Children and teens can carry stress and even trauma in their bodies just like adults do whether it’s anxiety about school, the impact of bullying, or lingering tension from a frightening experience. We are proud to offer Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) as part of our services. TRE is a gentle, innovative way to help adults and young people literally “shake off” stress and restore a sense of calm. This technique is not talk therapy; it’s a body-based method that complements our other emotional support services by focusing on physical release of tension.
What is TRE? TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) was developed by Dr. David Berceli and consists of a series of seven simple exercises that safely activate the body’s natural tremor mechanism. In plain terms, we guide the child or teen through stretching and muscle exercises (such as gently shaking the legs) which trigger a mild tremoring or shaking response in the body. This shaking isn’t something to be afraid of it’s the body’s built-in way to release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. Think of how animals shake off stress (like a dog after a scare); humans have the same capability, but we often suppress it. TRE reawakens this ability in a controlled, therapeutic manner. As the muscles tremble, the nervous system begins to rebalance and relax, letting go of the “fight, flight, freeze” patterns that stress and trauma can create. TRE can help with everyday stress (for example, easing exam jitters or sports performance anxiety) as well as more serious conditions like chronic stress, PTSD, or trauma recovery.
How a TRE session works: Rontia, who is trained in TRE, will typically conduct TRE in either a one-on-one session or small group, depending on what’s comfortable for the child/teen. We start by explaining the process in age-appropriate terms (for kids, we might use analogies like “just like how a zebra shakes after a lion chase to feel okay again”). The child remains fully clothed and usually lies on a yoga mat or comfortable surface. The practitioner leads them through some simple exercises – often starting with the legs – to fatigue certain muscle groups slightly. Once the body is prepared, we invite it to start shaking. The shaking might start in the legs and can spread or move; each person’s tremors are a bit different. It’s never forced – the body does it on its own, and the person can stop it at any time. Throughout, the therapist is there monitoring and ensuring the child feels safe and in control. Sessions often last around 30 minutes to an hour.
Children are often naturally good at TRE because they are curious and less inhibited – many actually find the shaking fun or funny at first! We often see smiles and giggles as a child’s body starts to tremble gently; they might say it feels weird but in a good way. Teens might be a bit self-conscious initially, but once they feel the relaxation that comes, they appreciate it. The wonderful thing is, TRE is a self-empowering tool: once someone learns how to do it safely, they can use it on their own whenever they feel stressed. Many of our young clients love that they “don’t need an adult to help” once they know TRE – it gives them a sense of control and independence in managing their stress. This can be magical for teenagers especially, as it offers a healthy way to assert independence and take care of themselves.
Benefits of TRE for your child/teen: Regular TRE practice can lead to a range of positive outcomes: better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved concentration, and a general sense of being more relaxed and comfortable in their own skin. Physically, children might notice fewer tummy aches or headaches related to stress. Emotionally, they might feel less irritable or reactive. For children who have experienced trauma, TRE can gently release traumatic stress from the body without requiring them to talk through the events, which can be a huge advantage if talking about it is too difficult. Over time, TRE helps build self-regulation skills the child learns to recognize when they are getting tense or anxious and can use TRE exercises to bring themselves back to a calm state. Research and anecdotal evidence have noted that when children are self-regulated, they are better able to engage socially and perform academically. In other words, helping the nervous system settle can improve behavior and learning, since a calm child can focus and connect more easily.
Safety and comfort: We always prioritize the comfort of the young person in TRE sessions. The exercises are adapted to their age and physical ability (for instance, very young children might do more gentle movements, or do TRE with a parent present). TRE is generally safe for all, but we will assess readiness (for example, if a child has a medical condition or severe psychiatric condition, we modify or consult with other professionals as needed). The process is self-paced – if at any point the child wants to stop the shaking, they can; they remain in control of their body. After the tremoring phase, we guide them through a cool-down and grounding process, so they leave the session feeling relaxed and secure. We might end with a calming activity like drawing or talking about a happy memory, to ensure they’re in a positive state of mind.
Parents are usually curious about TRE, so we often demonstrate or invite parents to observe (with the child’s permission) to demystify it. We also teach you how to support your child’s TRE practice at home, if appropriate – for example, creating a quiet space for them to do it and not interrupting their shaking time, or even teaching you the basics if you wish to learn alongside your child.
Real-world example: Imagine a 16-year-old girl, anxious about her matric exams, plagued by stomach butterflies and sleepless nights. After a few TRE sessions, she learns how to do the exercises each evening; the muscle tremors discharge her pent-up exam stress. She reports feeling oddly calmer and more confident before her exams – and her parents notice she’s no longer pacing the house the night before a big test. Or consider an 8-year-old boy who witnessed a car accident and has been clingy and jumpy since. In TRE sessions, he shakes and even cries a little (which can happen as emotions release), and afterwards he’s back to playing and laughing like the carefree kid he was before. These are the kinds of outcomes TRE can facilitate.
In summary, TRE is a powerful yet simple tool to help children and teens release tension and build resilience. It taps into the wisdom of the body, complementing the mind-focused techniques of talk therapy. By including TRE in our service offerings, we provide a well-rounded approach to wellness: mind, and body. If your child seems “wound up” with stress, carrying emotional baggage they can’t verbalize, or even just could use a healthy way to relax, TRE might be a great fit for them. We are one of the few practices offering TRE for youngsters in our area, and we have seen the difference it can make. Your child can learn that their body isn’t the enemy when they’re anxious – it can actually be the key to their healing.
(Service available through in-person appointments in Centurion, Gauteng and Middelburg, Mpumalanga.)