How does Somatic Compassion differ from Havening?
Havening Techniques® are a set of professional techniques developed by, and registered to, Dr Ronald Ruden of New York as tools to be used by mental health professionals. In order to practice Havening you must be trained and certified in Havening Technique and listed on the website at havening.org. Havening also uses soothing touch to the hands, arms and face. It is backed by a detailed scientific theory relating to the mechanisms by which trauma is stored and can be erased. The training also includes specific diagnostic criteria and clinical observations. It is practiced by a limited number of counsellors, psychologists, therapists and social workers who charge a fee for their services. Although compassion is expected of Havening Practitioners, the science of compassion is not part of the training in Havening techniques.
In contrast, Somatic Compassion is intended to be used by any person without training or certification. It emphasises the role of compassionate presence and had simple methods drawn from the observation of clients spontaneously healing trauma, and inspired by other practices such as mindfulness, positive psychology and metaphor. It describes how human beings intuitively come together in acts of emotional support and healing. The methods may be freely used and shared.
What are the restrictions to use?
Somatic Compassion should not be used to attempt to treat people with a major mental health diagnosis, or under the care of a psychiatrist (for instance, PTSD, suicidal depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc). People with severe mental illness or trauma may be at risk of abreaction, re-traumatisation, or emotional disregulation. Somatic Compassion is not a therapy and is intended just to help people with ordinary life difficulties, distressing events or painful feelings. If in doubt, refer to your mental health practitioner.
What if someone doesn’t want to be touched?
No touch should ever be given unless there is informed consent. Please see the section on Safe Touch. If someone does not want to be touched they can self-apply the soothing strokes to their face and arms while the support person does the same touch to themselves.
Can I teach others to do Somatic Compassion?
Yes. You can familiarise yourself with the contents of this website and try out Somatic Compassion on some family members or friends. If you want to share this method within your community, you can host workshops to demonstrate this approach to others and to invite them to try it for themselves. You must ensure that all participants give consent to touch. You cannot represent yourself as a ‘trainer’ in Somatic Compassion nor are you permitted to change a fee. This is a method to be freely shared for the benefit of the community. The privacy and confidentiality of participants must be upheld.
Are there any side effects of Somatic Compassion
Yes – fun, laughter, a feeling of closeness and gratitude, amazement, feeling energised, unburdened and more confident! If participants choose to work on very personal issues there is always the potential to stir up past hurts but this presents a wonderful opportunity for healing when met with compassion and soothing touch.
Is Somatic Compassion recognised by any professional body or community?
No. That’s rather the point. This is not a therapy or a professional practice and is not subject to professional restrictions, such as non-touch. It is freely available to all, not just through a limited number of professionals who charge a fee.
Got any other questions?
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