A safe, science informed pathway toward meaningful change
What is Havening®?
Havening is a gentle psycho sensory method that works with the body and the mind. Through soothing touch (the sensory element) and the engagement of working memory (the psycho element), it helps to shift emotional and psychological states in a calm, effective and often, very quick manner. Rooted in neuroscience, Havening Techniques® are designed to support the brain in changing how stressful or overwhelming experiences are encoded and stored. By influencing these underlying neural pathways, Havening can release the emotional charge around past, present or future events and create space for new, more empowering responses.
The name Havening comes from the word haven meaning ‘to put in a safe place’. By offering the nervous system an inner experience of safety, powerful change becomes possible. This can include reducing the impact of stress, fears, phobias, or trauma, as well as building resilience and promoting growth.
How Does it Work?
By applying soothing touch to the arms, hands, or face, the brain produces delta waves, the same slow, regenerative brainwaves experienced in deep sleep and some types of meditation . These brainwaves signal the release of feel good bonding chemicals like Oxytocin and Serotonin. Simultaneously, simple cognitive tasks are used to occupy the working memory, which serves as a distraction.
This combination creates a unique neurobiological state where the brain can safely unlink the triggering components and re-organise how the event or situation is filed within the alarm system of the brain. The associated emotional charge can be reduced or even removed completely, allowing us to recall the event but without the same stress response. Havening can also help us to cultivate positive emotional states, build resilience, and foster a deeper sense of calm and well being in daily life.
Why Choose Havening?
People are drawn to Havening because it is:
• Safe – Havening Techniques are Gentle and Non-invasive
• Simple to Learn & Use – Some Havening Techniques can be practiced without a practitioner.
• Client Led — This process promotes client autonomy, empowerment and choice.
• Flexible - Havening Touch can be applied by the client or practitioner
• Accessible — Havening sessions can be offered in person or online.
• Based on Neuroscience — The method is built on research into neuro-biology and emotional encoding. (Links to research can be found here)
• Bottom Up Approach – We work directly with the physiology - where the stress or trauma is stored. This allows you to shift your STATE, not just the STORY.
• Low Risk of Re-Traumatisation – Clients are not held in distressing states or painful experiences.
• Not a Talk Therapy – You can choose how much, if at all, to verbally share throughout the session.
Client Experience - 'Surprisingly simple, yet deliciously comforting and
genuinely magical'
I came to Gem carrying traumatic stress from some deeply upsetting
images I had discovered which led to years of life changing trauma. My
mind felt dark, heavy, and strained. Within minutes of starting Havening
with her, I felt an immediate shift — a light, tingling sensation all
through my head where everything had felt so burdened before. The
session was surprisingly simple, yet deliciously comforting and
genuinely magical. Gem’s presence is gentle, intuitive, safe, and
completely non-judgemental. I felt held the entire time, with no
pressure to talk or explain — the non-verbal nature of the process
allowed me to move through the trauma in a way I didn’t know was
possible. After just two sessions, the issue felt noticeably lighter,
and I’ve even been able to use some of the tools myself in moments of
need.
For anyone curious or hesitant, I’d say: trust Gem and be
open to giving it a go. This work is powerful in a way that’s hard to
describe until you feel it. I’m incredibly grateful. - Jennie Rose
Who Can it Help?
Whether you’re wanting freedom from something that’s been holding you back or to strengthen your capacity to thrive, Havening offers a safe, science informed pathway toward meaningful change.
I specialise in supporting people with:
- Fears and Phobias
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Emotional overwhelm
- Stress
- Building resilience and inner resources
- Increasing confidence and self-esteem
Client Experience - 'Clarity, peace, and a sense of emotional strength I didn’t realise I could get back'
“I
came to Gemma carrying the weight of a painful breakup, anxiety that
sat permanently in my chest, and old emotional patterns I just couldn’t
settle. I didn’t know what to expect from Havening, but I’m so grateful I
trusted the process and trusted her. From the moment the session began,
Gemma created a space where I actually felt safe enough to let my guard
down. She has this calm, intuitive way of reading the nervous system
without you having to say much at all. The rapport was instant and
genuine and there was nothing forced or clinical. A real sense of
gentleness that she was right there with me.
The session itself
was incredibly soothing. It felt like my mind and body were finally
working together instead of fighting each other. I could literally feel
the emotional charge soften around memories that had been gripping me
for months. By the time we finished, the heaviness had shifted in a way I
can’t quite explain, only that something inside me had finally exhaled.
