Hakomi

Hakomi is a method of working therapeutically, using a state of mindfulness to access, amplify, and transform core beliefs held deeply in one’s body and mind. It is what is called a “somatic” therapy, meaning that it works with sensations and tensions in the body (among other things) to help get at deep material that normally remains out of conscious awareness.

A Hakomi session generally starts with a short check-in, followed by the client dropping into a state of mindfulness, that is a state of quiet self-observation, sometimes facilitated by focus on a point of concentration such as the breath, in which one is tracking emotions, bodily sensations and tensions, and the character of thoughts that arise. These things tend to arise and fall or lead into one another, and a Hakomi therapist helps facilitate this exploration through a number of techniques.

This approach allows us to get at core material and start to shift it far more quickly than regular therapy can. So why don’t we just do Hakomi with everybody? Well, there are reasons that material is out of consciousness, usually because it comes with a level of affect that was, at one point in your life, overwhelming. Sometimes a slower pace is the right choice.

But if you’re curious about Hakomi, then please reach out, and we can talk about whether it is the right fit for you. I also often fold some of these techniques into regular therapy sessions, so don’t worry - if straight therapy is the right choice for you then you’re not missing out!