Integrative Somatic Parts Work: What it is and How it Can Support a More Fulfilling Life

Several years ago I completed a year-long training with Kelly Clancy, OTR/L. Kelly is the founder of Tensegrity Medicine™, an approach rooted in systems theory. Her approach interweaves Internal Family Systems (parts work) with light touch body-work.

I slowly integrated this method into my sessions as I was working my way through the training. I could see first hand how the parts dialogue enhanced the hands-on myofascial work.

I also deepened into this work for my own healing. I have worked with several practitioners and incorporate parts meditations into my routines. I have also completed more in-depth trainings with IFS Institute trained practitioners. I am currently halfway through one of those intensive Internal Family Systems courses.

I continue to find that when I bring this method into sessions with clients, greater integration occurs. The relationship between the mind and body strengthens and self understanding deepens.

As an occupational therapist our professional purview is roomy. At the core of occupational therapy is systems thinking. In our work, we see the broader view. We don’t see a person as a one dimensional being. We understand that people take shape in response to a variety of factors. We adapt to our environment, culture, society’s role expectations, beliefs, relationships and more. The shape we take can impact how much, when, and whether we can engage in occupations that are meaningful.

The integration of parts work into my practice has felt intuitive and natural. I am eager to continue expanding into this area so that I can best serve the clients who find me.

One of the trainings I took was with Fran Booth, an IFS trained therapist and instructor. She titled her method: Integrative Somatic Parts Work. This approach interweaves Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) with other trauma-informed models. It brings the body more intimately into the parts work practices.

Integrative Somatic Parts Work is grounded in the idea that our inner world consists of parts. Together, these parts form an inner family system. All our parts hold a positive intention and they try to protect us from experiencing pain. They can also have conflict with each other and act in ineffective or unhelpful ways.

This work teaches us to relate to all our parts with curiosity and care. In this way, we allow each part to reveal hidden agendas and the pain it protects us from.

Integrative Somatic Parts Work helps us to engage with this inner system. It supports us in getting to know each part’s subtleties, intentions, and beliefs.

Here is an example of how parts might show up inside: have you ever had an inner conflict? Where one part of you felt like saying yes to something? And, another part wanted to say no? Or, one part of you wanted to stay in a relationship? Yet, another part wanted to leave that relationship?

Naturally, we might explore those seemingly opposing views inside. Yet, if we look more deeply the yes voice and the no voice might have a similar intention. To keep us safe, avoid pain, and help us to experience more happiness and fulfillment.

Through Integrative Somatic Parts Work, we hold space for understanding. To let each part express beliefs, agendas, and fears. We give room inside for more discovery. Once we understand each part we often can see more clearly. We can choose a path that supports the entire inner system. Instead of only hearing the loudest voice inside our head.

What I love about this work is that it is about being with, understanding more, and letting go of trying to fix something about ourselves.

We are designed to adapt, and so we do just that (in our body and in our minds). It is when we outgrow that adaptation and it starts to cause harm. We start to experience pain (emotional, physical, mental). These painful experiences are signals. A calling out from inside to look, to learn, to lean in. When the positive intention of our parts are revealed we can adapt again. Making slow, intentional adjustments that support our roles, routines, and occupations today.

If you are curious about Integrative Somatic Parts Work, please reach out. You can schedule a free phone consultation on my scheduling site here. 

Resources and credits: Tensegrity Medicine™ / Integrative Somatic Parts Work / Internal Family Systems / Image credit: Julia Ly