
What I offer as a Havening Techniques mentor
Introduction Become a Certified Havening Practitioner is a professional qualification enabling you to work with clients who may be
Trauma doesnāt have to be a dreadful life event, it can be little things like being bullied at school, or humiliated by a teacher, or abandoned by a friend.
When does your brain store trauma? When certain conditions are met:
āļø You felt emotionally vulnerable
āļø Hurtful or things happened
āļø You were made to feel powerless
A chemical reaction occurred in your brain to permanently store this trauma, which can be re-triggered in less than a tenth of second, recreating all the painful emotions, stress reactions, thought and negative self-beliefs.
Talk therapies donāt work with trauma because itās stored in the operating system of your brain, below the conscious level. We canāt change trauma with our thoughts.
The process of healing trauma is gentle, light-hearted and fun! How can that be? Itās because your brain is actually designed to erase trauma quickly and easily. I donāt do therapy to any of my clients, I just create the conditions for your brain to heal itself.
You donāt event have to tell me the story of your trauma, just go silently in your memory to that painful event for a brief moment, then weāll divert your mind to fun mind games, or happy memories. The trauma will dissolve away all by itself.
This work is based on a scientific breakthrough by a doctor called Ronald Ruden, MD. He figured out exactly how trauma is stored in the brain – all the way down to the molecular reactions inside the nerve cells – and how to quickly reverse that mechanism. Discover more about HaveningĀ® here.
A MOTHER’S ANGUISH
I’m glad I hugged you twice before leaving your clinic on Monday!! You’ve made my life whole again. The despair and anxiety has been replaced with a tranquil peace and calmness. I sat in my 19 year old rocking chair for the best part of an hour yesterday really enjoying the peace and quiet in my head and heart. I also slept for a solid 8 hours (which I haven’t been able to do for many years). I hadn’t really considered the physical strain that trauma causes, you tend to think its mostly mental and emotional. Random aches and pains and extreme physical fatigue that I had just put down to “being part of life” have also gone. I have been more physically productive since Monday than I have been in a long time.
You are one of my most favourite people, and have been since you helped my son!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
LUNG TRANSPLANT, CHRONIC PAIN AND PTSD
I was experiencing PTSD in the form of flash backs, anxiety and at times depression after having a double lung transplant 2 years ago in 2019. Due to complications post-surgery, I was left with a damaged left leg causing impaired mobility. Injury from rehab exercises left me with inflammation in both hips, causing extreme pain on walking and standing which reduced my ability to work with my clients and get out and about. After my Havening sessions with Robin, I was able to break a pattern of constant stress and anxiety, and the flashbacks became memories, rather than a source of distress. After my 3rd Havening session, the inflammatory pain in my hips disappeared within hours and I was able to walk without pain and limping. I feel grounded, clear, centred, hopeful and grateful. I feel like I’ve been lifted out of a confusing fog, and I am back to my positive, and intuitive self.
CLAUSTROPHOBIA
I have suffered from claustrophobia for as long as I can remember. I am not confident in lifts, caves and I hate small hotel rooms. I have tried to tell myself to get over it but I was getting desperate because this fear was ruining travel.
I was skeptical about Havening Touch as I am not normally drawn to alternative medicine/remedies. Robin was completely professional, caring and responsive throughout the therapy sessions. An amazing experience. Now Iām feeling so confident, I recently visited the Gold Coast and we stayed on the 16th floor. I had no fear of the lift!
I now use Havening techniques whenever I feel stressed and have discussed the technique with my daughter and she is also finding it useful. We have watched Robin’s self-Havening video together.
Please, if you have an emotional trauma, phobia or PTSD, work with Robin.
He is an ethical clinician. He is kind, he is responsive, and non threatening. Thank you Robin!
SEVERE PTSD
Basically, when I went to see Robin I was a mess. I had years of severe PTSD, I was too afraid to eat because of intense gut pain, I was weak and had mental confusion. I had not been able to hold a job down for years because of my chronic health issues. No form of therapy had helped.
Within a few sessions I was eating without any pain or bloating afterwards and had more energy than I had in years. My PTSD symptoms vanished. My emotional health is so improved, itās really helped my marriage. Now Iām a full-time student doing a masterās degree.
I cannot recommend Robin and the method of Havening enough.
EASING A DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIP
I was preparing to enter a full-time caregiving situation with a close relative, with whom I had a difficult relationship. I wanted to mentally and emotionally prepare and a friend recommended Robinās clinic. I had never heard of Havening before this and did some research before my session so that I’d know what to expect.
