What is Havening?
The Havening Techniques® (“Havening”) form an innovative, psychosensory tool based on the fields of neuroscience and neurobiology. Developed by Ronald Ruden, MD, PhD, Havening uses sensory input in order to alter thought, mood, and behavior. It is believed that when you perceive an event or experience as traumatic or stressful, it becomes immutably encoded in your brain and body, often with life-changing consequences. Havening is designed to de-traumatize your nervous system by removing or altering the emotional memory of your traumatic or stressful life event and its negative effects. Therefore, Havening is a modality that is designed to help overcome problems caused by traumatic or stressful encoding, and it uses touch as a tool. My experience is that even when clients understand what Havening is, they do not believe it will actually work and are sometimes shocked by their metamorphosis!
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Although Havening appears to have promising emotional and physical health benefits, and although Havening was developed by a medical doctor, it is still important to understand that Havening has yet to be fully researched by the Western academic, medical, and psychological communities; therefore, Havening could be considered experimental. Havening is self-regulated and is considered an alternative or complementary modality. If you have questions or concerns about Havening, please visit www.havening.org or contact Metamorphosis Havening LLC for more information.
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Haven't heard of Havening before? You are not alone. But Havening recently went "mainstream" after Justin Bieber released this video about using Havening as his "go to" technique for anxiety.
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Can Havening Help Me?
Havening can address emotional distress in connection with...
Worry and Stress
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Nervousness
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Persistent Worrying
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Perseveration
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Everyday Stress
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Feeling Overwhelmed or Panicky
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Test Anxiety
Recurrent Fears
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Fear about Illness and Dying
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Fear of Heights
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Afraid of the Dark
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Fear of Flying
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Fear of Animals
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Fear of Abandonment
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Fear of being out of control
Grieving and Loss
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​Bereavement, Grieving
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Handling Death and Suicide
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Caregiver Support
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Death of a Pet
Traumatic Experiences
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Abuse or Neglect
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Abandonment
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Physical, Verbal or Sexual Assault
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Childhood Trauma
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Bullying
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Traumatic Accidents
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Alarming News or Diagnoses
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Home Invasions
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Witnessing Disturbing Events
Relationships
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​Parent(s)
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Partner/Spouse
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Boss/Colleague(s)
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Child
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Destructive Emotional Patterns
... and More
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​Anger, Frustration
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Guilt
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Profound Sadness
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Shame, Humiliation
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Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem
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Body Image Issues
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Physical Discomfort associated with Stress
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Sports Performance Enhancement
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Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing
Events and Classes
FREE Introduction to Havening Class (90 mins)
I warmly welcome you to join me to learn more about Havening!
In this FREE 90-minute live online class, I will explain:
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What Havening is
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The neuroscience behind the Havening Techniques
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How to use Havening to reduce emotional distress from a past event and
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How to use Havening to build resilience and feelings of wellbeing.
And, I will do a live Havening demonstration with a volunteer from the class, as well as a group Havening exercise so everyone can experience first-hand the power of Havening!
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See what past participants have said about this introductory class:
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“I really appreciated the slide presentation which gave me an introduction to both the science behind Havening and whetted my appetite for learning more about each one of the 7 styles of Havening.”
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“Very interesting webinar explaining the complex scientific research behind this new therapy as well as it’s applications.”
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“Super clear science.”
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“Elena’s teaching style is very warm and personable as well as highly educational and super helpful/ transformational.”
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“Elena’s teaching is informative, clear and concise, warm and friendly.”
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“I felt relaxed and peaceful after just a few minutes of [Elena’s] guided self-Havening session.”
If you are interested in scheduling a live Zoom introductory class for your private group, or have any questions about this event, please email me at Elena@MetamorphosisHavening.com.
Advance registration is required. Please feel free to share the link with family, friends, and colleagues who may also be interested.
Havening Techniques Practitioner Training Course (16 hours)
My Training course is designed for healers and helping professionals including mental health professionals, therapists, coaches, bodywork/somatic therapists, hypnotherapists, nurses, energy workers, teachers, parents, and others who are interested in learning this trauma-informed method. I teach with a clinical focus so you can feel comfortable and confident using what you've learned as soon as the training ends.
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Top 3 reasons to take a Havening training course with ME:​
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I provide unique, optional daily Learning Consolidation Exercises, along with a crystal-clear explanation of Havening neuroscience, 4 live demonstrations, 4 hands-on practice sessions, and integrative group learning exercises/experiences - so you can learn, practice, and master all 7 of the Havening Techniques.
