FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW IS HAKOMI MINDFUL SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TYPES OF THERAPY?
In Hakomi, individual and therapist sit together in mindfulness as the therapist guides a process of noticing and exploring body (somatic) sensations as the individual experiences them. The focus is on the present moment rather than thinking about, discussing, or explaining what is occurring.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS AND HOW IS IT USEFUL?
Mindfulness is paying attention to our moment to moment experience without judgment. When we are mindful we can give loving, compassionate attention to what is happening around us. We can see, hear and experience what feels good and what hurts. We can ask ourselves, “What does my gut say to do in this situation?” and then, if we choose, take action.
WHAT IS SELF-COMPASSION?
Self-compassion is when we turn the love in our hearts toward our own suffering. It’s being mindful, kind, and accepting that we’re all human and imperfect. We all make mistakes and we can learn to love ourselves through them.
WHAT CAN I LEARN IN THERAPY?
Therapy can help you develop greater self awareness and provide opportunities to learn and practice more functional problem solving skills. It can help you gain a sense of peace about past events and current challenges. It can be a useful venue to practice responding with compassion, respect and kindness in relationships with peers, friends, partners, family members and co-workers. Future goals, plans and actions can also be explored in therapy.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THERAPY?
Therapy can be shorter or longer term. You may have specific issues or want to look at your life overall. Sessions are often scheduled weekly and can occur more or less frequently depending on the level of support you’d like during the therapeutic process. After completing therapy, its also possible to schedule getting back on track “tune-ups”.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A THERAPIST?
A good fit. Trust your gut. It can also be helpful for the therapist to have experience dealing with issues you’d like to work on. It’s okay and even useful to “interview” different therapists to see if you work well together.
WHAT ARE SOME RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THERAPY?
In therapy we have a chance to talk about challenging life events which can result in uncomfortable feelings of sadness, guilt, anger and powerlessness. On the other hand, therapy can lead to better relationships, solutions to specific problems and feelings of distress can lessen. Therapy has been shown to increase the overall quality of life for participants and helps them come to terms with feelings of stress, depression, anxiety and conflict. Progress in therapy is often uneven in that you may take two steps forward then one back. It’s all part of the process though overall movement is often toward more integration and wholeness.