Ron Kurtz (1934-2011)

Professional Life   
Ronald Kurtz was born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York. He had a vast scientific background, which he incorporated in his therapeutic practice. He studied both English and physics, as well as computer electronics before pursuing his degree in psychology from Indiana University. Kurtz taught at Indiana University, and later taught at San Francisco State College. He was a resident at the Esalen Institute as well. Kurtz developed Hakomi Therapy, a blend of western and eastern psychology, integrating mindfulness and somatic techniques. Hakomi Therapy is founded on the field of complex living systems. Kurtz was one of the original founders of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from that organization in 2008 and was recognized for his accomplishments by the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute with an honorary doctorate.

Kurtz created the Hakomi Institute, and later founded the Hakomi Educational Network with several of his colleagues. He is also the founder of the Ron Kurtz Center. He has authored three books and gave numerous workshops and trained people throughout the country to teach them the Hakomi method.

Contribution to Psychology
Kurtz developed Hakomi. This somatic psychotherapy blends elements of eastern philosophy, mindfulness, western psychology and other therapeutic techniques. Hakomi therapy is based on seven core principles: nonviolence, mindfulness, unity, organicity, truth, body-mind holism, mutability. Clinicians trained in the Hakomi method recognize that people are psychologically organized around core values, beliefs and memories. These core elements surface as behaviors and personalities. Hakomi strives to address the core beliefs of an individual in order to facilitate change in their behaviors and life choices.

Hokomi uses a person’s own mindfulness to recognize feelings, sensations, and memories. The technique is based on a specific course of actions, but can vary slightly. The first step in Hakomi is the development of a safe relationship that elicits the cooperation of the client’s unconscious. Hakomi therapists help their clients understand how they categorize specific life events. Because behaviors are the results of how core material is organized, understanding this process allows a client to gain insight into why they behave specific ways. The therapist works with the client to get at the root of core memories, values, and feelings. The client is then guided in processing these core traits through emotions, mindfulness, and child-like consciousness. As this process unfolds, the client begins to see the possibility of healing. Together, the therapist and client work to link the healing experiences to the other experiences the client has. Although Hakomi varies slightly in how it is taught and delivered, the foundation of this transforming therapeutic discipline continues to embody mindfulness, somatics, and a loving attitude.