Hakomi Body-centered Psychotherapy

I have been practicing Hakomi psychotherapy since 2002. The method is based on loving presence, awareness of present experience, mindfulness, non-violence, mind-body wholeness and compassion.

Using a very gentle approach, I try to get to core issues fairly quickly, cutting through a lot of talking to get to the unconscious limiting beliefs. This self observation and the ensuing process provides a mind-body harmonization leading to emotional healing.

What is Hakomi?

Hakomi is a Hopi Indian word which 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 such as 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 select what it needs from the environment in a way that maintains its goals, programs and identity.

Hakomi also draws from other body-centered psychotherapies such as Reichian work, Bioenergetics, Gestalt, Psychomotor, Feldenkrais, Structural Bodywork, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Focusing and Neurolinguistic Programming. It is a synthesis of philosophies, techniques, and approaches that has its own unique artistry, form and organic process.

Another term for Hakomi is "Assisted Self-discovery Psychotherapy." The experiential method founded by Ron Kurtz in the early 80’s is expanding around the world. The teaching of the method is done in small groups and continually evolving through new discoveries in the field of psychotherapy.

My Level of Expertise

At present, I am studying the Hakomi methods at an advanced level in order to attain certification and to teach the method to other therapists. In the meantime, I am an assistant instructor on Hakomi courses in Montreal. I also guide group therapy sessions for practicing students. Experiential Hakomi groups and a new two year training group will take place in Montreal in 2007-2008.

Montreal Hakomi

I have a practice in Montreal and you can schedule an appointment for individual sessions or group sessions.

For more informationon Hakomi, please visit www.hakomi.ca

To speak with me or to schedule a session, please contact me.

*Part of the description on this page was used by permission from Gregory J. Johansen, Ph.D. written in The Hakomi Forum Issue 14-15 Summer 2005.