What is Primitive Reflex Integration?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements we’re all born with. They help the brain and body grow in the early stages of life, laying the foundation for movement, emotional regulation, learning, and sensory processing. These reflexes are meant to fade (integrate) as the brain matures. But sometimes—due to birth stress, developmental delays, trauma, or injury—they remain active into childhood, the teen years, or even adulthood. When that happens, the nervous system may stay in a constant state of tension or stress, which can lead to difficulty concentrating, emotional outbursts, poor coordination, anxiety, sleep issues, or chronic fatigue.

Reflex integration helps calm the nervous system and improve how the brain and body work together—supporting better focus, emotional balance, and physical ease at any age.

Primitive Reflex Integration uses gentle, rhythmic movements that mimic the natural patterns we go through in early development. These movements help the brain “complete” the developmental steps it may have missed, strengthening the neural pathways needed for self-regulation, coordination, and cognitive function.

For children and teens, this can mean improvements in school performance, emotional control, and behavior. For adults, integration work can reduce stress, chronic tension, anxiety, and even support recovery from burnout or trauma.

The process is natural, non-invasive, and grounded in the understanding that movement is key to brain development and resilience—at every stage of life.

Sessions are tailored to the individual—whether it’s a young child, a teenager navigating school or social stress, or an adult seeking relief from long-standing patterns. After a brief conversation to understand needs and goals, I work with you (or your child) through gentle, relaxing movements—either lying down, seated, or in simple standing postures. The experience is calm and respectful, and often described as grounding or soothing.

For children and teens, parents may be given short, easy movement sequences to support progress at home. For adults, sessions can also integrate breathing, awareness, and posture work to improve daily functioning and emotional well-being. The goal is to create lasting change by supporting the brain and nervous system where it all begins.