Somatic Integration work bridges body–mind practices (Somatic Work) with internal dialogue practices (Parts Work). This approach allows us to cultivate self compassion and the power of our will. Our will gives us the ability to respond rather than react out of impulses–or “trauma responses”. Trauma responses are nervous system reactions that cause us to repeat old patterns. This can look like self sabotage, anxiety, avoidance, dissociation, apathy, reactivity, overwhelm, people pleasing, etc.

These nervous system responses are not operated by the conscious mind, so in order to rewire these patterns, we must work at the level of the unconscious. Talk therapy works at the level of the conscious mind, which is why it often fails to create true lasting change. Somatic Integration works at the level of the unconscious to rewire at a nervous system level, so we may free ourselves from living on autopilot. This is what allows us to move from victimhood to empowerment–from fate to destiny.

With Somatic Work, we start by building a mind–body connection (what we call interoception). This allows us to tune into sensations and discover where old imprints are still shaping how our nervous system reacts today. For example, if someone feels a tightness in their chest about a current situation, we might connect that sensation to a past experience. Rather than getting stuck in the story of the past, we learn to witness and allow the body to complete the emotional or physical release. This de-charges repressed emotion and frees up energy that had been locked away. In addition to release work, somatic regulation practices help us build a sense of inner safety. As the nervous system regains safety, we naturally build the capacity to break old patterns and make new, empowered choices.

Parts Work is an approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts” or sub-personalities, each with its own perspective, needs, and strategies for keeping us safe. By connecting with these parts — for example, an inner child or an inner critic— we can uncover the hidden beliefs and defenses that drive our nervous system’s patterns. Through compassionate dialogue, we shift from being at the mercy of these reactions to becoming a mindful observer of them. Over time, this practice strengthens our relationship with an inner adult or “higher self”, allowing us to respond from the will our present-day awareness rather than old programming. This is also what someone may call “shadow integration.”