Integrative Approach to Therapy
Somatic Therapy That Looks at the Bigger Picture
Online somatic therapy with an integrative approach for adults in Florida and Illinois. Together, we’ll consider your mind, body, and the many factors that influence emotional well-being.
Book a 10-Minute ConsultationWhat an Integrative Approach to Therapy Means
My work begins with Somatic Experiencing® and expands from there when it makes sense. An integrative approach to therapy means we also consider the many factors that can influence emotional well-being and how your mind and body respond to stress.
Along with what’s happening emotionally and physically, we may explore things like sleep, daily rhythm, movement, nutrition, medical concerns, and medication experiences when they’re relevant to what you’re going through. I write more about my approach to psychiatric medication and informed choice here.
Sometimes these conversations become an important part of therapy. Other times they don’t. We decide together what feels most relevant to your goals and what you’re experiencing.
Meet Amy Hagerstrom, LCSW, SEP
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I take an integrative approach to mental health, considering both mind and body and the many factors that influence how we feel.
I lived with anxiety and depression for many years. I went to talk therapy, worked with psychiatrists, and tried medications. Yet important parts of my daily life received little attention. My sleep was inconsistent, my diet was heavy in carbohydrates and sugar, and I spent long stretches without much movement or time outdoors.
My mental health was complex, but these everyday factors were part of the picture. We focused largely on symptoms and insight, without exploring how my daily habits, nervous system, or lack of felt safety might be contributing to how I felt.
Those experiences influence my work today. I want to understand you as a whole person and consider the different factors that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing.
My Integrative Approach to Therapy
Somatic Experiencing is the foundation of my work, with a developmental lens that considers how earlier experiences may influence your patterns and responses today. This allows us to explore things in depth while working with both mind and body.
When appropriate, I may also incorporate listening therapies, including the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP).
We may also explore lifestyle factors and daily patterns that could be contributing to how you’re feeling, or collaborate with other healthcare providers when additional support would be helpful.
Learn more about:
Online Therapy Across Florida and Illinois
I work with adults online across Florida, including West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas. Somatic therapy with an integrative approach can be provided effectively from the comfort of your home.
I am also licensed in Illinois and work with clients online throughout the state, including Chicago.
Integrative Approach to Therapy FAQs
What is an integrative approach to therapy?
An integrative approach to therapy recognizes that your mental health is influenced by more than your thoughts and emotions. Alongside Somatic Experiencing, we may also consider factors like sleep, daily rhythms, movement, nutrition, chronic illness, medication experiences, or other aspects of your health when they’re relevant to what you’re going through.
In my practice, this isn’t a separate type of therapy. It’s simply part of looking at the bigger picture and considering the many factors that can affect your well-being.
If you’d like to learn more about how I think about the relationship between lifestyle and mental health, I’ve written a more in-depth article called How Lifestyle Affects Mental Health: An Integrative Approach.
How is an integrative approach to therapy different from traditional talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy often focuses on thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behavior. Along with Somatic Experiencing, I also consider the bigger picture. When it’s relevant, we may explore how sleep, movement, nutrition, daily rhythms, physical health, medication experiences, or other factors could be affecting how you’re feeling.
Can an integrative approach to therapy help with anxiety, trauma, or midlife stress?
Yes. Many people I work with come to therapy because they’re living with anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, burnout, or a difficult life transition. Taking an integrative approach means we don’t assume there’s only one reason you’re struggling. Alongside Somatic Experiencing, we also consider other factors that may be affecting how you’re feeling when they’re relevant to your care.
Is an integrative approach the main focus of sessions?
Not usually. Somatic Experiencing together is the foundation of my approach. Taking an integrative approach simply means we also pay attention to the broader factors that may be influencing how you’re feeling when they’re relevant.
Some sessions are almost entirely focused on the mind-body work we’re doing together. Other times, lifestyle factors like sleep, movement, nutrition, daily rhythms, medication experiences, or chronic health concerns are woven into our work when they make sense. Together, we decide what feels most helpful based on your goals.
What are your fees?
Therapy sessions are 55 minutes and $200.
I accept credit/debit cards, HSA, and Zelle.
If you decide to include the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) as part of your holistic therapeutic work with me, those are billed separately. You can learn more about pricing on the SSP and RRP pages.
Ready to See If We’re a Good Fit?
If you’re looking for therapy that considers both mind and body and takes a broader view of what may be affecting how you feel, I invite you to reach out.
Book a 10-Minute Consultation
