Chicago, IL
When Understanding Yourself Isn't Creating Change
Online somatic therapy services for adults in Chicago, IL.
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
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Somatic therapy still includes conversation, but it also pays attention to what is happening in your body as you talk. That may include changes in breathing, muscle tension, posture, movement, or the urge to pull away, push back, or shut down.
Rather than only talking about these responses, we also work with them in the moment. My approach is grounded in Somatic Experiencing (SE), which helps you notice and gradually shift the patterns your nervous system has developed in response to stress, anxiety, and trauma.
This can be helpful because many people understand why they react a certain way but still find themselves having the same automatic responses when they feel overwhelmed. Somatic therapy creates opportunities to practice responding differently in a way that feels manageable.
We move slowly and work at a pace that supports your capacity. There is no expectation that you'll relive traumatic experiences or stay with sensations that feel overwhelming.
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For many people, yes. Somatic therapy can be especially helpful when you've gained insight into your patterns but still find yourself becoming overwhelmed, shutting down, or reacting in ways that are difficult to change.
My work is grounded in Somatic Experiencing (SE), which focuses on helping your nervous system become more flexible and resilient. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions or erase the past, the goal is to help you develop a greater capacity to stay present, recover more easily from stress, and have more choice in how you respond.
Research on Somatic Experiencing is growing, particularly for trauma and stress-related symptoms. Like any therapy, results vary from person to person and depend on factors such as what brings you to therapy, your goals, and your willingness to engage in the work.
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Yes. Many people have difficulty noticing what is happening in their bodies, especially when they have spent years ignoring discomfort, staying busy, or disconnecting during stressful experiences.
You do not need to arrive with strong body awareness. We can begin with things that are easier to notice, such as whether your feet feel supported, whether your shoulders are tense, or whether you want to shift your position. The ability to notice more usually develops gradually.
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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 $200.
There are additional costs for those who choose to include Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP). 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. -
I am not in-network with any insurance plans.
If your PPO plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a monthly superbill for you to submit for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined by your insurance company, so I recommend asking about your deductible, reimbursement rate, and whether telehealth sessions with an out-of-network licensed clinical social worker are covered.
You will also receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges as required by federal law.
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.