Yes, it is definitely a process. It generally takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks to fully integrate the returned soul pieces. You'll notice shifts and changes in your thinking, feelings and/or mood, and behavior over this period of time. Sometimes people forget that they had a soul retrieval yet find their lives changing, sometimes dramatically, for the better.

Usually when I've done these on behalf of someone, the soul aspect herself lets me know what she wants from the client. Generally, these are not difficult or unusual requests. With a child aspect that's been returned for instance, very often they want you to play with them. Another way is to create a dialogue between yourself and the soul piece, perhaps even writing down what this newly recovered part of you has to say or express.

Another way that I've found that helps this to be more effective and efficient, particularly for a child part, is to take a surrogate, such as a pillow and rock and talk and sing to this part as you hold the pillow to represent the aspect. Whichever it is, it's important to give some attention to her. Otherwise, there is a risk that they may once again split off if you don't give them some nurturing and care. Don't worry though: if this happens, you can go and get another shamanic treatment.