A havening techniques practitioner can assist with a range of mental health issues, primarily those rooted in traumatic experiences or emotional distress. Havening Techniques, often referred to as Delta Wave Techniques, work by using touch to alter the electrochemical state of the brain, effectively reducing or eliminating the negative impact of distressing memories and events. Here’s how this approach can be helpful:
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Havening can help to depotentiate traumatically encoded experiences in the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes emotions. This means the technique can target the neurons holding the traumatic experience, enabling the brain to release these experiences that act as a “trauma filter”. By addressing these core traumatic events, Havening can reduce the intensity of flashbacks, nightmares and other PTSD symptoms. It can also allow people to move away from living in the past and to heal the emotional roots of the trauma.
- Panic Attacks: These are often rooted in the amygdala, making them a good fit for Havening. Havening can quickly and effectively address the root causes of panic attacks, providing relief. By reducing the emotional charge associated with the fear response, Havening allows clients to regain a sense of control and reduce the “fear of fear”.
- Phobias: As with panic attacks, phobias are often amygdala-based disorders. A havening techniques practitioner can help people to identify key events linked to phobias, and to reprocess them to reduce the intensity of the fear response. This process allows clients to experience greater freedom and less avoidance.
- Chronic Pain: Havening can help to reduce the emotional roots of chronic pain. By addressing the underlying stress and tension stored in the body, Havening may help to reduce the intensity of physical pain.
- Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are often linked to problematic cognitive and psychological content. A havening techniques practitioner can help to loosen the hold that emotion regulation has on the lives of anxiety sufferers. This can result in clients experiencing thoughts and feelings with greater acceptance, and can help them to develop clearer personal values.
- Emotional Discomfort: Havening can relieve present-moment emotional distress by providing a sense of safety and calming the nervous system. Self-Havening can be used by clients as an ongoing strategy to assist them in difficult times and manage their own well-being.
- Addictions: Although not a primary treatment, Havening can be used to address the emotional component of cravings. It is thought that drugs and alcohol may be a way of self-soothing trauma, and Havening may be used to depotentiate traumatic memories that drive addictive behaviours.
Havening Techniques works through a gentle and soothing touch, applied to areas such as the upper arms, palms and around the eyes. This touch, combined with distraction techniques, helps to reduce the emotional charge associated with distressing memories. It’s important to note that the goal of Havening isn’t to control anxiety or emotions, but to create a non-evaluative approach, allowing clients to experience their feelings fully. This can result in an increased sense of calm and peace.
By addressing the underlying neural pathways associated with trauma and emotional distress, a havening techniques practitioner helps clients achieve lasting results, not just temporary symptom relief.
A havening techniques practitioner can effectively address a variety of mental health concerns, especially those stemming from trauma, phobias, panic attacks, and other emotionally charged experiences. Havening techniques work by using touch and distraction to alter the electrochemical state of the brain, facilitating the release of encoded traumatic memories and creating a sense of safety. This process helps to provide relief from symptoms and empowers clients to experience greater emotional well-being.