Kamilla Motacki Online Certification Havening Techniques® Practitioner Training March 02-03.03.2026

2 days Havening traning

Havening is a psychosensory therapy method that uses touch as a therapeutic tool. This method means "moving to a safe place" and is based on neurobiology. It was developed by Dr. Ronald Ruden and his brother, Steven Ruden, in 2001 in the United States.

The Havening technique is based on touch. To reduce stress, a characteristic movement is performed with crossed arms, stroking them from shoulders to elbows, which leads to a state of self-soothing. Closing the eyes facilitates introspection and focusing on one's thoughts, effectively distracting from negative emotions.

Dr. Ronald Ruden points out that touching specific body parts, combined with visualization, triggers delta waves in the amygdala, which leads to profound calm. Other supportive elements are also available, such as touching the forehead, stroking the cheeks, and even humming a favorite tune. All of these techniques help interrupt automatic, negative reactions to stressful stimuli.

The Havening technique is performed with a certified Havening therapist. A physical meeting is not necessary. Havening is equally effective during a video call, as touch can also be delivered by the client themselves, according to instructions.

What benefits does Havening offer?
Having is a therapeutic technique that offers a range of emotional and psychological benefits. Using Havening techniques can help:

Reduce symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Work on issues arising from fears and phobias
Ease negative emotions associated with painful memories
Relieve anger and frustration, and lower stress levels
Work on reducing compulsive behaviors
Boost self-esteem and self-confidence
Overcome stress related to public speaking, exams, or job interviews
Who is this technique suitable for?

The Havening Technique is used in many areas, such as:

therapy
coaching and counseling
personal development
sports
high-risk professions (e.g., police officers, firefighters, doctors, other medical professions)
This tool is particularly useful for individuals seeking ways to manage stress, improve emotional balance, and receive support in dealing with professional and personal challenges.

What does a Havening therapy session look like?
A Havening therapy session can be divided into three stages:

Assessing stress and anxiety levels, which is done using the eleven-point SUD scale, followed by recalling difficult, traumatic memories or situations.

Recalling positive emotions, which is called the distraction phase or the Havening Touch® technique. During this stage, it is recommended to imagine something that evokes a feeling of relaxation and peace, such as a walk on the beach, humming a favorite tune, or counting backwards. These techniques help weaken the power of the difficult memory and prevent activation of the amygdala, reducing the risk of other negative thoughts arising.

Recollecting traumatic events and assessing stress levels using the SUD scale. This step allows us to assess the effectiveness of the process.