Havening Techniques® - Healing Psychological Trauma Through Touch

Introduction:

Havening Techniques® is a cutting-edge method for rapidly removing traumatic memories, grounded in neuroscientific research. This approach aims to help individuals overcome the emotional and psychological burdens of past trauma, allowing them to live freely and fully. As a certified Havening Techniques® practitioner, I assist clients in overcoming their past traumatic experiences, enabling them to feel liberated, self-sufficient, and at peace.

What is Havening?

Havening Techniques® is a three-step process designed to separate emotional responses from traumatic events. Sessions, conducted with intervals of one to two weeks, help clients release unwanted mental and physical sensations. This technique is based on neurobiology and involves creating delta waves in the brain through simple touch on the forearms, shoulders, and head. The method targets the amygdala, removing trauma from memory and alleviating emotional distress.

Is Havening Permanent?

It’s not possible to provide any guarantees but once Havening is successful, it has shown to be permanent in most cases. This is because Havening is believed to alter the biological structure of the brain. The return of symptoms implies either the traumatic core has not yet been found or the problem has been encoded in a different way. In particular, addictive and obsessive/compulsive behaviors, certain pain syndromes and vasovagal (e.g.fainting) issues often need reinforcement or cannot be treated with the Havening Techniques at the present time. No therapy works for all problems, but Havening is demonstrating that it’s possible to successfully treat disorders that have not been resolved by western medicine.

Although the Havening Techniques® appear to have promising emotional, mental, and physical health benefits, they have yet to be fully researched by the Western academic, medical, and psychological communities, and therefore, may be considered experimental. The Havening Techniques® are self-

regulated and they are considered alternative or complementary healing methods in the United States.

Benefits of Havening:

• Anxiety: Reduces feelings of unease and apprehension.

• Phobias: Helps alleviate irrational fears.

• Trauma: Addresses and processes past traumatic experiences.

• Depression: Supports emotional balance and healing.

• Mental Blocks: Assists in overcoming barriers to personal growth.

• Perinatal Trauma: Helps resolve issues related to birth and early life experiences.

• Painful Memories: Eases the impact of distressing recollections.

• Feeling Stuck: Aids in overcoming stagnation and fear of progress.

Key Principles of Havening Techniques®

1. Disclaimer: This program is not a substitute for medical treatment or professional advice. Responses to the technique vary, and some individuals may find it unsuitable. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

2. Warning: The technique is intended for emotionally stable individuals with isolated or recent trauma. For complex trauma, severe anxiety, or diagnosed mental health conditions, seek help from a certified specialist.

The Science Behind Havening:

Havening Techniques® uses a specific form of calming touch that alters brain state and activates natural healing mechanisms. This technique generates low-frequency delta waves, which are associated with deep sleep, healing, and learning. Studies show that soothing strokes on the palms, upper arms, and face stimulate these delta waves, breaking the neural connections that hold trauma, thus erasing traumatic memories.

Step-by-Step Practice:

1. Preparation:

• Complete the Havening process in one sitting, which takes about 20 minutes. When distress levels drop to zero, you can pause if needed.

1. Recalling the Trauma:

• Think of the traumatic memory and rate your distress level (0-10). Begin self-Havening, continuing throughout the process and pausing briefly to assess changes.

1. Second Round:

• If distress is zero, skip the next round and move to the "Enhancing Resilience" section.

1. Third Round:

• If distress remains, repeat the process. Most clients find one to three rounds sufficient.

Enhancing Resilience:

1. Building Self-Belief:

• Havening creates high levels of delta waves, which facilitate belief changes. Use affirmations to build self-belief, starting with "What if I am worthy?" and gradually progressing to stronger statements.

1. Resilience Affirmations:

• Use phrases like "What if part of me is resilient?" and "I am resilient and strong." Repeat these while performing self-Havening until they feel true.

Post-Practice Expectations:

Positive Effects:

• Sense of Relief: Significant relief from trauma-related distress.

• Improved Mood: Enhanced overall mood and energy.

• Increased Resilience: Greater confidence in handling future challenges.

• Clarity of Thought: Clearer, more organized thoughts.

• Better Sleep: Improved sleep quality and restfulness.

Possible Negative Effects:

• Emergence of Other Traumas: Other suppressed memories may surface.

• Emotional Fluctuations: Initial emotional swings may occur.

• Bad Dreams: Rare instances of distressing dreams.

• Physical Fatigue: Potential physical tiredness after the session.

Handling Negative Reactions:

• Self-Soothing: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

• Journaling: Record your feelings to process and understand emotions.

• Seek Support: Consult a psychotherapist or certified Havening practitioner if needed.

• Continue Practice: Repeat Havening as necessary for further relief and positive effects.

Remember, reactions to Havening Techniques® vary from person to person. Allow yourself time to adapt and integrate the changes.

Kristina Samoilova Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner. Havening Techniques is a registered trade mark of Ronald Ruden, 15 East 91st Street, New York www.havening.org