside physical benefits like resolving TMJ, Jacy describes how TRE has become an innate part of her life, with her body naturally trembling when it needs to release tension.

Exploring Creativity: Masks and TRE 

Jacy's work extends beyond TRE, as she has been involved in mask making and creative projects. She and her business partner created plaster face masks in the early '90s, exploring themes like the AIDS epidemic and diversity. More recently, Jacy has combined TRE with mask making, using it as a tool to delve into personal expression and discover the authentic self behind the metaphorical masks we wear in society.

Documenting the History of TRE and Future Directions 

Jacy and her colleagues have been working on documenting the history of TRE, compiling stories and experiences from trainers around the world. This endeavor aims to preserve the roots of TRE and serve as a foundation for future growth. Looking ahead, Jacy envisions continued expansion and sees opportunities for TRE to serve diverse populations, such as working with police departments and veterans' associations, empowering them to become TRE providers within their communities.

To delve deeper into this intriguing conversation and gain valuable insights into the early days of TRE in the USA, we invite you to listen to the entire podcast episode now!

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