Postural Integration

The Evolution of Postural Integration® (PI)

Jack Painter’s Visionary Work in Postural Integration® (PI)

Jack Painter, originally a philosophy professor at the University of Miami, was a true pioneer in the field of humanistic psychology and deep bodywork. In the 1970s, he developed Postural Integration® (PI), a groundbreaking methodology that harmonized the physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of individuals. At a time when mind-body therapies were just beginning to gain traction, Painter’s work was revolutionary, laying the foundation for approaches that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in holistic healing today. PI gained significant recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for its comprehensive approach, which drew from a variety of techniques including Gestalt therapy, bioenergetics, Reichian therapy, psychodrama, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, five element theory, acupressure, structural integration (Rolfing), yoga, and Zazen.

A Personal Journey: Discovering Postural Integration®

I first met Jack Painter in 1985, when I was working as a young movement (psycho)therapist at the University of Leuven’s Psychiatric Centers. A colleague introduced me to Painter’s work, and it was a revelation. After years of engaging in bioenergetics, experiencing Postural Integration® added a profound new dimension to my understanding of myself and the human bodymind. The impact was not just superficial; it reached deep into the core of my being. I vividly recall how the work touched my periosteum and opened my intermuscular septa, dramatically enhancing my sense of interoception while releasing deeply stored painful emotions. As Jack often said, “The unarmored, active, and receptive individual has a consistent, soft yet firm tone from the skin inward to the deepest structures.” I could feel my body transforming toward such evenness. Through my own experience, I realized that fascia is not just a structural component but the greatest sensory organ, deeply influencing our connection to reality.

However, this deep work also uncovered layers of repressed anxiety and fear that I had no idea were stored within my body. I realized that the process of de-armoring is a gradual one that must be approached with care and within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship. Jack’s approach to therapy was always infused with a sense of playfulness, even in the gravest moments. He lived by his philosophy, often reminding us, “Grabbing for pleasure takes you outside yourself. Instead, you can stay inside your own skin and know that whatever happens, you’ll still be okay.”

During my years working in psychiatric clinics, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Postural Integration®. Even patients with chronic schizophrenia showed significant improvement, becoming more coherent and, in some cases, able to live independently. One woman, referred to me by her psychoanalyst, eventually moved into protected care outside the clinic, a testament to the profound impact of this work.

As I continued to develop my practice and pursue additional training, I began to create my own method, Core Strokes™. Yet, the foundation laid by Jack Painter remains central to everything I do. I am forever grateful not only for the privilege of having him as my therapist and trainer but also for the nine years he guided me on my journey to becoming a trainer of Postural Integration®. It was an honor to have been his close friend for 25 years. We worked closely together, offering four-year training programs, organizing congresses worldwide, and promoting the work through the International Council of Bodymind Integrators. Jack passed away in 2010, but his legacy continues to inspire my work.

The Legacy of Jack Painter and Postural Integration®

Jack Painter’s contributions to the field of bodywork cannot be overstated. His deep understanding of the interconnections between emotions, cognition, and physical structure was ahead of its time and continues to influence modern therapeutic practices. He received the complete structural integration protocol from Ida Rolf herself, trained with Bill Williams in Soma, and learned Gestalt therapy with Fritz Perls and Marty Fromm. He was also a Reichian Therapist, serving for many years at the Instituto Wilhelm Reich in Mexico, where he collaborated with Dr. Rafael Estrada Villa. Additionally, Jack worked with Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing. His approach was not just innovative but also transformative, offering a holistic view of the human experience that remains relevant today. The methodologies he developed have been carried forward by his students and those who practice PI, ensuring that his legacy endures in the continued evolution of body-mind and body psychotherapies.

The Role of Posture in Emotional and Cognitive Health

Jack Painter was a trailblazer in exploring how emotions are intricately connected to anatomical structure. He recognized that posture is not merely a physical stance but encompasses emotional and cognitive components as well. For instance, understanding an individual with over-thickened fascia and an aggressive personality requires a simultaneous approach that considers character style, energy distribution, and emotional patterns of armoring.

Armoring: A Barrier to Emotional Release

Armoring, a concept introduced by Wilhelm Reich and further expanded by Jack Painter, refers to the muscular tension, decreased motility, postural misalignments, and character attitudes that serve as defense mechanisms against the emergence of unwanted or intolerable emotions, sensations, and experiences. According to Reich, armoring blocks the natural flow of emotions and organ sensations, particularly anxiety, rage, and sexual excitation. Painter emphasized how armoring, as a response to trauma, affects both the outer and inner movements of the fascia network, as well as patterns of breathing and emotional expression.

Fascia and the Energetic Breath Cycle

Painter’s categorization of fascia into superficial, intermediate, and deep layers underscored their critical roles in movement and emotional expression. His approach sought to release chronic tension within these layers, facilitating emotional and physical healing. He introduced the concept of the Energetic Breath Cycle, also known as the Chart of the Natural Flow of Energy, to describe the breathing blocks associated with character styles and myofascial armoring. This model outlines the steps in the therapeutic process, including phases of release and integration, aiming to achieve a balanced distribution of energy across the body’s fascia layers.

