Thea Juniper Taylor
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Nourishing Touch for Embodiment and Emotional Regulation
Welcome!
I'm glad you're here and interested in Somatic Experiencing. It has been a healing force in my life and I love sharing it with others.
Somatic Experiencing is a gentle, body-centered approach to healing.
I approach Somatic Experiencing from my decades-long practice as a massage therapist. The healing power of touch is central to my work.
In session, I support my clients in bringing a deep focus to their felt-sense experience, noticing sensations in their body, images, emotions. It's an invitation to slow down and be present. The mind moves so fast almost all the time. Dropping our attention down into our bodies helps us connect with the healing resources that are within.
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.
What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
"SE is a body-oriented modality that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. Developed by Peter Levine, Ph.D., it is the result of the multidisciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics, with more than 45 years of successful application." (from traumahealing.org)
The Benefits of Somatic Experiencing
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
Encourages you to utilize curiosity, playfulness, and humor as resources when facing challenges
Helps you to notice your nervous system as it moves between states of activation and deactivation, cultivating a sense of inner flow and flexibility
Teaches you to cultivate the ability to be present with the waves of emotion
The mind is crazy, the feelings are confused, the body knows.
— Bert Hellinger, creator of Family Constellations
My unique approach to Somatic Experiencing
My life experiences impact my approach. I am an artist, a neurodiverse mother of neurodiverse children, a devoted partner, a lover of nature, a spiritual seeker. I find joy in life through dancing, cooking, being in community, playing in water. I love learning from others, especially elders.
My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, nurturing space where clients can experience embodied healing. I view my role as a guide and witness rather than a healer. I help create the conditions where healing happens.
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 rate is $150 for a 75-minute session.
Please note that I work exclusively with women and non-binary people.
Nature inspires and revitalizes me
Here are some of my favorite things.
