What is Lifespan Integration?

As a clinician, my primary method for clearing trauma in clients is through the employment of a modality called "Lifespan Integration." One of the primary reasons why I love using LI with clients is that it strays away from the more typical "talk-therapy" approach and guides the clients through a more directive and experiential experience. For a more in-depth explanation, read more below:

The following excerpt is taken from Lifespan Integration: Connecting Ego States Through Time by Peggy Pace (2003).

Lifespan Integration (LI), as its name implies, is a new therapy that integrates neural structures and firing patterns throughout the body-mind, and across the lifespan. LI can be used to clear trauma or to build self structure or both, depending on the history and needs of the client. Repetitions of a visual and sensory timeline are unique to all the LI protocols.

The most dramatic application of LI therapy can be seen in the clearing of past or recent traumas using the LI PTSD protocol. Even the most entrenched cases of PTSD will typically resolve after one or two sessions of LI. An individual who was functional and able to operate in the world prior to a traumatic even will be able to return to his normal functioning immediately after one or two sessions of LI focused on the traumatic event.

Even the most entrenched cases of PTSD will typically resolve after one or two sessions of LI.

LI can also be used to help clients overcome the effects of early trauma and neglect. Individuals whose early needs were not met, and those whose early environments were chaotic, inconsistent, or hostile will need many more sessions of LI therapy than will clients who are securely attached and who functioned well prior to a traumatic incident. Individuals who experienced early trauma or neglect will benefit most from the LI protocols which build self structure, change attachment patterns, and improve regulation of emotion.

Secure attachment in humans is engendered, beginning at birth, through an interactive process between parent and child. A securely attached parent is able to meet the early attachment needs of her newborn infant. An infant who is loved and cared for will understand at a deep level that he is important, lovable, and valuable. He will grow up to be a securely attached adult. Human babies are born in a very vulnerable, unfinished state, with largely undeveloped nervous systems. Newborn babies are 'designed' to be in constant contact with their mothers. Parents who had their own early needs met are usually capable of providing their infants with the physical and emotional environments conducive to optimal growth and development. A securely attached mother is able to remain attuned to her infant. This attunement allows the forming nervous system of the infant to sufficiently 'download' and internalize the needed neural structures for affect regulation and self-love. This interactive process continues for the first few years of the child's life, as his nervous system develops.

For more information related to Lifespan Integration, check out the Lifespan Integration website here: https://lifespanintegration.com/what-is-lifespan-integration/

Do you have any feedback/questions on this article? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know. I'd love to continue learning with you :)