Hakomi Somatic Therapy

What is Hakomi Somatic Therapy?

Hakomi is a body-centered form of therapy that recognizes the wisdom held not just in our thoughts, but in our bodies, emotions, and nervous systems. It's rooted in the idea that our past experiences — especially the ones that shaped how we learned to survive and cope — get stored in the body as patterns: tension, posture, movement, habits of feeling.

In Hakomi, we slow down and get curious about those patterns rather than trying to push through or fix them. Using mindfulness as a foundation, we gently explore what's happening beneath the surface — what beliefs, memories, or emotions might be quietly running the show. The goal isn't just insight, but real, felt change at a deep level.

It's a collaborative, compassionate process. You're never pushed to go somewhere you're not ready to go. Instead, we follow what's actually alive for you in the present moment and let that be our guide.

How do I know if Somatic Therapy is for me?

Somatic therapy tends to be a good fit if you're not just looking to handle your circumstances better, but are genuinely curious about how you show up to them. It may be for you if you're ready to get more aware of yourself — not to fix yourself, but to actually meet yourself — the parts that shut down, the parts that brace, the habits that formed long before you had much say in it. It’s not a quick fix, but rather a whole different way of approaching ourselves, our patterns, and our inner experience.

Somatic therapy may also be a good fit for you if you notice you either have a longing to inhabit your body more fully, or if you’re already sensitive to your body sensations and notice that you tend to hold tension and anxiety.

What does a Hakomi session look like?

A Hakomi somatic therapy session may start with a moment to ground your body and transition from your normal everyday pace to a slower more attuned way of being. We might see what’s already present in your body — be it tension in your chest, relaxation and openness in your arms, or even a persistent numbness. Then, we’ll often check in with what’s been going on for you in your life and what feels most alive emotionally. Once we’ve gotten in touch with the gist of what’s happening, we’ll make a transition into a more mindful state of attention, noticing what sensations have been stirred by what you’ve shared. From here, we trust the wisdom of your body to reveal the deeper levels of meaning, inner parts, memories, and core beliefs that underlie what you’re feeling. We trust what emerges for you — whether it’s layers of inner protection, or a deep cast out vulnerability from childhood. By bringing a compassionate and curious awareness to these places, they can more fully enter your awareness and become available for transformation.