Havening is a therapeutic technique designed to reduce the emotional and physical impact of traumatic memories, stress, and anxiety. It involves a combination of sensory input, such as touch, and specific psychological processes to help rewire how the brain processes and stores traumatic experiences.
The technique was developed by Dr. Ronald Ruden and is based on the idea that traumatic memories can be “encoded” in the brain in a way that causes emotional distress. Havening aims to “de-encode” these memories by stimulating the brain with gentle, soothing touch (typically on the arms, face, and hands), while also guiding the individual through positive mental imagery or affirmations.
Havening is often used in trauma recovery, stress reduction, and performance enhancement. It can be applied in a variety of settings, including therapy sessions and self-help practices. The method is designed to promote emotional healing by breaking the cycle of distressing memories and allowing individuals to experience greater peace and emotional resilience.