The Hakomi Method

Brad Beldner is a Graduate in The Hakomi Institute of California training program and is an assist and staff member for the Northern California Comprehensive trainings and workshops. The Hakomi Method is a mindfulness, somatic and experience-based approach used both as a psycho-therapeutic process and applied in educational settings to facilitate self-exploration and personal growth. Originally developed by Ron Kurtz in the late 1970s, today, Hakomi is taught and practiced throughout the world.
Hakomi combines venerable operating principles with mindfulness and precise methodology to create an extraordinarily effective path towards transformation. The basis of the work is to:
Hakomi, an elder in the use of mindfulness and the body, holds an especially strong somatic orientation. Evoking focused self-awareness, the client is supported in studying the ways in which movement, gesture, voice, tensions, impulses and so on both reflect psychological material and provide direct access to core transformation.
The Hakomi Institute of California: www.hakomicalifornia.org/
The International Hakomi Institute: http://www.hakomiinstitute.com/
Hakomi combines venerable operating principles with mindfulness and precise methodology to create an extraordinarily effective path towards transformation. The basis of the work is to:
- create a bonded relationship that allows enough safety for the client to turn inwards and explore present experiences (cognitive, somatic, emotional, energetic, spiritual, etc.)
- follow those experiences towards the core material that generates them
- pursue ways to heal and evolve the core material
Hakomi, an elder in the use of mindfulness and the body, holds an especially strong somatic orientation. Evoking focused self-awareness, the client is supported in studying the ways in which movement, gesture, voice, tensions, impulses and so on both reflect psychological material and provide direct access to core transformation.
The Hakomi Institute of California: www.hakomicalifornia.org/
The International Hakomi Institute: http://www.hakomiinstitute.com/
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Somatic Experiencing® (SE)

Brad Beldner is a Somatic Experiencing Pracitioner (SEP), trained with Pete Levine, PhD in 2002 and has assisted SE trainings since 2006. Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a pioneering trauma healing approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine for adults and children. It is the result of over forty years of observation, research, and hands-on development by Dr. Levine.
Based upon the realization that human beings have an innate ability to overcome the effects of trauma. Somatic Experiencing has touched the lives of many thousands. SE® restores self-regulation, and returns a sense of aliveness, relaxation and wholeness to traumatized individuals who have had these precious gifts taken away. Peter has applied his work to combat veterans, rape survivors, Holocaust survivors, auto accident and post surgical trauma, chronic pain sufferers, and even to infants after suffering traumatic births.
Using the innate ability humans have to overcome trauma, SE works directly with the neurophysiology of the body to promote self-regulation. SE encourages and utilizes the awareness of sensations in the body to help people re-negotiate and relieve the physical, emotional and physiological effects of post traumatic stress disorder and other stress and trauma-related health problems.
Common Trauma Symptoms:
Based upon the realization that human beings have an innate ability to overcome the effects of trauma. Somatic Experiencing has touched the lives of many thousands. SE® restores self-regulation, and returns a sense of aliveness, relaxation and wholeness to traumatized individuals who have had these precious gifts taken away. Peter has applied his work to combat veterans, rape survivors, Holocaust survivors, auto accident and post surgical trauma, chronic pain sufferers, and even to infants after suffering traumatic births.
Using the innate ability humans have to overcome trauma, SE works directly with the neurophysiology of the body to promote self-regulation. SE encourages and utilizes the awareness of sensations in the body to help people re-negotiate and relieve the physical, emotional and physiological effects of post traumatic stress disorder and other stress and trauma-related health problems.
Common Trauma Symptoms:
• anxiety & panic attacks
• phobias or depression • sleep disturbances • feelings easily hurt • excessive worrying • abrupt mood swings • uncontrollable rage • problems connecting with others • being easily startled |
• avoidance behaviors
• attraction to danger • accident proneness • feeling frozen or immobile • forgetfulness • shakiness or dizziness • fear of dying • hypersensitivity to sound or light • hyper-vigilance & hyperactivity |
• headaches & other chronic pain
• digestive problems • asthma attacks • neck & back problems or frozen joints • chronic fatigue • general and localized pain • sports performance problems • disruptive thoughts • flashbacks or nightmares |
Somatic Experiencing Trauma Healing Institute (formerly Foundation for Human Enrichment): www.traumahealing.com
Peter Levine, PhD: www.somaticexperiencing.com
Here you can see videos in which Dr. Levine share a summary of trauma and Somatic Experiencing, how Somatic Experiencing can help survivors of sexual abuse, and tips for military personnel and their families.
