Pier over calm water with mountains, symbolizing grounding and stability in the somatic healing journey.

Somatic Therapy

SOMATIC THERAPY IN BATAVIA and NAPERVILLE, IL and ONLINE

Sound like you?

"I feel constantly on edge, and I don’t know how to relax anymore.

"No matter what I do, I can’t shake this sense of disconnection from my own body."

"I need something to help me feel safe and grounded, not just in my mind, but in my body too."

"I'm always feeling like I'm in fight or flight."

It feels like your body is constantly in a state of tension, as if you can’t escape the feeling that something is wrong. You’re exhausted from being on high alert all the time, yet you can’t seem to relax or feel at ease. No matter how much you talk about your experiences, it’s as if your body hasn’t gotten the message—it’s still holding onto the stress and fear. You might feel disconnected from yourself, like you’re just going through the motions without really being present. The idea of feeling safe and grounded seems distant, and you wonder if you’ll ever truly feel comfortable in your own skin again. Every day feels like a battle against the invisible weight of stress and trauma that you carry.

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Our Specialized Somatic Therapists

Our team of somatic therapists at Creating Space Therapy is dedicated to helping clients reconnect with their bodies and find healing from trauma, grief, and emotional distress. Specializing in somatic therapy, our therapists focus on the mind-body connection to gently release tension, restore balance, and build a sense of safety within. Through personalized, trauma-informed care, they guide clients in exploring how emotions are held in the body and provide tools to process and heal from these experiences. With compassion and expertise, our somatic therapists create a safe and grounding space for your journey toward wholeness and well-being.

Thelma Razo LSW

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Tracy Teichman LSW

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A calm lake reflecting mountains and trees, symbolizing balance and the mind-body connection in somatic therapy.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a unique type of therapy that focuses on the connection between your mind and body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily explores thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy also pays attention to the physical sensations and reactions in your body. It’s based on the idea that trauma, stress, and emotional pain can get "stuck" in the body, showing up as tension, discomfort, or even chronic issues.

In somatic therapy, we help you become more aware of how your body responds to emotions and stress. This could be a tightness in your chest, shallow breathing, or feeling "frozen" during difficult situations. By gently exploring these physical sensations, we can work to release the tension or trapped energy, helping your body and mind heal together.

Somatic therapy uses simple, guided techniques like breathing exercises, mindful movement, or grounding activities to help you feel more present and connected to your body. Over time, this can reduce feelings of anxiety, improve your ability to handle stress, and create a sense of safety and balance in your life.

Whether you're processing grief, healing from trauma, or seeking relief from ongoing stress, somatic therapy offers a compassionate and holistic way to help you feel better. At Creating Space Therapy, we’re here to guide you through this gentle and effective approach to healing, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

A crystal-clear lake surrounded by trees and mountains, symbolizing grounding and clarity through body-based healing.

What to Expect in Somatic Therapy?

Starting somatic therapy may feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re used to traditional talk therapy. At Creating Space Therapy, we ensure your experience is safe, supportive, and at your pace. Somatic therapy is a gentle, body-centered approach that invites you to tune into your physical sensations while working through emotional challenges like trauma, grief, or anxiety.

In your first session, your therapist will take time to get to know you and understand your goals. They’ll explain how somatic therapy works and introduce simple techniques to help you feel grounded and comfortable. There’s no rush to dive into deep emotions; instead, the focus is on building trust and creating a sense of safety in the therapy space.

As your sessions progress, your therapist may guide you to notice how your body responds to certain thoughts, emotions, or memories. This might involve exploring sensations like tightness, warmth, or tension in your body. Techniques such as mindful breathing, grounding exercises, or small movements might be introduced to help you release physical stress and build body awareness.

Somatic therapy is always collaborative. You remain in control, deciding what feels comfortable to explore and when to pause. The goal is to help your body and mind work together to process trauma, release tension, and restore balance.

At Creating Space Therapy, we tailor every session to meet your unique needs, offering compassionate care as you rediscover a sense of safety and connection within yourself.

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Signs That Somatic Therapy May Be Right for You

If you’re finding that the effects of grief and trauma are keeping you constantly on edge, affecting your physical well-being, and leaving you feeling disconnected from your own body, somatic therapy could be the path to healing you’ve been searching for. Here are some signs that it may be time to explore somatic therapy:

You experience physical symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues that seem linked to stress.

