Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health. It can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms. Traumatic experiences can leave deep emotional wounds that hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.

Trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, leading to a state of hypervigilance and constant stress. This can make it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions and maintain healthy relationships. This is where releasing tension with TRE can help.

TRE: Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises

Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) is a body-based approach to healing trauma that involves activating the body’s natural tremor mechanism to release stored tension and trauma. While it is still relatively new, it is a tool that can be useful integrated into psychotherapy in Singapore.

How does TRE work?

The science behind TRE lies in the body’s natural stress and trauma response. When faced with a threatening situation, the body activates its fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones and preparing for action. However, in traumatic experiences, this response may become overwhelmed and unable to complete its natural cycle.

TRE  helps activate the body’s tremor mechanism, an innate response to discharge stress and trauma. These involuntary tremors release stored tension and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and healing. The process is similar to the way animals naturally shake off stress after a threatening situation.

Benefits of incorporating TRE in psychotherapy:

• It acts as an additional tool for releasing stored tension and trauma, complementing traditional talk therapy approaches.
• Addressing trauma at a physiological level leads to deeper healing and lasting change.
• Helping individuals develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation by reconnecting with their physical sensations and gaining insights into their emotional experiences.
• Empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
• Promoting relaxation and stress reduction is essential for overall well-being.
• Creating a safe space for clients to relax, unwind, and release tension enhances the therapeutic process and facilitates deeper healing.

Research has also shown that TRE can positively impact mental health and well-being. It has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By accessing the body’s innate healing capacity, TRE practices can support individuals in their journey toward personal growth and resilience.

TRE offers a holistic approach to emotional and psychological regulation that goes beyond standard psychotherapy in Singapore.

Team Soulmatics

Soulmatics is a team of psychotherapists offering psychotherapy and counselling services in Singapore, specialising in trauma recovery work.