Integrative Wellness Academy Review and Why I Became An ISP (Integrative Somatic Practitioner)

Since completing my training as an Integrative Somatic Practitioner (ISP) with the Integrative Wellness Academy (IWA), I’ve received so many questions and DMs on Instagram from others who are considering the program themselves. This brings me so much joy, as I personally believe now more than ever, that the world needs more integrative somatic practitioners! It is an excellent certification that can be useful for your own personal wellbeing, but it is also a great certification to add to your other tools and skills, if you are a health coach, yoga instructor, therapist, or other practitioner. Through the ISP certification, you can expand your career to experience more freedom and flexibility while also helping others through somatic practices.

This post outlines my honest Integrative Wellness Academy review of the ISP program, answers common questions about the curriculum, and shares what inspired me to become an ISP.

What is an Integrative Somatic Practitioner (ISP)?

An integrative Somatic Practitioner (ISP) is trained to help people more effectively deal with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma through effective somatic (body-based) tools and techniques that empower individuals to increase their capacity for stressors, process and release stuck stress and trauma and even better understand and re-write the neural pathways (behavior patterns) that have developed as a result of current and past stuck emotions.

They help their clients gain more freedom, peace of mind, as well as a grounded and balanced approach to their lives and daily stressors.

From the website:

When the central nervous system is calm and safe, the mind becomes clearer. Life becomes more effectively lived. Thriving becomes possible. Everything that shows up in the physical body is feedback. The body is always talking to us, it is our job to learn to listen, honor and respond.

Somatization is the name used when emotional distress is expressed by physical symptoms. Everyone experiences somatization at times. Examples include your heart beating fast or butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous or muscles becoming tense and sore when you feel angry or under stress. Ever since people’s responses to overwhelming experiences have been systematically explored, researchers have noted that trauma is stored in somatic memory and expressed as changes in the biological stress response.

My inspiration for becoming an ISP

Ever since I found out I had candida overgrowth over four years ago, I’ve been on a holistic health and wellness journey to improve my physical (gut) health, as that impacted my mental and emotional states so much.

Fast forward a few years later and unexpectedly I started to have a lot of unexplained symptoms like dizziness, feeling wobbly/off balance, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and barely having any energy to get out of bed in the morning and move around. This saddened me deeply as I was always someone who loved to be out and about, enjoying my life. During this time, I was pretty much stuck in my apartment for a solid month, feeling miserable and wondering what was wrong with me. I had gone to see the doctors, gotten tests done, but nothing seemed to work.

During this time, I learned about somatic coaching and was curious to give it a try since I had tried everything else. To me, it felt counterintuitive because I was having all of these symptoms/sensations in my body, the last thing I wanted to do was get into my body! But I decided to give it a try and sought out somatic coaching with a trained somatic practitioner.

She taught me that through somatic work we could work to find relief in the body and thus relief in the mind. I thought it was such a novel approach and was excited to try it out. After two sessions working together, I started to feel well enough to start moving again (I had become afraid of taking my daily walks!) and then from there, I continued to heal and started feeling better.

It was through the somatic work that I did that gave me my old (vibrant) life back. I was feeling so much better in body, mind and spirit and I knew I wanted to become an Integrative Somatic Practitioner myself so I could support others in healing when traditional efforts weren’t working.

What is the IWA Program?

The Integrative Wellness Academy ISP program is a self-paced certification program that trains and equips you to help people more effectively deal with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma through effective tools and techniques that empower individuals to increase their capacity for stressors, process and release stuck stress and trauma and even better understand and re-write the neural pathways (behavior patterns) that have developed as a result of current and past stuck emotions.

It is a certification program that can be practiced as a stand-alone business or can be easily integrated into any mental health, life coaching or body work practice. that will transform your business!

IWA Review | Common Questions

What is the IWA program curriculum?

