Karen Starr

When I saw that Karen (my Yoga Teacher) was looking for volunteers for her Havening training, I read some of the information, realising it was just what I needed.
I had 3 thoughts that came back, normally at night so not all the time, but when they did - I couldn't get them out of my mind.
With careful questioning Karen realised there was a theme to my thoughts: mainly that I couldn't cope with the bullies I had encountered in my life. I couldn't cope with seeing a good friend being bullied mentally.
I also had thoughts about feeling I'd let my sons down, so Karen used Role Havening, where she took on the role of one of my sons, and I said everything I wanted to say to him. I felt very emotional but it helped me release so many painful thoughts and emotions and see things in a positive light - to let go of negative thought patterns I've held onto and repeated throughout my life.
Karen helped me so much to protect myself; to accept I can't change others, only my reactions to them. I can now take myself away from toxic relationships - I can still care very much, as it's in my nature, but now when I am in difficult situations, I imagine my safe place, take myself away mentally, and I accept I cannot fix everything.
I feel freer in myself, and I have already put Karen's methods to the test with my daughter in law as I was able to let her comments go over my head - I felt liberated!
Karen, I feel sure, will help many people to achieve peace with themselves, their thoughts and to enjoy better lives.
Karen - thank you for your time, guiding and helping me achieve my goals. I feel so much better knowing I am able to help myself.
Helen, aged 70, Shropshire

I felt safe

Karen’s manner was very calm and professional throughout, and although discussing some acute anxieties, I felt safe.

The process was smooth and at a pace which suited me; Karen checked that it was working for me at each stage - asked permission to touch, etc. I found it very soothing.

The immediate effect I noticed was that I felt less anxious and slept better that night. I have remembered the sessions (especially the touch, which produced a physical memory) from time to time since then, and felt calmer. I’m looking forward to the third session as a way of reinforcing the effect.
Sue, aged 72 Shrewsbury

Karen is such a warm and friendly person, she immediately put me at ease...

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my first Havening session - I was feeling pretty relaxed and composed beforehand so wasn’t sure how effective it would be. Karen is such a warm and friendly person, she immediately put me at ease and explained the process. I was worried about sounding like an idiot, but she answered my questions and explained Havening in such a way that it made me think it was actually possible it would help. I trusted her immediately and that helped me to lean in to the process.
So much for all that well-repressed trauma and composure! I must be honest - there were tears, my heart was pounding feeling the painful emotions but this was not prolonged and the emotions and feelings needed to come out. Sitting with a trustworthy person who wants to help is a magic all of its own. I was completely comfortable with Karen and felt supported and cared for throughout the process. Even having my face touched, the sheer intimacy of that felt comfortable and natural.
I’ve since used the techniques I was taught and they have helped when I’ve had a small panic or felt the feelings that sent me into a spin during our session. Most surprisingly to me, even without the comforting touch, is the way I speak to myself has been reframed - Karen’s words seem to have become part of my inner monologue. Quite unexpected!
For anybody not quite sure, who doubts Havening would be helpful - try it. I firmly believe in the benefits of Havening after my first experience - it was really eye-opening and I definitely want to see Karen again.
Daisy aged 40, Bomere Heath