Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy

Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy is a depth psychology and a method of psychotherapy that has at its core, five very important principles: Mindfulness, Non-Violence, Unity, Organicity and Mind-Body Holism.

The very basics of Hakomi

Simply put, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy can be described as a  gentle unfolding of our experience in the present moment, where it can be studied and worked with using mindful awareness.

The Hakomi method is a synthesis of many modalities, including Eriksonian Hypnosis, Gestalt therapy, Feldenkrais, Bio Energetics and Systems theory, to name some of these.  

The method has mindfulness at its core, and all Hakomi tools and techniques are used with mindful awareness. 

An effective method of self study, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy is designed to harness and use present-moment awareness, in order for us to bring a closer focus to ourselves and what it is that we are experiencing right now.

The principles in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy are not unique to Hakomi, they are in fact many thousands of years old, but the Hakomi method embraces them to provide a loving and compassionate framework from which the therapeutic work unfolds.

For a full explanation of what each principle means please visit the Hakomi New Zealand website

A bi-cultural interpretation of the principles would suggest Karakia, Waiata as mindfulness, Papatuanuku as Organicity, Tangatawhenua, whanau and hapu as Unity, Tikanga and reciprocity as Non-Violence and WaimaTanga as Holism. 

This interpretation offered by Sheree's good friend and fellow student, Jan Mihaere Hikawai during the sixth NZ Hakomi training.  

Why we use Hakomi to help clients

Hakomi is a gentle yet effective method of self-study.  It places responsibility and commitment for our wellbeing in our hands, yet offers support and strength as we work with our difficulties.

One of Sheree's favourite quotes about Hakomi comes from  Systems theory, as it was interpreted by Ron Kurtz, the founder of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy.

Systems theory describes the Self as an internal system that is influenced by the external systems it lives, loves and works from within.

This speaks to a Maori model of health and wellbeing, Whare Tapa Wha, or The Four Cornerstones, which has been a significant influence in Sheree's personal life, and later informing her professional life. Hakomi is a great match with this model of wellbeing and understanding.  Indigenous to New Zealand, Hakomi and her understanding of Whare Tapa Wha grounds Sheree's work in nature and spirit.

The Hakomi method is thorough and effective.  It is based on observable experience unfolding in the present moment, so the work is respectful and collaborative.

Sessions unfold in accordance with your experience and at your pace, but you will be invited to the present moment using mindfulness which can have the effect of slowing everything down, where it can be studied and worked with.

It's productive

It's faster than talk therapy and works with unconscious processes by accessing the body's natural wisdom.

Hakomi skills and techniques are used to bring clients awareness to experience that is observable yet which we may be unfamiliar with or unaware of.

This information then becomes available to be worked with, and because the material belongs with the client, the client is an active participant in determining the outcome and direction of therapy.

It's effective

Hakomi works with neurology and biology to create sustainable change: research shows detectable changes in brain structures and function after 8 weeks of regular mindfulness practise.  Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy has been a leader in mindful somatics in New Zealand for over 30 years.

Where can I find out more about Hakomi?

Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy is offered around the world, although the method originated in Boulder, Colorado many years ago.

For information on what's available in New Zealand, I encourage you to visit www.hakomi.co.nz for more information on local workshops and training.

You can also find out more by visiting hakomiinstitute.com which explains the background behind the 30+ year old Hakomi concept.

A wikipedia page on Hakomi en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakomi has some sound basic information.