Somatic Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
Elizabeth Selph
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LCPC
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
Success on the outside, but empty on the inside? You’ve checked every box. You’ve listened to the podcasts and read the books. Yet long-lasting change remains elusive. You are tired of simply managing symptoms. You see the same patterns repeating. Whether it’s a loud crisis or a slow fading, you no longer recognize the life you’ve built. It’s time to stop just coping. Let’s slow down and move toward emotional clarity and transformation.
Success on the outside, but empty on the inside? You’ve checked every box. You’ve listened to the podcasts and read the books. Yet long-lasting change remains elusive. You are tired of simply managing symptoms. You see the same patterns repeating. Whether it’s a loud crisis or a slow fading, you no longer recognize the life you’ve built. It’s time to stop just coping. Let’s slow down and move toward emotional clarity and transformation.
Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship, and I aim to build one with clients that is authentic and healing. I help people who often feel like they're "too much" or "not enough" better understand themselves and connect with others.
Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship, and I aim to build one with clients that is authentic and healing. I help people who often feel like they're "too much" or "not enough" better understand themselves and connect with others.
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 15-35. I know too well the pressures that come with being high-achieving, having marginalized identities, and simply existing in our bodies as people of color. Though each client has unique goals for their therapy journey, I believe that everyone deserves at least one space where they can fully be themselves. I feel most alive when working with clients who hold these identities and are navigating issues of anxiety, self-esteem, Gifted Kid Burnout, relationship challenges, or stress.
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 15-35. I know too well the pressures that come with being high-achieving, having marginalized identities, and simply existing in our bodies as people of color. Though each client has unique goals for their therapy journey, I believe that everyone deserves at least one space where they can fully be themselves. I feel most alive when working with clients who hold these identities and are navigating issues of anxiety, self-esteem, Gifted Kid Burnout, relationship challenges, or stress.
Dr. Ashly C Lawrence
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, PhD
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
Using EMDR with other insight-driven, somatic, and parts-work approaches, I see my clients experience much relief from symptoms in 3-6 months and develop and pursue more robust life goals and changes with longer term therapy over a year or more.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
Using EMDR with other insight-driven, somatic, and parts-work approaches, I see my clients experience much relief from symptoms in 3-6 months and develop and pursue more robust life goals and changes with longer term therapy over a year or more.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
As a psychotherapist, I bring a collaborative, thoughtful, and human-centered approach to my work with clients. I specialize in helping youth, adults and couples navigate challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationships, and self-worth. My style is relational and grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect—believing that a strong therapeutic connection is the foundation for meaningful change.
As a psychotherapist, I bring a collaborative, thoughtful, and human-centered approach to my work with clients. I specialize in helping youth, adults and couples navigate challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationships, and self-worth. My style is relational and grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect—believing that a strong therapeutic connection is the foundation for meaningful change.
I work with those who feel burned out, overwhelmed, or stuck in an “always doing, never resting” cycle—especially those who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, self-criticism, or the belief that they can’t make mistakes. Growing up and navigating my twenties, I learned to aim for perfection as a way to avoid criticism and judgment. Over time, that pressure caught up with me and led to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Through my own journey, I came to understand just how much our past experiences shape how we show up in our lives today. Fortunately, this has helped me truly understand what clients are going through.
I work with those who feel burned out, overwhelmed, or stuck in an “always doing, never resting” cycle—especially those who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, self-criticism, or the belief that they can’t make mistakes. Growing up and navigating my twenties, I learned to aim for perfection as a way to avoid criticism and judgment. Over time, that pressure caught up with me and led to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Through my own journey, I came to understand just how much our past experiences shape how we show up in our lives today. Fortunately, this has helped me truly understand what clients are going through.
Faye Williams Religious Trauma Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
3 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Somatic therapy combines a deep understanding of the body's wisdom with compassionate therapeutic guidance.
Drawing from 25 years of experience with children & families, I facilitate a holistic healing process. Addressing somatic symptoms allows for greater self-awareness and overall well-being. We'll create an empathetic space where you feel valued, appreciated & understood, so you can focus on valuing, appreciating & understanding your body's unique wisdom.
Somatic therapy combines a deep understanding of the body's wisdom with compassionate therapeutic guidance.
