Hakomi is a Hopi Indian word which means, "How do you stand in relation to these many realms?" Or, more succinctly, "Who are you?" The Hakomi Method of Body-Centered Psychotherapy was developed by Ron Kurtz in the 1970s. It is a form of therapy that attempts to create an atmosphere of safety and respect for the client's spirit, in which the client may gradually regain lost parts of himself at his own pace.

Hakomi borrows Buddhist principles of non-violence and respect for organic unity in this process. The client, not the therapist, determines what will be undertaken. The therapist follows whatever the client presents, using a variety of techniques to gradually get in contact with the client's deepest beliefs. These are known in Hakomi as "core beliefs." These are the beliefs we have carried with us, usually subconsciously, for most of our lives. These beliefs are the basis of all our actions toward others and ourselves. Many of them are very limiting -- obsolete and unnecessary. By gradually bringing them out in the open where they can be examined in the light of our current circumstances, we can free ourselves of their debilitating influence.

Hakomi therapists are very respectful of resistances and pain associated with this process. Many times therapists actually provide support for these resistances, a technique called "taking over." The therapist will assist the client in resisting or defending against pain, sometimes physically holding or supporting the client -- this creates a feeling of empowerment, a feeling of being helped rather than attacked. When the client is ready, at the time when the defense is no longer needed, she can willingly discard it.

Hakomi therapists endeavor to create in themselves a "loving presence" that forms the background to the emergence of the client's deepest and most vulnerable self. The emphasis is on creating a safe atmosphere for this self, which has often been battered and denigrated in the past, to become fully alive in the present moment.

Hakomi therapy may be especially suited for many Adult Children of Alcoholics because of its non-violent approach, and because many of us have a vital need to feel in control of our lives. Hakomi asks us to give up nothing, only to find something: courage, strength, spirit -- our selves.

Look in the Resources section for links to Hakomi-related web sites and books written about Hakomi therapy.