Today I’m delighted to bring you a conversation with Manuela Mischke-Reeds, an international teacher of somatic psychology, a trauma expert, a bestselling author, and a co-founder of the Hakomi Institute of California and the non-profit Embodywise.
Manuela is also a Mentor at CIIS’s Psychedelic Research Program and the developer of the ISITTA somatic trauma approach (“From Trauma, to Dharma”). With over 25 years of clinical experience, she has worked with a diverse range of trauma clients, including first responders and victims of political torture. And believe me, this is just a very condensed version of her remarkable bio!
I had the privilege of training under Manuela for two years at the Hakomi Institute, where she was one of the lead trainers. It was a transformative experience for me, particularly being exposed to what I can only describe as the soul wizardry that pours out of her.
The primary motivation behind this conversation is to introduce you to the Hakomi Method of Somatic Psychotherapy.
Hakomi is very well-known in certain psychotherapeutic and psychedelic circles. It was instrumental in the creation of many other somatic and healing modalities, some of which you’ve probably heard of. However, despite its influence, Hakomi is not well-known in the broader public sphere, almost shockingly so. The institute, it seems, has intentionally kept a low profile, and it tends to attract practitioners who are similarly ‘heads down’ doing their work.
But change is on the horizon—the global organization recently revamped its website for the first time in ages, and a new Hakomi for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy training is being launched in the U.S. and Australia, with Manuela playing a key role in its leadership.
It’s my hope that this podcast episode will be part of this change, helping you to understand what Hakomi is and why it matters. Throughout this dialogue, I strive to approach the subject with a beginner’s mind, resisting the temptation to try and sound smart. This is something I’m working on in general, but especially in podcast interviews like this, where I know many listeners are new to somatic healing.
In this episode, you can expect to learn:
How Hakomi helps us uncover unconscious “core beliefs” developed at a young age that can shape our entire life experience
Understanding the role of Hakomi therapists as midwives of unfolding, partnering with clients to facilitate natural growth
Tapping into the sacred intelligence and organic healing current held within our bodies
The ability to initiate nervous system state shifts with the subtlest of “micro” movements
Recognizing the inherently somatic nature of awe and wonder, and how Hakomi helps us return to the origin of experience before the meaning-making mind interrupts it
Reasons for choosing Hakomi and somatic therapy over other modalities
Embracing life as a continuous healing journey, and considering somatic healing as an ideal remedy for modern challenges
Learn more about Manuela and her initiatives here: Her website • The Hakomi Institute • Embodywise • Hakomi and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy training.
Listen to the episode on Substack, Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Hosted by Alex Olshonsky.
I’m still new to this craft, but if you’re digging these conversations, please help the pod grow: 5-stars on Spotify or Apple, a like, or spread the word to your friends. Each show of love, no matter how small, is what powers this project.
I’m also keen to get your reflections on this convo about Hakomi and somatics, especially if you were able to sink in with it.
#6: Unfolding by the Elegance of Hakomi’s Somatic Psychotherapy with Manuela Mischke-Reeds