Psychosensory Approaches to Trauma: An Introduction to Havening Techniques

When
Friday, September 18, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location
Online ZOOM
Spaces left
100

Registration

Affiliate Society Member – $37.50
$25 per credit hour
GWSCSW Member – $37.50
$25 per credit
GWSCSW Student/Graduate/Retiree Member – $22.50
$15 per credit hour
Non-member – $60.00
$40 per credit hour

Presenter: Erika Neil, LCSW

This workshop is for all levels of clinicians from beginner to advanced. No prerequisites are required and it can be understood by non-clinicians as well.

Psychosensory techniques are methods that use sensory input to create physical and emotional healing. The term psychosensory was coined by Havening Techniques® creator Dr. Ron Ruden. Havening uses the sensory input of soothing touch, and the name “Havening” comes from the term “haven” or safe place. Havening amplifies a sense of internal safety. It changes the brain’s encoding of traumatic events and augments resilience and other positive states.

Havening is used to treat PTSD, phobias, panic disorder, prolonged distress, and chronic pain. It helps overcome obstacles to confidence, mastery, and relaxation. In this workshop participants will learn Havening Touch and how it is applied by individuals and in a therapeutic setting. Havening blends well with other modalities and approaches. It is efficient, pleasant, and safe as well as powerfully effective.

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Define psychosensory therapies.
Demonstrate Havening Touch.
Describe the electrochemical effects of Havening.
List 5 different types of distractions.
Identify the steps of Havening with distractions.

Agenda

10-10:10 am Introduction to psychosensory therapies
10:10-10:20 Science of Havening
10:20- 10:30 Havening Touch
10:30-10:45 Havening with distractions
10:45-10:55 Havening Techniques applications
10:50-11:20 Demonstration of therapeutic use of Havening
11:20-11:30 Review and questions

About the Presenter:

Erika Neil is a psychotherapist and trainer experienced in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, or significant stress, and who find that these issues are diminishing their ability to enjoy life. She has additional specialized training in Havening, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the Flash Technique, and Reiki. Her style is collaborative, warm, and solution-focused. She often uses mind-body techniques to accelerate awareness and change. With compassion and understanding, she works with individuals to help them build on their strengths and attain personal growth and well-being.

Erika is a Havening Techniques® Trainer. She has taught mindfulness meditation classes in yoga, recreation, and health centers. In addition to her mental health experience at outpatient centers, hospitals, and schools, Erika has worked at a career outplacement firm and a college career center. Prior to being a clinical social worker, Erika was a child abuse and neglect attorney for seven years. Erika has a long standing interest in Eastern and Western philosophy and psychology.

Camera-on required. GWSCSW is committed to verifying that the same standards are as applicable for virtual workshops as in person workshops. The participant must be observed as present and attending both; therefore virtual workshop attendance requires participants to keep their video camera on for the duration of the presentation, except during scheduled breaks, to receive CEUs.

DC, VA, MD Social Work -- Category 1 | 1.5 CEUs

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in is DC, Maryland, and Virginia to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program.

NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider -- 1.5 Credit Hours

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7880. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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