Kate Whitehead

Mental Health Counsellor / TRE Provider

Kate Whitehead is a mental health counsellor and specialises in issues related to anxiety, stress and trauma. She recognises that the mind and body are closely connected and uses the somatic body-based process of Tension or Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) to support clients.

TRE is a series of simple yet innovative exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and tension. The exercises safely activate a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that release muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking / vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance.

TRE is based on the fundamental idea, backed by research, that stress, tension and trauma is both physical and psychological. A TRE session lasts an hour, it takes you through a series of seven movements or exercises that are designed to relax your psoas muscle. TRE’s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing. After doing the exercises, many people report feelings of peace, well-being, and relaxed joint or muscle pain.

TRE is designed to be a self-help tool. Working with a Kate for five sessions will equip you with the skills to practice TRE independently throughout your life, thereby continuously supporting and promotion personal health and wellness.

Kate has benefitted from TRE personally. She experienced chronic neck pain and migraines for more than 20 years and relied on migraine medication when she had an attack. After developing a TRE practice, the migraines have stopped.

Prior to becoming a therapist, Kate was a journalist. She was twice awarded the MIND Media Award for her coverage of mental health issues and has published four books, most recently Pandemic Minds (HKU Press, 2024) about the psychological impact of the pandemic in Hong Kong.

Modalities: 

• Trauma / Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE) 
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
• Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 

Academic and Professional Credentials:

• Master of Counselling (Monash University)
• Bachelor of Arts Literature (Warwick University)
• Master of Literature (Sussex University)
• Certified TRE Provider
• EMDR basic training parts 1 & 2