Peter Levine, PhD: www.somaticexperiencing.com
Here you can see videos in which Dr. Levine share a summary of trauma and Somatic Experiencing, how Somatic Experiencing can help survivors of sexual abuse, and tips for military personnel and their families.
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Somatic Experiencing® (SE) with Children
Somatic Experiencing® is a body-awareness approach to trauma being taught throughout the world. It is the result of over forty years of observation, research, and hands-on development by Dr. Levine. Based upon the realization that human beings have an innate ability to overcome the effects of trauma, Somatic Experiencing has touched the lives of many thousands. SE® restores self-regulation, and returns a sense of aliveness, relaxation and wholeness to traumatized individuals who have had these precious gifts taken away.
What Causes Trauma in Children?
When young children and infants suffer a serious injury or are deeply frightened by an event, they can be traumatized, carrying inside them subtle residual symptoms that may stay with them for a lifetime. Some situations may overwhelm a child’s "elastic limit," causing them to remain distressed or traumatized in some way after an event. These children have less resilience than others. But there are certain kinds of events that would be overwhelming to almost any child, such as the exposure to violent situations.
Natural disasters, medical procedures, illnesses, or the sudden loss of a family member due to death or divorce can also traumatize a child. Other events that may seem rather ordinary to an adult are not for a child. Getting lost in a mall, for example, is extremely frightening for a young child. Even a seemingly minor physical injury, such as falling off a bicycle, can be misinterpreted by the child as punishment for something he or she has done.
Signs of Trauma in Children
There are some common reactions that children will display. Parents generally know their children well enough to recognize when an indication is outside the child’s normal range of behavior. After a stressful event, parents may notice withdrawal, fearfulness, irritability, excessive shyness, clinging, emotional outbursts, aggression toward other children, hurting animals or other forms of acting out.
Other indications include nightmares, bed-wetting, thrashing in bed or difficulty falling asleep. Becoming too easily startled or regressive behaviors such as thumb sucking may also be observed. Physical symptoms are also common, and these include tummy and headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Over time, the child may even develop avoidance behaviors. These include specific phobias, such as the fear of dogs if the child has been bitten, or general phobias, such as a phobia about going to school.
Learn about Dr. Levine's books relating to trauma and children:
Trauma-Proofing Your Kids: A Parent's Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience (co-written with Maggie Kline)
http://somaticexperiencing.com/peter-levine/a-list-of-books-approved-by-peter/10-trauma-proofing-your-kids.html
This landmark book is, designed for parents and focuses on preventing and healing trauma. Parents often find themselves puzzled by unexpected changes in the behavior and moods of their children—not associating these alterations with some seemingly minor mishap.
Trauma Through A Childs' Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing (co-written with Maggie Kline)
http://somaticexperiencing.com/peter-levine/a-list-of-books-approved-by-peter/14-trauma-through-a-childs-eyes.html
A complete and thorough reference “rich with case studies and hands-on activities” designed to help educators, caregivers, and health professionals (don’t forget parents) in ways of recognizing, preventing, and healing trauma in children.
Here you can watch videos in which Dr. Levine speaks to ADHD and bullying in children, and trauma proofing your kids.
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Feldenkrais Method

Have you stopped participating in activities you used to enjoy? The Feldenkrais Method is for anyone who wants to reconnect with their natural abilities to move, think and feel freely. Whether you want to be more comfortable sitting at your computer, playing with your children and grandchildren, or performing a favorite pastime, these gentle lessons can improve your overall well being. Learning to move with less effort makes daily life easier. Because the Feldenkrais Method focuses on the relationship between movement and thought, increased mental awareness and creativity accompany physical improvements.
"Many of the current insights of contemporary cognitive science are illustrated by the practice of the Feldenkrais Method."
