PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

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Human beings can indeed help other humans to change. The most
important way we do that is through the quality of our relationships.
Studies have shown that it is not the techniques used in therapy but
the therapist-client relationship which has the greatest effect on a
client’s ability to change. Hakomi therapists learn to develop an ex-
quisite sensitivity and attunement to others, and to convey this under-
standing to their clients. This empathy and responsiveness helps to
create a deep sense of safety and connection, and facilitates the
effectiveness of the therapy. Hakomi’s highly innovative techniques
and the self-development of the therapist are the core of the training.

Hakomi combines the mindfulness and non-violence of Eastern
spiritual traditions with a unique, highly effective Western method-
ology. Using theBuddhist principles of mindfulness and gentle
curiosity, the Hakomi therapist creates an atmosphere of safety
for deep processing that can result in increased self-awareness,
a sense of personal empowerment and a richer appreciation for
life. By going slowly and gently protecting the spirit, the client’s
defenses can be willingly yielded and examined, rather than con-
fronted or overpowered.

Hakomi is a body-centered, somatic psychotherapy. The body is
experienced as a door that can be opened to reveal the whole
character and belief system of the individual. The body's struct-
ures and habitual patterns become a powerful access route to
unconscious core material. Hakomi therapists are trained to
track nuances of voice and body language in order to tune into
the present experience of the client, thus gaining a greater un-
derstanding with more efficiency and depth than most “talk”
therapies. The Hakomi Method allows the hidden beliefs which
shape our lives and relationships to emerge safely into conscious-
ness. Once conscious, they can be directly experienced and
re-evaluated, and new dimensions of awareness can be integrated.

“When you can assist someone, spontaneously, by your presence
alone, to feel worthy and welcome, then you have achieved the
personhood of a therapist”
Ron Kurtz , founder of Hakomi Therapy