South Africa has a vast problem with trauma. The consequences of trauma add to the burden in all sectors of our society, from medical conditions to human resource challenges (such as absenteeism) and criminality and substance abuse.
Children who are raised in environments where trauma is not understood or managed are hugely at risk. First, they are likely to experience poorer health outcomes, both physical and mental. Second, they are likely to perpetuate the whole trauma cycle onto their own children in due course.
South Africa has a violent and traumatic history. At no point has the government focused on a large-scale trauma intervention. Trauma and Tension Release Exercise (TRE) may offer a solution. TRE was developed by Dr David Berceli, who is not South African. The method arose in group settings, including war zones in the Middle East, which means it has the potential to operate at scale at a relatively low cost.
TRE helps people restore their nervous-system health by shaking off the old energy of accumulated trauma and stress. This is not a talk therapy. It is a body-based method.
A TRE network for South Africans
I am building a network of registered TRE providers in Johannesburg, South Africa. The aim is to promote the benefits of TRE and make this service more easily accessible to members of the public, especially in sectors such as policing, nursing, and teaching.
If you are a TRE provider who would like to join this network and potentially benefit from my marketing to organisations, please contact me at
healingzone88@gmail.com.
TRE can also be used in prisons and rehabilitation centres. However, TRE providers are not in a position to work voluntarily or for minimal fees. Working with trauma demands a lot from the practitioner, and fair compensation is essential. I am exploring funding options in this regard.
To find out more or to discuss contributing to this vision, please email me at healingzone88@gmail.com.