Core Strokes™: Expanding on Postural Integration’s Foundations

Integrating Formative Psychology and Physical Form

Building on the strong foundation laid by Postural Integration®, my work in Core Strokes™ continues to delve into the connections between emotions and physical form, particularly through the lens of formative psychology. Understanding cellular dynamics and energetic movements is crucial in this context. Wilhelm Reich’s original concept of energy functioning, represented by the cycles of expansion and contraction, plays a significant role. Habitual contraction, characterized by blocking and holding, is seen as anti-life, while natural energy flow involves an in-stroke (the gathering inward movement of life force) and an out-stroke (the outward pulsatory flow of life force).

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

In the relational field, the in-stroke of a child needs to be met by an adequate out-stroke from the caregiver. Albert Pesso’s concept of “shape and countershape”—where each need (shape) has a corresponding satisfaction (countershape)—is central to this process. Balancing the masculine (active) and feminine (receptive) principles is essential for achieving a unified state.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Integration in Core Strokes™

The Body as a Source of Insight

In Core Strokes™, verbal and non-verbal cues are used simultaneously as sources of information, guiding us towards what is beneficial and what is not. The body remains a vital source of insight, continually revealing material for exploration. Through verbal refinement, we deepen the integration of the ego, ‘pilot,’ and will dimensions. We also refine our understanding of energy dynamics by introducing concepts such as incitation (internal awakening of energy) and incitants (stimuli that provoke internal responses), which deepen our understanding of life’s meaning.

Creating New Imprints: The Role of Ideal Figures

Core Strokes™ also incorporates techniques from Core Energetics, such as the use of ideal figures, witness figures, and the creation of new imprints or memories in a symbolic arena. These practices allow for the integration of embodied spiritual insights and the healing of early trauma through touch.

Understanding Decision-Making and Memory in Therapy

Exploring the Four Arenas of Experience

In therapy, it’s crucial to recognize that decision-making is influenced by both present experiences and past memories. Core Strokes™ distinguishes four distinct arenas and two time periods within the therapeutic process:

1. External Reality Theatre: The present-day interactions and events occurring in the therapy room.

2. Internal Theatre: The internal play of thoughts and emotions, observed within the mind’s eye, as the individual processes present reality while reacting to past memories.

3. Internal, Hidden Theatre: The unconscious bodily responses to present events, influenced by memories of past experiences.

4. External Symbolic Theatre: The Core Strokes™ process arena, where the facilitator helps the client externalize and express their internal experiences in the here-and-now.

Conclusion: Core Strokes™—A Tribute and Evolution of Postural and Energetic Integration

Core Strokes™: Building on Painter’s Legacy

Core Strokes™ stands as a living testament to the pioneering work of Jack Painter and his groundbreaking Postural Integration®. This approach not only builds on the understanding of how the body, mind, and emotions are interconnected but also extends and deepens these principles in new and profound ways. By incorporating techniques from Core Energetics and PBSP and focusing on the body’s innate wisdom, Core Strokes™ continues the process of healing and transformation that Painter so passionately advocated.

In addressing the layers of fascia, the energetic cycles of the body, and the emotional imprints stored within, Core Strokes™

In addressing the layers of fascia, the energetic cycles of the body, and the emotional imprints stored within, Core Strokes™ offers a comprehensive methodology that supports individuals in achieving greater harmony and well-being in their lives. It is through this careful balance of continuity and innovation that Core Strokes™ widens the field of what is possible in body-mind-spirit therapy, ensuring that the legacy of Jack Painter endures and thrives in the generations to come.

Core Strokes™ is not just a continuation of Postural Integration®; it is an evolution that honors Painter’s foundational principles while exploring new dimensions of human potential. By delving deeper into the connections between the physical body, emotional health, and spiritual awareness, Core Strokes™ offers a holistic and integrative approach that addresses the complexities of modern life.

As we look forward, the future of body-mind therapy is bright, with Core Strokes™ paving the way for new insights and practices that will empower individuals to live more fully and authentically. My journey, deeply intertwined with Jack’s teachings, has been one of continuous learning and transformation—a path that I hope to share with others who are committed to exploring the profound interconnections between body, mind, and spirit.

In conclusion, I am profoundly grateful for the influence and guidance of Jack Painter, whose work continues to inspire and shape my practice. Core Strokes™ stands as a testament to his visionary approach, ensuring that his legacy not only survives but flourishes as it continues to evolve. Together, let us carry forward the torch of Postural Integration®, honoring the past while embracing the future, in the ongoing journey of healing and growth.

Dirk Marivoet, MSc has worked closely with Jack Painter for over 25 years and is a certified Postural Integration trainer. He has further developed Postural Integration into Core Strokes ™. Dirk studied body-oriented psychotherapy alongside other forms of body-oriented therapy at an academic level for many years as a staff member and scientist at the KULeuven. This unique work can now be learned in various locations around the world.