Using TRE (tension and trauma releasing exercises) with people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society

Nissen, M.

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Poster, Beurs van Berlage , Grote Zaal

Kernwoorden

MS, TRE, trauma, self regulation

Onderzoeksgebied

Trauma

Introductie

Being diagnosed with a chronic disease like MS this can lead to shock, trauma and crisis. Reactions to this are among other things characterized by a fear of dying before time and fear of ending up in a wheelchair. Great existential questions emerge and the identity often is being shattered.

Materiaal en methodes

The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society offers psychotherapy to people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) on a psychodynamic basis, but also employs a number of other methods. Some of the psychologists use TRE. TRE activates the body’s ability for self regulation through the body´s tremor mechanism.

Resultaten

The experience with TRE with PwMS is based on more than 600 anecdotal case histories. The most significant results are: decrease of stress, depression, anxiety and dissociation and improvement of body sensation, acceptance of disease and bonding with relatives.

Conclusie

Many people with chronic diseases have been traumatized through their hospital treatment, their bodies have been desensitized through medication and they have been confronted with big existential questions. The health care system is not prepared to meet these challenges. The TRE therapy with PwMS in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society suggests that TRE with beneficial results can be used in therapeutic work with chronic diseased people.