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Past students have called my trainings: “phenomenal,” “brilliant,” “fantastic,” “thorough, clear and well-paced,” and “one of the best experiential trainings I’ve done.” Because of my skills, I was recently selected as worldwide Co-Trainer of Trainers!
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I am a warm, enthusiastic, and passionate Havening trainer and mentor. Past students have called me “supportive,” “amazing,” “awesome,” “warm and extremely knowledgeable,” “personable,” “professional and engaging,” and "one of the best mentors I've ever had!"
See what previous students have said about my training and mentorship:
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"I am so happy I trained with Elena! She is extremely knowledgeable & good at explaining things, especially the tricky science stuff. She prepared great slides, which she gave us copies of, and she personally reviewed each case study & video & provided constructive feedback on each, including what I was doing well, which was so encouraging starting out havening people! She also held 4 monthly group sessions to go over techniques & do Q&A and even sometimes exchange havening sessions with fellow students. You will get excellent preparation for becoming a certified havening techniques practitioner from her!"
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"Elena is one of the most effective, supportive mentors I've ever worked with in any training program. She is extremely responsive, gives specific feedback, encourages, as well as lets us know better options for specific circumstances. I felt like I had someone holding my hand and cheering me on throughout the entire experience. Thank you Elena!!"
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"I would give a 5 star rating on Elena's mentoring style. Her professional integrity walks hand in hand with her personal and attentive way of being. She encourages self-confidence while moving throughout the certification process. I could always make contact asking any question and she would attend to all inquiries in a prompt manner. The absolute best mentoring experience I have had and have referred a companion to Elena for mentoring. That to me is the greatest testimonial of all. She made my process of becoming certified a comfortable and very nourishing experience from start to finish."
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"Elena is a fantastic teacher and mentor! Her feedback on my practice sessions was astute and supportive and her guidance really helped me deepen my Havening skills. She answers questions deeply and from a place of non-judgment and I always felt like she truly cared about me and about Havening. I appreciate her mentorship so much and I can't recommend her highly enough!"
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"I would highly recommend Elena as a mentor for Havening. She created a wonderful atmosphere, where I felt comfortable being in "beginner's mind". I could be sincere about my doubts and questions, always felt I was being received with encouragement, interest and supportive guidance. She knows the material inside out and is able to explain in depth any question I may come with. I felt very grounded and prepared to continue to take the next step out of my comfort-zone due to her encouragement and guidance. Elena holds a masterful balance between discipline, empathy and joy."
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To learn more about "why my heart is with Havening," click HERE!
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For more information about my robust and supportive Mentorship Program, click HERE!
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Training course $999, Early Bird Pricing (before 8/31/24) $899
Training course w/Mentorship towards certification $1650. Early Bird Pricing (before 8/31/24) $1450
Other discounts may also be available. Returners and groups, please email me for special pricing and discounts.
16 hour continuing education credits may also be available for your profession.
For more information, contact me at Elena@MetamorphosisHavening.com .
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Testimonials
Havening FAQs
What if I feel uncomfortable being touched?
Havening involves a simple touch of the hands, upper arm, and face while you sit in a chair, fully clothed. I find that the Havening Touch works best when you wear a thin short or long sleeve shirt, rather than a bulky sweater or jacket, or a sleeveless shirt. The touch is professional, and most clients find it very relaxing and soothing. However, not everyone likes to be touched! This is not a problem at all because you can apply the Havening Touch yourself while I guide the verbal component of the Havening session. For Havening sessions with children, it is also possible in certain circumstances for a parent or caregiver to apply the Havening Touch during the session. Do not hesitate to discuss options for Havening Touch with me so you can feel in control and comfortable with the entire Havening process.
What can I expect at my first Havening session?
Initial Havening sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes so that we can discuss in detail the issue you would like to work on and have the time to develop a rapport with each other. The office setting is soothing and private, and the process is not rushed or limited in duration, like in some allopathic health practices. We will go over the Client Agreement for Havening Services, and you will have time to ask all your questions, fully understand the process, and work with me in planning the session. When it is time to begin Havening, you will decide who you would like to apply the Havening Touch. The Havening session will last until a good stopping point is reached. After the session is complete, we will sit for a few more minutes to discuss your feelings about the session and answer any questions that may have come up for you. Then, if needed, we may schedule and make a plan for another session.
Is Havening a form of hypnosis?
No. Havening does not involve a hypnotic trance. During a Havening session, you are aware of your feelings, thoughts, and surroundings, and you participate in the process. You are able to feel in control of the Havening session.
Is Havening dangerous?
