Grounding in embodied possibility
Nurturing Ground emerged from countless conversations, dreams, rumblings, playful interactions, and existential crises between Harry and Jem. Parenthood has been a driving force in rethinking what it means to truly be as humans. It has inspired a deeper inquiry into what embodiment practices can offer, especially in these precarious times.
Rather than rushing to "fix" or "save" the world, Harry and Jem are moved to explore what might unfold if we slow down, ground ourselves, and reflect more deeply on how we want to relate—to our own bodies, to each other, and to the more-than-human world that surrounds us. What becomes possible when we approach these relationships with care, patience, and intention?
Jem Gay (they/them) is a parent, somatic therapist and facilitator. Born on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country, Jem now resides on Djaara Country in Castlemaine. They come from English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Jewish ancestry.
Jem’s journey into this work began through their own experiences with complex trauma, chronic stress, therapy, and spiritual practice. Currently, their embodiment practice focuses on cultivating a deeper relationship with the more-than-human world (nature), using it as a grounding force to help navigate these complex and challenging times.
Through their work, Jem collaborates with individuals and communities in a co-created process of embodied storytelling, helping people reclaim and cultivate their own narratives of resilience, connection, and belonging. This process invites exploration of the body, community, and the broader natural world, fostering healing and integration.
Trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), a trauma-informed somatic and yoga facilitator, and with experience teaching tertiary environmental studies, Jem integrates a diverse skill set into their practice. They are also a facilitator and trainer with Collective Being, a nonprofit, trauma-informed organization dedicated to providing accessible, practical wellbeing programs for individuals, organizations, and communities in need.
Training & Qualifications
-
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Somatic Experiencing Australia, 2024
Trauma-Informed Somatics, 30hrs, Collective Being, 2023
Somatics, Trauma & Resilience, Strozzi Institute, 2021
Continuum mentorship, Continuum Australia, 2020 –
-
Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner, Wayapa Wuyrrk, 2021
Yoga, Social Justice & Spirit online training (30 hours), Yoga for Humankind, 2021
Dharma and Meditation study program (200 hourrs), Jess Huon, 2019
Contemporary Hatha, Trauma-Informed & Community Yoga Teacher Training (230 hours), Yoga for Humankind, 2018
Meditation teacher training, Melbourne Meditation Centre, 2014
-
Yarn storytelling workshops 2nd year, Yarn Australia, 2023
Advanced training certificate in Ecopsychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2023
The work that reconnects facilitator development program, 2020
Bachelor of Environment & Society Honours First Class, RMIT, 2018
Harry grew up in the southwest of England and now resides (resting, regenerating, and reconnecting) on unceded Djaara Country in Castlemaine. Harry is a strategist, mother, yoga and somatic movement facilitator, Zen Thai Shiatsu therapist, gardener, lover of to-do lists, and a passionate advocate for social justice, transformation, and healing.
For Harry, Nurturing Ground is a space to dream new stories, embody transformative justice, and reclaim the agency of our bodies. It’s about re-learning how to become more adaptive, resilient, and interdependent in the face of an ever-changing world. Through movement, mindfulness, and touch, we can connect deeply with ourselves and with each other.
Harry is committed to creating environments where you can pause, tune in, and explore your own needs, resilience, and capacity for ease and safety. She invites curiosity and gentle inquiry into how we can nurture our bodies and minds for long-term wellbeing.
In addition to her work as a practitioner, Harry is a facilitator and trainer with Collective Being, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed, accessible wellbeing programs. Their mission is to support communities, organizations, and individuals in need, offering practical tools for healing and personal transformation.