Meet Marisela Rosales | Holistic Psychotherapist & Somatic Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisela Rosales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisela, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has transformed over the years—from feeling overworked and overwhelmed to now enjoying consistent three-day weekends. Sitting here today, I can’t imagine still being stuck in the cycles that pushed me to burnout over a decade ago.

Today, I live a well-balanced, semi-retired kind of life. But it wasn’t always this way. For most of my adult life, I hustled and overworked, much of it driven by a need to feel enough—to be seen and valued for my skills, wisdom, and how much I helped others.

When this mindset fuels your work ethic, things can get messy fast. Before I realized it, I was working two part-time therapist jobs (equivalent to a 40-hour week) and volunteering with 2-3 organizations simultaneously. The volunteer work, essentially a part-time job on its own, brought me a deep sense of satisfaction. But working that much, paid or not, eventually catches up to you—and it certainly did for me.

Burnout taught me that those who only value you for what you give or produce don’t truly see you. It was a hard lesson but also the one that fueled my courage to step out of my comfort zone and off that relentless hamster wheel.

In 2016, feeling depleted and often defeated, I made the brave decision to quit my full-time job and fully commit to my own psychotherapy practice. This decision allowed me to create a balanced life—one where I could finally take care of myself in ways I had never done before.

Today, that balance looks like slow mornings soaking in the sun, journaling, moving my body, cooking nourishing meals, and starting my day intentionally. I decide how many clients to serve each week and how my schedule flows. This freedom creates a rich energetic experience because my work comes from a place of abundance and alignment rather than external pressure. The result is a business that allows me to truly live.

This balance has also opened doors for me to explore new ways of helping others beyond therapy alone. One year ago, I expanded my practice to include coaching. I credit this balanced life with giving me the clarity and space to dream about expanding my work—and the ability to do so in soft, sustainable ways.

The lessons I’ve learned—the pivots, the growth, and building a sustainable life and business—are the same lessons I hope to share with everyone, including you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart from other therapists and coaches is the way I guide others through healing and transformation. I’m deeply proud and excited about my approach, which weaves together over 16 years of experience in psychotherapy, holistic energy healing, and somatics. This approach not only addresses trauma (something we all carry in our histories and bodies) but also considers the individual as a whole—tending to the emotional, energetic, and spiritual bodies.

I find this process both exciting and transformational. It’s a privilege to guide others as they get to know themselves on all these levels of being.

My approach is slow and soft, and I can’t emphasize this enough. Some people might prefer the “just rip the bandaid off” method, but that’s not my style. Instead, I teach and guide people to slow down and gently soften into themselves. This creates a sense of safety within, offering space to truly meet themselves with compassion—not as a way to fix what they believe is broken, but as a way to honor and understand who they are.

This softness and self-connection make my work, and my role as a practitioner, unique. With me, you start with softness and self-connection. From there, everything else falls into place without force. You regain control in a way that feels aligned—you decide how slow to go, when something feels like too much, and when to pause. Fear starts to melt away, trauma begins to heal, and your truth naturally reveals itself. It’s the most beautiful way to heal and grow.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: Your trauma, overwhelm, and stress have been hard enough. Healing and transformation shouldn’t add to that burden. We can heal, grow, and learn in ways that make us feel worthy of the care we give ourselves. I want every person I work with to know and feel that truth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Whittier and that’s where I’d take them. We wouldn’t have to venture far because Whittier has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable time! Our adorable downtown area—actually called Uptown—is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, unique shopping, salons, and even a small movie theater. Plus, there are several hiking trails nearby, so you could easily spend the whole week exploring the city and still find something new to enjoy.

Here’s how I’d plan the week, depending on my visitor’s vibe:

For the Nature Lover:
We’d start the day with an early morning hike on one of Whittier’s trails, soaking up the fresh air and views. Afterward, we’d head to Uptown for breakfast or brunch at one of the many eateries. From there, we’d take a stroll through the area, popping into some of the local shops. My absolute favorite is Local Fixture—every time I go, I want to buy everything. It’s dangerous for the wallet but so good for the soul.

For the Foodie:
Dinner and drinks would definitely be in Whittier, my go-to spot when I’m meeting up with friends. With so many restaurants to choose from, throughout the week, we’d make our way through Uptown’s restaurants and bars, trying different spots for lunch and dinner. You really can’t go wrong here!

For the Movie Buff:
We’d plan a cozy evening at the small movie theater right in the heart of Uptown. It’s a charming spot and the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.

For the Self-Care Enthusiast:
If my friend was in the mood for pampering, we’d pick one of the many great nail or hair salons in the area. It’s always fun to relax and indulge a little, and Whittier has plenty of options to choose from.

For the Home Chef:
If they were staying through Friday and wanted a cozy night in, we’d stop by the local farmers market to pick up fresh ingredients. Maybe grab some coffee and a sweet treat while we’re there. Then we’d head home to cook up a feast together—there’s something so special about sharing a homemade meal.

Whittier truly has it all: great food, beautiful hiking trails, unique shops, and the perfect spots for a little pampering. You don’t have to go far to enjoy good food, a nice walk, or a fun shopping spree—it’s all right here waiting for you.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and kids have always been my biggest cheerleaders. No matter how fuzzy or unclear my ideas may be, they always respond with an enthusiastic, “YES, DO IT!” Their support has given me courage, even when I’ve been terrified to try something new.

My courage and determination to create a slower life also stem from learning about my family roots—the ways my mother, grandmother, and the women before them worked tirelessly to care for their families, often without the resources, support, or the proper rest that every mother deserves.

My mother taught me the importance of hard work and survival, but she has also shown me it’s okay to slow down. She deeply wants her children and grandchildren to live lives that are not only fulfilling but also filled with play and rest—luxuries she and her own mother couldn’t afford.

One of my mom’s greatest joys is seeing my two children travel and enjoy life. Her face lights up with the biggest smile, radiating pride and joy, knowing her grandchildren are living life to the fullest.

To me, this is the greatest gift—witnessing her joy and knowing that a generational cycle has been broken.

Website: https://www.mariselarosales.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithmarisela/

Image Credits
Carolina Adame