During my session, I was relieved to learn that I didn’t have to explain my traumas or provide details. What surprised me most was how quickly I was able to access the feelings that had been problematic and begin work with Robin. I appreciated Robin’s gentle demeanour, explanations, and coaching throughout the session. It was an intense experience for me, and afterwards I felt tired and relieved.
In the days following the sessions (I had two), I felt encouraged from within and more equipped to handle the journey ahead. I would absolutely recommend Robin’s clinic to others.
EARTHQUAKE PHOBIA
Iād suffered years of constant, irrational fear of another large earthquake following the Christchurch earthquakes of 2011. My fear affected every decision I made, especially around South Island travel.
I’d never heard of Havening touch before so I was uncertain and a little sceptical. Robinās very calm approach and total belief in the process was reassuring. I was able to acknowledge my fear being a real thing; actually putting the fear feelings into words; allowing myself to let it go. I found that by sharing my anxiety and trusting the Havening process my anxiety over the earthquakes is no longer a constant burden. It worked for me beyond my expectations.
I would absolutely recommend Robinās clinic.
SEVERE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
For the past four years I have had 6-12 weeks of severe anxiety and depression with a huge impact on my life. I had not heard about Havening Touch and wasnāt sure how it would go.
What I noticed was Robinās compassion, so tangible and comforting. He is totally present and focused on me without distraction. Robin is intuitive and can pick up quickly when my mood changes and how I am responding to Havening minute by minute. Havening therapy has been healing for my present wellness and also for the trauma of past experiences and relationships which have had a negative impact on my life. I now have much more peace and feeling of hope and enthusiasm for the future. I can treat myself by watching Robinās havening video.
I absolutely recommend Robinās therapy. He is an outstanding human being and I feel blessed to be havening with him.
SO IMPRESSED I TOOK THE TRAINING!
Dr Robin Youngson worked with me in Havening sessions in 2018. I would like to recommend him as being a compassionate and sincere Practitioner of the Havening technique.
He has remarkable skill in enabling you, the client, to find your way through your unfolding trauma or life event while gently supporting you to do this.
While experiencing a Havening session, I was amazed at the effect it had at many different levels. Also because of this personal experience I went on to train in Havening Touch.
LOW SELF-ESTEEM AND TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS
Why did I always choose men who put me down and criticized me? I had low-self-esteem and anxiety in relationships and was unable to put myself in front of a loving and kind person, knowing full well this is what I deserved. I had EFT tapping therapy as a teenager for the mental trauma of being sexually abused as a small child, so I was curious about Havening Touch.
After my first experience of havening touch with Robin, I observed a huge difference in my assertiveness, within a day it just happened! And my words came out with a soft kindness, there was no sense of shame for sticking up for myself. My self-esteem was blossoming as was my confidence. I am knowing now that Havening has added the confidence, self-love and trust in myself that I am now experiencing. I highly recommend it to everybody!
TRAUMATIC HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE
I was having anxiety attacks and struggling to sleep after a traumatic hospital experience.
In the past, I had tried traditional therapies for other mental health problems and found they didn’t help as much as I’d hoped. I had not heard about Havening before, so I was apprehensive.
Robin creates a very comfortable environment and is very empathetic. My sleep improved after the first session and my anxiety improved week after week. I think Robin has a natural ability with Havening. I was blown away at how fast it worked!
Thanks Robin for making my recovery from hospitalisation just 3 months… without Havening I believe it could have gone on for years.
TRAUMA AND CHRONIC PAIN
My trauma included a serious car crash, the grief of losing four people close to me, as well as severe facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia. This past trauma was constantly triggered by everyday life. This became exhausting and affected every aspect of my life, especially my relationships with family and friends. Upon receiving Havening Touch I felt completely reborn. A deep sense of peace and calm suffused my whole body – an incredible release and letting go of what was no longer serving me from the past. A huge burden had been lifted.
This has been transformational for me in learning to be well and having the energy to live a purposeful and productive life. The benefits have been enormous. I am no longer burdened by the past and as a consequence I have much more energy to express myself. I am much calmer and more in control of my emotions and better able to cope with challenging situations.
I GOT MY LIFE BACK!
I was suffering from anxiety for some years, but it turned so severe, I had been unable to leave my house for three months. I felt like the world was going to attack me.
I was sceptical about Havening at first. The idea of the Havening touch is hard to grasp until you experience it first hand. I had tried many other types of therapy before reaching out to Robin.
