My name is Sonia Goydenko. I am a Body-Centered practitioner trained in the Hakomi Method, blending Eastern philosophies & Western psychology to heal developmental trauma, wounding, and to help the individual foster personal growth & self-discovery.
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What is the Hakomi method?
Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy combines advances in neuroscience with the gentle inward-looking practice of Mindfulness.
It is a gentle yet powerful experiential psychotherapy that uses mindfulness and somatic interventions to heal attachment wounds and developmental trauma.”
Hakomi supports transformation by providing what Ron Kurtz called the “missing experience.”
Integrating an individually-tailored experience missing from childhood can rewire neural pathways and reconsolidate implicit memories in ways that allow new, more nourishing experiences to unfold.
The Hakomi Method draws from mindfulness, somatic awareness, and experiential techniques to explore how our thoughts, emotions, and past experiences are held in our bodies. Mindfulness is a key component, focusing on present-moment awareness without judgment, which allows clients to observe their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations with curiosity and compassion. Somatic refers to the body, and in Hakomi, we pay close attention to bodily sensations, movements, and gestures as gateways to understanding underlying emotions and beliefs.
Through experiential techniques, such as gentle touch, guided imagery, and mindful inquiry, clients can access deeper layers of their experience and uncover unconscious patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to their current challenges. By bringing these patterns into conscious awareness, clients have the opportunity to explore, heal, and transform them, leading to greater self-understanding, resilience, and well-being.
My Approach
“The patient needs an experience, not an explanation.”
- Frieda Fromm-Reichmann
As a practitioner with an MA in Eastern Philosophy, my approach to Hakomi is deeply influenced by the principles of Taoism and Buddhism. Drawing from these ancient traditions, I guide clients in exploring their experiences with gentle curiosity and acceptance, fostering self-discovery and wellness in alignment with the principles of Hakomi.
In Hakomi sessions, I cultivate a gentle and non-invasive presence, allowing clients to unfold their experiences organically without force or resistance. I incorporate mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance of whatever comes up. In Hakomi sessions, I guide clients in observing their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with compassionate curiosity, mirroring the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation. I also integrate Buddhist teachings on impermanence and interconnectedness, helping clients to explore the ever-changing nature of their experiences and their interconnectedness with others and the world around them. By integrating these ancient wisdom traditions into the clients modern life, I aim to support clients in their journey towards self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Instead of polarizing against the parts of the self that seem to sabotage our happiness, we may need to befriend all parts, especially the most difficult and intractable.
What makes Hakomi different from other types of traditional therapy?
1. Mindfulness Integration: Hakomi places a strong emphasis on mindfulness, which is woven into every aspect of the therapy. Clients learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with non-judgmental awareness, fostering self-discovery and healing.
2. Somatic Focus: Unlike traditional talk therapies, Hakomi recognizes the importance of the body in psychological healing. It incorporates somatic techniques to explore how emotions and beliefs are held in the body, allowing for a deeper understanding and integration of one's experiences.
3. Experiential Approach: Hakomi embraces Frieda Fromm Reichman’s belief that “the patient needs an experience, not an explanation.” Although sessions include talking, Hakomi’s experiential approach deepens therapy beyond insight and words to access the “blueprints” that shape our present-day experiences.
4. Non-violent and Gentle: Hakomi is known for its gentle and non-violent approach. A safe and nurturing environment is created where clients can explore difficult emotions and experiences at their own pace, without feeling overwhelmed or judged.
5. Holistic Perspective: Hakomi views individuals within the context of their whole selves and their environments. It recognizes the interplay between mind, body, and spirit, as well as the influence of cultural and social factors on one's well-being.
Overall, Hakomi's integration of mindfulness, somatics, and experiential techniques, along with its gentle and holistic approach, sets it apart as a unique and effective form of therapy. Hakomi integrates the perennial wisdom of Buddhism and Taoism with modern scientific findings on how the brain changes itself through experience rather than reflection. Instead of polarizing against the parts of the self that seem to sabotage our happiness, we may need to befriend all parts, especially the most difficult and intractable.
“Transformation occurs when formative core beliefs, activated along with their deeply ingrained and complex, original experiential patterns, are expanded by new experiences. With re-examined and expanded beliefs and experiences, the world literally looks different and offers new options. This perspective on transformation is a foundational piece of the Hakomi method.”
- Hakomi Mindfulness-Centered Somatic Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide