Havening Techniques®, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnosis are three different approaches with common principles:  focusing on the connection between the body and mind, belief systems and person transformation.

Here’s a breakdown of each modality and how they compare:

Havening Techniques®, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnosis are three different approaches with common principles:  focusing on the connection between the body and mind, belief systems and person transformation.

Here’s a breakdown of each modality and how they compare:

1. Havening (Havening Techniques®)

Havening is a psycho-sensory technique that was developed by Drs Ron & Steve Ruden.  When using the Havening touch, chemical and electrical changes happen in the brain which allow the subject to improve their emotional responses to past memories.  It can also be used to create a positive mindset.  There are currently seven types of Havening which can be used to deal with a wide range of issues.

• Core Process: Havening works by de-linking the traumatic memories from the body’s emotional response. This is achieved by engaging the amygdala to activate the negative response, then using distraction techniques to disengage the emotions from the memory whilst Havening.

• Applications: Trauma, phobias, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and negative emotional patterns. 

• Self-Havening: Self-Havening is powerful and can be used to create a positive mindset and continue the work between sessions.

2. NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

Overview: NLP is a broad set of psychological techniques developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s. It is based on the premise that language, thought patterns, and behaviour are interconnected, and by changing one’s linguistic patterns or mental models, one can change behaviour, emotions, and outcomes.

• Core Mechanism: NLP works by identifying and changing unconscious patterns of thought (or "programming") that lead to unwanted behaviours, beliefs, and emotional responses. It focuses on language and its power to influence thought and perception, using techniques like reframing, anchoring, and visualization.

• Key Techniques: Anchoring (associating a physical gesture with a desired emotional state), reframing (changing the context or interpretation of a situation), swish patterns (redirecting thought patterns), and timeline therapy (reprogramming memories of the past).

• Applications: Phobias, anxiety, limiting beliefs, performance enhancement, addiction, and goal setting.

• Healing Process: NLP’s goal is to shift mental patterns to enable new, healthier responses, often through language shifts and reframing how someone thinks about themselves and their experiences.

3. Hypnosis

Overview: Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that involves guiding an individual into a state of deep relaxation and focused attention (often referred to as a "trance"). In this state, the conscious mind is relaxed, and the subconscious becomes more open to suggestions for change. Hypnosis has been used for a variety of purposes, including managing pain, breaking habits, and addressing emotional issues.

• Core Mechanism: Hypnosis uses focused attention and relaxation to bypass the critical, analytical mind and speak directly to the subconscious, allowing suggestions for change to be more readily accepted. It’s often used to facilitate changes in perception, memory, or behavior.

• Key Techniques: Direct suggestion (suggesting a desired change), age regression (revisiting past memories or experiences), and post-hypnotic suggestion (suggestions that take effect after the session is over).

• Applications: Stress, anxiety, phobias, pain management, habit-breaking (e.g., smoking, overeating), sleep disorders, and trauma.

• Healing Process: The goal is to alter subconscious thought patterns and behaviors, allowing for deeper emotional and psychological healing. Clients often feel relaxed, calm, and more in control after hypnosis sessions.

How They Compare as Healing Modalities:

• Havening may be particularly useful for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, or chronic stress. It provides a rapid and non-invasive method to address the body’s emotional response to past events. The use of touch in conjunction with mental processes is unique and can have immediate effects, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle, somatic approach.

• NLP offers a more cognitive and behavioural approach. It is often ideal for people who are motivated to understand and reprogram their thought patterns to achieve personal goals or break free from limiting beliefs. NLP is more interactive and conscious, so it may suit people who prefer more structured, logical methods of change.

• Hypnosis is highly effective for accessing the subconscious and addressing deeply ingrained behaviours, habits, and emotional issues. It works well for people who are receptive to entering a relaxed, trance-like state and who want direct suggestions or regression techniques to resolve issues. It is particularly useful for pain management and breaking habits but may not be as effective for those who are uncomfortable with the concept of being "hypnotized."

In Summary:

• Havening is particularly powerful for trauma recovery and emotional regulation, especially when trauma is stored in the body.

• NLP is versatile for reprogramming thought patterns and behaviours, often focusing on the conscious mind and language to create shifts.

• Hypnosis is useful for deep subconscious change, such as breaking habits or overcoming emotional barriers, through relaxation and suggestion.

Each modality offers a different path to healing, and the most appropriate choice depends on the individual's preferences, the specific issues being addressed, and the type of therapeutic process they resonate with. Many practitioners even combine techniques to maximize healing outcomes.