In my quest for a richer assortment of modalities I discovered Hakomi Therapy.

This modality combines massage and psychotherapy in a very poetic and balanced way.  It is important to mention here that this modality requires very specific education and a greater responsibility shouldered by the therapist.

The education process consist of two 9 month courses. In the first 9 month course you will learn the basics of Hakomi and its application, in the second 9 month course you will be given  comprehensive training complete with teaching of theory and technique of the Hakomi Method.

All of this information and more can be found at  http://www.hakomicalifornia.org/index.shtml

Hakomi Therapy is applied primarily as an experiential therapy that is designed to be integrated in a wide variety of ways.

I know that some will find this modality more challenging than others. This therapy relies on good mind body awareness not only on the part of the client but also on the part of the therapist. As we experience life we we react and make decisions based on our own hard wiring. Studies performed in the neuroscience field reveal to us the incredible ability our brain has in creating neurolinks or patterns based on our reactions to certain events in our life.  Our brain is a pattern making machine.

Have you ever questioned a reaction you have had to a specific situation in your life?

We can change patterns. Negative patterns can be changed to positive and positive patterns can be improved upon.

Hakomi Therapy is a great tool in our quest for improvement. It gives us another opportunity to share with our clients one more source for care and balance.

Ron Kurtz, the originator of this therapy is a preeminent influence in progressive psychotherapy.  Created in in the mid 70’s ,’ Hakomi, uses the tools of touch, massage, energy work, movement education and body mind awareness.’

After leaving the Hakomi Institute in the early 1990’s he created a new organization, Ron Kurtz Trainings.

http://www.hakomiway.ca/index.htm

With a new group he took the therapy in new and exciting directions, this new version is now thought of as Mindfulness based, assisted self discovery.  Both versions are still in use today.

Hakomi Practitioners see people as self organizing systems, organized psychologically around core memories, beliefs and images.  With so many things happening in the world of massage and in the study of neuroscience I believe we are on the road to discovery and hope for the future of balanced health mentally, physically and spiritually.

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