Drawing from 25 years of experience with children & families, I facilitate a holistic healing process. Addressing somatic symptoms allows for greater self-awareness and overall well-being. We'll create an empathetic space where you feel valued, appreciated & understood, so you can focus on valuing, appreciating & understanding your body's unique wisdom.
My approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic interventions, mindfulness, and a self-compassion framework.
Life can feel heavy and overwhelming when we are living with depression, anxiety, trauma, or triggers. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect, and move through these experiences with greater presence and self-compassion. I know therapy is going well when tension and self-doubt give way to a sense of ease and confidence. I work with individuals who have a history of trauma, are in recovery, or are exploring identity, relationships, self-esteem, family dynamics, or life transitions. I invite curiosity and kindness toward all parts of the self, especially those who have learned to protect or adapt through adversity.
My approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic interventions, mindfulness, and a self-compassion framework.
Life can feel heavy and overwhelming when we are living with depression, anxiety, trauma, or triggers. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect, and move through these experiences with greater presence and self-compassion. I know therapy is going well when tension and self-doubt give way to a sense of ease and confidence. I work with individuals who have a history of trauma, are in recovery, or are exploring identity, relationships, self-esteem, family dynamics, or life transitions. I invite curiosity and kindness toward all parts of the self, especially those who have learned to protect or adapt through adversity.
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
I also use various modalities such as solution-focused, narrative, and somatic therapies.
I'm a first-generation South Asian-American counselor and art therapist who holds space for creative expression and healing through a collaborative, anti-oppressive, and affirming lens. I work to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and comforting environment for my clients. In this space, we can explore feelings, tap into curiosities, ask questions, share experiences, laugh, cry, and celebrate successes, big or small. Although therapy is an experience that the client and therapist embark on together, I believe that each client has the ability to harness their strengths to find a path that gives them meaning and purpose.
I also use various modalities such as solution-focused, narrative, and somatic therapies.
I'm a first-generation South Asian-American counselor and art therapist who holds space for creative expression and healing through a collaborative, anti-oppressive, and affirming lens. I work to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and comforting environment for my clients. In this space, we can explore feelings, tap into curiosities, ask questions, share experiences, laugh, cry, and celebrate successes, big or small. Although therapy is an experience that the client and therapist embark on together, I believe that each client has the ability to harness their strengths to find a path that gives them meaning and purpose.
I'm trauma-informed and utilize ACT, CBT, mindfulness, neurology, somatic healing and spiritual psychology.
You're a millennial woman and something is off, even though life looks full on the outside. You're capable and thoughtful, yet unfulfilled and not as happy as you'd hoped. Maybe you're questioning your career, navigating a breakup or relationship changes, or feeling stuck during a life transition. You’re ready for something to shift because you want life to feel more meaningful.
I work with women navigating career transitions, relationship challenges, divorce or breakups, anxiety, and life changes. Together we explore what’s beneath the surface, to make lasting change.
I'm trauma-informed and utilize ACT, CBT, mindfulness, neurology, somatic healing and spiritual psychology.
You're a millennial woman and something is off, even though life looks full on the outside. You're capable and thoughtful, yet unfulfilled and not as happy as you'd hoped. Maybe you're questioning your career, navigating a breakup or relationship changes, or feeling stuck during a life transition. You’re ready for something to shift because you want life to feel more meaningful.
I work with women navigating career transitions, relationship challenges, divorce or breakups, anxiety, and life changes. Together we explore what’s beneath the surface, to make lasting change.
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying?
Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely.
Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible.
I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying?
Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely.
Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible.
I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
I enjoy doing Psychodrama and Body-Oriented somatic therapy with clients who struggle with the impacts of Complex Trauma and PTSD.
Have you found yourself stuck in painful patterns? Have you ever experienced
disconnection from your own body through physical symptoms or tension? Perhaps you're navigating a difficult life transition, or questioning your place in the world.
I enjoy doing Psychodrama and Body-Oriented somatic therapy with clients who struggle with the impacts of Complex Trauma and PTSD.
Have you found yourself stuck in painful patterns? Have you ever experienced
disconnection from your own body through physical symptoms or tension? Perhaps you're navigating a difficult life transition, or questioning your place in the world.