The curriculum provides a solid understanding of somatic work and foundations, which include:

Understanding Mind-body-heart-spirit connection
Quantum physics
Autonomic Nervous System
The Body Keeps Score
Stress Response, Management, and Tools
Kinesiology & Anatomy
Somatic Tools and Techniques
Business and Getting Clients

Future ISPs can also expect to learn about holding space and active listening, how to complete the client consultation process, and guiding clients through an initial intake and follow up somatic session.

Learn more about the ISP program curriculum here.

What type of coursework is included?

Each video module includes handouts as well as a practice session for you to try out the tool yourself and share your experience. There is a reading report, as well as a practicum component and final exam at the end of the course.

For the practicum, you will conduct two full sessions with a volunteer client (the initial intake session and follow up full somatic session).

How long does it take to complete the ISP certification?

In general, the certification course takes an average of 55-60 hours to complete. I worked on modules each week and was able to complete the certification in about 2-3 months.

Is the IWA program completed online?

Yes, the curriculum is provided in video modules online.

Can you complete the program at your own pace?

Yes. The program is completely self-paced. You can watch the video modules at your own time, and get support from the private Facebook Group or by scheduling time with an instructor.

Is it possible to complete the ISP certification while working full time?

Absolutely. I spent a few weeknights after work completing the video modules and a weekend or two completing the practicum and other assignments and it worked seamlessly into my full schedule.

How much does the IWA program cost?

The cost of the program, as of the date this blog post was last updated, is $1,200 USD.

How can you apply to the IWA program?

Click here to learn more and enroll in the program! I would love it if you list me (lisa) as your referral on your order form! Also if you enter my name (lisa) in the coupon code, you’ll receive $50 off your enrollment! This $50 discount code only works if you enroll in full/single payment enrollment vs payment plan option.

IWA Review | My Experience

Why I personally chose the IWA program

To be sure I was making the best choice for me, I researched a few other programs before committing to the IWA program.

I chose the IWA program over others I researched because of its strong emphasis on the somatic foundations and tools and techniques, as well as it being more affordable. I wanted a program that I could complete in a few months time so that I could get my certification and feel confident to take on somatic clients.

Overall, I felt like the IWA program gave me a really strong foundation for helping others through somatic work, and the program also equipped me to feel confident in conducting somatic sessions with clients.

I also love how the ISP certification can be incorporated into what you are already doing (either as a health coach, yoga instructor, career coach, or some other type of holistic practitioner) or can be used as a stand alone service in helping people to address trauma, chronic stress and other emotional/physical/mental blockages in the body, mind and spirit.

What’s next for me after completing my ISP certification?

Since graduating from the IWA program in January of 2024, I have been able to incorporate somatic work into my private practice and work 1:1 with clients on reducing chronic stress and tension in the body for better health, more joy, clearer skin, and radiant energy daily. I have combined my work as an esthetician with somatic practices to help clients improve their day to day life, and it has been incredibly rewarding.

In the future, I will continue to add to my knowledge and ever expanding somatic toolkit and take other programs, courses and certifications, but for now, I truly believe the ISP curriculum will prove beneficial and valuable for years to come.

In addition, through the ISP certification, I have been able to use the tools and techniques in my own life and have seen amazing results in my health, wellbeing and happiness. It was truly one of the best investments I’ve made in my career, business, and health.

Apply to Become an ISP

I hope you enjoyed this Integrative Wellness Academy review! Ready to become an ISP and help change lives through an integrative inside-out approach to healing?

I recently joined the Integrative Wellness Academy team as a student ambassador because I loved the school so much. If you are interested in learning more about a career as a somatic practitioner and have any questions or want to jump on a quick 10 minute call to chat, email me here.

If you are ready to enroll - click here to learn more and to enroll! I would love it if you list me (lisa) as your referral on your application! Also if you enter lisa in the coupon code section, you’ll receive $50 off your tuition. This $50 discount code only works if you enroll in full/single payment enrollment vs payment plan option.