What is Hakomi Therapy?
Hakomi Therapy is a somatic-based therapy and method of self-discovery founded by Ron Kurtz. Hakomi has its roots in body-centered psychotherapies such as Gestalt, Reichian work, Focusing as well as Bioenergetics and Feldenkrais. Hakomi Therapy also draws from Buddhist and Taoist mindfulness practices.
Hakomi is its own unique mixture and natural process through integrating these philosophies, techniques and approaches. The origins of the word Hakomi stems from a Native American word meaning “How do you see yourself in relation to the many realms?” or a more present-day language “Who are you?”.
At the core of Hakomi Therapy is Loving Presence towards ourselves and the client. The effectiveness of this approach rests in the therapist’s ability to be loving and present with what arises for the client while engaging in an exploratory and open manner to what arises in the present moment. The Hakomi Method is also grounded in a set of principles: mindfulness, organicity, nonviolence, mind-body integration and unity.
Mindfulness principle brings us to a state of consciousness where the present moment can be witnessed. We turn our attention inwards letting go of judgements, attachments or preferences and explore what arises from this place of awareness. Organicity principle is centred around how living beings have an innate capacity to heal and that there exists an inner wisdom within that aspires towards greater self-awareness and wholeness. We follow, not lead, the natural process of the client, allowing what wants to unfold and supporting that.
Mind-Body Holism describes how our mind-body are intrinsically interconnected and how one influences the other. There is no separation between the mind or body when they are deeply observed. Non-Violence principle is about how we honour the client’s process through respect, going slowly and at the client’s pace. The work is a collaboration between therapist and client holding the perspective that we are in this together.
Hakomi Therapy is about discovering who we are and what our deepest emotional attitudes are. It’s not about who we perceive ourselves to be but who we are at the very heart of ourselves. Hakomi is different to other forms of somatic therapy as nearly the majority of the therapeutic process takes place in mindfulness. Hakomi Therapy views our body as a resource and understands its capacity to allow the mind to access core material.
With a strong somatic and mindfulness approach, Hakomi Therapy helps to safely and quickly help people become aware of and address unconscious beliefs and support any tension or trauma held in the body. At the heart of Hakomi Therapy is discovering who we are at our core and the attitudes and feelings we have towards the most significant parts of our life.
The impulse to heal is real and powerful and lies within the client. Our job is to evoke that healing power, to meet its tests and needs and to support it in its expression and development. We are not the healers. We are the context in which healing can be inspired. - Ron Kurtz