Every method has side effects, and it is possible to experience negative side effects with Havening, too. Potential risks include in-session abreactions (crying, anger, physical movements, etc.), post-Havening lightheadedness or mild disorientation, and rarely, a worsening of symptoms or emotional numbing. These last two effects can be a consequence of bringing to awareness forgotten but biologically-active memories. Should this occur, these effects should be treated by a qualified mental health care practitioner. In addition, highly traumatized individuals who use anger as a defense may become agitated by the premature removal of their protective anger, and this may increase their distress. If you choose to use Havening as a self-help tool, it is possible to experience some emotional distress and/or physical discomfort, and additional unresolved memories may surface during or after Havening that can be perceived as negative. Emotional material may continue to surface after Havening, indicating other issues may need to be addressed. If you experience any distressing reactions or negative side effects from a Havening session, you are strongly advised to stop Havening and seek appropriate professional help. In addition, if you have experienced a serious trauma or have a psychological disorder, you are advised to undergo Havening only with a professional mental health care provider who has been fully trained and certified in Havening. For more information about potential risks, please click the disclaimer button above and review the Client Agreement for Havening Services.
Is Havening just a distraction method?
No, but distraction can play a role in certain Havening Techniques. Each distraction component has a biological correlate. This means there is a purpose to the distraction. In my experience, if distraction techniques are used, clients typically find them curious but fun!
Are the results of a Havening session permanent?
While Havening is a relatively new method and it has yet to be fully researched, I've observed that after a successful Havening session, the results appear to be permanent in most cases. This is because Havening is designed to alter the biological structure of the brain. The occasional return of symptoms implies either that the traumatic core has not yet been found or the problem has been encoded in a different way. In particular, addictive and compulsive behaviors and certain physical discomfort issues often need reinforcement and cannot be permanently removed at the present time. Unfortunately, Havening cannot bring lasting results for all problems or all clients.
Where can I learn more about Havening?
For more information about Havening, please visit the official Havening website at www.havening.org, where you can learn more about the neuroscience of Havening and current Havening research. You can also watch Havening videos, read more client testimonials, learn about the developers of the Havening Techniques, and more.
Meet Elena Kindler
Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner
Certified Havening Techniques® Trainer
Co-Trainer of Trainers Worldwide
The last 5 years with Havening have changed my life. I am very proud to have been selected as Co-Trainer of Trainers for Havening worldwide. I am also one of the few Havening Trainers in the United States (and the first and only trainer in both New Jersey and North Carolina). This is how it all began …
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I first learned about Havening when Dr. Ron Ruden asked me to be a demo for his first Havening training in NYC in 2013. He knew I had escaped from Tower I on 9/11 (while I was pregnant) and thought Havening me would be a compelling demonstration of the power of Havening. I had never heard of Havening before, but I found myself in front of a room full of trainees telling my story. As I began to relay my experience, I was flooded with emotions I didn't even realize still existed! But, at the end of the short Havening session, my 9/11 experience felt very far away. I was shocked, surprised, and euphoric - I couldn't believe how much lighter I felt from under an hour of Havening! Needless to say, I was more than intrigued by how quickly and profoundly the Havening Techniques changed how I viewed my 9/11 experience.
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I ended my 20+ year career as a lawyer in NYC (including 15 years in-house at the New York Stock Exchange and FINRA) and began to study the Havening Techniques in 2018. Soon thereafter, I founded my clinical practice, Metamorphosis Havening LLC. In the last few years, I have immersed myself in additional trauma-focused education, including obtaining my Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Trauma Research Foundation (Dr. Bessel van der Kolk), completing Level 2 training in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies, and studying the Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma (NICABM). In recognition of this trauma-informed education, I have been certified as a Certified Trauma Professional by Evergreen Certifications.
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I am a lifelong learner, and in addition to my practice and my trainings, I am currently training to become a Certified Whole Life Doula with the School of Unusual Life Learning (SoULL), a program accredited by the US Association of Body Psychotherapy. I also anticipate becoming a Fully Certified Realization Process Teacher (Judith Blackstone) this spring, and a Realization Process Therapist in 2025.
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In my practice, I use all these skills with clients suffering from myriad struggles including worrying, everyday stress, test anxiety, violent and sexual assaults, death of loved ones, suicides, abandonment and insecurity issues, relationship struggles, fears, physical discomfort due to stress, body image issues, career frustration, and more. It is my fervent goal to create a sacred healing space with each client so they can feel safe and supported. It gives my life tremendous purpose and meaning to be able to help my clients on their individual journeys to let go of their suffering, get unstuck, move forward, and lead more positive and resilient lives.
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To learn more about why my heart is with Havening, please watch this 4-minute video.
Contact Info
Phone
Location
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
