I’m Ingrid Jennifer Lacey, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, GLCMA, CPCS, NCC, ASMP. My journey into dance movement therapy began twenty-five years ago, teaching dance to at-risk youth and marginalized communities in Ireland and England. After earning my formal degree in dance movement therapy and counseling, along with my movement analysis certification, at Columbia College Chicago in 2007, I worked as a Rehabilitation Therapist at Napa State Hospital, where I developed innovative treatment groups for forensic psychiatric patients, including a Mind Body Competency program for those found Incompetent to Stand Trial.

I’ve had the privilege of presenting at American Dance Therapy Association conferences in 2009, 2016, and 2024 – most recently alongside my mentor, Dee Wagner, on Chi for Two®, a polyvagal-informed approach to trauma healing across generations.

Since 2012, I’ve held a private practice as a somatic psychotherapist, educator, and clinical supervisor, specializing in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions with adults. I’m also a Certified Chi for Two® Embodiment Coach, guiding clients through this trauma-informed practice for cultivating healthy relationships. I bring together expressive arts therapies, Chi for Two, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Celtic spirituality in my work with clients, students, and supervisees, and I teach as adjunct faculty for dance therapy programs in Atlanta and Chicago.

At the heart of my work is a belief in the transformative power of embodied consciousness. I draw on my own lifelong relationship with movement to offer a therapeutic experience that honors the physical, psychological, and spiritual body together.

I’m thrilled to be returning to Chicago, close to family and back among its vibrant dance community!