About TRE

Tension, Stress and Trauma Release Therapy

What is TRE?

Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (or TRE) is a simple yet innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. Created by Dr. David Berceli, PhD, TRE safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of vibration that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular vibration mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance. TRE is a body based (somatic) process which, when done properly, through a Certified TRE Provider can allow the individual to discharge tension from the body, which often does not require “revisiting the story”. (ie: verbally describing or talking about the traumatic experience).

Part of our focus:

The Autonomic Nervous System that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration & digestion. Sympathetic and Parasympathetic anatomically divisions (fight, flight or freeze).  Psoas muscle- stretch and tension release.  Vagus Nerve stimulation (longest nerve in the body- connects your brain to many important organs throughout the body, including the intestines, stomach, heart and lungs) to promote nervous system relaxation. Tension & stress focusing exercises, to use as stress release tools in daily life.

 Some of the reported benefits of tension, stress and trauma release therapy:

  • Reduces symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Less worry & anxiety
  • Less workplace stress
  • Better sleep
  • More energy & endurance
  • Improved marital relationships
  • Less relationship conflict
  • Reduced muscle & back pain
  • Increased flexibility
  • Greater emotional resiliency
  • Decreases symptoms of vicarious trauma
  • Healing of old injuries
  • Lessened anxiety surrounding serious illness
  • Relief from chronic medical conditions
  • Pre & Post-operative trauma

Important:

TRE is a safe and effective stress release technique for most people. The TRE process should not be used as a substitute for trauma recovery procedures of a medical or psychological nature.

Individuals who have physical or psychological/psychiatric conditions that require strict regulation, individuals with fragile psychological defences, a complex history of trauma or restricting physical or medical limitations should consult their medical practitioner or a Certified TRE Provider prior to performing these exercises.

What Clients Say

“I faced a huge trauma recently and really could not cope with life and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Azele flew down to Cape Town and introduced me to TRE. I was a bit nervous at first as I am not good with groups. What an amazing journey of self-discovery and that in the group we could relate to one another and you instantly realise that you are not alone in your emotions that you experience on a daily basis. In this intimate group we discovered that we all faced the same demons, all had the same questions that we could not find answers to and through this amazing therapy we came to realise that all the answers lay within ourselves and that by sharing we connected deeply with one another and drew strength not only from inside ourselves and through TRE but also through the group. Looking back on this amazing experience and receiving the tools to move forward – I would not have been able to do this entirely on my own. The group gave me the courage and the strength to take this with both hands and move through the trauma and into a place where I can grow on a daily basis using the tools given and still being able to keep contact with the people in the group to continue to encourage each other and share experiences. Thank you to Azele, TRE and our amazing group for the love, the care and the tools to start a new journey of self-discovery and rid my body of the accumulated trauma though years. Learning to stop the self-destruction and to continue taking one day at a time knowing there are others out there prepared to hold your hand and give support. TRE saved my life
What TRE did for me.
I am learning to practice acceptance in all circumstances of my life, so that I may enjoy peace of mind. At one-time life was a constant battle because I felt I had to go through each day fighting myself, my mind, my history and everyone else. Eventually, this became a losing battle. I ended up getting overwhelmed. Today, I am FREE. I do not have to fight anybody or anything anymore. After you have changed, conditions will naturally change. I found the vibration sessions a bit weird in the beginning, but by session 2 it felt natural.

A lot of trauma was released during sessions and I learned what triggers are and how to work with them instead it working against me. I found my voice. I have started to speak my mind and open up more frequently – THUS not cropping up and trying to resolve stuff in my own head! I use the tools that were given to me, doing it daily to maintain focus. I am adapting well to the changes and I am feeling good about how I act and react to certain triggers? Use the tools. If it works keep working on it!!!

~Leonardo
What a life changing experience to attend TRE group therapy with Azele!  For the first time, I have been given tools to cope and continuously handle certain past and present life traumas. Group therapy was an amazing outlet to share experiences I have gone through and not feel alone in my struggles.  It is a safe zone where you do not feel judged, but instead, you can share your pain and feelings and realise your struggle is perhaps shared by someone else too, or very relatable. Deep emotions have been released through this process and the fact that I still have support and can daily do my own exercises and apply the skills I have learnt is incredibly empowering! I would highly recommend attending group therapy, it truly will change your everyday life, you will find yourself again and become a better & stronger you

~Kelly Hart-Thomas
I attended an intense 5-day TRE therapy group session with Azele. At first, I thought- how is this going to make a change in my life after I have tried and tested so many of the more acceptable known ways of therapy? For the first time in my life, I felt a change inside of me, as if something had just clicked! For the first time, I faced and worked on issues so deeply rooted without feeling like I am crazy. It felt as if the mountain that I was carrying on my shoulders started to chip away and become smaller day by day.

One can never be able to grasp, that by just understanding your body and following the self-care routine, such a powerful mind shift and clarity can come to light. Look, it’s by no means easy, it takes serious introspective and you face your true raw self. Yet, the clarity, calmness and detachment to those anxiety shackles... I have no words to express how free one feels. Azele is a true angel and I wish I had met her 20 years ago. Not only is she super professional and a guru in her field but I think her super power is how in touch she is with you and helps you through your toughest times. The most important and amazing part of this therapy is how you leave the sessions with tools that can help you every day while Azele is still there for support.

Her knowledge and soft yet stern manner do something to your soul, she is a true expert in her field. Her caring nature makes you feel safe, not judged, almost like you found your perfect home!
I would recommend everyone to go on this journey with Azele. Not only am I a more calm relaxed person, but the best part I took away from this, was the healing I found for myself and continue to find. I need to work on the things but am capable of doing this in a rational, more calm and clear state of mind. Thank you Azele, this has been an experience that has changed my life in more than one way for only the better.

~Elanza
Initially, I was sceptical about TRE, but Azele talked me through the whole process and explained in great detail what to expect at every stage during the treatment. It has helped me a great deal not only mentally but also physically. I was in a car accident that damaged the nerves in my face. After a few sessions, my facial nerves started to make new connections and my face is almost as good as new.

~Ané van den Berg

072 745 0451

Info@azeletre.com