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PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

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 exquisite sensitivity and attunement to others, and to convey this understanding 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 methodology. 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 confronted 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 structures 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 understanding 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 consciousness. 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

Comprehensive Training Topics

YEAR ONE: The Basics and The Stages of the Process - 10 sessions
The Principles
The Evolution of Hakomi
The Neuropsychology of Hakomi
Therapeutic Environment
The Healing Relationship
Working with Present Experience
Spiritual Contexts for Therapy
The State of Contact
The State of Tracking
Body Reading 1
Earning Cooperation of the Unconscious
Mindfulness and Therapy
Maps
States of Consciousness
Limbic Resonance and the Neuroscience of Hakomi
Organization of Experience
Accessing Through the Body
Tracking for Traumatic Activation 1
Experimental Attitude
Nourishment Barrier 1
Deepening to Core Material
Probes and Taking Over
Tracking for and Attending to Traumatic Activation
Personal Process in The Hakomi Training Environment

The Stages of the Process
The 5 Stages of the Process
Supporting the Defences
Working with the Child State
Understanding and Providing the Missing Experience
The Therapeutic Use of Touch
Uncovering Belief and Body Systems
Riding The Rapids:
Supporting Emotional Release, Strong Emotions and Emotional Discharge
Processing Stage
Balancing Process and Information Gathering 1
Transformation
Integration
Completion

YEAR TWO: Character Theory and Core Material,
Advanced Skills and Understanding, Ethics - 8 sessions
The Sensitivity Cycle: Nourishment Barriers 2
Family Systems and Character
Sensitive-Emotional
Abandoned-Collapsed
Alienated-Self-Reliant
Threatened-Invulnerable
Betrayed-Manipulative
Blamed-Enduring
Ignored-Industrious
Rejected-Dramatic
Working with Resistance
The Therapist's Character
Jumping Out of the System
Therapeutic Hypothesis and Strategy 1
Character and Body Reading

Advanced Skills and Understanding, Ethics
Advanced Skills and Practice with each Stage of the Process
Balancing Process and Information Gathering 2
Therapeutic Hypothesis and Strategy 2: Choosing Direction, Maintaining Flow
Jumping Out Of the System 2
Working With Traumatic Activation 2
Ethics: The Right Use of Power
Supervision and Completion

Certification Phase - following the 18 session training
Certification Level: 6-8 weekends/year of instruction, supervised fishbowls or DVD review. Certification requires 2 certifiable sessions (live or recorded) certified by 2 different Hakomi trainers.

Later in the training, special attention is paid to each therapist's personal character and style to help them fine tune their own creative, individual approach. Emphasis is on increasing fluency, refining skills, developing artistry, and studying advanced character strategy. Hakomi is an excellent base for any therapeutic modality and so we support students in finding their own style and creativity in the unique application of the work.

"My journey through the Hakomi professional training has been a profound growth experience, both personally and professionally. The cornerstone of any therapeutic intervention is relationship. The Hakomi training has enhanced my ability to connect, not only with others, but especially with myself. As a physical therapist, the quality of my work with clients has improved significantly because I am more able to hold a space of compassion and empathy, allowing my clients to organically lead their healing while I help guide from the backseat."
Hakomi Graduate and physiotherapist

"Having a scientist-practitioner background, I was drawn to Hakomi in part because of its basis in neurodevelopment. I was promised a 'life-changing experience' and that promise was fulfilled many times over, in both professional and personal areas of my life. My experiences in the Hakomi training program have led to an increased ability to connect with my clients and facilitate a therapeutic relationship. I have developed skills for accessing and working with clients core issues and have been able to develop a gentler approach to the psychotherapy that I provide. Personally, my experiences in Hakomi have led to a significant decrease in personal generalized anxiety, to increased levels of self-awareness (knowledge of personal core issues) and self-acceptance, and finally to increased inner peace & happiness."
Registered Psychologist, & Ph.D. Candidate