Inland Empire Chapter of CAMFT

An Introduction to the Havening Techniques: Better Living through Neuroscience

Kathryn (Kate) Grace Truitt, Ph.D.

Current literature in neuroscience is charting pathways to help understand new approaches to mental health and wellness. The Havening Techniques (HT) utilizes this information to craft protocols and procedures to alter the landscape of the brain and thus change behavior. It has become clear that the limbic system, which regulates our emotional state, is a major contributor to our expression of the world around us. Access to the limbic system has been elusive. HT represents a breakthrough in the rapid and effective treatment of stress-related physical and psychological conditions. Havening uses touch , attention and imagination to trigger electrochemical changes in the brain (limbic system) that alter how memories are processed and therefore responsiveness to stimuli.

There are five basic applications of HT:

1.   Reducing allostatic load/relieving negative stress

2.   Boosting resilience/access to positive emotional states

3.   Enhancing achievement motivation/goal orientation

4.   Reducing present moment distress

5.   Depotentiating traumatically encoded memories

Havening Techniques are an exquisitely simple, easy-to-apply and infinitely flexible set of tools that may be adapted and integrated into any therapeutic philosophy, healing profession, and scope of practice.

Course Outline:

Brief questions are allowed throughout the course of the lecture with dedicated time at the end for formal Q&A

• 1.      Introduction to Traumatically Encoded Events
• a.       Formal Definition of Traumatically Encoded Events
• b.      Differentiation of Traumatically Encoded Events from PTSD and acute trauma
• c.       Components of a traumatically encoded even (EMLI)t:
•                                                               i.      Event
•                                                             ii.      Meaning
•                                                           iii.      Electrochemical Landscape
•                                                           iv.      Inescapability
• 2.      Impact of a Traumatically Encoded Event on Information Processing
• a.       The 5 senses
• b.      How information is encoded traumatically
•                                                               i.      Content
•                                                             ii.      Context
•                                                           iii.      Complex Content
• c.       Limbic System Processing  and electrochemical results
•                                                               i.      Sensitization
• d.      Prefrontal Cortex Processing and electrochemical results
• e.       Impact on Information Processing: AMPA receptors on the lateral nucleus of the amygdala and the trauma filter
• 3.      Role of Havening in Depotentiating Traumatically Encoded Events
• a.       Delta Waves and their role in trauma reprocessing
• b.      Self-Havening Resiliency Practice
• c.       Introduction of the role of working memory in paralyzing rumination and empowering healing
• d.      Group CPR for the Amygdala practice
• 4.      Questions and Answers

Objectives: 

Participants will be able to discuss:

·         1) The underlying principles of traumatic encoding and their downstream consequences

·         2) Potentiation and depotentiation of the lateral nucleus of the amygdala and why this is important

·         3) Experiencing the potential of self-care to reduce vicarious traumatization

·         4) Easy intervention for autonomic nervous system regulation and keeping the brain within the window of tolerance at a synaptic level - CPR for the Amygdala – for themselves and their patients

Bio: Dr. Truitt is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is committed to understanding brain’s ability to transcend and transform the complex and beautiful relationship between nature and nurture. Utilizing her training as a neuroscientist and a clinical psychologist, along with her M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration, Dr. Truitt has passionately dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of Trauma and Stress-Based Disorders. Her clinical practice, scientific studies, and trainings are specialized in the treatment of PTSD/Complex Trauma, panic disorders and anxiety, phobias, as well as other stress-related disorders. Her research focuses on brain health during the recovery process, treatment outcomes, and psychophysiology. Dr. Truitt consults nationwide for trauma treatment programs, leads research initiatives, and provides trainings on trauma as well as personal empowerment through her training organization, Viva Excellence. She is also CEO of her group practice, Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates, A Psychological Corporation, in Pasadena, CA where she and her team specialize in the most effective and cutting edge treatments empowering people to Live Their Excellence. Dr. Truitt founded and currently sits as the Chairman of the Board for the Amy Research Foundation, a 501c3 organization to advance research into the innovative treatment realm of neuroscience based mental health treatment.

Havening Color of Breath Meditation.pdf

Havening CPR for Amygdala.pdf

HaveningTech-PuttingtheDecadeoftheBraintoWork.pdf

Havening-StoppingtheBrainHijack.pdf

Havening-ACES Article.pdf

Havening Lecture Slides.pdf

References re Havening Techniques seminar.pdf

Havening Techniques Recording Link

Interview with Dr. Kate Truitt

Havening Techniques Eval Summary.xlsx