-Rafael Nunez, Ph.D. Cognitive Scientist, U.C. San Diego
"Truly extraordinary! Transformative Feldenkrais has studied the body in movement with a precision that I have found nowhere else.''
-Peter Brook, Film & Stage Director
“I can’t say enough good things about The Feldenkrais method. I believe it is the difference between continuing my competitive running career and retiring prematurely."
-Chris Boyd, National Track Champion
“I have long been intrigued by this subtle form of retraining the nervous system, which I recommend to patients whose movement has been restricted by injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. I find it to be much more useful than standard physical therapy. I also believe that the Feldenkrais Method can help older people achieve greater range of motion and flexibility, and help all of us feel more comfortable in our bodies.”
-Andrew Weil, MD, Author
“The Feldenkrais Method has allowed me to play pain free golf, without worrying about injury.’’
-Duffy Waldorf, PGA Pro
For more information go to: www.feldenkrais.com
"Many of the current insights of contemporary cognitive science are illustrated by the practice of the Feldenkrais Method."
-Rafael Nunez, Ph.D. Cognitive Scientist, U.C. San Diego
"Truly extraordinary! Transformative Feldenkrais has studied the body in movement with a precision that I have found nowhere else.''
-Peter Brook, Film & Stage Director
“I can’t say enough good things about The Feldenkrais method. I believe it is the difference between continuing my competitive running career and retiring prematurely."
-Chris Boyd, National Track Champion
“I have long been intrigued by this subtle form of retraining the nervous system, which I recommend to patients whose movement has been restricted by injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. I find it to be much more useful than standard physical therapy. I also believe that the Feldenkrais Method can help older people achieve greater range of motion and flexibility, and help all of us feel more comfortable in our bodies.”
-Andrew Weil, MD, Author
“The Feldenkrais Method has allowed me to play pain free golf, without worrying about injury.’’
-Duffy Waldorf, PGA Pro
For more information go to: www.feldenkrais.com
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Anat Baniel Method
Brad Beldner is certified in all Anat Baniel professional and advanced trainings and has been on staff to assist trainings. The Anat Baniel Method is a cutting-edge science-based approach that focuses on the brain and its remarkable abilities to change and learn. The method’s gentle movements are powerful tools that provide informational help to overcome their limitations.
ABM method wakes up the brain to create new connections, often at a staggering rate. This can lead to spontaneous, often extraordinary breakthroughs in movement, thinking, self-regulation and connection with others. By accessing the amazing powers of the brain to change itself the method helps people discover how to improve the mind and body dramatically enhancing physical, cognitive, emotional and creative performance.
The Anat Baniel Method uses tools for daily life that will awaken your brain to become the powerful learner it is designed to be. We chose the activities that are in harmony with how a brain develops. Through innovative movement exercises create new neural patterns that increase strength, flexibility, and vitality. Whether you are in good health or have a limiting diagnosis, the method gives you tools to make the impossible possible and to live life more fully, with greater joy and success.
Find out more about the Anat Baniel Method: www.anatbanielmethod.com
ABM method wakes up the brain to create new connections, often at a staggering rate. This can lead to spontaneous, often extraordinary breakthroughs in movement, thinking, self-regulation and connection with others. By accessing the amazing powers of the brain to change itself the method helps people discover how to improve the mind and body dramatically enhancing physical, cognitive, emotional and creative performance.
The Anat Baniel Method uses tools for daily life that will awaken your brain to become the powerful learner it is designed to be. We chose the activities that are in harmony with how a brain develops. Through innovative movement exercises create new neural patterns that increase strength, flexibility, and vitality. Whether you are in good health or have a limiting diagnosis, the method gives you tools to make the impossible possible and to live life more fully, with greater joy and success.
Find out more about the Anat Baniel Method: www.anatbanielmethod.com

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction MBSR
(I am currently a student the MBSR Teacher Training Program)
Stress Reduction Programs can help to move you toward greater balance, control and participation in your life... World wide, tens of thousands of people have accepted this invitation. Three decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the course report:
In contrast, you’ve probably encountered moments of “mindlessness” — a loss of awareness resulting in forgetfulness, separation from self, and a sense of living mechanically. Restoring within yourself a balanced sense of health and well being requires increased awareness of all aspects of self, including body and mind, heart and soul. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is intended to ignite this inner capacity and infuse your life with awareness.
