Hakomi is a distinctive body-inclusive psychotherapy developed by Ron Kurtz and members of his original training team. More than a method or set of techniques, Hakomi is a way of looking at the world that is compassionate, mindful, curious, non-invasive and respectful.
First and foremost, Hakomi is a mindful psychotherapy. Mindfulness is an ancient tool that trains attention and promotes a compassionate, non-judgmental attitude. An important feature of mindfulness is the cultivation of an “internal observer,” which has strong integrating features. The observer enables clients to work with emotionally charged memories without being flooded.
Since the late 1970s, mindfulness has been used in Hakomi to establish an attuned healing relationship, acceess deeper psychic structures and promote transformation. The Indigenous American Hopi Nation meaning of Hakomi – ‘How do you stand in relation to these many realms?’ (or more colloquially, ‘Who are you?’) reflects the method’s fundamental emphasis on awareness and self-observation.
Hakomi incorporates elements of the wisdom traditions of the East, contemporary body-psychotherapy and the new sciences. A major influence has been General Systems Theory, which views individuals as self-organizing systems that contain their own blueprints for growing and becoming. The Method continues to evolve and now also incorporates aspects of interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory and resourcing to counter traumatic activation. The faculty utilizes diverse teaching methods to accommodate a wide range of learning styles.
Hakomi is based on five principles: mindfulness, non-violence, unity, organicity and mind-body holism. These principles can be viewed as resources the therapist draws on to cultivate an attuned and compassionate healing presence. The principles undergird the overall method, and are the focus of the Foundation Training.
Hakomi is effective with individuals, couples, families and groups and blends well with other modalities, such as expressive arts, pastoral care and body work. As a method, it is appropriate for various therapeutic situations, but finds its fullest potential in supporting personal and transpersonal growth.
Hakomi therapy employs a variety of experiential processes to access and transform the “Organizers of Experience.” These internal filters, shape experience in accord with implicit beliefs and models about self and others.
The next Hakomi Professional Training begins in 2023.
The Hakomi Professional Training is composed of four progressive modules. The Foundation Training Module consists of three, seven-day residential segments in Mallorca (Sunday – Saturday) as well as webinars at regular intervals. The Advanced Training consists of three modules, each containing three, seven day residential segments in Mallorca.
This design allows students to work while in the training and provides time to integrate the method through long-term, on-going practice. Students also form study groups and establish practice partners to practice between segments.
Residential Segment 1:
11.11.2018 – 17.11.2018
Residential Segment 2:
31.3.2019 – 6.4.2019
Residential Segment 3:
14.7.2019 – 20.7.2019
Learn the principles and techniques of Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy.
Learn how to integrate mindfulness into a psychodynamic process.
Use the body to access and understand unconscious material.
Create a mindfulness-based healing relationship with your clients.
Foster “earned” secure attachment and emotion regulation.
Use the “personhood” of the therapist as an instrument for therapy.
The next Advanced Training begins in 2023.
Residential Segment 1: 10.11.2019 – 16.11.2019
Residential Segment 2: 19.4.2020 – 25.4.2020
Residential Segment 3:5.7.2020 – 11.7.2020
Residential Segment 1: 8.11.2020 – 14.11.2020
Residential Segment 2: 11.4.2021 – 17.4.2021
Residential Segment 3: 11.7.2021 – 17.7.2021
Residential Segment 1: 14.11.2021 – 20.11.2021
Residential Segment 2: 10.4.2022 – 16.4.2022
Residential Segment 3: 10.7.2022 – 16.7.2022
Deepening and honing mindful and relational skills.
Working with somatic indicators and somatic interventions.
Mastering the art of working with resistance; Taking the effort out of therapy.
Repairing and healing developmental wounds. Transformation in psychotherapy.
Learning Character theory and how to create individualized therapeutic strategies to fit a client’s specific pattern of self-organisation.
Developing systemic thinking and meta-level processing perspectives to see the bigger picture.
Skill-building and personal development of the therapist by receiving close, supportive and intensive supervision with the help of video.
• Participation in an introductory Hakomi workshop.
• Completion of the application form, accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of €100 euros.
• A background in psychology or an allied field.
• An ability to obtain at least two practice clients.
• Experience as a client of psychotherapy and/or group work.
If you’d like to join the next Mallorca Hakomi Professional Training, there are two steps:
1. Submit a formal application and pay the €100 deposit.
If your application is accepted, you will be invited to secure your place with a
holding deposit of €800 euros and to complete an Enrollment Agreement.
