About our Logo
The flower presented in the logo is the Protea from the sugar bush species. The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) flower (one of the largest and most striking of the protea flowers with a colourful crown) is the national flower of South Africa. The uniqueness of this flower is even more relevant in the symbolism as it signifies diversity, courage and strength.
The origin of Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR)
TIR was developed in the 1980s by two American professionals, namely Frank A. Gerbode, M.D., a psychiatrist and Gerald French, an educational psychologist. Their focus was to find a simple, highly effective tool to address Trauma and PTSD in USA war veterans. In the course of their work, they counselled many ex-combatants who were fighting in the various wars the United States had been involved in. Many years after their wartime experiences, many of these veterans still suffered from severe emotional problems and found it hard to function adequately in society. By using TIR, Gerbode and French could help these individuals, within a relatively short time, to come to terms with their experiences and to re-enter society successfully. The value of this approach was appreciated by other professionals with a result that a training programme was developed, and TIRA (Traumatic Incident Reduction Association) came into being. TIRA is the international governing body of TIR. TIR has been implemented in all 50 USA States, every province of Canada as well as in Argentina, Australia, Belgium. Bermuda, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Palestine, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Switzerland, Tobago, Trinidad and Ukraine. In South Africa, more than a thousand facilitators have already been trained in the use of this method.
Founder: Yvonne Retief
TIRA-SA is the brainchild of Yvonne Retief who was one of the groups attending the first TIR workshop presented by Gerald French in South Africa back in 2000. She was so impressed with the results of TIR and related techniques in her practice, that she did her internship with Gerald and became a registered trainer. She saw the enormous potential of healing through this approach in trauma-ridden South Africa. Her dream of TIRA-SA was born and shared by those practitioners and trainers who were taught by her. More people joining TIRA obviously expanded the network and thus even more people could be reached with this effective tool. Together they share Yvonne’s drive to provide TIR with a more solid foothold in South Africa. In a combined effort this enthusiastic group established TIRA-SA.
Current Board Members
Bets van Jaarsveld
With 40 years experience in admin in the SANDF as well 10 years experience in victim support, Bets has been on the board of the Community Police Forum for the past year and is fully qualified in the Applied Metapsychology techniques. Bets now oversees TIRA-SA administration. administration.techniques. Bets now oversees TIRA-SA administration.
Rodette Kotzé
Rodette has a BSc (Biochemistry and Physiology) and is a Certified TIR Facilitator and TIR Trainer. She has in practice experience since 2015 as a Holistic Wellness Practitioner and has been working with Applied Metapsychology techniques since 2020. Rodette runs her own Holistic Wellness practice and is passionate about the future of TIRA and TIRA-SA. passionate about the future of TIRA and TIRA-SA.
Andy Newell
Andy is a SACAP Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching, TIR Facilitator, WITS Bachelor of Dentistry (20 years experience), Credentialed Member of COMENSA, ICF, and Member of TIRA. Serving for 10 years on the Board of Profmed Medical Scheme has provided Andy with experience in strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, objective analysis, and ethical practice Analytics. Francois and his family live in Brisbane, Australia.
Francois Retief
Francois is an Industrial Engineer with experience in the power generation industry doing Business Analysis, Business Improvement, Change Management and Data Analytics. Francois and his family live in Brisbane, Australia. Francois was brought in to help enhance strategy and streamline business processes, leveraging his extensive business expertise. While he hasn’t received formal TIR training, he has gained exposure to Applied Metapsychology over numerous years from discussions with Yvonne and Bee Retief. Additionally, he has assisted Yvonne in reviewing presentations and her book on trauma. His involvement in TIRASA stems from recognising the effectiveness of the techniques and his desire to see them utilised more extensively to aid individuals in healing and personal growth. which recently saw the release of a second edition
Yvonne Retief
Yvonne has effectively utilized TIR for 20 years, actively engaging in trauma-related activities as one of South Africa’s three Senior Trainers. She is a trailblazer in Applied Metapsychology within the country and formerly served as the inaugural chairperson of TIRA-SA. Yvonne has shared her expertise through presentations and courses on this subject at national and international levels. Additionally, she is the author of two books: “Joy Comes in the Morning – Letters to a Survivor of Abuse” and “Healing for Trauma in the South African Context,” which recently introduced a second edition Context, which recently saw the release of a second edition
Tania Kruger
Tania holds a BA Honours Degree in Psychological Counselling since 2019 and has been registered with ASCHP as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor since 2018. She has been trained in Applied Metapsychology techniques since December 2022 and is currently working towards certification through AMI. With over 10 years of experience counselling clients in various capacities, both as a volunteer and a professional, Tania has been running her own full-time private practice since 2021. Recognising the significant need for trauma interventions in her field, Tania is eager to contribute to the growth of TIRA and TIRA-SA in South Africa. TIRA-SA. passionate about the future of TIRA and TIRA-SA.
