Exploring Life & Business with Jacqueline Rose Richards-Shrestha of Jacqueline Rose Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Rose Richards-Shrestha

Hi Jacqueline Rose, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I was constantly surrounded by the beauty of nature. Despite a straightforward upbringing, I faced considerable challenges, especially with my mental health, which began to affect me significantly during high school. These challenges intensified when I went to college, where the pressure to be perfect heightened my anxiety to the point that I had to leave. This period marked the onset of an eating disorder, leading me to seek treatment—a turning point in my life.

In therapy, I found a truly safe space for the first time. The profound impact of having a compassionate therapist who guided me through my darkest times opened my eyes to the power of therapeutic support. This experience was so transformative that it inspired me to pursue a career in the healing field, helping others find similar solace and recovery.

After earning my undergraduate degree in psychology, I moved to Hawaii to work in horticultural therapy at Pacific Quest. Living in Pahoa, I fully embraced the community, spending my days off swimming in warm ponds and snorkeling with sea turtles. When lava flows later covered these areas, I was reminded of the impermanence of life, highlighting the importance of cherishing each moment.

Seeking direction after Hawaii, I ventured to Thailand, and from there, my journey led me to Cambodia where I attended my first vipassana retreat—an intense and deeply transformative experience. In Nepal, I met my future husband in his charming village, a meeting that felt like destiny. Our connection deepened my spiritual journey, and I’ve returned to Nepal several times since. This fall, I’m particularly excited as we plan to bring our daughter with us, introducing her to the majestic Himalayas and her beautiful extended family for the first time.

Returning to the U.S., I decided to further my education in mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling psychology at Naropa University. This program not only offered another layer of deep personal healing but also provided the foundational skills for my practice. Mindfulness and tuning into my body have been the greatest healers in my life, reinforcing my belief in the power of turning inward.

Colorado is now our home, where the mountains and the community resonate deeply with me. I started my therapy practice, initially called Rose and the Moon Healing and later renamed to Jacqueline Rose Wellness in 2023. I specialize in body-centered therapy, helping women develop healthier relationships with their bodies. Hosting the BodyMedicine podcast is another dream come true, where I merge my love for sharing, healing, and learning about others’ journeys in body-centered healing. Every day, I am grateful for the chance to support others on their paths to wellness, just as I was supported on mine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the journey has not been a smooth road. There have been significant struggles along the way. From an early age, I grappled with mental health issues that became particularly acute during my high school years. This struggle culminated in college when the pressure to perform and be perfect escalated my anxiety to unmanageable levels, leading me to drop out. This period of my life was marked by the onset of an eating disorder, forcing me to seek treatment and confront my issues head-on.

The decision to leave college and enter treatment, although incredibly challenging, was pivotal. It led me to the realization that I needed to heal and ultimately helped me find my path in the healing professions. Transitioning into a career that aligned with my personal experiences brought its own set of challenges, including moving to new and unfamiliar places like Hawaii and later, across continents to Thailand and Nepal.

Each move and career decision came with uncertainties and required a significant adjustment. Learning to navigate these new environments while maintaining my focus on personal and professional growth was sometimes overwhelming. Additionally, starting my own practice involved not just the usual business challenges but also the personal commitment to translating my own healing journey into effective therapy for others.

Despite these challenges, each step has been crucial in shaping who I am today and how I help others. The struggles have not only taught me resilience but have also deepened my understanding and empathy, which are essential qualities in my work as a therapist.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Jacqueline Rose Wellness, I offer a sanctuary for holistic, mindfulness-based, and body-centered therapy, designed specifically with women in mind. My approach is deeply personal and compassionate, focusing on issues like body image, self-confidence, and relationship anxiety. I integrate a variety of techniques including Gestalt, Brainspotting, and somatic therapy, ensuring that each session is tailored to the unique needs of my clients.

I pride myself on the flexibility and accessibility of my services, offering both in-person and online therapy sessions. This ensures that you can engage in therapy from wherever you feel most comfortable, accommodating your schedule and lifestyle needs. My practice is particularly attuned to the pressures and challenges that women face, providing care that is not only empathetic but also empowering.

My brand is built on a foundation of real, lived experiences. I don’t just rely on theoretical knowledge; I focus on practical skills and real results. I’ve been in the trenches myself, and I use that experience to guide you through your own healing journey. This personal approach is what sets my practice apart—I am here with you, every step of the way.

For those ready to start their healing journey, I offer initial consultations to discuss your needs and tailor a therapy plan just for you. It’s about building a partnership that supports your path to personal growth and well-being.

What were you like growing up?
I feel like I had two growing up experiences- one before therapy and eating disorder, and one after.

Before, I was definitely a “perfect” child people pleaser. I didn’t want to be too much, I was sweet, smiley, enjoyable, easy going. I also didn’t share my feelings. I was introverted but also just social enough to not be weird. I liked nature, but also played video games. I loved reading.

Post Eating disorder and therapy, I feel like I grew into myself. I learned that I loved dancing, biking, meeting people and socializing, I learned to cook and love food and plants. I trained as an herablist a few years ago and I fricken love foraging now. I feel like I’m actually my real self now, where as when I was younger, I was being who I thought everyone wanted me to be.

Pricing:

• Counseling Full rate- $250/50 min session
• Counseling pay-what-you-can fee $185-$245)
• Self-Love Coaching- $275/60 min session
• 5-week coaching package ($1299)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jacquelinerosewellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinerosewellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineRoseWellnessServices
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bodymedicine-podcast/id1737869287

Image Credits
Jacqueline Richards-Shrestha and BIRI PHOTOGRAPHY