Soma Structural Integration (formerly Soma Neuromuscular Integration®) was developed by Bill Williams, Ph.D. in 1977. As a psychologist, Bill came to realize the vital role that the body plays in achieving deep and lasting psychological change. To this end he taught and collaborated with Ida Rolf in the early development of her well-known fascia manipulation work, Rolfing. It was with her blessing that Williams went on to develop Soma, which embraces the body, mind and spirit as a non-separate whole.

The current generation of Soma continues to value both the sequencing of sessions, successively unwrapping myofascial layers in keeping with Dr. Rolf's original design, as well as Dr. Williams' contribution of active client involvement in the process of change. Innovations in approach, technique, and the training of practitioners continues to influence the evolution of the Soma work today. In addition to Structural Integration, graduate practitioners receive Somatic Movement Education that is developmentally based. Following the original blueprint of the human mobility process, practitioners explore with their clients possibilities for a larger sense of somatic integrity, or wholeness of bodybeing through movement and hands-on work.

Jesse Guerrero and Kelsi Giswold are lead instructors in the program, assisted by Alex Goldstein, Kimberly Lorton, and Vanessa Wood.

The Soma Institute is recognized as one of the major schools of SI by the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI), and is a State and National Massage licensing program. Soma is also accredited and a CE provider with the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is licensed by WA State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and the Washington and Oregon Board of Massage.

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