Thea Juniper Taylor
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Nourishing Touch for Embodiment and Emotional Regulation
Hi, I'm Thea
Somatic Experiencing changed my life
In my late teens and early twenties, I underwent traditional talk therapy, which I found somewhat helpful, but it only touched the surface of my experiences. When I tried Somatic Experiencing, it felt like the missing piece had been found.
Working with a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner provided a more holistic approach, acknowledging that I am more than just my thoughts or feelings. This therapy anchored me into a deeper understanding of myself, breaking the cycle of thought-feeling loops. It was a natural progression after decades of my work as a certified massage therapist.
Somatic Experiencing validates and honors my natural tendencies as a deeply feeling and sensing person. It provides a language for things I’ve always known and felt within myself.
When working with clients, I focus on the importance of paying attention to the way the body's physiology and nervous system respond. I use that information to tune into the wisdom of the body while staying present within one's own experience.
We cannot think our way into a sense of safety and wholeness. The pathway is through our internal sensations and the wisdom of our body.
Explore Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a way of healing trauma that's based in the body. It was created by Peter Levine, PhD, with whom I studied at the Esalen Institute, and it aims to help the nervous system work its best, recognizing how crucial this system is in dealing with and overcoming traumatic symptoms.
The Benefits of Somatic Experiencing
Deepens your understanding of the internal landscape and the body's sensations
Allows you to experience your physisal body as a constant resource
Shows you how to cultivate the ability to be present with the energy inside your body
Learns to notice your nervous system as it moves between states of activation and deactivation, cultivating a sense of inner flow and flexibility
Encourages you to explore curiosity, playfulness, and humor as a balance to the challenges and traumas of life
Teaches you to the practice of slowing down to have more choice in how you react in daily life
Allows you to experience a sense of safety and comfort within your own physical body as a resource for feeling secure in interpersonal relationships
The mind is crazy, the feelings are confused, the body knows.
— Bert Hellinger, creator of Family Constellations
My unique approach to Somatic Experiencing
My experience as an artist and the mother of an autistic child bring a unique and compassionate approach to trauma healing. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, and intuitive space for clients to heal themselves through care, patience, and kindness.
My unique qualities as a Somatic Experience Practitioner — my neurodiversity, artistic background, emphasis on play and joy, and leading with my heart — all contribute to my goal of providing a nurturing and supportive environment for my clients to navigate their healing process. I view the role as a guide and witness rather than the sole healer.
I'm human and therefore flawed and imperfect. I come at this work knowing that a lot of times I don't know what's best on a purely cognitive level. And I have to listen to my intuition and my own felt sense while attuning to my client and being present to their process.
What is the felt sense?
Felt sense involves recognizing the familiar sensations in our bodies and linking them to other experiences that may not initially seem related. This process helps us identify our natural patterns, sensations, and energy flow, allowing us to identify and mend any strained connections that have contributed to stress on our nervous system.
My training
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Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner Training (2016 – 2019, California)
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Trauma, Memory, and the Restoration of One’s Self, with Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (Weekend Workshop, 2019 Esalen Institute, California)
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Eye of the Needle Master Class with Dr. Peter Levine (2019, California)
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Minnesota Center for Systemic Constellations, with Stephan Hausner (Family Constellation Weekend Workshop, 2023, Minnesota)
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Coupling Dynamics workshop with Kathy Kain (2023, Washington)
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Family Constellations and Systemic Ritual: Moving from Separation to Community with Meghan Kelly (Weekend Workshop, 2024, Minnesota)
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Chicago School of Massage Therapy, Certified Massage Therapist Training Program (1996 – 1997, Illinois)
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Esalen Institute Massage Certification (2005, California)
What my clients say
When I receive a session from Thea, I always feel a distinct positive shift, and find resources within myself that stay with me for a long time after. Part of her skill as a practitioner lies in her deep attunement, and loving presence.
As an SE practitioner myself, I'm particular about who I receive work from, and Thea is one of my top choices.
Sarah Ross, Psychotherapist and SEP
I am here to help
If you'd like to learn more about how Somatic Experiencing can help you, please reach out so we can schedule a session. My hourly rate is $150 and I am available for care only on Thursdays.
Please note that I work exclusively with women and non-binary people.
