Working with the nervous system for growth, resilience and performance

When the nervous system tips into overload, clear thinking, emotional regulation, relational connection and even rest can become hard to access.

Under stress, the brain activates its survival pathways:

• Your amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) triggers a flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

• You might feel wired, anxious and emotionally flooded or disconnected, flat and exhausted.

This dysregulated state makes it difficult to access clarity, confidence or calm - within yourself and with others.

What neuroscience calls regulation, most people call feeling like themselves again.

When you return to a regulated state – where your nervous system feels safe – your perspective shifts. You can make grounded decisions, access your full emotional range and respond rather than react. From this state, you can:

• Think clearly

• Feel grounded

• Access options

• Make good decisions

• Communicate more effectively

This is what these sessions are designed to offer.

Havening is a psychosensory technique which uses touch and attention to shift brain chemistry and support emotional regulation and resilience.

The name Havening comes from the idea of creating a ‘safe haven’ – a place of safety for the mind and body.

Developed by Dr Ronald Ruden, Havening is grounded in neuroscience. When applied correctly, it can:

• Reduce the intensity of stressful thoughts, memories and feelings.

• Lower cortisol and adrenaline.

• Increase feelings of calm, safety and clarity.

• Expand your “window of capacity” so you can stay regulated in the face of challenges.

In short: it helps you move our of survival mode back towards your calm and capable self.

Havening is a psycho-sensory technique grounded in neuroscience. It uses soothing touch (on the arms, hands, or face) combined with positive mental focus to help shift the brain from a state of threat to one of calm and safety. The touch stimulates delta brainwaves, which are associated with deep rest, and helps reduce activity in the amygdala — the brain’s fear centre. It also supports the release of calming neurochemicals like serotonin and oxytocin – helping settle the nervous system and reduce emotional intensity.

This process can “de-link” stressful emotional responses from stored memories and support the development of a more resilient nervous system over time.

In a session, Havening Touch is applied to the arms, hands and face.

This can be:

• Self-applied, whether we’re working together online via Zoom, or in person if you prefer to keep the process in your own hands.

• Facilitated by me with your consent during in-person sessions, offering additional support and presence.

Havening Techniques® have been shown to effectively support a wide range of outcomes, including:

• Amygdala-based responses like anxiety, panic attacks and phobias

• Emotional residue from traumatic experiences

• Inner blocks to reaching personal goals

• Professional and sports performance

• Building resilience and reducing stress

• Sex and intimacy issues

• Emotional reactivity

• Relieving chronic pain by addressing its emotional roots

• Fear-based beliefs and phobias

• Nightmares and insomnia

• Hypervigilance

• Sadness and shame

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Emotional eating

• Public speaking

Therapy deals with diagnosing and treating mental health issues. It involves working with a licensed mental health professional to address psychological issues, emotional challenges and mental health conditions. Havening Techniques® is a psychosensory method anddoes not replace treatment by a medical practitioner/physician or medical prescriptions or measures. I offer my services solely as a wellness practitioner and stress management coach and our relationship is not to be construed as psychotherapy, psychological counseling, or any type of therapy.

Before the session

You’ll be asked to complete a short pre-questionnaire to help me understand your needs and tailor the session accordingly. This helps us focus the session to ensure we make the most of our time together.

During the session

Sessions are confidential, supportive and led at your pace. We begin with a short check-in on where you are and what you’d like to shift.

The session will include an overview of how Havening works and the science behind it.

From there, I guide you through Havening Techniques designed to help you. There’s no need to explain everything. You can speak as much or as little as you like – this is your space.

After the session

You’ll receive a short check-in message the following day. There’s no obligation to book anything further, but if you’d like to continue the work, we can explore what that might look like – whether it’s another reset session or something deeper.

Havening is a psychosensory method and does not replace treatment by a medical practitioner.

Havening Techniques may be usefully applied alongside working with a qualified therapist. Your therapist should always be consulted - you will be required to provide confirmation of this before we work together.

I offer services solely as a wellness coach and Havening Techniques practitioner and our relationship is not to be construed as psychotherapy, psychological counselling, or any type of therapy.

I am not qualified to coach any person diagnosed as having a psychotic illness such as bipolar disorder, epilepsy or schizophrenia.

Once you've undergone a Havening session, you'll notice a difference in how you feel. The challenge you were facing may no longer hold the same power - it may seem like a distant memory that is no longer as emotionally charged. You might feel calmer, safer, lighter and more empowered. The wiring of your brain has been permanently altered, so you'll never again experience that memory or experience in the same way again. You might also experience a feeling of being calm or even sleepy, due to the generation of Delta waves.

Generally clients experience positive outcomes and report resolution of the specific concerns within a single session. Clinical reports show no additional side-effects when the approach is used appropriately, but in some cases, when working on past trauma, it is possible to experience emotional distress and/or physical discomfort that can be perceived as negative. This is why we will always work at a pace that feels safe, comfortable and that reflects your current level of resilience.

I am formerly trained in Havening Techniques and have completed a scientific examination and certification.

I have received guidance and support and completed training with practitioners including Dr Robin Youngson, a Certified Havening Practitioner and retired medical doctor, Jenna Nye and Harry Pickens – the pioneer of the PhotostackTM Protocol .

I have also trained in Resilience Coaching with the Leadership Wellness Group and I am insured and registered with the International Institute for Complementary Therapists.

I hold a BSc. (Hons) Zoology and a MSc. Ecology which inform my science-based approach.