Reawakening to what you already are... Fortunately, mindfulness is not something that you have to “get” or acquire. It is already within you — a deep internal resource available and patiently waiting to be released and used in the service of learning, growing, and healing.
People participate in MBSR for reasons as diverse as...
Background The Stress Reduction Program, founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, has been featured in the Bill Moyers’ PBS documentary Healing and The Mind, on NBC Dateline, on ABC’s Chronicle and in various national print media and is the subject of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s best selling book, Full Catastrophe Living and Saki Santorelli’s book, Heal Thy Self.
(I am currently a student the MBSR Teacher Training Program)
Stress Reduction Programs can help to move you toward greater balance, control and participation in your life... World wide, tens of thousands of people have accepted this invitation. Three decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the course report:
- Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
- An increased ability to relax
- Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
- Improved self-esteem
- An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.
In contrast, you’ve probably encountered moments of “mindlessness” — a loss of awareness resulting in forgetfulness, separation from self, and a sense of living mechanically. Restoring within yourself a balanced sense of health and well being requires increased awareness of all aspects of self, including body and mind, heart and soul. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is intended to ignite this inner capacity and infuse your life with awareness.
Reawakening to what you already are... Fortunately, mindfulness is not something that you have to “get” or acquire. It is already within you — a deep internal resource available and patiently waiting to be released and used in the service of learning, growing, and healing.
People participate in MBSR for reasons as diverse as...
- Stress — job, family or financial
- Chronic pain and illness
- Anxiety and panic
- GI distress
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
Background The Stress Reduction Program, founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, has been featured in the Bill Moyers’ PBS documentary Healing and The Mind, on NBC Dateline, on ABC’s Chronicle and in various national print media and is the subject of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s best selling book, Full Catastrophe Living and Saki Santorelli’s book, Heal Thy Self.
Theater Improvisation Games

Theater Improvisation Games and dramatic play are a fun and exciting way to quickly boost self-confidence, creativity, and cooperation in children, teens and adults. Through these simple and fun games we learn to connect, communicate and collaborate with others in inspiring, compelling and authentic ways. These techniques benefit people of all ages whether they are school age children or corporate executives, dramatically improving emotional intelligence, learning, productivity and results. Any individuals who wish to increase confidence and natural charisma in social situations will also greatly benefit from Theater Games.
Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of body therapy highly effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual and no forceful manipulations are used. The practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further facilitate the neuro-muscular re-education process that begins in the session.
Osteopathic manual bodywork methods like Craniosacral Therapy are highly effective in helping to alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.
Osteopathic manual bodywork methods like Craniosacral Therapy are highly effective in helping to alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.
Advanced Orthopedic Bodywork
Brad Beldner is a Nationally Certified Bodywork Therapist (NCMBT) with over 30 years of experience, and trained in a variety of clinical orthopedic bodywork modalities including:
- Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (Certified Feldenkrais Movement Teacher, CFT)
- Anat Baniel Method for Children (Anat Baniel Method Advanced Practitioner)
- Kathy Kain Somatic Practice in Touch and Trauma Recovery
- Ortho-Bionomy
- Craniosacral Therapy / Osteopathic influenced Methods
- Advanced Myofasial Therapy / Positional release (strain-counter strain)
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Shiatsu
- Acupressure
- Assisted Stretching
- Personal Fitness Training and Ergonomic Consulting
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BRAD BELDNER, SEP, CFT, NCTMTB
Integrative Somatic Therapy
415 Cambridge Avenue Suite 18, Palo Alto CA, 94306, USA
+1 (650) 630-2036 bradbeldner@yahoo.com
BRAD BELDNER, SEP, CFT, NCTMTB
Integrative Somatic Therapy
415 Cambridge Avenue Suite 18, Palo Alto CA, 94306, USA
+1 (650) 630-2036 bradbeldner@yahoo.com