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Somatic Therapy in Chicago
Online Mind-Body Support for Residents of Illinois
Living with physical symptoms that seem tied to stress—like tension, fatigue, or persistent discomfort—can feel overwhelming. And you might find yourself more reactive, emotionally distant, or shut down.
Life feels heavy.
You’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and grateful for so much, but things aren’t what they used to be. Maybe the relationships around you are shifting—kids growing up, parents aging—or a recent crisis has brought a lot to the surface. The weight of responsibilities and the changes over the years are harder to carry, and it’s starting to feel like something is missing.
It’s clear things can’t continue as they are.
But they don’t have to.
Somatic Therapy offers a compassionate and effective way to help you navigate these challenges. By integrating Somatic Experiencing and Safe and Sound Protocol, I can support you in your healing process, helping you regain a sense of balance and connection in your life.
Hi, I’m Amy!
You’ve worked hard and have so much to be proud of, but life feels heavy. Physical symptoms of stress—like tension, fatigue, or discomfort—are harder to ignore, and it feels like something is missing.
Maybe shifting family dynamics or growing responsibilities have stirred up old patterns, leaving you feeling stuck or out of sync. It’s exhausting trying to hold it all together on your own.
I help people reconnect with a sense of balance and ease, even when life feels overwhelming. Together, we’ll ease the tension in your body and help you feel more present and connected in your relationships and daily life.
If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again, schedule a free 20-minute consultation today.
Somatic Therapy in Chicago
Common Issues and Concerns
PTSD
Anxiety
Burnout
Chronic Pain
Chronic Illness
Life Transitions
Guilt and Shame
Complex Trauma
Family/Relationship Conflict
Emotional Reactivity/Overwhelm
Substance use and/or other addiction
Healing from the Inside Out: My Approach to Somatic Therapy
Even after talk therapy, stress, emotional pain, or physical discomfort can linger—often showing up in your body as tension or restlessness. It can feel like you’re stuck in overdrive, unable to fully relax or feel connected with yourself.
While talk therapy provides valuable insight, it doesn’t always address how your body holds onto stress. Through Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), we’ll work together to release the weight you’ve been carrying. As this tension eases, you’ll feel calmer, more connected, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Somatic therapy helps you:
Tune into your body’s signals and respond in ways that feel supportive.
Release the tension and stress keeping you stuck.
Build the capacity to stay steady in stressful situations.
Reconnect with what truly matters to you.
We’ll go at a pace that feels right, focusing on what your body needs to feel more at ease and aligned with yourself and your life.
Let’s explore this deeper work together.
Dive Into Somatic Experiencing and Safe and Sound Protocol for Lasting Change
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Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a gentle yet effective therapy that helps release stored trauma and stress from your body, calming your nervous system and restoring balance.
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Safe and Sound Protocol
Safe and Sound Protocol uses specially filtered music to calm your nervous system, helping you sense safety and feel more grounded in your daily life.
How Somatic Therapy Can Help
Stress, emotional weight, and physical discomfort don’t just affect your mind—they show up in your body too. This body-based approach focuses on helping you understand and release what’s been holding you back.
Compassionate Exploration: We’ll look at how stress has shaped your life and what your body is telling you, always with care and understanding.
Mind-Body Connection: By listening to how your body holds tension, you’ll learn to respond in ways that feel more aligned and in control.
A Safe, Supportive Process: This work happens at your pace, with no pressure to dive into anything you’re not ready for.
If you’re ready to move beyond the overwhelm and reconnect with yourself, schedule a free 20-minute consultation. I’m here to support you as we explore what’s next.
Somatic Therapy FAQs
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Somatic therapy, like Somatic Experiencing (SE), focuses on the body’s responses to stress and trauma, rather than just talking about your thoughts and feelings. It helps you tune into what’s happening in your body, so you can release built-up tension and feel more grounded.
SE is the foundation of my approach, and even if you choose to include the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), our work together will still be guided by SE’s principles. You can choose to explore SE, SSP, or a combination of both, depending on what feels right for you.
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Yes, as long as you’re open to becoming more connected with your body.
I’ll be there as a supportive presence, guiding you through the process at a pace that feels right for you. Sometimes, it’s helpful to avoid tuning in too deeply at the start or to focus on noticing what feels comfortable or neutral. The most important thing is feeling safe, and that often means taking things slowly. We’ll use plenty of practices to support you along the way.
That’s perfectly okay! I’ll be there as a supportive presence to guide you through the process in a way that feels comfortable for you. Sometimes, it’s helpful to avoid tuning in at the beginning of the session or focus on noticing what feels nice or neutral. The most important thing is felt safety, and often that means taking things really slow. We’ll use plenty of tools to support you along the way.
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Yes, absolutely! Many people find that somatic therapy complements traditional talk therapy. While talk therapy focuses on exploring thoughts, emotions, and past experiences through conversation, somatic therapy works directly with your body’s responses to stress and trauma. It’s not only about releasing stored stress, but also about supporting your nervous system in learning how to better differentiate between safety and danger—something that often gets confused due to past life experiences.
The two approaches—talk therapy and somatic therapy—can work together to support your overall healing. Talk therapy can help you process things on a mental level, while somatic therapy addresses the body’s role in holding onto stress and trauma. Together, they often lead to deeper, more lasting change.
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I currently offer virtual sessions only. Somatic therapy can be just as effective online because you’re in a space that feels comfortable and familiar. Being at home allows you to use personal comfort items, like a cozy blanket or a favorite chair, and even have your pet nearby, which can help you feel more at ease during our work together.
This sense of safety and control in your environment can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy, making it easier for us to focus on your healing.
Plus, online sessions make life easier—you don’t have to take time off work, deal with traffic, or worry about finding parking. It’s therapy that fits into your routine, with less stress and more convenience.
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Individual 55 minute sessions are $180.
I don’t accept insurance, but I’m happy to provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
There are additional costs for those who choose to include Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). The costs will vary based on whether you listen to the protocol outside of our sessions. For more details, please see the breakdown on the SSP page.
Get Help from a Chicago Somatic Therapist
Life can feel heavy when stress, shifting relationships, and unresolved emotions start to add up. You’ve worked hard to build a life you’re proud of, but the weight of it all can leave you drained, disconnected, and unsure how to move forward.
Somatic therapy offers a way to ease the tension in your body, reconnect with yourself, and find clarity in your mind. Together, we’ll create space for healing and help you navigate life’s challenges with resilience, so you can feel more present in the moments that matter most.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling lighter, more grounded, and connected, let’s explore what’s possible together.
Reach Out Today
Fill out the form below or click on the link to set up a consult call to get started.
https://calendly.com/amy-amyhagerstrom/20-minute-consultation
If you don’t see a day and time that fits your schedule, send a message on the form below and we will find a time that works for both of us.
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