A Self-Soothing and Calming Approach for Teachers, Students and Families
Stress and anxiety have become far too common companions for many in society in general which then spills over into our classrooms. Montessori guides, both new and those with significant experience, are often expressing concerns about the high numbers of children who are dysregulated, overstimulated, and having difficulty with focus and attention. We try to meet each child and family where they are and provide support, but sometimes the task seems daunting, and our teachers feel overwhelmed. What we need is some new strategies in our toolbox. This is why CGMS is happy to partner with Havening for Humanity to introduce a new and very effective approach that helps individuals with self-regulation, calming, and reducing stress.
WHAT IS HAVENING?
Havening is a relatively recent psychosensory approach designed to reduce emotional distress while simultaneously enhancing psychological well-being. Havening utilizes the kinesthetic sense perception of soothing touch to the hands, arms and face. It is simple and effective such that even very young children can learn to use the technique independently.
This gentle touch, when combined with pleasant distractions(humming/counting), sends an influx of neurochemical transmitters, which calms the brain, reduces stress, improves mood, facilitates receptivity for learning and facilitates connection to self and others. It can be taught safely and simply and can be exponentially passed on to others from school leaders and teachers to the students and families. The versatility, applicability, and creativity of the Havening technique is so dynamic and fluid that it is easily used in both large and small groups, individually, or with a partner as well as for families and teacher self-care.
HAVENING means…”to put into a safe place”.
One of the Havening mantras designed by Dr. Rudan( a founding partner in this work) applicable for our training is as follows:
“I open my mind to learning,
I open my heart to friendship,
I choose to feel safe, calm and peaceful”
To highlight the impact and value of Havening, CGMS is offering a free webinar: “Havening and Montessori: A Self-Soothing and Calming Approach for Teachers, Students, and Families.”
Please join Kitty Bravo, CGMS Director of Education and presenters Marilyn Pearlman, LCSW and Erika Neil, LCSW on October 14th at 7PM ET for a FREE Webinar that will introduce Havening and how it can help individuals cope with everyday stress, anxiety, and more. You will learn how to share this amazing approach for your school, your classroom, yourself and families. It is uplifting, fun and profound at the same time.
How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on October 14th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!
This webinar is free. Simply fill out the registration form below to receive event details:
MARILYN PEARLMAN, LCSW
Marilyn Pearlman brings her diverse background and training, blending her skills from Occupational Therapy(OTR) and Clinical Social work(LCSW), receiving her BS from Boston University and MSW from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She has resided in Sarasota, Florida, for more than 30 years, during which she developed and operated a dually licensed (OTR/L and LCSW) private practice specialized for toddlers through teens and their families having sensory integration, behavioral and educational challenges. During this period she consulted for many of the public and private schools throughout Sarasota, including the New Gate Montessori School. For these last 15 years she has maintained a private psychotherapy practice, continuing to bring new, cutting-edge concepts and techniques into her work and relationships. Marilyn’s scope of experience goes across all ages and populations. Her specialized trainings are in sensory integration, couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma resolution therapy, clinical and past-life hypnosis and EFT. She has been a Certified Brain Coach with The Amen Clinic for more than 10 years. And most recently has added Certified Havening Practitioner and a Humanitarian Havener with The Havening organization.
ERIKA NEIL, LCSW
Erika Neil is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, focusing on trauma treatment and strengthening resilience. She is a Havening trainer and is also trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Reiki, Quantum Touch, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the Flash Technique, Brainspotting, and Trauma Tapping. She attended Harvard University, Columbia University Law School, and Catholic University School of Social Service.
Erika has delivered psychological first aid on several continents with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charities and Humanitarian Havening. Prior to becoming a social worker, Erika was a lawyer for abused and neglected children in Washington, DC. She was also a school social worker for fifteen years in Northern Virginia before becoming a full-time therapist. Havening techniques have brought about dramatic change and growth in her clients. Erika’s style is collaborative, warm, and solution-focused. She was trained by Havening’s founder, Dr. Ron Ruden and was the first certified Havening practitioner in the Washington, DC area. Erika is passionate about spreading awareness of Havening worldwide, and particularly among young people and families.
