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Chicago, IL

When Understanding Yourself Isn't Creating Change

Online somatic therapy services for adults in Chicago, IL.

Certified Safe and Sound Protocol Badge for Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amy Hagerstrom
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Badge for Illinois Licensed somatic therapist Amy Hagerstrom
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You may understand why you react the way you do, yet still find yourself getting overwhelmed, shutting down, or falling into the same patterns. Insight can be valuable, but it doesn't always create the kind of change you're hoping for.


Somatic therapy brings your body into the conversation. Along with exploring your thoughts and emotions, we pay attention to what's happening in your body in the present moment. This often helps uncover patterns that are difficult to reach through insight alone.

As you build greater awareness and capacity, many people find they become less reactive, recover more quickly after stressful moments, and move through life with greater flexibility and choice.

About Me

Amy Hagerstrom, somatic therapist serving adults in Chicago and Illinois

Hi, I’m Amy Hagerstrom.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) offering online somatic therapy for adults in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

I moved away from Chicago over a year ago, but I lived there for many years and still feel closely connected to the people and community. Earlier in my life, I spent many years in talk therapy. It was helpful in some ways, but it only took me so far. Things began to shift when my body became part of the work. I felt less overwhelmed, became less ashamed of my reactions, and began to understand that many of them made sense in the context of what I had experienced.

That experience continues to shape how I work with thoughtful adults who understand themselves well but still find themselves getting overwhelmed, reacting strongly, or shutting down. Together, we explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns while also paying attention to what is happening in your body in the present moment.

If you’re in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, I’d be honored to work with you.

What Brings People to Somatic Therapy

Woman walking slowly outside – reconnecting with body after stress
  • Anxiety, overwhelm, or feeling stuck in patterns you understand but can't seem to change.

  • Childhood experiences, relationship trauma, or a difficult event continue to affect how you feel, relate to others, or respond under stress.

  • Muscle tension, headaches, digestive discomfort, fatigue, or other physical symptoms that seem connected to stress.

  • Burnout, caregiving, relationship challenges, or a major life transition that has stretched your capacity.

  • Harsh self-criticism, shame, or feeling disconnected from yourself.

  • The ways you've coped for years aren't working as well anymore, and you're looking for an approach that includes both mind and body.

What is Somatic Therapy and how Can it help?

Somatic therapy brings your body into the conversation. Along with exploring your thoughts and emotions, we pay attention to what's happening in your body in the present moment. This often helps uncover patterns that are difficult to reach through insight alone.

My work is grounded in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-based approach that helps people recover from the effects of trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress by gradually building capacity and flexibility. When appropriate, we may also incorporate the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) to further support regulation and resilience.

Somatic therapy may be helpful if you're:

  • Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or chronic stress

  • Living with the effects of trauma

  • Experiencing physical symptoms such as persistent tension, headaches, digestive issues, or difficulty relaxing

  • Feeling emotionally disconnected, shut down, or stuck in familiar patterns

  • Moving through a major life transition and finding it difficult to adapt

As you build greater awareness and capacity, many people notice they become less reactive, recover more quickly after stressful moments, and move through life with greater flexibility and choice.

My Therapeutic Approaches

  • Woman resting in chair with eyes closed and head resting on hands during a Somatic Experiencing session

    Somatic Experiencing

    Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a gentle yet effective therapy that helps release stored trauma and stress from your body, calming your nervous system and restoring balance.

  • White over-the-ear headphones over a flowering plant representing the serenity felt during a safe and sound session

    Safe and Sound Protocol

    Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses specially filtered music to calm your nervous system, helping you sense safety and feel more grounded in your daily life.

  • Man wearing headphones and smiling outdoors during a rest and restore session

    Rest and Restore Protocol

    Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) is a music-based support that helps ease chronic stress and tension by supporting your nervous system’s ability to settle and recharge.

Somatic Therapy FAQs

Get Help in Chicago, IL

Although I'm now based in Florida, I lived in Chicago for many years and continue to work with adults throughout Illinois. I provide online somatic therapy to clients across the state, including Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, the effects of trauma, chronic stress, or a major life transition, therapy can help you develop greater flexibility, resilience, and choice in how you respond to life's challenges.

If this resonates with you, I'd be honored to work with you. Schedule a free consultation to see whether we're a good fit.