The Hakomi Method

The Hakomi Method
Of Experiential Therapy

by Meg Warden, CHT, CRS

(Copyright Meg Warden, 2006, all rights reserved)

Theory

“Hakomi” is a Hopi Indian word that means “who are you” or “how do you stand in relation to these many realms.” Who we are and how we relate to the world can be partly understood through our “core material.” Core material consists of the memories, feelings, and beliefs that shape our perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. Our core material develops during our formative years. It reflects our experiences of childhood and our coping strategies. We all have “core material around major themes:

safety and belonging
support, love and appreciation
freedom and responsibility
openness and honesty
control, power, sexuality, membership, and the social and cultural rules.” ¹

Core material may not be conscious until we intentionally explore it. It influenced how we functioned in our families and childhoods. It forms a blueprint for our creating similar relationships and experiences in adulthood. Often it limits the expression of our authentic being. And authenticity is fundamental to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Through self-study, core material may be discovered and processed for the purpose of transformation. When core material becomes conscious, we can make new choices and have new experiences. We can change how we experience both the world and others.

Practice

Hakomi Method uses an experimental attitude to explore experience and meaning. It is slow, gentle and supportive. Awareness deepens and understanding unfolds in a climate of trust and curiosity. Healing is accomplished through non-judgmental discovery, compassionate contact, and intuitive integration. In Hakomi, present experience is studied in “mindfulness.” This is a quiet state of consciousness that allows us to observe internal experiences. In mindfulness, core material is evoked through statements, movements, touch, and other kinds of little experiments. Emotions, core beliefs and memories often emerge. Once conscious, we can work with our core material and change how we organize our experiences. Through Hakomi, we bring to light what has been hidden, and as we do, we free ourselves from the limitations of the past.

Principles

The Hakomi Method is deeply influenced by Buddhism and is guided by five principles:

Mindfulness: Mindfulness allows us to see beyond habitual thoughts and behaviors to deeper truths within us. Mindfulness helps us uncover our compassion, wisdom, and authentic presence.

Unity: Each of us is a whole living system comprised of essential parts. We each participate in larger systems. All parts and systems are connected, interdependent and rely on communication. Hakomi helps to improve that essential communication.

Organicity: Each living “system is self-directing and self-correcting.”² We have inner wisdom and freedom of choice. Hakomi therapists trust the natural unfolding process of an individual’s inner work.

Mind-Body Holism: Our minds and bodies “reflect the beliefs we hold about ourselves and about the world.”² Our beliefs determine how we perceive or organize our experiences. Recognizing our beliefs is the first step in transformative change.

Non-Violence: Safety is essential for self-exploration. When defenses or resistance appear, they indicate a need for greater safety. Through respecting and appreciating their wisdom, defenses actually support the healing process.

For more information, go to www.hakomiinstitute.com.

References:
¹ Kurtz, Ron. Body-Centered Psychotherapy: The Hakomi Method, LifeRhythm, Mendocino CA, 1990.

² Johanson, Greg. “Hakomi Educational Resources,” Hakomi Therapy Training Manual, Hakomi Institute, Inc., Boulder CO, 2002-2004.


Home Hakomi Method Rubenfeld Synergy Method The Work of Byron Katie A Course in Miracles Meg Warden Sessions and Services	The Hakomi Method Of Experiential Therapy by Meg Warden, CHT, CRS (Copyright Meg Warden, 2006, all rights reserved) Theory “Hakomi” is a Hopi Indian word that means “who are you” or “how do you stand in relation to these many realms.” Who we are and how we relate to the world can be partly understood through our “core material.” Core material consists of the memories, feelings, and beliefs that shape our perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. Our core material develops during our formative years. It reflects our experiences of childhood and our coping strategies. We all have “core material around major themes: safety and belonging support, love and appreciation freedom and responsibility openness and honesty control, power, sexuality, membership, and the social and cultural rules.” ¹ Core material may not be conscious until we intentionally explore it. It influenced how we functioned in our families and childhoods. It forms a blueprint for our creating similar relationships and experiences in adulthood. Often it limits the expression of our authentic being. And authenticity is fundamental to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Through self-study, core material may be discovered and processed for the purpose of transformation. When core material becomes conscious, we can make new choices and have new experiences. We can change how we experience both the world and others. Practice Hakomi Method uses an experimental attitude to explore experience and meaning. It is slow, gentle and supportive. Awareness deepens and understanding unfolds in a climate of trust and curiosity. Healing is accomplished through non-judgmental discovery, compassionate contact, and intuitive integration. In Hakomi, present experience is studied in “mindfulness.” This is a quiet state of consciousness that allows us to observe internal experiences. In mindfulness, core material is evoked through statements, movements, touch, and other kinds of little experiments. Emotions, core beliefs and memories often emerge. Once conscious, we can work with our core material and change how we organize our experiences. Through Hakomi, we bring to light what has been hidden, and as we do, we free ourselves from the limitations of the past. Principles The Hakomi Method is deeply influenced by Buddhism and is guided by five principles: Mindfulness: Mindfulness allows us to see beyond habitual thoughts and behaviors to deeper truths within us. Mindfulness helps us uncover our compassion, wisdom, and authentic presence. Unity: Each of us is a whole living system comprised of essential parts. We each participate in larger systems. All parts and systems are connected, interdependent and rely on communication. Hakomi helps to improve that essential communication. Organicity: Each living “system is self-directing and self-correcting.”² We have inner wisdom and freedom of choice. Hakomi therapists trust the natural unfolding process of an individual’s inner work. Mind-Body Holism: Our minds and bodies “reflect the beliefs we hold about ourselves and about the world.”² Our beliefs determine how we perceive or organize our experiences. Recognizing our beliefs is the first step in transformative change. Non-Violence: Safety is essential for self-exploration. When defenses or resistance appear, they indicate a need for greater safety. Through respecting and appreciating their wisdom, defenses actually support the healing process. For more information, go to www.hakomiinstitute.com. References: ¹ Kurtz, Ron. Body-Centered Psychotherapy: The Hakomi Method, LifeRhythm, Mendocino CA, 1990. ² Johanson, Greg. “Hakomi Educational Resources,” Hakomi Therapy Training Manual, Hakomi Institute, Inc., Boulder CO, 2002-2004.	The Hakomi Method Hakomi Offers Relief from Self-Defeating Patterns Strategies Questionnaire