The faculty utilize a variety of teaching methods to provide a multi-modal learning experience for students. These include:
Exercises
To practice specific Hakomi skills, such as active and passive taking over, deepening the process, jumping out of the system, working in mindfulness, etc.
Lectures
Stuctured presentations on a Hakomi concept, such as the Sensitivity Cycle, character strategies, working with the child, the therapeutic relationship, long term therapy and the neurobiology of change.
Demonstrations
Live sessions with students or other members of the teaching staff to demonstrate specific skills and complete therapy sessions.
Discussions
To explore a topic in depth and debrief practice activities.
Supervision
Trainees regularly practice the Hakomi Method on each other under the skilled supervision of the faculty. Peer supervision is also encouraged.
Video Work
Students are encouraged to videotape their sessions to closely examine and critique their own work with the assistance of a another student or Trainer.
Group Process
Time will be dedicated to exploring how Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy transfers to group work, using the training group as a laboratory. Applying Hakomi techniques and principles to the exploration of interpersonal and group dynamics also promotes a more cohesive learning environment.
Study Groups
Small groups of trainees work together outside of the regular structure via skype or in-person, for practice, discussion, bonding, personal processing, and mutual support.
Tele-classes
Some didactic material will be taught remotely using tele-conferencing services. Students dial a pre-assigned phone number and enter a pin to access the call.
Assigned Readings & Written Assignments
Participants will be given specific book chapters, articles and worksheets to read between residential segments and may be required to submit notes on practice sessions.
Practicing therapists, social workers, health care professionals, life coaches, bodyworkers and people in related fields often take the Hakomi Training as the next step in their professional and personal development.
The training will be held near Soller, Mallorca, a 30 to 45 minute drive from the Palma de Mallorca international airport (PMI). Participants may travel by rental car, taxi or public transportation. Information will be provided upon registration for the training.
Regular Tution: €4400 per module
Early Bird Tuition: €4200 per module if you register by 1 August, 2018 for the Foundation Module.
Student Tuition (15% discount): regular tuition €3750 per module, early bird tuition €3570 (by 1 August 2018 for the Foundation Module)
Upon Acceptance to the Training: €800 deposit to secure your spot
Balance due by the start of the first segment: €3400 regular; €3200 early bird; €2520 student; €2360 student early bird
**Payment Plans are available, please our Training Coordinator for more information. Our Training Coordinator can be reached at info@hakomimallorca.com**
Upon completion of the Foundation Level participants may call themselves students of the Hakomi method or graduates of the Foundation Level training. Upon completion of the Advanced Training, graduates may call themselves Hakomi Therapists. They may also apply for the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (EAP).
The training does not replace a graduate degree in counselling or psychology. Participants are therefore expected, as a minimum, to have some background in psychology, basic counseling, body work or allied health skills, and to have had personal therapy experience. Preference in the selection of applicants will be given to individuals with a strong background in these areas. Trainees are responsible for integrating Hakomi into their work in accordance with the laws and standards of their particular profession and jurisdiction.
There are three separate accrediting entities that affect your ability to practice: Hakomi of Europe, the European Association of Psychotherapy (which issues the European Certificate of Psychotherapy, ECP) and your Country of Residence. These are discussed below.
Hakomi of Europe
Hakomi of Europe and Hakomi Mallorca authorize graduates of the Advanced Training to call themselves Hakomi Therapists. This title allows you to practice as a Hakomi therapist if you meet the professional guidelines and practice requirements of your home country.
European Certificate of Psychotherapy
Students who want to obtain accreditation through the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP) must complete the advanced supervision module plus an ECP supplemental module at the completion of the training. Those who have no college degree (or equivalent), and cannot yet document enough experience as a supervised therapist within an institution or in private practice, may have to wait until they fulfill these requirements. Once this requirement is satisfied, you may submit your application for the ECP at the European Association for Psychotherapy in Vienna (details are available HERE)
Country Practice Laws
Graduation from the Hakomi Training is independent of country licensure laws. Each of the European countries has separate laws that govern the practice of psychotherapy. Some have none. The ECP has little or no affect in countries that have existing licensure legislation, like Germany and Austria. The ECP is often recognized as a substitute for licensure in countries that have not yet regulated the profession. Please consult with the EAP in Vienna in regard to your country, since it issues the ECP. As an alternative, you can consult with the EABP (European Association of Body Psychotherapy)or their national sub-organization to identify the local accreditation guidelines.