Intro to Havening

Havening is a gentle, science-backed technique that helps you let go of emotional baggage — the kind that gets stored in your body and brain, sometimes without you even realizing it. It’s like clearing out your internal browser cache, but for your nervous system.

Originally developed by Dr. Ronald Ruden (a neuroscientist with a heart), Havening uses soothing touch and intentional distraction to help the brain unhook stress responses from old memories. It’s equal parts neuroscience and nervous system nurturing — a bridge between hard science and soft healing. Right up your alley, right?

Sacha Wilson

“Sheila’s Havening sessions offered a powerful combination of feeling completely safe while also being direct and effective in getting to the heart of whatever issue I was facing. This was all done with a gentleness and fluidity that made it very easy and enjoyable for me. I was able to reconnect to some deeply held values and came out of the sessions energized yet calm and grounded.”

✋ What Happens in a Session?

Here’s the vibe:

  • You’ll be guided to gently touch your arms, face, or hands in a rhythmic way.

  • You’ll briefly tune into a memory, belief, or emotion you’d like to shift.

  • Then — this is the magic part — you’ll distract your brain with simple exercises like counting, telling a story or visualizing a peaceful scene.

  • Your nervous system starts to downshift, and your brain gets the signal: “We’re safe now. It’s okay to let this go.”

It’s deceptively simple, surprisingly powerful.

🌿 What Can Havening Help With?

If you’ve got emotional residue stuck in your system, Havening might be for you. Some of the areas it’s been helpful for include:

  • Old trauma or painful memories

  • Anxiety and overthinking

  • Emotional triggers

  • Fear of public speaking or performance blocks

  • That thing you thought you were “over”… but your body disagrees

Whether it’s a whisper or a roar, Havening invites your nervous system to soften — and respond differently.

For those of us who love when science meets spirit, Havening is a beautiful example. It honors the brain’s biology while holding space for emotional truth. It’s not about “fixing” you — it’s about showing your system a safer path forward.