In our highly complex minds, traumatic memories can linger for decades, impairing our daily lives. These memories are stored deep inside our convoluted brains and can seem impossible to erase. But there’s a new hope coming to the rescue, called Havening. It is a special form of therapy for complex trauma, and is supported by many experts in the field of psychotherapy.
Traumatic memories start in a part of our brain called the amygdala. It is like the brain’s security guard for emotions. When a traumatic event takes place, the amygdala records it in an unforgettable way. These memories are different from regular ones because they are strong, emotional, and can make our bodies physically react strongly to them. Havening is a unique therapy that aims to untangle these strong memories. There are several steps involved in this therapy, namely –
- Creating a Safe Place: First, the patient is told to imagine a safe and comforting place in their mind.
- Remembering the Trauma: With the help of a trained therapist, the person then thinks about the traumatic memory, as if they are watching a movie.
- Touch and Positive Thoughts: While thinking about the memory, the therapist provides gentle sensory strokes. At the same time, the person is told to think of the memory in a more positive way, adding thoughts of empowerment to it. It’s like rewriting the script of a horror move to make it more amicable.
Delta waves, which are like brain rhythms, play a big role in Havening. While they are usually linked with deep sleep and relaxation, the process of Havening activates these delta waves. This makes the person feel deeply relaxed and utterly safe, just like they feel during deep sleep. Delta waves also help in changing the memory so that it is no longer as painful as it used to be.
Havening seems to help people feel less upset about their traumatic memories. Fear and anxiety start to go away, and people can start healing. It is a hopeful way to deal with traumatic memories. It helps people rewrite these memories in their minds, making them less painful. It’s a journey towards healing and a better future. Just like couples’ therapy in Palm Beach Gardens, Havening shows that people can be strong and transform their lives, no matter what they’ve been through. Havening has helped many people who have experienced trauma, which goes to show that it can be a powerful new way to heal.