24/12/2025
Havening is a tool I learnt from working with a family therapist.
It’s quick, easy and portable. Requires no equipment. Requires some repetition if your nervous system is already in large stress response.
It’s also an effective bedtime or middle of the night settling routine.
I have been able to introduce it to my kids by modeling it on me first. My kids seeing and feeling me in a more regulated way, created a place where the were willing to give it a go. I was then able to gently suggest to my PDA’r in a moment of distress that we try it, and he was able to feel for himself the settled feeling. He will now ask for it at other times of distress.
We started with just the shoulder rubs as face was too ticklish for him, and called them kitty cat pats.
I hope this helps with any overwhelm today as you move through your Christmas Day.