Exploring Mindfulness Through Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: A Body-Based Approach to Trauma Therapy in Bunbury & Southwest WA

Mindfulness has become widely recognised as a valuable practice for reducing stress and improving wellbeing. However, not all mindfulness approaches are the same.

At South West Trauma Therapy, mindfulness is integrated in a deeper, clinically grounded way through body-based therapies such as Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

These approaches move beyond simply observing thoughts, focusing instead on how mindfulness can support healing through the nervous system and the body.

What Is Mindfulness in Trauma Therapy?

Mindfulness is often taught as paying attention to thoughts or breathing. In trauma therapy, mindfulness becomes a way of noticing how experiences are held in the body and how the nervous system responds in real time.

This is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, or relational difficulties.

Mindfulness in Hakomi Therapy

Hakomi is a body-centred psychotherapy that integrates mindfulness with experiential techniques.

In Hakomi, mindfulness is a state of curious, compassionate awareness. Clients are guided to explore bodily sensations, emotional responses, and underlying beliefs.

For example, a subtle tightening in the chest or a shift in posture may reflect deeper emotional patterns or past experiences. By bringing mindful awareness to these experiences, individuals begin to uncover and transform the patterns shaping their behaviour.

A Hakomi-Inspired Mindfulness Exercise

• Sit comfortably and bring attention to a part of your body, such as your hands or feet

• Notice sensations such as warmth, tension, or stillness

• Maintain a gentle, non-judgmental awareness

• Allow thoughts or emotions to arise naturally

• Observe what emerges with curiosity

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Mindfulness in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates mindfulness with somatic and attachment-based approaches. It recognises that trauma is often stored in posture, movement patterns, and physiological responses.

Rather than focusing only on thoughts, this approach helps clients track bodily responses in the present moment.

For example, this may include noticing tightening in the shoulders, observing changes in breathing, or becoming aware of impulses to move or withdraw.

This awareness creates space to interrupt automatic reactions and develop more adaptive patterns.

A Sensorimotor-Inspired Exercise

• Sit or stand comfortably and notice your posture

• Take a few slow breaths

• Gently move part of your body, such as your shoulders or neck

• Observe sensations and any emotional shifts

• Notice how your body responds to movement and stillness

  
  

Why Body-Based Mindfulness Matters

Many people find traditional mindfulness difficult, particularly when working with trauma. The body provides a more direct pathway to the present moment.

Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy demonstrate that mindfulness anchored in the body allows deeper access to experience, supports nervous system regulation, and facilitates meaningful change.

For example, someone experiencing anxiety may notice tightness in the chest before panic escalates. Mindful awareness of this sensation can create a pause, allowing a more regulated response.

How These Approaches Support Healing

Both Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy support increased body awareness, non-judgmental curiosity, integration of mind and body, and practical tools for emotional regulation.

Mindfulness and Trauma Therapy in Bunbury WA

At South West Trauma Therapy, mindfulness is integrated into trauma therapy in a structured and clinically informed way.

This approach is particularly suited to individuals who have found traditional talk therapy limited, experience strong emotional or physiological responses, are interested in body-based approaches, or are seeking deeper and longer-term change.

About Dr Andy Harkin

Dr Andy Harkin is a medical doctor, trauma therapist, clinical supervisor, and facilitator specialising in body-centred psychotherapy.

He provides trauma-informed therapy, clinical supervision, and delivers workshops and presentations on trauma and nervous system-based approaches.

Dr Harkin is also a TEDx presenter, speaking on alternative approaches to trauma therapy.

TEDx Talk

Bringing Mindfulness Into Daily Life

Body-based mindfulness can be integrated into everyday life through simple practices such as noticing bodily sensations, practicing mindful breathing, using gentle movement, and approaching emotional responses with curiosity rather than judgment.

A Different Approach to Mindfulness

Mindfulness is not only about calming the mind. Through approaches such as Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, it becomes a pathway to understanding patterns, regulating the nervous system, and supporting meaningful and lasting change.

Learn More

To explore trauma-informed therapy and mindfulness-based approaches in Bunbury, visit:

• Southwest Trauma Therapy

Dr Andy Harkin is a medical doctor and body-centered psychotherapist. A Ted-X presenter, clinical supervisor and facilitator Psilocybin-assisted trauma therapist at the Empax Centre, He provides mindfulness workshops in Bunbury Western Australia. www.southwesttraumatherapy.com.au