I couldnāt leave my home so Robin came to me for our first few sittings together. I felt that was incredibly moving, as it made the experience feel a lot more human and friendly. He has a delicate presence and warmth that made me feel like everything was going to be ok. After our first session, I was astonished to be able to leave my home and go for a walk without fear.
Robin not only helped me to control my anxiety and maintain a healthier mindset but he taught me to apply the techniques of the Havening touch to myself. I would absolutely recommend anyone struggling with anxiety or any mental disorder to seek help through Robin. He gave me my life back.
YEARS OF ANXIETY SINCE MY CAR CRASH
I got in touch with Robin to book a Havening Touch session as I hoped that after experiencing a fairly serious car accident it might help me feel calmer while driving. Although the accident was quite a few years ago, I still found myself easily startled / jumpy while in cars. I didn’t really know much about Havening Touch and wasn’t sure how effective it would be – it sounded a bit ‘airy fairy’ from the little I knew about it. Robin quickly put me at ease and explained all the research behind the therapy before we began. I found the process very gentle and soothing. Following the treatment I have driven several times long distance and felt much more relaxed, not bothered by sudden movements or noises. I would certainly be happy to recommend Robin’s treatments – it’s a gentle, respectful, non-invasive form of therapy that I think many people could benefit from and it’s wonderful to see his passion for sharing it with others.
CHILDHOOD ABANDONMENT
At age ten I was sent to boarding school. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get my education back on track but the sense of abandonment was devastating for me. I vividly remember crying with fear as my parents’ car disappeared down the driveway, leaving me all alone in this terrible institution. The fear of abandonment haunted me all my life and I felt terrified if I had an argument with my wife – she was sure to leave me.
The Havening therapy was astonishing. My trauma was gone in fifteen minutes and my memory changed so that I had all my power back and was no longer afraid. My fear of abandonment is completely gone. It’s made a huge difference in my relationships. This therapy is life changing and yet so easy and painless.
SEXUAL ASSAULT, PTSD AND SEVERE WORK STRESS
I was struggling with PTSD from historic sexual assault, bullying and severe work stress. I had not been able to work for 10 months and isolated myself from friends and family. I was unable to cope with intense relationships and I had high anxiety and very low self-worth. I thought my future was small and would be difficult. Robin is an incredibly kind, compassionate and knowledgeable practitioner and I feel very lucky to work with him. In the first session Robin went through the process step by step, removing some anxiety for me. At every stage he asked my permission and made sure I felt safe. This created much needed agency and respect for my space. After Havening, I felt for the first time that I was in my body, that my body was my own and belonged to no one else. I cried uncontrollably for about 1/2 hour, really letting a lot of deep sadness and pain out of my body and then in the following days I felt so light and calm. Now, I feel excited about the possibilities of my life, of my future expanding exponentially. I feel like I’ve gotten my life back.
SENIOR DOCTOR IN MORAL DISTRESS
I have worked as a senior doctor for 16 years and prior to that witnessed much suffering and distress as a junior doctor and in my training. In addition, I have experienced moral distress in witnessing and being personally subject to toxic behaviours in the workplace. Suffice to say, the emotional and physical impact of working in medicine has at best been inspiring and at worst, dehumanising. Robin’s depth of compassion, understanding, empathy and ability to create a safe, supportive and trusting space to allow and hold the expression of painful and difficult emotions was incredible. I was able to release some of the traumatic memories of my past. Focusing on my strengths and discussing how to be present to other people’s distress without over-identifying with them was also helpful particularly in caring for my patients. I left feeling re-energised, positive and passionate with a greater sense of purpose. I highly recommend Robin’s services.
TERRIBLE STATE OF FEAR
It was a great experience to work with you, and to experience the benefits of Havening techniques on my different issues and traumatic memories/experiences. I have learnt so much about myself, the role of the brain and body for healing, the nervous system, the effects of traumatic experiences etc. I feel obviously much better now, much calmer and no longer in the terrible state of fear that I was in when I first contacted you. I sleep better, I am no longer a āprisonerā of my sympathetic nervous system’s reactions. You are a person that spreads a sense of safety, calmness, trust and warmth around you, at the same time with a professional and solution-finding focus, which is a very good ground and support for working with self healing. Thank you for that! I will definitively consult you again, if I feel the need of support and to work with issues that I think Havening can help with.
