Welcome to Chicago Dance Therapy

Chicago Dance Therapy is a body-centered psychotherapy practice nestled in Chicago’s North Shore. We service the northern suburbs of Chicago, including Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe, Northfield, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff.

We provide movement based creative arts therapy and counseling using a combination of somatic psychotherapy, body awareness, and traditional talk therapy to address a myriad of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, chronic pain, and grief.

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WHAT IS DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY?

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is a type of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Instead of relying only on talking, it helps people express and process feelings through the body. It’s based on the idea that body and mind are connected, and that movement reflects emotional states.

How It Works

In a typical session with a board-certified dance/movement therapist:

You might explore different movements that express emotions
The therapist may mirror your movements to build connection
Improvisation is often used (no dance experience required)
Verbal reflection may happen after movement
Exploration of movement patterns as they relate to thoughts and beliefs

It’s not about performing or learning choreography — it’s about self-expression and awareness.

Who It Helps

Dance/movement therapy can benefit people dealing with:

Anxiety and depression
Trauma and PTSD
Eating disorders
Autism spectrum conditions
Neurodivergence
Chronic illness or pain
Stress and burnout
Body image concerns
Movement and cognitive disorders

Core Principles

Movement expresses personality and emotion
Change in movement can lead to psychological change
The therapeutic relationship is central
Nonverbal communication is powerful

What Makes It Different from a Dance Class?

Dance Class Dance/Movement Therapy

Focus on technique Focus on emotional expression

Instructor-led choreography Client-led exploration

Performance-oriented Process-oriented

Skill-building Psychological healing

"The body holds answers to questions the mind doesn't even know to ask."

-Erica Hornthal, Owner and founder

Erica Hornthal, MA, LCPC, BC-DMT

Founder & CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy

“The Therapist Who Moves You”

Erica Hornthal is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement psychotherapist dedicated to transforming how individuals and communities understand the connection between movement and mental health. As the founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy, she leads one of the Midwest’s foremost somatic psychotherapy practices, blending traditional talk therapy with body-centered movement interventions to support emotional, cognitive, and nervous system regulation.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Erica has worked with thousands of clients ranging in age from 3 to 107, helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, neurological conditions, life transitions, and more. Her unique approach has earned her the nickname “The Therapist Who Moves You.”

Media Appearances & Recognition

Erica’s expertise on the mind-body connection has been featured widely across national and local media. She has appeared on television and radio programs including NBC 5, WGN, and FOX 32, and her insights have been published or quoted in major outlets such as Parade, Reader’s Digest, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Tribune, Buzzfeed, Bustle, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Medium, and Prevention.

Erica has been recognized for her contributions to the field and community, including honors from Maria Shriver’s Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement for making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s, a Global Excellence Award in Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health, and the Social Care Award for Best Movement Therapy Center in Chicagoland.

Publications & Thought Leadership

Erica is a passionate author whose work makes somatic psychology and movement practices accessible to all:

Body Aware: Rediscover Your Mind-Body Connection, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Improve Your Mental Health with Simple Movement Practices — North Atlantic Books (2022) AVAILABLE HERE
The Movement Therapy Deck: 52 Mindful Movement Exercises to Regulate Your Nervous System and Process Trauma — North Atlantic Books (2024) AVAILABLE HERE
BODYTALK — a daily practice guide for body-centered emotional intelligence and regulation — Balance (2025) AVAILABLE HERE

Her practical, empowering guidance has been featured in workshops, summits, podcasts, and educational series focused on using movement as a tool for healing and resilience. For more information, check out www.ericahornthal.com.

LOCATION

440 Central Ave

2nd FL

Highland Park, IL 60035

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Tel: 847-848-0697

Email: erica@chicagodancetherapy.com

Contact