Hakomi is a body-centered psychotherapy that utilizes Mindfulness in the service of studying and transforming core beliefs and the limiting patterns that arise from them. It also represents a strong belief in how the body, through movement, gesture, voice, etc., powerfully reflects psychological material. It’s experiential, mindful, spontaneous and creative.

A synthesis of western psychology, eastern philosophy and practice, and some of the latest research in affective and developmental neurology, the Hakomi Method is highly effective with individuals, couples, families and groups.

Suitable for crisis work, it finds its full potential, however, in the process of growth both personal and trans-personal, when we are committed to moving beyond our limits.

"Hakomi is an excellent system for learning key emotional
intelligence skills"
— Daniel Goleman, author of the bestseller Emotional Intelligence

The Method

Safety
We build a relationship that maximizes respect and safety, creating a laboratory for change.

Mindfulness
We use a distinct state of consciousness, characterized by inward focus, heightened sensitivity, and the ability to notice and name the contents of consciousness.

Study
We employ the precise study of the client's current experiences, as a way to discover their organizing core material, i.e. core beliefs and core emotions.

Transformation
Clients can begin to choose and experiment with more expanded beliefs and a much wider range of behaviors. Here, the Hakomi Method works somatically to help integrate new insights and anchor them in the body.

The Goal

Change
Articulate new beliefs, live new choices with more creativity, joy and inner peace.

Freedom
Gain freedom from unnecessary suffering.

The Principles
The system is based on a set of five interrelated humanistic principles derived to a large extent from Taoist and Buddhist psychology. Those principles, which constitute a philosophical as well as methodological base, are: Mindfulness, Unity, Non-Violence, Organicity and (Body/Mind) Wholism.
The ancient practice of mindfulness, adapted to use in the therapeutic setting, is the cornerstone technique in Hakomi therapy. The intense self-study fostered by this powerful tool is an inescapably transformational process, one that has given rise to the notion of “therapy as spiritual practice.” Mindfulness, together with the conscious practice of loving presence or compassion, puts this method solidly in the realm of the transpersonal, although we do not necessariliy align ourselves with any particular religion. The practices we have named, although inspired by Buddhism and Taoism, are deeply rooted in all of the major spiritual traditions.

How it Works
In mindfulness, one can notice things that normally go unnoticed. So we can do simple collaborative experiments to find these unconscious reactions. Here is one example: I might say a nourishing statement to you (one I sense you need to hear, like "You are safe.") and have you sense the changes that come over you as you hear it. You may be conditioned to disregard it, i.e.: a voice in your head says: "No, I'm not!" or you may tighten up your shoulders or stomach when you hear this statement. What good information to have! Next, we can explore what may be needed for you to drop these old adaptations that are no longer needed, and begin really taking in the good that the world has to offer you.