Mindfulness Invitation — Hakomi Therapy

Helping the client move out of ordinary conversation into a state of mindful inner observation. The key transition of a Hakomi session.

Step-by-step guide

Slow down your own speech, speak more quietly
"Can we slow down right now?"
"Close your eyes, if that is comfortable. Turn your attention inward"
"What are you noticing right now? Don't analyze — just notice"
Give time — 30-60 seconds of silence
Support: "Good. What else?" or "Stay with that"

When to use

When the client is ready for inner exploration
After contact has been established, when there is live material worth going deeper with

Key phrases

Let's slow down for a moment. If closing your eyes is fine, do that — if not, just let your gaze soften. Turn your attention inside. Don't analyze, don't try to explain anything. Just notice what is here.

Follow-up questions

What are you noticing — in the body, in the feelings, in the thoughts?

Stay with that a little longer. What else is here?

What happens if you just let this be?

Anything shifting as we stay here?

Alternative phrasings

If closing the eyes is too much, a soft defocused gaze works just as well.

There is no "right" inner state. Whatever is here is what we work with.

Warnings

⚠️ Not every client can move into mindfulness right away. Do not force.
⚠️ If closed eyes feel anxious — open eyes with defocused gaze is fine.

Source: Kurtz, 1990; Johanson & Kurtz, 1991