Amy Hagerstrom, LCSW, SEP
Somatic Psychotherapist
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner specializing in trauma, anxiety, and the challenges that can come with midlife. My approach to therapy includes both mind and body. Based in Delray Beach, Florida, I work online with adults throughout Florida and Illinois.
Book a 10-Minute ConsultationMy path to this work began long before I became a therapist. I taught yoga and worked as a massage therapist before pursuing graduate training in social work and somatic therapy. Those experiences shaped my understanding of how closely our physical and emotional experiences are connected, and eventually led me to Somatic Experiencing.
Hi, I’m Amy.
My interest in somatic therapy is personal as well as professional. Years ago, during a particularly difficult time in my life, I started practicing yoga for the first time. I began to notice that I felt more connected to myself and had access to feelings that had been difficult for me to reach. I didn’t understand why yoga was having that effect on me, but I knew something important had changed.
That experience made me curious about bringing the body more directly into therapy, which eventually brought me to Somatic Experiencing. In my own SE sessions, as I developed more felt safety, I found that I could stay with emotions that had previously been difficult to access or tolerate. There was enough safety for me to actually feel and process more of what was there, instead of only talking about it.
Experiencing this for myself is a big part of why this work means so much to me. I know firsthand how vulnerable it can feel to experience emotions in your body and have another person there to witness them with you. I also know that this work can bring you into contact with parts of yourself you may not have expected. Having been on the other side of this work, I carry that understanding with me as a therapist.
The Perspective I Bring as a Therapist
My work is grounded in meeting people where they are and moving at a pace that respects the nervous system.
My approach is informed by:
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Years of mind-body training
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years teaching yoga and working as a massage therapist. That professional experience deeply informs how I approach somatic work and support clients in feeling more connected to their bodies.
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A developmental and attachment-informed lens
My graduate training was rooted in child development and early relational experience. This continues to shape how I understand nervous system patterns and how we come to experience ourselves, others, and the world around us.
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Clinical training and certifications in somatic and integrative approaches
I hold a Master’s in Social Work, and am certified in Somatic Experiencing, Safe and Sound Protocol, and Rest and Restore Protocol, with additional training in Integrative Mental Health.
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An informed-choice approach to mental health care
My own experiences have also influenced how I think about mental health, psychiatric medication, and informed choice. I write more about my approach to medication and informed choice here.
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A commitment to political and ideological openness
People arrive at their views, political, religious, or otherwise, for real reasons, whether carefully considered or inherited through family and culture. My clients are free to hold their own, question them, or let them evolve, without my personal opinions shaping the room.
If this perspective resonates with you, you’re welcome to schedule a free 10-minute consultation to see if working together feels like the right fit.
Who I Work Well With
Over time, I’ve noticed I work especially well with people who sense it’s time to slow down and really listen to themselves, not just to their thoughts, but also to their body, emotions, and the patterns that keep repeating. They’re ready to do more than manage or cope. They want to understand themselves more deeply, build real capacity, and be challenged when that’s what the work calls for.
I tend to be a good fit for people who feel curious about what’s happening inside them and want to explore their experience in the moment rather than just talk about it. They want to understand how their nervous system and history shape the ways they respond, pull away, or go on autopilot. They usually appreciate having a therapist who is warm and grounded, who can offer clear, honest feedback, and who can also make room for moments of lightness and laughter in the middle of hard things.
