The Hakomi Experiential Method is assisted self-discovery.
 
Hakomi uses little experiments, done in mindfulness to evoke a response that gives us information about ourselves.  We often discover unconscious habitual patterns that shape the way we react and experience life.  It is said that, “Children believe what they see, adults see what they believe”.  As adults, our beliefs create a filter through which we see the world.  Hakomi helps us notice if the beliefs we have are still working for us, and also supports the expansion of our beliefs so we can view the world differently.

Hakomi is an experiential method best understood by experiencing it!

The Hakomi Method is based on the lifelong work of master therapist Ron Kurtz ( www.ronkurtz.com), the originator of Hakomi.  Ron continues to develop and refine the method.
His current writings on his work are available on his website.

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Foundational Principles of Hakomi
    
Loving-presence is the act of being present for another in a loving and compassionate way.  It is a way of being that shows, “I love being here with you”.

Mindfulness is simply noticing what is happening right now.  Since the mind and body are linked, there is often more happening than we are consciously noticing.
 
An Experimental Attitude allows us to try an idea/experiment  to see what happens.  We have no preconceived ideas.

Moving Toward Nourishment when needed, identifying and offering the “missing experience” (what gets in the way of taking in what feels good)  For example, if you want to be calm we explore what gets in the way of being calm and then find a way to help you experience the feeling of calm.

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What You Need to Know about the Method

Hakomi is based on the idea that much of our everyday suffering is in fact unnecessary and is produced by unconscious beliefs that are no longer relevant, true or necessary.

The method is designed to bring such beliefs into consciousness, gently and efficiently.

Once these mental processes are made conscious, they can be examined and modified to provide a more realistic and satisfying way of being.

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What to Expect

This method is not about talking out your problems. It won’t be a long, speculative conversation about your troubles or emotional history. 

Hakomi is a method of skillfully relating to another.  A Hakomi session starts with loving presence, and this attitude continues throughout a session.  During the session, the Hakomi practitioner (or student) will assist you to discover unconscious habits and beliefs.  These will show up in your personal style and, by looking and listening for them, the practitioner will bring them to your attention as part of setting up the little experiments in mindfulness that assist the “client” to discover something new about themselves.  Once these discoveries have been made, the Hakomi practitioner (or student) creates an opportunity for nourishment.

Sometimes intense emotions or memories will occur.  At those times, the Hakomi practitioner (or student) will work to contain the process, provide comfort and help you understand what is happening.

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