TRE Therapy (Tension & Trauma Release)

TRE therapy in Centurion & Middelburg. Gentle, body-based release of stress & trauma by a registered Educational Psychologist.

Stress and tension don’t just live in your head, they live in your body too. TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises) helps release that stored tension through gentle, natural movement. As a certified TRE facilitator, I guide you through this body-based technique that complements traditional therapy.

As a registered Educational Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No: PS 0158127) offering TRE in Centurion and Middelburg, I use this body-based trauma and tension release method to support children, teens and adults who struggle with anxiety, exam stress, burnout or the after-effects of difficult experiences.

Because TRE works with the body, it is not a substitute for medical care. If you or your child has a medical condition, epilepsy, or a recent injury, please check with your doctor before starting, and mention any of those to me so we can adapt or postpone the work safely.

Why TRE helps

When we go through stress or trauma, our bodies may lock into tension patterns (tight shoulders, stiff muscles, shallow breathing). Over time, those patterns can contribute to anxiety, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm. TRE helps the body shake off tension, much like animals do after a fright.

Who can try TRE

• Kids who hold tension in their bodies (often seen as fidgeting, headaches, trouble sleeping)
• Teens dealing with exam stress or emotional overload
• Adults carrying chronic stress
• Anyone who finds traditional talk therapy helpful but still feels physical tension

How a session works

• You remain fully clothed and comfortable (on a mat or soft surface)
• We guide you through gentle muscle stretches and activation exercises
• This primes the body to tremble or shake naturally, starting the release
• You remain in control, if it feels intense, you stop or slow it
• Afterwards, we do calming, grounding steps to help you land softly

For younger children, we adapt the movement. We might make it playful or involve a parent until the child feels safe. The entire process is paced to the individual.

What you might feel

People often report feeling lighter, calmer, more centred. Over time, regular practice can improve sleep, reduce tension headaches, ease emotional reactivity, and enhance your ability to cope with stress.

Why we offer TRE

It’s one of the few techniques that works directly with the body’s stored tension, rather than just the mind. We see it as a complement to individual therapy and exam stress management, not a replacement. Many students combine TRE with exam stress counselling for fuller support. TRE for the physical tension and counselling for the mental strategies. For a closer look at what the evidence can and cannot tell us, read what TRE therapy may help with. For another body-aware technique students sometimes ask about, read our post on what the Havening technique is and how it tames exam stress. It’s a tool people can gradually use independently once they become comfortable with it. Ronita is trained in TRE facilitation and knows how to guide people safely. We offer TRE in both Centurion and Middelburg, making it accessible to more families in our area.

Related Support

These services may also be relevant:

• Exam Stress Management: Combine TRE’s physical release with practical strategies and emotional support for exam pressure
• Play Therapy & Child Counselling: For the emotional processing side, alongside the body-based work
• Career Guidance & Subject Choice: When uncertainty about the future is part of the stress

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TRE safe for children?

Yes, when facilitated by a trained provider. We adapt TRE for children with gentler exercises and shorter sessions. Parents can be present, and we make it playful and non-threatening. TRE is particularly helpful for children who’ve experienced trauma, hold physical tension, or struggle with anxiety. One important note: TRE is a body-based practice, not medical treatment. If your child has a medical condition such as epilepsy or a recent injury, check with their doctor before starting.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose clothing (tracksuit pants, t-shirt, leggings) that allows easy movement. You’ll be lying on a mat doing gentle stretches and allowing your body to shake naturally. No special equipment needed.

How long is a TRE session?

First sessions typically last 60-75 minutes (including explanation, exercises, tremoring, and grounding). Follow-up sessions may be shorter (45-60 minutes) as you become familiar with the process. The actual tremoring phase usually lasts 10-20 minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

Many people feel relief after just 1-2 sessions. For chronic tension, trauma, or ongoing stress, 4-8 sessions may be beneficial. Once you learn the technique, you can practice independently at home with periodic check-ins.

How much does TRE cost in South Africa?

TRE sessions typically range from R600-R900 per session. Contact us for current rates and package options if you’re planning multiple sessions.

Does medical aid cover TRE?

Coverage varies. Some medical aids cover TRE under Psychology or Biokineticist benefits, while others don’t recognize it yet. We provide invoices for submission. Check with your scheme about coverage for somatic or body-based therapies.

Will I lose control during tremoring?

No. You remain fully conscious and in control throughout. If tremoring feels too intense, you simply change position or stop. The process is self-regulating, your body only releases what it’s ready to release.

Can TRE replace therapy?

TRE is a complement to therapy, not a replacement. It works with the body’s stored tension while talk therapy works with thoughts and emotions. Many clients do both, TRE for physical release and traditional therapy for emotional processing. We often recommend combining TRE with our play therapy services for fuller support.

What conditions can TRE help with?

TRE can help with stress, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), tension headaches, sleep difficulties, emotional overwhelm, and general nervous system regulation. It’s used worldwide for everything from exam stress to recovery from violence or accidents. It’s not a cure-all, but many find it deeply helpful.

Do you offer TRE in both Centurion and Middelburg?

Yes. TRE sessions are available at both our Centurion (Gauteng) and Middelburg (Mpumalanga) offices. Contact us to book at your preferred location.

What is TRE and how does it work?

TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises) is a body-based technique developed by Dr. David Berceli. It uses simple exercises to activate the body’s natural tremoring response, the same shaking animals do after escaping danger. This tremoring helps release muscular tension that builds up from stress, trauma, or chronic anxiety. Unlike talk therapy, TRE works directly with the body’s nervous system.

Can TRE help with exam stress?

Absolutely. Many students carry physical tension from academic pressure. Tight shoulders, headaches, difficulty sleeping, feeling constantly “wound up.” TRE helps release this tension physically. I work with high school and university students, especially during exam periods. Once learned, students can practice TRE at home whenever stress builds up. For a combined approach, we also offer dedicated exam stress management sessions that combine emotional support with practical study and exam strategies. If part of the pressure comes from not knowing which subjects or career direction to choose, our career guidance services can bring clarity to that side of the picture.

Is TRE the same as trauma therapy?

TRE is a complement to trauma therapy, not a replacement. Talk therapy processes trauma mentally and emotionally; TRE releases it physically. Many trauma survivors hold tension in their bodies even after successful therapy. TRE can help release this residual physical holding. For significant trauma, I often recommend combining TRE with traditional trauma therapy.

Could TRE help you or your child? Reach out to us if you’d like to try a session or learn more. We’ll walk through your concerns, explain how it works, and decide whether it’s a good fit for you. Sessions are available at both our Centurion and Middelburg practices.