Curriculum

An Overview

As a systematic study of experience, Hakomi provides a detailed model of how to intervene on the physical, the emotional, and the mental level. The theoretical concepts as well as the basic therapeutic Hakomi skills are taught, practiced, and supervised.

There are two basic teaching tracks in the training: the personal evolution (the attitude of the therapist); and the technical material (what the therapist does).

The attitude of the therapist is taught by going deeply into the basic psychological and emotional makeup of the student in an attitude of gentleness and safety.

Although the focus of the training is on learning Hakomi as a method of therapy, personal processing is an important part of the curriculum. To understand the rationale behind learning through personal processing is to taste the essence of the Hakomi Method: for the fundamental ways in which a student relates to self, other, and environment are shaped by core issues, the same core issues which shape that student’s interaction with clients.

The more awareness and acceptance the therapist has of his or her own process, the more consciously and creatively the work will unfold. In addition to practice sessions with fellow students, participants may receive sessions from advanced students from previous trainings. A therapeutic relationship outside of the Training is also highly recommended. Particular emphasis throughout the entire Training is placed upon the spirit in which the work is done: a spirit that reflects the Hakomi principles.

At the same time, proficiency in Hakomi technique and psychological theory is necessary if the student is to become a skilled practitioner. Accordingly, each training covers the methodological and technical material as outlined here, in the Sydney 2012 Professional Training Brochure.

The biggest attraction was seeing the change in people who had done the Hakomi training before me - they were more centred, more confident, more themselves. This was what I wanted for myself, too.

—S.T., Psychotherapist.

There's no question that the Hakomi training is the best psychotherapy training I've ever done. The Hakomi trainers, without exception, embody and constantly demonstrate the Hakomi principle of loving presence towards all the students they train which powerfully facilitates the students' learning of the method.

—J.K., Psychotherapist.

Its experiential approach has been very nourishing, and as someone who has spent many years studying, it has been wonderful to engage in a learning process that did not involve the usual academic processes. I could relax into the learning, and learn without great effort or strain. I now have a deep appreciation for the wisdom inherent in such experiential teaching.

—K.V., Psychologist.