One therapeutic method that may not be as well-known as traditional talk therapy is Hakomi. It’s a method we’ve picked up at Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic and has become a favoured session amongst clients.
In this blog, we’ll try to offer a better understanding of Hakomi and all of the benefits that come with it.
What is Hakomi?
Simply put, Hakomi is a method of assisted self-discovery. The general idea behind Hakomi is that our unconscious beliefs can cause unnecessary suffering. When these unconscious beliefs are made conscious, then healing can begin.
Hakomi aims to help you heal from limiting beliefs at a subconscious level. Often, our unconscious core beliefs are established through experiences and by accepting what others tell us is true. This can cause us to view the world through the lens of a negative core belief, ergo, unnecessary suffering.
“Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.” – Earl Nightingale
What Does a Hakomi Session Look Like?
So, how is different? Unlike talk therapy, Hakomi requires you to enter periods of mindfulness in an attempt to tap into your subconscious. This requires entering a calm and centred mindset, open to whatever emotions and reactions come up. Each mindful period is often one minute or less.
The therapist then conducts experiments to gather ideas about what may be controlling your unconscious behaviours and thought patterns. This may bring up intense feelings and emotions, but it’s important to remember the Hakomi practitioner is there to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to better understand what you’re feeling.
Once these beliefs are identified, the Hakomi practitioner will help you examine and modify how they’re viewed. Consensual touch may be used during a session to help comfort you during difficult periods of emotions. It’s important to note that touch is not a necessity to the practice and is based purely on your comfort level.
The Benefits
The body can hold tension and unhelpful thought patterns without us fully realizing it. If there’s a way to alleviate this unnecessary suffering, isn’t it worth a try?
Hakomi exists to help you better connect with yourself on a deeper level than simply discussing what’s bothering you. It can offer lasting insight and awareness of self, which in turn can help change unhelpful patterns and behaviours.
At the end of the day, there are many therapeutic methods that exist to help people. Take the time to find one that works for you and trust the process. Whether it’s talk therapy or Hakomi, just know that attending a therapeutic appointment is a huge step and accomplishment in itself.
About Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic
Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic is a top-rated treatment centre for women. We offer treatment for substance use, mental health, PTSD, and trauma. If you’re struggling with mental health and/or addiction, visit our website or call us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support you.
