Havening vs. Conventional Psychotherapy for Anxiety

Havening Techniques differ significantly from conventional psychotherapy in their approach to treating anxiety. While traditional methods often involve talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both, Havening uses touch as a primary tool to address the neurobiological roots of distress. This difference in methodology stems from contrasting views on the nature of anxiety and how best to resolve it.

Conventional psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), typically focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviours. It often involves exploring past experiences to gain insight into current problems. Some therapies focus on reducing negative emotions, whilst others such as CBT aim to replace “dysfunctional” thoughts with “functional” ones. However, these approaches can be limited and may not address the underlying physiological components of anxiety. Many people do not respond to CBT. Some may also find that the gains made during therapy are short term. Traditional approaches may also strengthen a client’s negative self-image. Some people may not want to talk about their experiences, making traditional talk therapies difficult to implement.

Havening, on the other hand, is a psychosensory therapy that works by using touch to generate delta waves in the brain, which are associated with relaxation and healing. This approach aims to depotentiate, or release, the traumatic encoding of experiences stored in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions. By targeting the neurological level, Havening seeks to reduce the physiological response to anxiety triggers. It is also different as it can be done without needing to know the content of the experience. Importantly, Havening is not a therapy in itself; it can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities.

Here’s why Havening might be a better choice for some people dealing with anxiety:

• Speed and Efficiency: Havening is often described as rapid, with some clients experiencing significant shifts in a single session. This is in contrast to traditional therapies which typically require longer periods of engagement.
• Reduced Re-traumatisation: Unlike some trauma-focused therapies, Havening does not require the client to relive or deeply engage with the traumatic event, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.
• Content-Free Approach: Havening can be effective without the client needing to discuss the details of their trauma, which can be beneficial for those who find it difficult to articulate or revisit painful experiences.
• Addresses the Physiological Component: Havening directly targets the neurological roots of anxiety by using touch and delta waves to calm the amygdala. This can be particularly helpful for individuals whose anxiety has strong physical symptoms.
• Empowerment: Havening can be taught as a self-help tool, allowing clients to manage their anxiety independently. This promotes a sense of self-efficacy.
• Integration with Other Modalities: Havening can complement other therapies, making it a versatile addition to a treatment plan. It can enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapies by breaking through resistance and creating a sense of safety.
• Flexibility: Havening can be used in various situations and for various issues including:
  • Reducing baseline stress and stress stored in the body.
  • Building resilience and positivity.
  • Energising an outcome.
  • Relieving present emotional distress.
  • Depotentiating encoded trauma.
  • Addressing pain.
  • Improving sports performance.
  • Addressing emotional eating.

Summary: Havening therapy offers a different approach to conventional psychotherapy for anxiety. It works by using touch to create a sense of safety that reduces the stress stored in the body and calms the amygdala, which processes emotional responses. This may make it a better choice for individuals seeking rapid, effective, and less re-traumatising approaches to anxiety. It is also useful as it is adaptable, can be integrated with other therapies and can be learned as a self-help tool. Conventional psychotherapy is often based on talk therapy and the idea of changing thoughts.

• Therapeutic Modalities: Havening, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Somatic Therapies.
• Anxiety Treatment: Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Stress Management, Emotional Regulation, Coping Strategies, Exposure Therapy.
• Neuroscience: Amygdala, Delta Waves, Neurobiology, Electrochemical System.
• Self-Help: Self-Havening, Resilience, Mindfulness, Emotional First Aid.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Psychosensory Therapy, Resource-Focused Therapy, Problem-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Content-Free Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy.