Individual Counseling
What is Hakomi Method?
Photo Credit: Anna Caitlin Photography
“If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand.
If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish.
If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given.”
The Hakomi Method
Mindful, Somatic, Experiential Therapy
Hakomi is a form of sensorimotor psychotherapy (also called somatic therapy), consisting of guided self-study that uses mindfulness to access traumatic memories and harmful beliefs encoded in the body - those places in your body where you feel restless, uncomfortable, ill, or just plain “don’t go there.” Together, we will harness the power of mindfulness, creativity, curiosity, and presence to courageously dive in, unearth your pain, and reshape your experience of the world. Hakomi brings together the wisdom of Buddhist and Taoist teachings with modern scientific findings on how the brain changes itself through experience, not just talking about it.
What is somatic therapy like?
I start every session with a “check in,” 3-5 minutes of guided mindfulness exercises to get us into the present moment and have you checking in with your body to see what we’ll be working with today. During sessions, we may do “little experiments” to study how your thoughts and bodily sensations work together to keep you stuck. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, supportive, caring atmosphere, and there will be stretches of silent reflection, scary moments of grief and sadness, and times of laughter and surprise in our work together. Some Hakomi therapists use a lot of physical touch in sessions - I do not rely a lot on touch, but I do have a weighted blanket as my assistant! At the end of each session, I give homework so you can put what you are learning into practice each week and come in prepared for new experiences in session. The point is not to spend years in therapy wondering what you’re doing there - my goal for you is to see transformative and lasting change appear in your life as a result of our work together.
Other Modalities I Use
Polyvagal Therapy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