Therapy Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Master of Social Work (MSW) - Erikson Institute, Chicago; Concentration in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
- Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, Legal Studies - Indiana University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Florida (#SW23332) and Illinois (#149026921)
Specialized Training & Certifications
- Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) - three-year professional training through Somatic Experiencing International
- Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) - Certified Provider, Unyte iLs
- Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) - Trained and Certified Provider
- Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals, CIMHP Training Course with Leslie Korn, PhD - Leslie Korn
- Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory - training with Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana
- Trauma Coupling Dynamics - Kathy Kain
- Developmental Trauma: Later Developmental Stages - Raja Selvam
- Ego State Interventions - Robin Shapiro
- Diploma in Therapeutic Massage - The New School of Massage, Chicago
- 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200) - Cityoga, Indianapolis
Professional Associations
- Somatic Experiencing International
- United States Association of Body Psychotherapy
- Mental Health Counselors Association of Palm Beach
- Broward Mental Health Counseling Association
- Open Therapy Institute
What Colleagues Say About My Work
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Amy is a highly skilled somatic therapist who brings clarity, compassion, and nervous-system expertise to trauma and anxiety work. I was honored to host her on my podcast and recommend her without hesitation.
Diana Rice LMHC, CIMHP Holistic Therapist & Educator, Host of the Holistic Therapist Podcast - Conversation on Somatic Therapy -
Amy is a highly professional and skilled mental health professional. She has a wealth of knowledge about somatic based therapy as well. As a colleague, I would recommend her for psychotherapy, clinical consultation, and public speaking.
Dr. Marni Feuerman LCSW, LMFT, director and clinical level supervisor for the South Florida Community for Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy - Guest Speaker on Somatic Experiencing -
Amy is a deeply attuned and compassionate therapist. Her expertise in Somatic Therapy is extensive, but what stands out most is her intuitive, grounded approach: it’s never overly intellectual, yet consistently impactful. I’ve invited Amy to speak with therapy interns about her Somatic work, and she presented with remarkable clarity and ease, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room. I regularly refer clients to Amy with incredible trust.
Dr. Brooke Laufer Psychologist, Consultant, Educator, Author - Guest Speaker about Somatic Experiencing at her therapy practice -
Amy is an experienced somatic therapist in South Florida. She is sensitive to the needs of her clients and highly trained in Somatic Experiencing. As a therapist I enjoy consulting with her on holistic mental health recovery that addresses both the mind and body.
Teva Johnstone LCSW, OCD Therapist -
Amy brings a rare combination of skill, experience, and depth to her work as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is incredibly knowledgeable about trauma, and when it comes to working with somatic symptoms, she is truly the only person I fully trust to guide clients through that process. From the first time you meet her, you can feel her calm and reassuring presence. I cannot recommend Amy highly enough
Christine Marino LMHC, EMDR & Couples Therapist -
Amy is an exceptionally skilled and highly experienced Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Her thoughtfulness and genuine care are evident in all she does. If you’re in West Palm Beach or South Florida and going through challenges in midlife, or you’ve tried traditional therapy in the past and felt stuck or unable to create real change despite great self-awareness, I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Julia Webster Eating Disorder Therapist and Founder of Village Wellness -
One of the best somatic therapists in all of Fort Lauderdale. For anyone working through trauma, Amy is very knowledgeable and provides real relief. I highly recommend her! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Daniel Rubin Therapist and Co-Founder of Transcend Wellness -
Amy is someone you meet and feel instantly at ease with. She is very knowledgeable about the Somatic Experiencing approach as well as the Safe and Sound protocol to ease anxiety. South Florida is very lucky to have her as a resource.
Jennifer Goggin Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist
Outside of Therapy
I’m originally from the Midwest and lived in Chicago for a long time. I never imagined myself leaving big-city life. But the more I connected with myself and my nervous system, the more I realized the city was draining me. I’m really loving Florida - the warmth of the sun, the ocean, and the slower (but not too slow) pace.
It’s been a good change.
I love walking, grounding at the beach, reading, and listening to podcasts. I love good food, old buildings, genuine conversations, and I even enjoy some good reality TV. And I’m hoping one day soon I will see what all the rage for pickleball is all about.
And then there’s my dog, Fergus. He makes me laugh and helps me to remember to be playful. You may see him in our virtual sessions from time to time.
Ready to See If We’re a Good Fit?
If something here resonates, you’re welcome to reach out or schedule a free 10-minute consultation to see if working together feels like a good fit for you.
Book a 10-Minute Consultation