Hakomi
Many people ask, “What does Hakomi mean?” The word “Hakomi” is a Hopi word translated as “how do
you stand in relation to these many realms”. This word came to one of the original Hakomi Institute
founders in a dream. He wondered if it was a Hopi word and connected with his Hopi teacher who
confirmed its meaning and gave blessing for the use of the name. For more information about the use of
the name please follow this link, https://hakomiinstitute.com/about/the-hakomi-name.
In simple terms, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Practice is a mindfulness-centered, somatic approach to self-
understanding and self- discovery. Mindfulness is not simply part of the ‘toolkit’ in Hakomi but forms the
very foundation of the session between the Hakomi practitioner and client and is used consistently
throughout the session.
In a session, the practitioner works with the Hakomi client, using curiosity and mindfulness, to study the
organization of their experience: how they meet the world, what kind of world they perceive, what
beliefs they hold about themselves and the world.
At its most basic level, Hakomi is the therapeutic expression of a specific set of principles: Mindfulness,
Nonviolence, Unity, Organicity and Mind-Body Holism. These principles inform every aspect of the work
and are grounded in general systems theory. For more information on the Hakomi principles please
follow this link, https://hakomiinstitute.com/about/the-hakomi-method/the-hakomi-principles.
In more detailed terms, in Hakomi, the body (soma) serves as a resource that reflects and stores formative experiences and core beliefs. Hakomi helps people transform this core material. The use of mindfulness helps clients stay within the present felt experience which helps the client access the core material: this unconscious material is elicited and surfaces experientially and changes are integrated into the clients’ immediate experience.
Much more than a method or set of techniques, Hakomi is a way of looking at the world and ourselves that is compassionate, mindful, curious, non-invasive, humorous and respectful.
Clients of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Practice
Clients attracted to Hakomi are often curious to engage the body, mind and spirit as part of the path of healing. They are also often interested in further developing insight and awareness about their own belief systems and life patterns, seeking ways to increase quality of life. Some Hakomi clients choose to work with a Hakomi Practitioner while also working with a licensed counselor or therapist.
“Hakomi seems to work almost at a cellular level. Hakomi sticks. You do the work in the session and you don’t need to keep reworking the same issue. It really seems to be working well for me.” Client S
“Having worked over the years with therapists who represented different schools of thought, having finally encountered the Hakomi method was a real 'aha!' moment for me. The somatic-based approach was just a real intuitive fit, and I recommend it, perhaps especially for those of us who tend to live too much in our heads. And I give my highest recommendation to Katherine Jenkins, for being such a highly skilled, compassionate, and mindful Hakomi Practitioner.” Client T
“My experience with Hakomi opened sense connections within my body to past experiences and allowed me to consciously process them and become more present in the moment. Katherine Jenkins' presence is grounding and supportive.”
Client C
you stand in relation to these many realms”. This word came to one of the original Hakomi Institute
founders in a dream. He wondered if it was a Hopi word and connected with his Hopi teacher who
confirmed its meaning and gave blessing for the use of the name. For more information about the use of
the name please follow this link, https://hakomiinstitute.com/about/the-hakomi-name.
In simple terms, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Practice is a mindfulness-centered, somatic approach to self-
understanding and self- discovery. Mindfulness is not simply part of the ‘toolkit’ in Hakomi but forms the
very foundation of the session between the Hakomi practitioner and client and is used consistently
throughout the session.
In a session, the practitioner works with the Hakomi client, using curiosity and mindfulness, to study the
organization of their experience: how they meet the world, what kind of world they perceive, what
beliefs they hold about themselves and the world.
At its most basic level, Hakomi is the therapeutic expression of a specific set of principles: Mindfulness,
Nonviolence, Unity, Organicity and Mind-Body Holism. These principles inform every aspect of the work
and are grounded in general systems theory. For more information on the Hakomi principles please
follow this link, https://hakomiinstitute.com/about/the-hakomi-method/the-hakomi-principles.
In more detailed terms, in Hakomi, the body (soma) serves as a resource that reflects and stores formative experiences and core beliefs. Hakomi helps people transform this core material. The use of mindfulness helps clients stay within the present felt experience which helps the client access the core material: this unconscious material is elicited and surfaces experientially and changes are integrated into the clients’ immediate experience.
Much more than a method or set of techniques, Hakomi is a way of looking at the world and ourselves that is compassionate, mindful, curious, non-invasive, humorous and respectful.
Clients of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Practice
Clients attracted to Hakomi are often curious to engage the body, mind and spirit as part of the path of healing. They are also often interested in further developing insight and awareness about their own belief systems and life patterns, seeking ways to increase quality of life. Some Hakomi clients choose to work with a Hakomi Practitioner while also working with a licensed counselor or therapist.
“Hakomi seems to work almost at a cellular level. Hakomi sticks. You do the work in the session and you don’t need to keep reworking the same issue. It really seems to be working well for me.” Client S
“Having worked over the years with therapists who represented different schools of thought, having finally encountered the Hakomi method was a real 'aha!' moment for me. The somatic-based approach was just a real intuitive fit, and I recommend it, perhaps especially for those of us who tend to live too much in our heads. And I give my highest recommendation to Katherine Jenkins, for being such a highly skilled, compassionate, and mindful Hakomi Practitioner.” Client T
“My experience with Hakomi opened sense connections within my body to past experiences and allowed me to consciously process them and become more present in the moment. Katherine Jenkins' presence is grounding and supportive.”
Client C
Practitioners offering Hakomi
Katherine Jenkins
Katherine Jenkins