Hakomi Therapy

Introduction

Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy is a mindfulness-based approach to self-understanding. The Hakomi method is based on five principles: mindfulness, non-violence, unity, organicity and mind-body holism. Mindfulness isn’t just a relaxation technique used by the therapist but forms the very foundation of the therapeutic work. The Hakomi method allows the therapy to be self-generated and has the nature of being compassionate, gentle, safe, humorous and respectful. The client is supported in a safe relationship. The natural unfolding of present experience is explored in all its diversity. This leads to a new understanding of the way in which all experience is organised at a subconscious level. Establishing a safe relationship is of prime importance. It is only in the context of safety and mutual trust that the cooperation of the unconscious can be found.

Origins Of The Work

Hakomi was developed as a psychotherapy in the mid 1970’s. It evolved from Western therapies such as Gestalt, Focussing, NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis, the ancient culture of the Eastern traditions such as Buddhism and Taoism, and body-centred therapies such as Reichian work, the Feldenkrais Method and Bioenergetics. A major influence has been General Systems Theory, in which individuals are seen as self-organising systems, that spontaneously self-correct and contain within themselves their own blueprints for growing and becoming. The name Hakomi comes from an American Indian word meaning “who are you” or in an older meaning “how do you stand in relation to these many realms” This new understanding can lead to a new experience of self and one’s relationship to others.

Studying The Organising Of Experience

In the counselling process, the client encourages the cooperation of the unconscious, particularly in the state of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a specific state, similar to meditation, in which the client watches, with enhanced sensitivity, whatever arises naturally in their awareness, with no attempt at voluntary direction. This might include awareness of memories, thoughts, emotions, or any of the senses, including body posture or tensions, pressure or pain, heat or cold, movement or restlessness. Slowing down the whole process allows the underlying organising material to be accessed. This is called the core material. It includes those deeply held personal myths, beliefs and images, the habits, emotional reactions and memories that are seated in the subconscious. They are not available through our “left brain” rational, intellect and that can be the reason why “talking therapies” don’t often work for some. The goal in therapy is to bring this organising material into consciousness, to study it and understand it. Mindfulness is the tool we use.

Techniques

Anyone who has unsuccessfully “tried” to meditate knows how difficult it is to reach a state of mindfulness but, in a Hakomi session, the client only needs to sustain mindfulness for brief periods while the therapist conducts “little experiments” designed to evoke reactions to deeply held beliefs and habits. The core material is brought to the surface and dealt with. Aristotle said, “You are what you repeatedly do”. Habits dictate every moment of our lives, and these habitual thoughts have been in place for a very long time. It could be tightness in the stomach, a lump in the throat or other physical signs that are sending out an emotional message that the therapist, through experiments, invites the client to observe or listen to. The therapist’s training allows a safe container for these emotions, feelings and images to emerge.

In a loving environment, where the client feels emotionally supported and safe, hopefully even the most deep-seated negative experiences can be challenged. New experiences become possible and the client is left with a template they can integrate into their life, bringing about real and positive changes. The client also needs to practice the new nourishing behaviours in his or her everyday world. Ongoing support is needed for this process of change until these new insights actually become habits themselves. Most core behaviour patterns were the only useful options available at the time when they were developed, often in early childhood. With the new understanding and healing that comes about in the therapeutic relationship, core beliefs can change.

“Hakomi is a method for helping people change their way of being in the world through working with core material and changing core beliefs”. The reward for all this difficult and painful work is simply knowing from a deep place within, how one has come to this moment…. and how one will move on.”   Ron Kurtz

Jane McNabb
Psychosocial Occupational Therapist
 

Acknowledgements

Ron Kurtz “Body Centred Psychotherapy” Mendocino: Life Rhythm 1990
Hakomi articles from Ron Kurtz http://hakomi.com
Article in Nova Magazine Vol 12 Number 10. “A Loving Presence” by Julie Murphy, Hakomi Trainer