It is the most effective and satisfying method that I have experienced and studied. The process has helped me to understand my core beliefs, get rid of aches and pains in my body, and transform my triggers into pleasure points. It is applied Neuroplasticity.(*5)

It is a mindfulness-based, body-centered psychotherapy method developed by Ron Kurtz. The Refined Hakomi is the integrated use of mindful loving presence, nonviolence and the body. The method is grounded in a set of principles - the shifting paradigm that reflects the evolutionary vision and wisdom of our times

Summary of the Principles:

Organicity: Living Systems self-organize, self-create, self-maintain, and in many ways, direct their own evolution. Life is its own authority. Life is creative; it tends to jump around and come up with new ways to do things. Unlike machines, living beings get bored. The principle of organicity asserts our respect for life and our faith in the healing power of the individual. (*1)

Mindfulness: The Path of Consciousness
This is a state of mind as well as a principle used in Hakomi. It is characterised by focusing on present experience, an expanded state of awareness, bringing the conscious attention to the internal world for studying core beliefs and their influence. Mindfulness is a natural state of consciousness - sometimes it is the first step a client needs to learn and to develop self-awareness. (*2)

Nonviolence: Reverence for Life
This is the practical recognition of organicity. It is a policy of staying with what is natural because it works. It is not assuming that we know best. “Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will?” For every force there is a counterforce. (*3)

Mind-Body Holism
This principle is the recognition of the influence of each aspect of living on all the others. Mind and body influence one another. It sees patterns and interactions and nonlinear science. Hakomi is interested in the influence deeply held beliefs, guiding images and significant memories have on behaviour, body structure and all levels of physiology, from cellular metabolism and the strength of the immune system, to blood flow and the distribution of heat and muscle tone in the body, to the expression of these beliefs in posture, movement, gesture and facial expression.

Unity: A participatory universe
We live in a participatory universe - in a world of subtle but constant interconnection; a world where everything informs, acts on and interacts with everything else. This means that there is a force that wants to move things in the direction of greater wholeness. (*4)

Psychotherapy brings a useful harmony to the functions of the mind, the body and the exigencies of the outer world.

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It is a Hopi Indian word meaning, ”How do you stand in relation to these many realms?” A more modern translation is ,” Who are you?” It is derived from David Winters’ dream in which Ron Kurtz handed him the words “Hakomi Therapy”.

Mindfulness is an expanded state of consciousness which includes self awareness, as part of its experience. Mindfulness focuses on a present experience. They both have the characteristics of effortless attention, non-doingness, openness, sensitivity and bring an inner wisdom.

Generally, Hakomi helps us to understand our core beliefs so we can grow and change our habitual behaviours in alignment with who we are and who we want to be, so we can live our full potential effortlessly. Specifically, benefits are to reduce and manage stress, to sleep better, to lose weight, to improve communication, to grow more satisfying relationships, to improve intimacy, to ease and transform triggers and so forth.

I see a lot of people looking to improve their wellness and happiness or their state of mind. One recent example is Claudette , who for years has tried different ways to lose weight. After a Hakomi session, she happily changed her relationship with food and eating habits, and as a result, she lost the extra weight. Another example is Dagmara who is learning to reduce and manage her stress in her life. (To read more go to Client's Feedback)

Each client is unique, and depending on an individual’s level, I will guide them through their breath, sensations, touch or movement from their story.

Every client is different. Each person is unique in her/his experience for safety to be in mindfulness. Typically, with loving presence, I listen to what they want out of the session. I will guide them to be present by helping them to connect to their body-mind; listening, observing and following their unconscious and conscious organically.

The client will get a roadmap of integration steps to implement in their life.

I have been a Hakomi Therapist for fourteen years, while raising my three children. I have also been teaching yoga and meditation for 25 years and practising personally for 37 years.

I am a Master Therapeutic Counsellor registered with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. I went through the training offered by the Institute of Hakomi BC, Hakomi Education Network Vancouver and Ron Kurtz’s Trainings in Ashland. Over four years, I was certified by Ron Kurtz, in December 2006. Ron received a lifetime achievement award from the United States Body Psychology Association and an honorary doctorate from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. I am registered with the Hakomi Institute in the United States. Prior to moving to Canada, I was studying yoga and meditation in the Far East between 1985-1989. Initially, I started my yoga and mindfulness practice to heal my lower back injury and to learn to take care of stress. I completed yoga teacher certification training with the yoga guru, Sandra Sammartino, in White Rock. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) combined degree in Computer Science and Operational Research from University in the United Kingdom. I worked as a Software Engineer, Systems Analyst and Business Analyst in the IT industry for 16 years prior to working as a Therapeutic counsellor, a Hakomi Therapist , a Yoga and Meditation teacher and a Life coach.