If you haven't tried it, I would definitely recommend it! It sure was
life changing for me and didn't become afraid of future situations that
may have caused great distress and anxiety. In the days after, I noticed
I wasn’t waking with that same panic or dread. The spiraling thoughts
eased. My body felt less braced. It wasn’t a magical ‘fix’, but it was a
turning point and real one. I started feeling like myself again and it
was a great tool to apply when I did feel like an emotional attack was
coming up or experiencing one.
If you’re dealing with
heartbreak, anxiety, or old trauma that keeps looping, I honestly can’t
recommend Gemma enough. She’s skilled, kind, and has a presence that
helps your system settle in a way talk therapy never quite managed for
me. Havening with her gave me clarity, peace, and a sense of emotional
strength I didn’t realise I could get back.Thank you so much Gemma. You
are a gem and I really hope more people use your services. - Victoria, Remuera, Auckland (49 years old)
Offerings
Complimentary 30 Minute Discovery Call
I offer a free 30 minute discovery call for anyone curious about working with me. This conversation gives us space to explore what you’d like support with and to ensure it falls within my scope of practice. It also allows you to ask any questions about Havening, understand what to expect from the process, and get a sense of whether a single session or a fuller package might suit your needs. Just as importantly, it gives us both a chance to get a feel for each other and see whether we’re a good fit to work together.
Client Experience - 'Deeply calming and unexpectedly profound'
My session with Gemma was deeply calming and unexpectedly profound. Her
gentle, attentive presence created a strong sense of care, safety, and
compassion, allowing me to relax and be truly vulnerable. I felt held
and supported from the very beginning. Gemma demonstrated great skill in
applying Havening, intuitively using the right components at the right
moments. Her insightful questions and natural ability to unearth deeper
insights helped the process unfold in a way that felt both safe and
effective. I came into the session feeling very upset after a
significant interpersonal disappointment that had left me feeling
unimportant. I left feeling far more grounded, less emotionally
reactive, and noticeably less sensitive around the issue. The shift felt
real and embodied, not just intellectual. Gemma brings a rare
combination of technical skill, intuition, and genuine compassion. I
would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a safe, supportive, and
deeply effective Havening practitioner. - Denine Neilson
Single Havening Sessions
Online or in person at my Auckland based home practice
Investment $120
Booking & Payment
A session is only confirmed once payment has been received. While a time slot may be discussed as available, it is not secured until payment is made. Please email proof of payment once completed. Thank you for your understanding.
Gemma Mullins, trading as Yoga with Gemma
12 3136 0478728 00
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
To honour my time and ensure fairness to all clients:
- Cancellations or rescheduling made within 24 hours of your session are non‑refundable.
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance may be rescheduled subject to availability.
More Havening Testimonials
Client Experience - 'My body and mind feeling calm, safe and completely relaxed'
For many years, I lived with burnout/anxiety and rumination. Fortunately, I asked Gemma for some one-on one coaching and Gemma was able to work with me, to provide some wonderful insights into how my physical body was reacting to stressful situations. Gemma introduced me to several new practices, which have resulted in my body and mind feeling calm, safe and completely relaxed. Exercises such as Pandiculation, have given me the confidence to start a new journey. The workshops that Gemma provided have enabled me to break the repetitive cycles I found myself in. So a big shout out to Gemma and thank you for all your efforts and knowledge. - S.H
Client Experience - 'Feeling safe, grounded and hopeful'
I came to Gemma for help to manage some of my emotions with my children during interactions that trigger my stress and anger. Multiple areas were in need of addressing, 1 is my wellbeing and my ability to attend to my needs as a parent. the other is how I respond compassionately to my children and their needs. Gemma was so gentle, attentive, inviting and encouraging. using Facilitated Self Havening, Gemma guided me into a wonderful exploration that led to me feeling safe, grounded and hopeful. I write this review weeks after our session where I had multiple opportunities to be in similar situations but respond differently to how I did before my session with Gemma. Thanks Gemma for a great session. - Hamada Eleleimy
Client Experience - 'So effective in treating trauma'
I love the gentle and respectful way, Gemma works.
She uses a modality called Havening.
It has been so effective in treating trauma and calming my nervous system.
Thanks Gemma - L.A
** Gemma Mullins is a certified practitioner of Havening Techniques. Havening Techniques is a registered trademark of Ronald Ruden, 15 East 91st Street, New York. www.havening.org **
