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What is TRE (tension & trauma releasing exercises)?
Humans suffer from anxiety, stress and depression, sometimes caused by trauma in their lives. We remember our past, are anxious about our present and worry about our future. Relationships, families, jobs, school, money, health, politics, bereavement, accommodation–we are unusual if these, at some stage, do not cause us concern. Many of us learn how to handle what life throws at us, but doing so can be a painful struggle and leave damaging scars which continue to affect us. It is not surprising that some people turn to doctors, therapists and counsellors to help them cope. TRE is a practical way to tackle these problems. It is a novel therapy that is fairly new to this country. It is unusual in focussing on the physical: the therapy involves shaking not talking. Once you have learned it you can do it alone. There is no requirement to articulate and rehearse the traumas of the past, which can often be distressing. In some ways, though, it is not novel at all but rather the rediscovery of a helpful habit we have forgotten. Animals shiver and shake in response to trauma. For some reason we have lost that healthy and healing reaction. TRE takes you back to what is a natural, physical response. It allows you to shake away the difficult emotions, destructive patterns of behaviours and tension that may be limiting you. Who is TRE (tension & trauma releasing exercises) For? Some people manage their lives without help. TRE is for all those who wish to be able to relax and seek the new opportunities that follow, not to be tied down by their history, to shed their burdens and move forward. What to expect during a session In a one to one session I will teach you how to do TRE exercises safely so you don’t feel overtaken by the shaking. I will be listening to your body by talking to you and observing your body movements. I will show you how to stay with feelings, emotions, memories, stories, pain and tightness by locating then to a place in your body. This teaches you how to engage with your body so that you can safely release your muscle tension. The exercises are done fully clothed, standing on a yoga mat and the shaking is done lying down. After you have shaken I will invite you to lie down to rest allowing your body to accept what has just happened. Lastly I will ask if you have any questions about the exercises and I will also check you are ready to go back home, work or school safely. In the longer term The aim of TRE is to teach you how to do the exercises on your own at home and be able work out what’s the right amount of shaking for you. Some people come and see me weekly, others drop in from time to time and for others one session is all they need. Once you have learned how to use TRE you can d it whenever you need to or it can become a regular practice. It’s up to you. |