HAKOMI THERAPY

Hakomi is a type of body-centered, mindfulness based psychotherapy which is organic, respectful, powerful and deep. It is useful both for individual and couples' therapy.

 This approach has it's roots in bioenergetics, the work of Wilhelm Reich, Rolfing and Taoism, the nature-based foundation of Zen. It grew out of the field of experiential therapy, with the emphasis on openness to discovery and change through observation of present moment experience. Mindfulness is a core principle, which was quite extraordinary in the 1980s when Hakomi was created, before mindfulness became popular in psychology, and the popular culture as a whole. Reich was the central pioneer in recognizing the intelligence of the body and developing tools to work with it organically.  Patterns are changed experientially, rather than analyzed abstractly or intellectually. The key is to follow the natural intelligence of the psyche by using somatic mindfulness to go deeper than the ego/mind. The approach is based on the realization that awareness itself is an incredible guide and healer.

I studied Hakomi partially through being a client in Hakomi, both on my own and with my partners over many years with many different Hakomi therapists. This approach was the basis of my first three years of therapy in the early 1990s. So, you could say, I learned it first from the inside. It is a beautiful approach for trauma work because it is so respectful and non-invasive. It is also particularly appropriate for you if you've learned that it's not safe in your body, but you understand the importance of healing that foundational relationship with yourself.

Hakomi teaches self love, connection and compassion in a very effective and organic process. It is rooted in a set of Principles which guide the work. It is fundamentally respectful, honoring the natural  intelligence of the of the body and psyche more than concepts or diagnoses. It fosters and builds on a gentle, curious relationship with the inner world, which invites it into awareness in a way which is very organic and effective. Hakomi body work can include a minimal amount of touch if the client is drawn to table work.

​