Soma Neuromuscular Integration® is a form of fascial bodywork that releases and re-educates the deep tissues of the body, leading to increased ease, balance, awareness, expression and grace in all parts of our lives. The fascia of our body, with trauma and age becomes increasingly tight and bound. This binding often requires extra energy to carry out the activities of our daily lives. Furthermore, our ability to move and act, in ways that are truly authentic to us, become limited and difficult. By differentiating the muscles and fascia, and by lengthening, opening, and lifting the body we are able to find new ways of moving and being that better serve our core.

Clients have found increased energy, better balance, greater athletic abilities, more personal awareness, less pain, faster recovery, and emotional balance to be some of the benefits of SOMA Neuromuscular Integration®. This is typically achieved through the 11-Session Series, where each session addresses a different part of the body. Treatment sessions are also a successful option for clients looking to focus on a specific area. Both the 11-Session Series and Treatment work sessions are typically 1.5 to 2 hours long and best received every 1-2 weeks. Both the 11-Session Series and Treatment Sessions are $180. One hour Treatment Sessions are $95.

Experienced as a whole, profound changes often take place. Furthermore, Soma continues to progress or evoke change, even after completion of the work. It is not uncommon for clients to continue experiencing positive changes in their bodies and life, long after the sessions are complete. Soma is suited for any individual who takes an active role in their health, wellness and healing.

The body and mind are intimately connected. The ways we affect and balance our bodies physically will also be reflected in the ways we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Through the bodywork and guided drawings, photographs, a series of readings provided after each session, and movement re-education exercises, the whole person is encouraged to heal and grow, finding sustainable yet new and dynamic ways of expression and vitality.

History of Soma Neuromuscular Integration®
Soma Neuromuscular Integration® as a modality formally began in 1977. Bill Williams Ph.D. and Ellen Gregory-Williams Ph.D. together developed Soma as a distinct form of Structural Integration. Ten-session Structural Integration began by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950's. The Rolf Institute® was founded in 1971 as the first organization to train Rolf practitioners.

Dr. Williams was the first Rolfer™ to leave the Rolf Institute® and develop a distinct structural school, the Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration®. Dr. Williams, a Psychologist, embraced the body, mind and spirit as a non-separate whole. The theory and teaching of Soma Bodywork reflects this basic understanding of wholeness.

In 1986 the Soma Institute was moved to Washington State. The Soma work was expanded into a professional licensing program and was one of the first Structural Integration programs to be licensed in Washington. Karen L. Bolesky M.A., L.M.H.C., L.M.P. is the current owner and primary faculty of the Soma Institute. She continues to develop and expand the work in Buckley, Washington.

Somassage
Somassage is a form of massage that draws from the theory and techniques of Soma Neuromuscular Integration. It is great for those who would like to experience a lighter and comprehensive version of Soma. It is also beneficial for those who have completed the series and would simply like a tune-up or reminder of what they gained in the full series. Sessions are generally 1.5 hours in length.