Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Rose. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hannah, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In 2019, I took the biggest risk of my career—one that would change the trajectory of my life. At the time, I was working in both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation facilities for substance use disorders. I was doing meaningful work, but I felt a growing sense of restlessness. The rigid structure of these settings left little room for the autonomy and creativity I craved as a therapist. I knew deep in my gut that I needed to do something different, something bold.

That’s when the idea of starting my own private practice took root. It was terrifying. I had a stable job, a steady paycheck, and the safety net of an established institution. Walking away from that to build something from scratch felt like stepping into the unknown without a map. What if I failed? What if no one wanted to work with me? What if I wasn’t as capable as I thought I was?

But alongside the fear was a quiet, persistent voice telling me that I had to try. I started small—seeing clients in the evenings and on weekends while keeping my full-time job. Slowly but surely, my caseload filled up. I remember the exact moment I had to turn away my first potential client because I was at capacity. It was both exhilarating and heartbreaking; I had built something real, something people needed.

That moment pushed me to take an even bigger leap. If I was turning people away, then there was an opportunity to expand. In 2021, I founded Rose Wellness, a group practice that brought together like-minded therapists who shared my vision of healing, authenticity, and self-discovery. Now, I get to do what I love every day—helping individuals and groups heal through therapy, workshops, speaking engagements, and training.

Taking this risk was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but it also became one of the most rewarding. It taught me that fear and doubt don’t have to mean “stop.” Sometimes, they’re just signs that you’re on the edge of something truly transformational.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Hannah Rose, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and the founder of Rose Wellness Counseling, a virtual therapy practice dedicated to providing inclusive and personalized mental health services. But beyond the titles and credentials, I’m someone who believes deeply in the power of human connection, transformation, and authenticity. My work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

My passion for psychology started early. As a teenager working at summer camp, I found myself drawn to deep, meaningful conversations, always wanting to know what was really going on beneath the surface. I craved connection on a profound level, which eventually led me to pursue a career in clinical mental health counseling. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Goucher College and later completed my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. My early career took me to high-intensity settings, working in substance use treatment and trauma-informed care, where I gained invaluable experience. But over time, I began to feel constrained by the rigid structures of traditional clinical settings. I wanted more freedom to show up fully, to bring my energy, intuition, and belief in human resilience into my work without limitation.

In 2019, I took a leap of faith and started my private practice. At first, I saw clients in the evenings while still working full-time, but it quickly became clear that I was onto something much bigger. My caseload filled rapidly, and by 2021, I expanded my vision into Rose Wellness Counseling, bringing together a team of like-minded therapists who share my commitment to holistic, affirming, and deeply personalized therapy.

I approach therapy with energy, warmth, and a deep presence. My clients often describe me as dynamic and engaging, both charismatic and grounding. I believe in meeting people where they are, but I also believe in challenging them to break free from the stories that no longer serve them. Therapy, to me, isn’t just about coping—it’s about transformation. I help my clients step into their fullest, most empowered selves by breaking through old patterns, questioning limiting beliefs, and cultivating radical self-acceptance. I believe that every individual holds the power to rewrite their own story, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside them as they do.

At Rose Wellness Counseling, we offer individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration. We support couples and families in building stronger, healthier relationships. We specialize in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and create safe, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. In addition to therapy, I also lead workshops, speak at events, and train other therapists because I’m passionate about spreading knowledge and inspiring transformation on a larger scale.

What makes me most proud is witnessing those breakthrough moments—the shift from stuckness to clarity, from self-doubt to self-trust, from pain to healing. I love watching people step into their power, embrace their truth, and realize that they are capable of so much more than they ever thought possible. Beyond my work, I strive to embody the principles I teach. I live my life with passion, curiosity, and adventure, always seeking growth, always learning.

For those who are looking for a therapist who is deeply engaged, passionate, and fully invested in their journey, I want them to know they’re not alone. Healing is possible. Change is possible. And I would love to be a part of that journey.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Throughout my journey as a therapist and entrepreneur, several resources have profoundly influenced my management philosophy and approach to leadership. At Rose Wellness Counseling, we emphasize creating a psychologically safe environment where clients and staff feel valued and understood. This commitment is reflected in the resources we offer on our website, which aim to support mental health professionals and individuals seeking personal growth.

A pivotal influence on my leadership style has been Brené Brown’s work, particularly her book *Dare to Lead*. In this transformative guide, Brown emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in leadership. She asserts that “daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human.” This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my approach to fostering a culture of openness and trust within my practice.

Participating in the *Dare to Lead* training further deepened my understanding of these concepts. This program focuses on developing four key skill sets: rumbling with vulnerability, living into our values, braving trust, and learning to rise. By integrating these principles, I’ve learned to lead from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, encouraging collaboration and shared growth among my team.

These resources have collectively reinforced my belief in the power of authentic connection and the necessity of creating spaces where individuals feel safe to express themselves. By embracing vulnerability and leading with empathy, I’ve been able to cultivate a practice that not only supports our clients’ healing journeys but also fosters a supportive and innovative environment for my team.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that what has truly helped me build my reputation within my market is my authenticity. From the very beginning of my career, I made a conscious decision to show up as my full, unapologetic self—both as a therapist and as a leader. I don’t believe in hiding behind a clinical mask or pretending to have all the answers. Instead, I meet people where they are, with honesty, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to helping them step into their own truth.

Clients and colleagues alike have told me that my energy is contagious—that I bring a warmth, passion, and presence that makes people feel seen and understood. I think that’s because I don’t just practice therapy as a job; it’s a calling, something I deeply believe in. I care about my clients and my team on a profound level, and I think that care is evident in everything I do.

I’ve also built my reputation by creating spaces where people feel safe—where they can be real, let their guard down, and know they will be met with compassion, not judgment. Whether it’s in a therapy session, a team meeting, or a speaking engagement, I bring that same level of openness and depth. I think people can feel when someone is being authentic, and that trust is what allows for real transformation to happen.

Beyond my work with clients, I’ve built a reputation for being a leader who operates from a place of abundance rather than scarcity. Through *Dare to Lead* and Brené Brown’s work, I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. I bring that philosophy into my practice, my leadership style, and my approach to entrepreneurship. I invest in my team, I share knowledge freely, and I collaborate rather than compete.

At the end of the day, I think people are drawn to authenticity. They want to work with someone who is real, who genuinely believes in what they do, and who isn’t afraid to show up fully. That’s what has set me apart, and that’s what I will continue to lead with—because it’s not just a strategy, it’s who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rosewellnesscounseling.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaheliserose
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrMpelqFczrsIz05C3sM_A