You find it hard to trust your own instincts.

You feel like you are always in survival mode

You feel disconnected from your body, as if you’re not fully present in your own life.

It feels like your frozen when you need to make decisions.

You feel like you are always analyzing people and situations.

It may feel impossible now, but you can find relief and reconnect with your body and your life. You can live a life that feels grounded, balanced, and true to who you are. And we can help you get there.

SOMATIC THERAPY CAN HELP YOU-----

Understand and Calm Your Body’s Responses

Together, we’ll explore how your body holds onto stress and trauma, helping you learn ways to soothe these responses. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened—it means finding a way to live with it that no longer leaves you feeling trapped or overwhelmed.

Develop Tools to Soothe Physical and Emotional Discomfort

We’ll guide you in developing personalized techniques to calm your body and mind, making it easier to manage distressing sensations and emotions. These tools will help you find a greater sense of peace and stability in your everyday life.

Rediscover a Sense of Safety and Comfort in Your Body

Through our work together, you’ll begin to feel more at home in your own body, reducing the tension and discomfort that have kept you on edge. We’ll explore ways to rebuild your connection with yourself, allowing you to find a sense of safety and well-being.

Reconnect with Your Authentic Self

Trauma can create a disconnect between you and your true self. We’ll help you rediscover your core values and sense of identity, guiding you toward a life that feels genuine, fulfilling, and aligned with who you truly are.

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Grief Counseling in Batavia and Naperville Illinois

Healing the Body-Mind Connection with Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy offers a powerful approach to healing that addresses the deep connections between the mind and body, especially when dealing with grief and trauma. By focusing on how these experiences are held physically, somatic therapy helps you release tension, regulate your nervous system, and develop a profound awareness of your body's wisdom. This therapeutic process not only alleviates emotional pain but also empowers you to regain control over your healing journey, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of peace. Discover how somatic therapy can guide you towards a holistic recovery and help you reconnect with your body in meaningful ways.

Healing at the Body-Mind Connection

Somatic therapy offers a unique approach that recognizes how grief and trauma are stored not just in the mind but also in the body. By engaging in body-centered practices, clients can release physical tension and stored trauma, leading to a deeper and more holistic healing experience. This approach helps clients reconnect with their bodies, fostering a sense of safety and groundedness.

Regulation of the Nervous System

Grief and trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Somatic therapy focuses on techniques that calm the nervous system, such as breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness practices. Clients learn how to regulate their emotions, reducing the intensity of their grief and trauma responses, and gradually building resilience.

Empowerment Through Embodied Awareness

Somatic therapy empowers clients by enhancing their awareness of how emotions and trauma manifest physically. This increased body awareness allows clients to better understand and manage their emotional responses. Through this therapeutic process, clients can develop a greater sense of control and agency over their healing journey, transforming their relationship with grief and trauma.

Integrating Somatic Therapy with Other Therapeutic Modalities

At Creating Space Therapy, we believe that healing is most effective when it addresses the mind, body, and emotions together. Integrating somatic therapy with other modalities like EMDR, IFS, and mindfulness-based practices creates a comprehensive approach that supports your whole self.

How does somatic therapy work with EMDR?

When you’re going through EMDR, you’re processing difficult memories and emotions. Somatic therapy helps you stay connected to your body during this process, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It helps release any physical tension or stress that comes up, making the overall healing experience more complete and lasting.

What’s the benefit of combining somatic therapy with Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

IFS focuses on understanding different parts of yourself that may be in conflict because of trauma. Somatic therapy adds another layer by helping you notice how these parts of you show up physically—like a tight chest when you feel anxious. By addressing these physical sensations, you can make the healing process even more effective.

How does somatic therapy fit with mindfulness practices?

Mindfulness teaches you to be present and aware of your thoughts and feelings. Somatic therapy takes this further by helping you tune into your body’s signals. It’s about noticing what’s happening physically when you’re stressed or anxious and learning how to respond in a way that helps you feel better.

Why would I want to combine these therapies?

At Creating Space Therapy, we know that healing works best when you address your mind, body, and emotions together. By combining somatic therapy with EMDR, IFS, or mindfulness, we create a treatment plan that supports your whole self, helping you heal more deeply and fully.

