The Hakomi Method of Experiential Psychotherapy was first developed by Ron Kurtz in the 1970’s. Hakomi has evolved into a complex and elegant form of psychotherapy that is highly effective with a wide range of populations. Hakomi draws from several other methods of experiential therapy, such as Gestalt, Feldenkrais, Focusing, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Neurolinguistic Programming, and Bioenergetics.
The ultimate goal of Hakomi is deep and lasting change, or transformation. The process begins when unconscious core material, composed of memories, images, beliefs, neural patterns and deeply held emotional dispositions, is allowed to surface and be processed in a safe, mindful container. New experiences are integrated and core beliefs, reorganized to allow for more freedom mentally, physically and emotionally.
Hakomi incorporates several techniques for accessing core material. Present moment, felt experience is a primary access route to deeper, core material. For example, if a client is talking about a difficult conversation she just had with a partner or coworker, I would ask her to simply take a moment to notice what else might be happening as she is speaking. She might begin to notice shallow breathing patterns, or tension in her arms and chest, or she might notice she is feeling angry. These physical and emotional patterns are indicators of deeper, unconsciously held patterns and belief systems, originating from past experience, that organize as defenses or “character armor”. In Hakomi, defenses are not as something to break through or get rid of (a potentially violent act), but rather as having their own wisdom and intelligence. Our defenses formed as a way to keep us safe and help us survive, so we want to befriend and be curious about them. We gently encourage them by helping them do what they are already doing, By providing a safe, trusting container through the therapeutic relationship, we offer defenses and long-held emotions a different present-moment experience in which to release.
Hakomi is grounded five specific principles that reflect the heart and soul of the method:
Mindfulness: The cornerstone of the Hakomi method, most of a Hakomi session is conducted in mindful awareness, which is the slowing down and quieting of internal and external stimulation, allowing for increased sensitivity. By developing this mindful witness or observer consciousness, we can take a step back and observe our habitual patterned responses and reactions. As Hakomi-specific methods are employed, unconscious material is rapidly and safely accessed
Non-violence: In Hakomi, the principle of non-violence means change without force. As therapist I am not here to give advice or “fix” the client. I am here to empower the client to find their own inner wisdom and answers with support, encouragement, and compassion.
Body-mind holism: Simply, there is no separation between body and mind. The body responds to the mind and emotions; the emotions and mind respond to the body.
Organicity: Organicity is akin to spontaneity. We follow the unconscious as it organically emerges in the session, instead of following a pre-determined plan. We may be walking down one path when an arrow pops up that points us in another direction.
Unity: the Unity principle is the old adage that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. When client and therapist are working well together, working in trust and unison, a safe container forms in which unconscious material can bubble to the surface more freely and readily than in isolation. In this container, previously unseen and unheard parts have the opportunity to be seen, heard, touched and felt, perhaps for the first time.