Havening Techniques®

Havening Techniques® is a complementary psychosensory technique created by Dr Ronald Ruden MD, PhD a New York physician. Havening shares some similarities with other body-based wellbeing approaches that explore the relationship between physical sensations and emotional experiences, such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Tapping), other Tapping modalities and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).Havening is based on a developing understanding of the relationship between sensory experiences, relaxation and emotional wellbeing. Research into Havening Techniques is continuing.

With your permission, Havening Touch is applied to three specific areas using gentle repetitive strokes. These areas are:the face - stroking across the forehead and onto the cheeksfrom the shoulders and down the upper armspalms of the handsWhen the practitioner applies the touch, it is called Facilitated Havening Touch.If you prefer not to be touched you can apply the Havening Touch yourself guided by the practitioner. This is called Self Havening Touch.Your comfort, consent and personal boundaries are respected throughout the session.

Havening Techniques is provided by trained and certified practitioners and is generally considered a gentle complementary wellbeing approach.Many people find sessions relaxing and supportive; however, experiences vary between individuals. Some people may experience temporary emotional discomfort or strong feelings while reflecting on personal experiences or memories.Havening Techniques may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those experiencing significant trauma or complex mental health concerns. If you have concerns about whether Havening is appropriate for you, or if you have a medical or mental health condition, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Some theories associated with Havening discuss how relaxation and emotional processing may relate to neural pathways and stress responses. Many people describe feeling calmer, more relaxed or more emotionally settled following a Havening session. Others report reduced distress, feeling more aware of their thoughts, emotions and responses to everyday situations.Experiences differ from person to person, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed. Research into the mechanisms and effectiveness of Havening Techniques is ongoing.

I recommend an initial undertaking of three sessions.Everyone's circumstances and goals are different. The number of sessions will depend on your individual circumstances, preferences and wellbeing goals. No specific outcomes or timeframes can be guaranteed.

Yes.You decide how much or how little you wish to share during your session. Havening Techniques can be practised without discussing the details of personal experiences, and you remain completely aware of your surroundings throughout the session.

Yes.Many people report feeling relaxed or calm immediately after the session. Before the end of a session time is always allowed for debriefing and checking that you feel calm, grounded, alert, well hydrated, and are ready to leave. Most people feel comfortable returning to their usual activities after a session. If you feel unusually tired, emotionally unsettled or unwell for any reason, wait until you feel fully alert before driving.

People's experiences with Havening Techniques vary considerably.Some people report ongoing benefits following one or more sessions, while others choose to return for additional support or incorporate Havening into their ongoing wellbeing practices.Havening Techniques is a complementary wellbeing approach and is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric assessment, advice or treatment. Research into the approach is continuing, and no permanent or guaranteed outcomes can be promised.

Havening Techniques is a complementary wellbeing practice. Some people choose to use Havening alongside appropriate healthcare to support relaxation, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and general wellbeing.Havening is not presented as a medical treatment or cure, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical or mental health condition.Individual experiences vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Trauma is a term used to describe the emotional, psychological or physical effects that can follow distressing or overwhelming experiences. People's responses vary, and what is experienced as traumatic by one person may not be experienced in the same way by another.Trauma is not limited to victims of war, natural disasters, accidents or assault. It may stem from growing up in a home where emotions were not allowed to be expressed. Trauma may also stem from feelings of hardship, abandonment, neglect or the loss of a parent or sibling.Some people continue to experience strong emotional or physical reactions when reminded of difficult events. If trauma-related symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life, assessment and support from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is recommended.Havening Techniques may be used as a complementary wellbeing approach alongside appropriate professional care where suitable but is not intended to replace evidence-based medical or psychological treatment.

Havening Techniques were developed by New York physician Dr Ronald Ruden MD, PhD together with his brother Steven Ruden. Drawing on his interest in neuroscience, sensory processing and emotional wellbeing, Dr Ruden developed Havening as a complementary psychosensory technique.Formal practitioner training programmes have been available internationally since 2013, with ongoing education and certification designed to support practitioners in delivering Havening Techniques responsibly and ethically.“When an event or experience is perceived as traumatic or very stressful it becomes immutably encoded, often with life-altering consequences. However recent research from the field of neuroscience has shown us how it’s possible to modify this encoding. The Havening Techniques are methods which are designed to change the brain to de-traumatise the memory and permanently remove its negative effects from both our psyche and body.” - Ronald Ruden MD, PhD, creator of the Havening Techniques.Janine with Havening founders Steve Ruden and Dr Ron Ruden.Havening Conference London 2019.