Becoming Certified
Want to embody Hakomi confidently? Ready to enjoy the satisfaction of completing a rigorous and
Transformative Learning Process?
After you complete one of our multi-year training programs,
we invite you to start your certification journey.
Certification entitles you to call yourself a “Certified Hakomi Therapist” if you are a psychotherapist or a “Certified Hakomi Practitioner” if you are not a psychotherapist. You may also use the Hakomi logo and list your services in the Hakomi Institute Practitioner Directory as part of a paid annual membership.
I cannot recommend this training highly enough.
The Certification Journey
You may begin the certification journey after you complete one of our multi-year training programs. This journey is self-paced, allowing you to chart your own path toward certification. It may include one-on-one mentoring, participation in peer-led or trainer-led groups, or additional certification courses. Since certification is based on demonstrated proficiency in the method, rather than a set number of training hours, the timeline is flexible and varies from person to person. Your trainers will give you feedback about your Hakomi work toward the end of your training. You can consult with them to come up with a certification plan. In general, the process can take 1-3 years to complete after graduation.
Certification is not for everyone, as it requires a deep commitment. The criteria are rigorous, reflecting the complexity of the Hakomi method, a depth-oriented psychotherapy that demands time and dedication to master. The process is akin to an apprenticeship or martial art, where mastery is cultivated over time.
While not all graduates choose this path, those who do often report a profound sense of confidence and enjoyment in their skills. They describe the process as one of significant personal and professional growth, refining both their technical abilities and personhood. We hold this process in high regard, expecting our graduates who take the certification path to engage consistently, practice regularly, and seek ongoing feedback as part of their development.
Certification Routes
There are 4 main routes to certification.
You may choose one or a combination.
Individual Mentoring
The mentoring process offers detailed feedback and support to help you discover your gifts and growth edges as a practitioner. A certified Hakomi therapist will meet with you on a regular basis to review your recordings, discuss cases, and process character issues that affect your work.
Any Certified Hakomi Therapist can provide this service; however, only Hakomi Trainers can certify you. When you are ready for certification, you may do live sessions or show recordings of your sessions to two Hakomi trainers, one of whom may be your mentor.
NOTE: You will arrange a fee with your mentor.
Certification Workshops or Trainings
(Sometimes called “Practice Groups” or “Advanced Trainings”)
Some Trainers offer intensive live or online programs where graduates receive certification-specific feedback on live sessions or recordings. If two trainers staff these events, it is possible to become certified at the end of the program. Be aware that enrollment does not guarantee certification since it is proficiency-based.
Trainers also offer monthly open or closed groups to help you prepare for certification. These may incorporate feedback on live sessions or recordings, practice activities, and case consultations. You can check the faculty directory to see who offers these programs. While your group leader may be one of your reviewers, you will still need a second Trainer to review two of your session recordings.
Self-Led Preparation
Graduates can opt to record ongoing sessions with practice clients and select two trainers to review their tapes when they feel ready.
Certification Phase Study Groups
A group of Hakomi graduates supports each other in getting certified. This support could include the following:
- Peer feedback on live or recorded sessions
- Review and practice of selected skills or theory
- Hiring a Certified Hakomi Therapist or faculty member to observe and offer feedback on sessions
A very supportive and confidence-building training.
Upon Certification
- One of the Trainers who certified you will contact the administrative office to verify your new certification status.
- The Hakomi Institute will send you a form to complete and return with your $135 certification fee. Once received, the office will send you a frameable certificate.
- Annual dues cover your listing on the Hakomi Institute website.
NOTE: Certified practitioners who don’t pay dues are still certified, but they are not listed in the directory.
Continuing Education
As with getting a “black belt,” certification might be considered the beginning of learning. True mastery takes many years of experience and training. If you intend to offer Hakomi, we expect you to engage in ongoing professional development activities, including taking courses in ethics.
We invite you to participate in our Continuing Education offerings. Click here to view our schedule.
Post-Certification Consultation
Many faculty members provide ongoing consultation to Certified Hakomi Therapists and Practitioners who wish to grow as helping professionals. Consultation may include setting up and running a practice, communicating with clients, billing, record-keeping, managing transference and countertransference, working with character themes and systems, exploring ethical concerns, and general case consultation. Contact faculty members directly to see if they offer consultation.
NOTE: Consultation is a professional obligation for psychotherapists and highly recommended.