Body Centered Psychotherapy: The Hakomi Method

Hakomi is a Hope Indian word with means "How do you stand in relation to these many realms?" A more modern translation is, "Who are you?" Hakomi was developed by Ron Kurtz, co-author of the Body Reveals. Some of the origins of Hakomi stem from Buddhism and Taoism, especially concepts like gentleness, compassion, mindfulness and going with the grain. Other influences come from general systems theory, which incorporates the idea of respect for the wisdom of each individual as a living organic system that spontaneously organizes matter and energy and selects from the environment what it needs in a way that maintains its goals, programs and identity. Hakomi also draws from modern body-centered psychotherapies such as Reichan work, Bioenergetics, Gestalt, Psychomotor, Feldkrais, Structural Bodywork, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Focusing and Neurolinguistic Programming. Hakomi is really a synthesis of philosophies, techniques and approaches that has its own unique artistry, form and organic process. "In Body Centered Psychotherapy, Ron Kurtz explains how he developed this unique approach and how and why it works. I find it a beautiful expression of the partnership model: a way of healing that recognizes not only the essential partnership between body and mind but between therapist and client; that shows that inclusion, empowerment and nonviolence make it possible for us to listen to ourselves and move to a new level of consciousness." -Riane Eisler