Addressing Common Concerns About Somatic Therapy

It’s natural to feel hesitant about starting somatic therapy, especially if the approach is new to you. At Creating Space Therapy, we want to address some of the most common concerns to help you feel more confident and informed about this transformative healing process.

A serene lake surrounded by misty mountains and tree-lined shores, symbolizing the grounding and clarity found in somatic therapy.

What if I don’t feel comfortable focusing on my body?

Focusing on your body might feel intimidating, especially if you’re disconnected from physical sensations or have experienced trauma. In somatic therapy, we move at your pace, starting with gentle techniques that prioritize your comfort. You’re always in control, and you never have to explore sensations you’re not ready for.

What if it doesn’t work for me?

You may wonder if somatic therapy will be effective, especially if you’ve tried other therapies without success. Somatic therapy is an evidence-based approach that works by addressing trauma stored in the body. Many clients find it helpful when traditional talk therapy alone hasn’t resolved deeper issues. Your therapist will tailor the process to meet your unique needs.

A serene lake with mountains under a clear sky, symbolizing the harmony of mind and body through somatic healing.

A calm lake with a sandy beach and trees in the background, symbolizing grounding and connection through somatic therapy.

I’m worried I’ll feel overwhelmed.

It’s common to fear that exploring physical sensations might trigger overwhelming emotions. Somatic therapy is designed to be grounding and empowering. Techniques like deep breathing and mindful movement are used to help you stay present and regulate emotions safely.

I don’t understand how body-based therapy works.

If somatic therapy feels unfamiliar or abstract, know that your therapist will guide you every step of the way. They’ll explain the science behind the process and how it helps release tension and heal trauma, ensuring you feel informed and supported.

Mountains and trees reflected on a calm lake, symbolizing self-awareness and the balance fostered in somatic therapy.

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A clear lake reflecting mountains and trees in vibrant rainbow-like colors, symbolizing harmony and healing through somatic therapy.

You Deserve to Feel Safe and Grounded

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU.

Living with the effects of trauma and chronic stress doesn’t have to define your life. You deserve to feel safe in your own body and to have the tools to calm your mind and nervous system. At Creating Space Therapy, we believe in honoring your unique journey toward healing with the personalized care it requires. Through somatic therapy, we help you connect with your body’s natural ability to heal, guiding you to understand and soothe the stress responses that keep you feeling trapped. Our experienced therapists are here to support you every step of the way, offering compassion, expertise, and the gentle guidance you need to regain a sense of balance and peace. You don’t have to face this alone—your well-being is our priority, and we’re dedicated to helping you feel empowered and connected throughout your healing journey.

A clear lake reflecting mountains and trees in colors, symbolizing harmony and healing through somatic therapy.

QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.

Frequently asked questions-

Is Creating Space Therapy Better Than AI Therapy Chatbots?

While AI chatbots may be able to provide basic support, they can't replace the deep, human connection that's essential for true healing. At Creating Space Therapy, our certified therapists in Batavia and Naperville, as well as through online telehealth, offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We understand the complexities of human emotions and experiences, something that AI simply cannot replicate. Our therapists provide empathy, understanding, and adaptive care that evolves with you, ensuring that you receive the support you need at every step of your healing journey. With us, you're not just interacting with a program—you’re connecting with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.
What types of therapy do you offer?

At Creating Space Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including grief counseling, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, bibliotherapy, and specialized therapy for children and teens. Our certified therapists in Batavia, Naperville, and online are skilled in various modalities, ensuring that we can tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
How do I know which therapist is right for me?

Choosing the right therapist is a personal decision, and we’re here to help you find the best fit. Our team of certified therapists brings a diverse set of skills and specialties. Whether you’re seeking help with grief, trauma, or other challenges, we’ll guide you to the therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs, whether in Batavia, Naperville, or online.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?

Your first therapy session at Creating Space Therapy is an opportunity to begin building a trusting relationship with your therapist. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Our aim is to create a comfortable, safe space where you feel heard and supported, whether you’re visiting our Batavia or Naperville offices or connecting through online telehealth.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. At Creating Space Therapy, our online telehealth sessions are designed to provide the same level of care and connection as face-to-face meetings. Our certified therapists are experienced in delivering compassionate, high-quality therapy through secure video sessions, ensuring you receive the support you need, no matter where you are in Illinois.

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