Havening Therapy, also known as Havening Techniques®, is a relatively new form of psychotherapy that uses sensory input to alter thought patterns, mood, and behavior. It’s based on neuroscientific studies and designed to help reduce or eliminate negative effects of traumatic or stressful events. Here’s an in-depth guide to understanding Havening Therapy.
Understanding Havening Therapy
Havening Therapy is a psychosensory technique, which means it uses sensory input—specifically touch—to produce its therapeutic effect. The term “havening” comes from the idea of creating a “safe haven” in one’s mind.
The therapy involves applying a gentle touch to the arms, face, and hands while engaging in therapeutic conversation with the practitioner. This combination is believed to activate a chain reaction in the brain that can help reduce or eliminate negative emotions, responses, or traumas.
The Science Behind Havening Therapy
Havening Therapy is rooted in neuroscience. The therapy’s creators, Dr. Ronald Ruden and Dr. Steven Ruden, suggest that traumatic or highly stressful experiences can become “encoded” in the brain and body, leading to emotional and physical distress.
Havening Techniques® are believed to disrupt this encoding. The gentle touch used in havening is thought to generate a wave of delta waves in the brain. This wave is believed to interact with the amygdala, where traumatic memories are stored, and alter the way those memories are recalled, reducing their impact.
What Can Havening Therapy Treat?
Havening Therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Chronic pain
- Emotional responses, such as anger or fear
- Negative memories
- Stress
What to Expect in a Havening Therapy Session
A Havening Therapy session typically begins with the therapist asking you to recall a stressful or traumatic event. Then, the therapist will guide you to apply a gentle touch to your upper arms, hands, and face while focusing on positive emotions and distraction tasks, such as counting or humming a song.
As you continue this process, you may find that the intensity of your negative emotions or physical sensations starts to decrease.
Is Havening Therapy Right for You?
As with any therapy, individual responses can vary. Some people may find Havening Therapy extremely beneficial, while others may not experience the same effects. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to determine the best therapeutic approach for your individual needs.
Havening Therapy is an innovative approach that may offer a new path to healing for individuals struggling with trauma, stress, anxiety, and other conditions. By understanding how this therapy works and what to expect, you can make an informed decision about whether to include Havening Techniques® in your mental health journey.