Hi I'm Lee,
Are you tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the life you know you're meant to live? If self-doubt, emotional pain, or your inner critic has been holding you back, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to guide you toward the transformation you deserve.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I specialize in treating complex trauma, depression, anxiety, codependency, and suicidal ideation. If you've been weighed down by overwhelming emotions, loud self-criticism, or past trauma, healing is possible—and it’s closer than you think.
Hi I'm Lee,
Are you tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the life you know you're meant to live? If self-doubt, emotional pain, or your inner critic has been holding you back, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to guide you toward the transformation you deserve.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I specialize in treating complex trauma, depression, anxiety, codependency, and suicidal ideation. If you've been weighed down by overwhelming emotions, loud self-criticism, or past trauma, healing is possible—and it’s closer than you think.
I practice an integrated psychodynamic approach and incorporate somatic attunement.
I believe that our connection to the world and those around us defines the human experience and that relationships can help advance a healthy sense of self. This is especially true of the therapeutic relationship, where multicultural awareness, kindness, empathy, and understanding are the building blocks for growth. I intend to walk alongside each of my clients to validate their experiences, reflect on their personal stories, and help them gain clarity and insight to advance their wellness and healing goals.
I practice an integrated psychodynamic approach and incorporate somatic attunement.
I believe that our connection to the world and those around us defines the human experience and that relationships can help advance a healthy sense of self. This is especially true of the therapeutic relationship, where multicultural awareness, kindness, empathy, and understanding are the building blocks for growth. I intend to walk alongside each of my clients to validate their experiences, reflect on their personal stories, and help them gain clarity and insight to advance their wellness and healing goals.
If you are entering middle adulthood or later life and navigating painful transitions, or unexpected challenges, I'm glad you're here. For more than 25 years, I've helped clients heal from trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, and depression. My approach draws on decades of experience with midlife shifts, "empty-nest" changes, caregiver stress, retirement, transitions, chronic illness, and the many ways loss shows up as we move through life.
If you are entering middle adulthood or later life and navigating painful transitions, or unexpected challenges, I'm glad you're here. For more than 25 years, I've helped clients heal from trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, and depression. My approach draws on decades of experience with midlife shifts, "empty-nest" changes, caregiver stress, retirement, transitions, chronic illness, and the many ways loss shows up as we move through life.
Maybe you'd like to learn more about how ADHD affects your daily life, relationships, or self-identity. Perhaps you're looking to explore gender roles or sexual identities while unlearning societal expectations. Maybe you're noticing unsatisfying or confusing romantic or platonic relationship patterns. Together, we will create a dedicated, supportive space that centers curiosity and collaboration, resulting in you feeling validated and empowered.
Maybe you'd like to learn more about how ADHD affects your daily life, relationships, or self-identity. Perhaps you're looking to explore gender roles or sexual identities while unlearning societal expectations. Maybe you're noticing unsatisfying or confusing romantic or platonic relationship patterns. Together, we will create a dedicated, supportive space that centers curiosity and collaboration, resulting in you feeling validated and empowered.
Optimize the pleasure of each moment and minimize the fallout from stressful situations, challenging relationships and interpersonal interactions. Gain insight into your perceptions, thoughts, triggers, emotions, reactions and behaviors. Develop strategies to enhance coping skills, boost confidence, modify habits, and increase motivation. Take control and improve the quality of your personal and professional life.
Optimize the pleasure of each moment and minimize the fallout from stressful situations, challenging relationships and interpersonal interactions. Gain insight into your perceptions, thoughts, triggers, emotions, reactions and behaviors. Develop strategies to enhance coping skills, boost confidence, modify habits, and increase motivation. Take control and improve the quality of your personal and professional life.
Therapy is an invitation to pause, look inward, and explore the parts of yourself that are asking to be seen. I work with teens, adults, and elders navigating identity exploration, relationship challenges, sexuality, life transitions, and disordered eating. My goal is to offer a supportive, affirming space where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
Therapy is an invitation to pause, look inward, and explore the parts of yourself that are asking to be seen. I work with teens, adults, and elders navigating identity exploration, relationship challenges, sexuality, life transitions, and disordered eating. My goal is to offer a supportive, affirming space where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
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Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.