What is the Hakomi Method?

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The Hakomi Method aims to develop a person’s self-awareness and understanding. In the Hakomi Method, a person’s inner self is called their “core material.” This type of therapy seeks to move people closer to knowing their core material through bodily movements and other experiential techniques. Core material can include messages, self-image, beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, some of which can inhibit a person’s growth if they’ve had negative experiences.

The Hakomi Method draws upon the eastern practices of Buddhism and mindfulness. Additionally, it emphasizes non-violence, unity, organicity, and mind-body integration. Ideally, sessions of the Hakomi Method are conducted in a state of mindfulness the entire time.

Sessions of the Hakomi Method usually follow a structure, beginning with what is known as “contact.” This stage is when the counselor and client engage in a trusting, safe space. If you don’t feel comfortable in the space, you won’t do as much self-exploration. Second, your therapist will encourage you to notice sensations in your body and mind as you turn inward. Known as “accessing,” this step can include positive statements from your counselor that might be contradictory to what you think of yourself. Third, you and your counselor will discuss things that came up for you. The Hakomi Method posits that individuals are inherently capable of wisdom. And, in a safe space, you will be more likely to integrate helpful thoughts and emotions about yourself and your experience. Finally, you and your counselor connect what came up in the session and real-life situations you experience.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using the Hakomi Method

Rachel Khints LMHC

Montclair

New Jersey

My approach is holistic and integrative. Whether you seek therapy as part of your self-care hygiene or are working toward specific goals, I provide a person centered container for this work. I am experienced in treating a variety of problem areas including trauma, coping challenges, grief and relationship difficulties. I am also specialized in treating individuals with and affected by addiction.
I like to work with people of all ages. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and...

Dana McDowell

Denver

Colorado

Are work demands, family issues or life stress causing you to self-sabotage or have an unhealthy relationship to food and eating? I can help! I am a holistic psychotherapist supporting busy professionals to regain control of their lives and their relationship to food so that they can focus on rising to the top of their fields. I specialize in working with eating disorders and am the...

Angella Okawa (She-Her)

Sacramento

California

You're noticing repeating, limiting patterns in yourself and in your relationships but feel helpless to change them. Sometimes all of the world's noise, demands and judgments, both inside and out, make it hard to feel grounded and hear your own inner wisdom. You'll learn to recognize old self-limiting beliefs and reactive emotions and transcend them. Together we will release wounds that keep yo...
Entering therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapist takes a lot of courage. I'm here to join you in this journey and hold space for you as you navigate this path of enhanced self-awareness, growth, and increased connection. My approach to therapy is integrative and it honors the connection between the mind and body. My focus is to provide safety in the therapeutic relationship to...
You matter -- I recognize how painful it may be to not feel fully seen, accepted, safe, capable, and loved in the world. I whole-heartedly welcome all parts of you into our work together. I move beyond working with just your thoughts and embrace you as a whole-person, which includes your emotions, body sensations, relationships, and even spirit. As a result, I offer an integrated approach that...

Amy Tredinnick

San Francisco

California

I welcome individuals and partners of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work, with specific interest and experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief work, life transitions and existential inquiries. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. Much of the work I gravitate towards...
Are you and your partner or family from different cultures? Have you been struggling with communication issues at home, work, or school? If so, I can help! I am a somatic therapist with a multicultural background. My passion is to support and empower individuals, couples, and families from minority groups to overcome challenges caused by cultural differences between partners, among family membe...
I work with individuals and couples so that you can navigate life transitions, relationship challenges and traumatic events, or work with your anxiety, depression, grief or stress. I work in a body-centered way so that you can access and uncover the strengths and resources you already have in order to move forward in life, heal past trauma and feel centered, confident and satisfied. I'm trained...
Entering therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapist takes a lot of courage. I'm here to join you in this journey and hold space for you as you navigate this path of enhanced self-awareness, growth, and increased connection. My approach to therapy is integrative and it honors the connection between the mind and body. My focus is to provide safety in the therapeutic relationship to...
We are living in strange and challenging times. I am currently offering online telehealth appointments for your safety. Working together, we can find ways to cope creatively with life's many challenges. My work is inspired by each individual client’s unique potential for wholeness. I enjoy working with individuals on issues of gender, sexuality, relationships, intimacy, spirituality, wellness a...
Individual psychotherapy for: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, vocational and academic functioning, looking for better ways of being in the world. I work with adults, children, teens and young adults and families. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma in their lives. I believe that every person holds the seeds to their own healing, and deserves a...

Parker Schneider

Boulder

Colorado

Sometimes we experience things in life that cause us to harden; we end up having to create armor to walk through the world more safely. There's so much wisdom in that armor, in the ways we learn to protect ourselves. And sometimes that armor does not serve us; it gets in the way of truly living, and experiencing care and support from those we want to let in. What would it be like to only wear t...