Havening Techniques®
Havening Techniques® are a form of psychosensory therapy that involves the use of therapeutic touch to promote healing and resilience. Developed by Dr. Ronald Ruden, Havening is designed to help individuals overcome problems caused by traumatic encoding in the brain, which can result in issues such as anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress.
The process of Havening involves several steps. First, the individual is asked to bring to mind a distressing memory or emotion. While the individual is focused on this memory, the practitioner applies Havening Touch™, which consists of gentle strokes on the arms, palms, and face. This touch is believed to generate delta waves in the brain, which are associated with deep relaxation and can help to reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
What Havening Techniques® are used for
Havening Techniques® are touted as a versatile tool for addressing a wide array of emotional distresses. According to its creators, it can be particularly effective for:
- Phobias: Havening may help diminish the intense fear associated with specific objects or situations.
- Painful Memories: Whether it's the sting of a breakup or the shame of a humiliating event, Havening aims to ease the emotional burden of these experiences.
- Grief and Sadness: The loss of a loved one or the end of a significant chapter in life can be softened through Havening's therapeutic touch™.
- Post-Traumatic Stress: For those who have endured assaults, disasters, or other traumatic events, Havening seeks to mitigate the lingering stress and anxiety.
- Anxiety, Fear, and Panic: Persistent emotional states that disrupt daily life may be alleviated through this technique.
- Unwanted Cravings: Havening could potentially help in reducing the cravings that often lead to unhealthy habits.
- Pain Management: Both acute and chronic pain may see relief through Havening's approach.
- General Well-being and Performance: By potentially enhancing overall mental health, Havening might contribute to improved performance in professional, academic, or athletic endeavors, supporting individuals in achieving their goals.
Havening touch™
Havening Touch™, is a cornerstone of the Havening Techniques®, also known as Delta Techniques™, due to their ability to induce delta waves in the brain. This type of brainwave is associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative sleep, suggesting a profound potential for healing.
The process is elegantly simple: a gentle touch on the hands, upper arms, and face. This sensory input can help to reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and diminish the impact of traumatic memories. It's a testament to the power of human touch and its intrinsic connection to our neurological and emotional states.
In situations where touch is not possible or desired, either by the practitioner or the client, self-administered Havening Touch™, offers a versatile alternative. Clients can effectively perform the technique on themselves, ensuring comfort and personal agency in the healing process. Educational videos are available to demonstrate these techniques, allowing for a broader understanding and accessibility.
It's important to note that while Havening Techniques® hold promise, the videos and information provided should be seen as educational rather than a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. They are not intended to serve as a guarantee for outcomes but rather as a potential tool for personal growth and emotional well-being.
As the individual is guided through the Havening process, they may be asked to engage in distraction techniques, such as humming a song or visualizing a pleasant scene. These techniques help to shift the focus away from the distressing memory and promote a sense of safety and calm.
The goal of Havening is to change the brain's response to the original traumatic event. By altering the neural pathways associated with the memory, the individual's emotional and physiological reactions to the memory can be diminished or even eliminated. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and trauma and can help individuals to respond to similar situations in the future with greater resilience.
Havening Techniques® are also said to have the potential to create lasting changes in the subconscious mind. By removing the emotional response to past negative experiences, individuals can begin to approach life with a more positive outlook and a greater sense of empowerment.
While Havening is a relatively new therapeutic approach, it has gained popularity due to its non-invasive nature and the speed at which it can produce results for some individuals. It is important to note that Havening should be conducted by a trained and certified Havening practitioner to ensure it is done safely and effectively.
In conclusion, Havening Techniques® offer a promising approach to healing and personal growth by addressing the subconscious impact of trauma and anxiety. Through the power of touch and focused attention, individuals can work towards a more resilient and emotionally balanced life.