ONE SESSION WAS SO IMPACTFUL
It was very satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable meeting with you. I was surprised how quickly and easily the near-drowning trauma lost it’s intensity, such that I can recall it now without any emotion yet still visualise the event. Since then I have noticed other “interesting” side effects – a back pain associated with an acute lifting injury has lessened significantly and knee joint aches too have lessened noticeably. Most pleasant for me though is an emergent sense of peace about things in general – life seems less of a struggle and I find I can better apply myself to “stuff” that needs doing. This effect is enduring so far – I feel more confidence in who I am for now. So, my profound thanks for your time and care and I look forward to our next meeting.
INDIGENOUS WOMAN FINDS HER VOICE
I’m astonished at the impact of one session of Havening. My fear of presenting to a group was beyond terrifying. Previously I could only manage to speak in a tiny voice. After the Havening I was able to present with poise like the ‘ultimate presenter’ in a voice that was clear, calm and steady. I was unfazed by the technical difficulties. The audience was amazed and asked what had changed in me. A life of shame and positioning, especially as an indigenous woman, has evaporated. I came away feeling very much at peace and full of hope.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST IS ASTOUNDED!
I am a practicing consultant clinical psychologist. Many years ago I had a particularly traumatic head-on collision, with my husband at the wheel, me as the front passenger. This experience had left me with 35 years of anticipatory driving anxiety, and a fear of oncoming traffic, to the point where I refused to drive at night, was a frightened over-cautious driver during the day, and an even more frighteningly annoying passenger. After the Havening session I started driving home as skeptical as when I arrived. Then the strangest thing happened. I noticed that I had no thoughts that one of these other drivers was going to lose control of their vehicle and drive straight into me. Instead, all the drivers looked as if they were minding their own business. I literally did a double take as I had never experienced this before. And OMG do you know what Robin? To my absolute amazement, no matter how hard I tried, and believe me I TRIED, I was not able to feel the fear I had felt for the past 35 years generated by oncoming vehicles.
LIFE HAD LOST ITS MEANING
Decades of struggling to conduct my life while severely depressed had left me mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted.Ā I felt numb and no longer had any interest in all aspects of life. I was existing – not living.Ā Even the most mundane tasks sparked debilitating anxiety or overwhelmed me.Ā I was isolating myself and avoiding everything I could. I felt there was no point in continue to exist. I walked out after my first session feeling a distinct change in my mind and emotions.Ā During that first week the changes I noticed were profound.Ā I just sat and marvelled at the peacefulness of my mind, the relief in my whole body and being, the marked reduction in my anxiety, the growing interest in life. The improvement has continued –Ā I am now truly living, not just existing. I am engaged with my life for the first time in decades.Ā Before, I was numb, now I actually FEEL the pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction, and excitement about my life. Blissful!! Havening provided a lifeline for me.Ā I will forever be grateful to you, Robin, and recommend you services to everyone.
A LIFETIME OF CHILDBIRTH TRAUMA
50 years ago, I experienced a very traumatic birthing of our second child, I was injured, and our daughter did not survive. Thanks to an amazing specialist, we were able to have another girl a little later, and she is fabulous and an absolute blessing. However, I experienced discomfort for all that time since until I found Dr Robin Youngson and the amazing Havening Technique, along with his gentle healing presence which is evident even through the medium of Zoom. It did not occur to me that my injury was more than physical, and that the survival part of my brain was hanging on to that trauma from so long ago. I went for a walk this morning without pain or a limp. The trauma is gone, and I know that it is gone for good. Donāt wait 50 years ā do it now!
Dr Robin Youngson MA, MB ChB, FANZCA
Certified Havening Practitioner, retired Anesthesiologist
Looking for a trauma therapist? Welcome to my clinic! I love this work!
After more than thirty years of medical practice, this is the most astonishing and gratifying practice I have ever done. I quit my work as a medical specialist because I can now offer rapid and permanent relief of anxiety, depression, phobias, emotional problems, PTSD and even some cases of chronic pain.
I am a trauma therapist, using Havening TechniquesĀ®, which are based on the latest breakthrough in neuroscience. Your brain is designed to rapidly heal trauma – the underlying cause of anxiety, depression, PTSD and many other conditions. You are the healer, not me as the practitioner. My job is to support and guide you through the gentle, self-healing process, informed by a detailed understanding of the science. As a doctor and scientist, I witness the rapid physiological changes in clients as they let go of stress and trauma.
The remarkable results of Havening are spreading so rapidly that I now train many counsellors, therapists, psychologists, counsellors, midwives, and doctors in these techniques.
