People - Erika’s Healing Journey
Erika earned her Master’s in Social Work in 1997 and obtained her Clinical Social Work License in 2006. Before that, Erika’s passion for humanitarian work took her to orphanages and hospitals in developing countries; primarily through Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. A defining moment in Erika’s journey was meeting Mother Teresa herself in 1993 in Calcutta, India. This is Erika’s story of teaching children and young mothers self-healing through Havening.
By: Erika Lane Neil
My first career was as a lawyer advocating for abused children, but after transitioning to social work, I spent 15 years as a school social worker while also working as a psychotherapist. Always eager to explore effective therapeutic methods, I discovered Havening—a powerful technique for healing trauma. I was so impressed with its impact that I became a Havening Techniques Trainer in 2020.
Determined to bring trauma relief to those who need it most, I co-founded Humanitarian Havening in 2023 alongside two Havening colleagues. Our mission is to teach stress and trauma relief techniques to people in crisis worldwide. We’ve introduced Havening as a self-care tool to humanitarian workers, educators, medical professionals, and spiritual communities. Given my background, I’ve primarily worked with children in schools and orphanages, but our reach extends to various settings where healing is needed.
Our work has grown organically through relationships and connections, often formed online. For example, I’ve taught Havening at an orphanage in Tanzania thanks to a friend on its Board of Directors, worked with young mothers and orphans in Uganda through contacts made via mutual friends, and brought Havening to schools in Kenya through a U.S.-born colleague who has lived there for a decade.
I’m always looking to collaborate with individuals and organizations interested in incorporating Havening into their humanitarian efforts. It’s a fulfilling and uplifting way to make a difference, and those we teach are deeply grateful for the knowledge and experience. If you're interested in joining this work, I’d love to connect!
Erika at work teaching self-healing to children in Zanzibar
I recently embarked on an exciting journey to Africa, southern India, and Asia, with the main goal of teaching Havening, visiting ashrams, reconnecting with friends, and dancing. My adventures took me to some truly fascinating places, and the experiences were nothing short of transformative.
I flew with Ethiopian Airlines, and during my layover at Addis Ababa Airport in Ethiopia, I was struck by how cosmopolitan the airport felt. There was an intriguing mix of modern and traditional influences in the shops and in the way people dressed. It was wonderful to interact with people from all over the world, and I felt a deep sense of connection, which was only possible because so many spoke English. For that, I am incredibly grateful.
When I finally arrived at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, I was warmly greeted by my friend Derick, who helps run a program called “Move International.” The organization supports young mothers in becoming financially independent, and Derick was joined by co-leader Charity, administrative director Joan, and other team members. They greeted me with flowers, a Ugandan flag scarf, and a hat, making me feel so welcome.
English is the main language spoken in Uganda, so communication has been easy and seamless. After our greeting, we headed to the Move International headquarters, which was a storage unit that had been transformed into a welcoming space. Along the way, they treated me to a traditional Ugandan lunch for just $1.50 per person, which included cassava, potatoes, cabbage, and chicken. The meal was not only filling but delicious!
We also had the chance to meet two young women who had started their own small businesses, selling food in booths. They had received loans or grants from Move International, and it was inspiring to see how this program was helping them build their independence.
I’m staying at a guest house for $35 a night, and I’m pleased to report it’s very comfortable. I figured out the power adapter situation this morning and finally managed to sleep for 11 hours last night. I think I’m getting adjusted to the 8-hour time difference.
Today’s agenda was packed with visits to five schools to teach them Havening and tapping techniques, along with some more visits to the young mothers involved in the program. However, the traffic in Kampala proved to be a major hurdle. It was completely gridlocked, with the roads filled with potholes, construction zones, and motorcycles darting in and out of the chaos. Surprisingly, there were also chickens and goats casually roaming the streets. I learned that they aren’t pets but are bred for food.
We were only able to visit two of the five schools, but we rescheduled the others for a later time. At the schools, we taught Havening and tapping to teachers preparing for the school year. Teachers in Uganda start their school year in February, and they were very engaged and appreciative of the techniques.
Havening, a calming touch technique, and tapping, a form of emotional freedom technique, are both used to alleviate stress, trauma, and anxiety. It was moving to hear how the Ugandan teachers explained how they had benefited from these methods.
Later in the day, we visited the homes of six young mothers who are being mentored through Move International’s program. They live in small, modest homes made of mud, plywood, and metal sheets. Some of these homes are located near a swamp, and they flood during the rainy season.
We gave gifts, spent time with their children, and heard their stories. Many of these women are eager to become self-sufficient and escape the feeling of being trapped, while others are well on their way to achieving their goals.
Kampala itself is a beautiful city with rolling hills, and the streets are always bustling with people socializing and enjoying life. The economy is fascinating—food and housing are surprisingly inexpensive. The average rent for the volunteers is just around $50 per month. However, most people buy second-hand goods, and the primary mode of transportation is the boda boda, a motorcycle taxi. It’s not uncommon to see entire families riding together on one motorcycle.
After a long day, I moved to a different hotel closer to the office and schools. The new hotel had air conditioning and a pool—luxuries that felt starkly out of place given the poverty I had seen. Nonetheless, I made the best of it and enjoyed a hearty breakfast buffet the next morning.
The next day, I worked with Derick and the Move International staff to lead a Havening and tapping workshop for the young mothers, their friends, and their children. It was heartwarming to see the moms and kids practicing Havening together, offering each other comfort. The session was not just about learning techniques—it was an opportunity for these women to relax, connect, and have fun.
Later in the day, we visited the Entebbe Zoo and then spent some time at a nearby beach on Lake Victoria. We danced to music along the shore, feeling the red clay sand beneath our feet. It was a beautiful way to unwind and bond with the dedicated volunteers who are making such a difference in the lives of others.
This trip has been an incredible journey, full of learning, connection, and joy. Teaching Havening to people in need has been profoundly rewarding, and I’m so grateful for the chance to make a small difference in their lives.
