Structural Integration

Introduction

Structural Integration (SI) is an advanced form of bodywork and somatic therapy that works with the fascial connective tissues in relationship to gravity. SI was developed by Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf in the 1940’s.

Dr. Kirstie Bender Segarra, PhD BCSI LMT ERYT CIAYT founded our university program. They had the vision of a program that creates more access to the traditional 10-series developed by Dr. Ida Rolf for people of the southwest region. We accomplished this in partnership with UNM-Taos as a public non-profit institution of learning.

Rather than working on symptoms, Dr. Rolf “evolved a series and sequence of manipulations to change how structure relates to the planet. The gravity of this decision led to developing a sequence of manipulative sessions known as the 10-series. When she first began developing her approach, osteopaths and chiropractors were among the few medical professionals who believed the body could improve with fascial manipulation. The model of osteopathy, that structure creates function, was a key in the development of her work. She also explored man’s relationship to gravity as pivotal to structural and functional patterns, problems, and prospects. The insight that connective tissue holds the body in space and that bones act as spacers brought new relationships to light. And Rolf’s work is all about relationships: soft tissue to hard, matter to energy, structure to function, and connective tissue to health and well-being.”¹

Our teaching philosophy is geared around a central question of “what would Ida do now?”. Classically the basic 10-series was for beginning bodyworkers however, our students transfer their previous experience in other body centered therapies to study an advanced form of the series that is inclusive of the 10-series lineage, manual osteopathic approaches, visceral, neural, bone work, embryology, movement therapy and more. Our lead faculty team works together to create new curriculum that meets the latest research in connective tissue a.k.a. fascia.

The program is geared toward current Licensed Massage Therapists as well as instructors of body-centered therapies like Pilates, Feldenkrais and yoga. The 510 contact hours of training will meet the International Association of Structural Integration (IASI) requirements for training in the SI Series work. In order to meet training standards in Anatomy, Physiology and Ethics, enrollees may take classes offered through the Medical Massage program or by other similar programs.

The program is an advanced curriculum that is designed to advance one’s knowledge and practices. Students enrolled in the program are expected to have the basic anatomical and physiology knowledge in the prerequisites for enrollment and be able to test out with the knowledge in the first week of the program. Additionally, students will be expected to engage with the material for 5-10 hours between classes in order to maintain competency.

How to Apply

Applicants may apply directly to the UNM-Taos Structural Integration Program at http://taos.unm.edu/home/integrative-health-and-medical-massage/ under the link for the SI program.

Applications are due by April 1st, 2024 and must include two letters of reference (one professional and one personal) and transcripts of prerequisites.

All applications are reviewed in a committee format by director and two faculty members. Formal approvals for admittance to the program are sent via e-mail by May1, 2024. The program begins in August of 2024 (see calendar below).

Once you are accepted to the program, you need to apply for enrollment at UNM-Taos via our on-line application process at taos.unm.edu. Our academic advisors will help you enroll in the required classes for the program once they process your academic transcripts and the formal approval to the SI program. Financial aid possibilities can be explored through our financial aid office and by applying to FAFSA on-line. See flow chart below.

Please allow ample time for your application process to allow transcripts from other institutions to be sent to UNM-Taos. It is recommended that as soon as you receive your acceptance you apply to UNM-Taos to not delay entry to the program.

For more information please contact the Program Director, Kirstie Segarra at ksegarra@unm.edu. Dr. Segarra is happy to do an informal Zoom meeting to learn more details on the program and learn how to apply.

This program is offered bi-annually. The next round will be 2024.