I see client after client float free from their past and shine as the best version of themselves. It’s just amazing.
Read more about HaveningI work with adults, children, and whole families. Here are some the stories they tell (all names changed).
Bad things happen in life. When you are resilient, these events pass quickly so you recover and get on with your life. But when you are vulnerable, these events become traumatic, they donāt go away.
My clients tell me so many different stories of trauma that left them fearful, anxious, haunted by horrible memories, and trapped in the past. When you are traumatised you canāt move on with life, you donāt sleep well, you feel anxious, exhausted or depressed. Here’s some typical stories created by combining details from different clients to avoid identification. The names are made up.
The good news is that every one of these clients found complete relief from their trauma.
Warning: some sensitive people may find these stories triggering
Susan was in an earthquake and was traumatised, again and again, by the aftershocks. Eight years later she still carried her fear everyday, she was hyper-vigilant, jumping at noises. Susan was too afraid to drive through tunnels or other risky places. After one session of therapy all her fear reactions were gone permanently.
Dan was driving with friends when he started to have breathing difficulties. He just couldnāt catch his breath and got scared. The doctors at the Emergency Clinic gave him an adrenaline injection thinking he had a severe allergy. Dan went into a full-blown panic attack. Suddenly the world wasn’t safe. Dan hadnāt left his home for months, he was trapped by his anxiety. I went to his home to start the therapy. After the first session, we went for a walk in the sunshine again! After five more sessions, Dan no longer has anxiety – he has fully got his life back.
Ruth was violently raped and when she finally managed to put that behind her, she suffered a second assault. Then she fell to pieces and became suicidal, lost her job, and began drinking heavily. She came for a personal retreat and put all her trauma behind her. She is now truly resilient and rising to life’s challenges.
DELETE A TRAUMATIC MEMORY
One session to permanently delete your trauma. Learn more…
ONE-ON-ONE THERAPY
You can visit my clinic or connect by video conference for the initial consultation. Learn more…
HELP FOR STRUGGLING MUMS
Get rapid reliefĀ here.
FREE HELP FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
I am offering free, online, neuroscience-based programs. Read more…
CME-APPROVED RETREATS FOR DOCTORS – INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP RETREATS
Lost your joy in medical practice? Symptoms of burnout? Stressed and frustrated at work? These retreats are designed specially for you. You can join us for a Physician Group Retreat or book a one-on-one Personal Retreat
TRAINING IN HAVENING
Robin Youngson is a Certified Havening Trainer. He offers a five-day healing retreat & training course and also coaching and supervision for Certification as a Havening Practitioner. To learn more, click here…
Driven by childhood trauma, a passionate engineer turned doctor confronts the suffering within the medical system. Expecting to find compassion and care, he instead encounters a broken, inhumane and corrupt system. As his journey leads him to question his own deeply held beliefs, he uncovers an urgent need for strategies prioritising human connection over technical fixes.
Through profound encounters with patients and wise teachers, the author discovers a new scientific reality where healing flourishes and miracles occur daily ā insights with the potential to transform medical practice. After winning New Zealand’s highest medical award, heĀ makes a bold decision to leaveĀ the system and embrace his true calling as a healer and teacher.
This honest and captivating medical memoir explores how societal myths and trauma misshape our beliefs, and our innate capacity to heal. Blending cutting-edge neuroscience with extraordinary stories of compassion and healing, this book offers fresh insights and new hope by showing how challenging our assumptions can transform our lives and the world we are part of.
Introduction Become a Certified Havening Practitioner is a professional qualification enabling you to work with clients who may be
The New Zealand Herald newspaper has been running a great series of articles about the crisis in our mental health services: GREAT
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD or panic because of birth trauma? I am a trauma therapist in New Zealand who can help
You know the feeling: The holiday is over and you are back at work. All the jobs you have been putting off now crowd into your min
Half the world is now living in a state of fear. As the Coronavirus pandemic surges to frightening levels, and the news headlines
Itās a painful double-whammy: a life of emotional misery topped up with chronic illness. Some personality types are just destined
“I don’t feel as sick as I did last time.” I was so taken aback by my client’s words that for a moment I w
Chapter One: ‘Choosing a better life’ When life is just an ongoing struggle, you can feel trapped with no space to mak
Did you know about the E-spot? E is for Empathy. The science behind the significance and function of this spot is fascinating. Whe
The neuroscience of healing My client told a harrowing story. Many years ago he was critically injured in a road accident. Lying a