If you’ve ever found yourself aware of the same patterns playing out in your relationships, thoughts, or reactions but haven’t been able to change them, you’re not alone. Many of our clients in NYC come to us with deep insight but still feel stuck. That’s where Hakomi therapy comes in. This approach helps uncover the unconscious beliefs and body patterns that drive your experience, gently bringing them into awareness so that real change becomes possible.
Hakomi therapy is a unique blend of mindfulness, somatic healing, and therapeutic presence. It’s gentle, yet profoundly effective. Rather than focusing on symptoms, it focuses on how your inner world organizes itself, and how those patterns might be ready to shift. At Somatic Psychotherapy, we often integrate Hakomi with other somatic modalities, offering clients in New York City and beyond a deeply embodied path to healing.
What Is Hakomi Therapy?
Hakomi therapy is a mindfulness-based, body-centered psychotherapy. It was developed by Ron Kurtz in the 1970s and is grounded in principles like nonviolence, mindfulness, unity, and organicity. Rather than diving straight into painful memories or past trauma, Hakomi invites you to become deeply curious about the present moment.
In a Hakomi session, your therapist might ask you to slow down and notice what’s happening in your body right now. Maybe your shoulders tighten when you talk about your partner. Maybe your chest lifts subtly when you speak about freedom. These moments become experiments — gentle ways to explore unconscious material that’s showing up in real time.
What makes Hakomi different from other kinds of mindfulness therapy is that it uses the body’s cues to access emotional material. That might include posture, breath, tone of voice, gestures, or sensations. These cues often tell us more than words can.
Why Mindfulness Is So Central
Mindfulness is more than a technique in Hakomi. It’s the foundation. Clients are guided into a calm, inward-focused state where they can notice subtle internal experiences without judgment. In this state, unconscious beliefs often surface naturally — not through confrontation, but through gentle observation.
For example, a client might notice a tightening in their belly when discussing their goals. Instead of interpreting or analyzing that sensation, we stay with it. What does it feel like? Does it remind you of anything? Sometimes, old beliefs like “I’m not allowed to want more” come into awareness in these moments. In Hakomi, these beliefs are met with compassion, not pressure.
This makes Hakomi an ideal trauma-informed therapy. There’s no agenda, no pushing. We follow the client’s experience. This helps the nervous system feel safe, which is essential when working with trauma.
How Does Hakomi Therapy Work?
Hakomi therapy is experiential, meaning you don’t just talk about your life — you explore it as it unfolds. A typical session might involve:
- Entering a mindful state together
- Noticing and naming physical or emotional sensations
- Conducting “experiments” to gently explore unconscious material
- Allowing spontaneous emotional responses to surface
- Integrating new awareness into your present-day life
Let’s say you share a story about a recent conflict and, as you talk, your voice gets smaller. A Hakomi therapist might gently reflect that change and invite you to notice what it feels like to speak more fully. This might open the door to an old belief like “It’s not safe to be heard.” From there, new possibilities begin to emerge, in your body, not just your mind.
We often weave Hakomi together with other somatic approaches like Somatic Experiencing or Internal Family Systems. This layered approach meets the nervous system, emotional life, and unconscious beliefs all at once.
Who Can Benefit from Hakomi?
Hakomi therapy can be especially helpful for people who:
- Feel stuck even after years of talk therapy
- Struggle with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress
- Want to explore unconscious beliefs held in the body
- Are sensitive, introspective, or emotionally aware
- Crave a slower, gentler, more body-centered therapy experience
We work with many clients who are navigating life transitions, trauma recovery, and relational challenges. Because Hakomi is non-pathologizing and deeply compassionate, it meets people wherever they are.
You can read more about how we integrate Hakomi on our Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy page.
Is Hakomi Therapy Effective?
In our experience, yes — especially for those who are ready to engage with their inner world in a new way. What makes Hakomi therapy so effective is its ability to bypass defenses without triggering overwhelm. When the body feels safe and the pace is slow, deep shifts can happen.
This is not a therapy of analysis. It is a therapy of discovery. And what you discover is often not what you expected — a moment of peace, a release of tears, a shift in breath. These are the moments where something truly changes.
Working with a Hakomi Therapist in NYC or Online
At Somatic Psychotherapy, we offer Hakomi therapy in Brooklyn (Clinton Hill), Manhattan (Midtown), and online for clients throughout New York. Our therapists are trained in Hakomi as well as individual somatic psychotherapy and other integrative approaches.
We believe therapy should be a space where your body and your story are both welcome. Whether you’re looking to uncover patterns, find more emotional safety, or simply get curious about your inner life, Hakomi offers a powerful, gentle way to begin.
To get started or ask questions, you can contact us here.
FAQs
What makes Hakomi different from other therapies?
Hakomi uses mindfulness and body awareness to access unconscious material gently and without force. It focuses on the present moment, not just past events.
Can Hakomi help with trauma?
Yes. Hakomi is a trauma-informed therapy that works slowly and safely with the nervous system. It’s especially helpful for clients who have experienced emotional overwhelm.
How does mindfulness work in Hakomi?
Mindfulness in Hakomi is a tool for observation. You and your therapist co-create a space of curiosity so that beliefs and emotions can surface gently and naturally.
Do you offer Hakomi therapy online?
Yes. We offer online therapy for clients anywhere in New York. Many people find this especially supportive and accessible.
How do I start therapy?
You can get in touch here to schedule a free consultation and explore if Hakomi is right for you.
At its heart, Hakomi is about presence. It’s about meeting yourself with compassion and letting your body lead the way. Whether you’re exploring somatic therapy for the first time or deepening your healing journey, we’re here to walk with you.
