Somatic Therapy in Chicago

My Approach to Somatic Therapy

I offer a compassionate and effective approach that helps you navigate the challenges of trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, and other emotional and physical struggles. Through Somatic Experiencing (SE), Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and other somatic techniques, we work together to help you:

• Become familiar with your body’s signals: Learn to listen to what your body is telling you and gain more control over how you respond to life’s stressors and challenges.

• Release Stuck Energy: Heal old wounds and reduce overwhelming stress that manifest as present-day fight, flight, or freeze responses, as well as chronic pain and unpleasant sensations.

• Differentiate between safety and danger: Develop the ability to stay grounded instead of automatically reacting or going numb when faced with stress.

• Trust your body and emotions: Make decisions from a grounded place rather than a fearful one.

• Ease physical symptoms: Reduce the severity of your physical symptoms, allowing you to be more present and enjoy what life has to offer.

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

This body-centered therapy helps release trauma and chronic stress stored in the body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SE addresses how your body and nervous system responded to trauma, focusing on tuning into your body's sensations to release stuck energy. This recalibrates your nervous system, reduces triggers, and fosters resilience, creating a greater sense of well-being and a deeper connection with your body. Typically, you'll be seated as we work together to tune into the sensations in your body. If you’re open to it, I may invite you to stand, engage in gentle movements, push against a wall or desk, or hold something comforting, like a pillow, when I notice that it may feel helpful for you.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

SSP is a specialized music therapy designed to bring a sense of safety to your nervous system. By using filtered music that targets the vagus nerve, SSP helps you tune into signals of safety and ease hypervigilance, tension, and anxiety. This leads to a more balanced nervous system, better capacity for stress, and healthier coping mechanisms, enhancing your ability to feel secure and at ease even in challenging situations.

Polyvagal Theory

My approach is grounded in Polyvagal Theory, which recognizes that our nervous system is designed to protect us. Trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain can leave you stuck in a state of heightened alertness, causing significant physical and emotional distress. Together, we’ll become more attuned to your different nervous system states by observing your body’s signals as you experience various emotions and discuss different situations. We’ll identify what your mind and body need in each state and use somatic practices to address those needs effectively.

Attachment Theory

Trauma and early relational experiences can deeply affect how we connect with others and ourselves. The patterns we develop in response to these early connections can make it difficult to feel safe and secure in relationships. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, we can work together to build more secure and trusting connections that support your well-being.

My Role as a Somatic Therapist

Therapy is not about me telling you what to do. It’s about us working together to find what works best for you. You’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m here to guide and support you. You choose what to share, what to explore, and how far you want to go. My approach is to ease you in and out of comfort and discomfort, helping you build a stronger connection with your emotions and your body’s responses. We’re not aiming to eliminate anxiety or discomfort entirely—that’s part of being human. Instead, we’re working to help you feel better and become better at feeling.