Total Health: Somatic Psychotherapist Leanne Rose On How We Can Optimize Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing

Cultivate Your Own Connection to the Divine. Spirituality isn’t about following a prescribed path — it’s about forging your unique connection to something greater. Whether you call it God, Source, Energy, or the Universe, what matters is that your connection is rooted in Love. When we open our hearts to a higher consciousness, life becomes richer, more meaningful, and infinitely more magical.

Often when we refer to wellness, we assume that we are talking about physical wellbeing. But one can be physically very healthy but still be unwell, emotionally or mentally. What are the steps we can take to cultivate optimal wellness in all areas of our life; to develop Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing? As a part of our series about “How We Can Cultivate Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Leanne Rose.

Leanne Rose is a globally recognized Consciousness Expert, Qualified Psychotherapist, and Divine Source Channel renowned for her groundbreaking fusion of evidence-based psychology and practical esoteric wisdom. Through her signature transchanneling gift, she empowers visionaries to unlock the highest levels of consciousness, revealing that life — and love — are direct reflections of the psyche.

Leanne teaches that perception shapes reality and that by shifting our awareness to Superconsciousness — the embodied knowing that we are Source/God/The Universe — we can create radical, almost magical transformations in our lives. Her unique approach has guided individuals worldwide, including Hollywood actors, bestselling authors, and top industry leaders, to achieve effortless wealth, profound breakthroughs, and extraordinary manifestations while reigniting passion and connection in even the most challenging relationships.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

Thank you so much for having me! I’d love to share a bit about my journey.

Like many in this line of work, my childhood was anything but easy. My father was absent, and while my mother was incredibly loving, she struggled with debilitating mental illness, making it impossible for her to care for me. As a result, I was placed in foster care as an infant, moving between multiple foster families. While this came with its challenges — loneliness, instability, and a deep search for belonging — it also led me to discover personal development at just 15 years old. That discovery changed everything, and in hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Despite the turbulence of my upbringing, I always felt a profound connection to something greater than myself. That connection deepened in a way I didn’t fully understand at the time, after a near-death experience at just 3 months old. I now know that experience rewired my brain, allowing me to perceive and interpret energy differently than most people. It shaped the way I process the world, the way I channel information, and ultimately, the way I’m able to distill complex, high-level concepts into tangible frameworks and methodologies.

For much of my life, I didn’t recognize this as a gift — I simply felt different, out of place, and often misunderstood. But as I navigated my own struggles with mental health, I began to open up to a higher wisdom. That journey became the bridge that allowed me to help others. It turns out, the very thing I once believed made me an outsider was my greatest superpower — something I now see as a deeply relatable human experience.

What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.

I was deeply inspired by the struggles I witnessed — not only my own but also those of fellow caregivers, my family, and especially my mum. I saw so many people suffering, caught in cycles of pain, and it became clear to me that something in our system wasn’t working. I wanted to be part of the solution.

I had experienced the stark difference between traditional therapeutic models and more somatic, spiritual-based personal development practices. While conventional therapy often focused on symptom management, I found that deep identity work — what I call rewired identity — had a profound and lasting impact on me. That realization changed my life and became the foundation of my work.

My mother was the catalyst for this journey. She was the reason I initially pursued mental health nursing, and she was also my earliest connection to spirit. From a young age, I questioned whether her diagnoses — particularly schizophrenia — were purely chemical imbalances or if they were something more. In certain cultures, what we pathologize as mental illness is seen as a sign of spiritual sensitivity, even a gift. But in our system, after years in an abusive marriage, my mother’s ‘mental breakdown’ led to her being medicated for life. My older sisters remember her as vibrant and full of life, but by the time I was born, that version of her was gone. That realization ignited something in me — a sacred rage — that pushed me to understand the mental health system inside and out because I knew something wasn’t right.

As I progressed in my nursing career, I saw the same patterns play out again and again — overmedication, a lack of emphasis on root causes, and minimal focus on true healing. At the same time, I was navigating my own struggles with mental health but felt unable to seek support. I knew that my spiritual perspective could easily be misinterpreted as early signs of psychosis, which only highlighted how much our system misunderstands deeper states of consciousness.

Then, a year into my training, my mum passed away from lung cancer. That grief became a catalyst for my own awakening. It pushed me into a profound spiritual journey — what some might call a ‘dark night of the soul.’ My intuitive gifts began to open, and as I connected with my mum in spirit, it changed me in ways I never expected. I was learning the inner mechanics of mental health through nursing school while simultaneously experiencing consciousness and energy at an entirely new level.

I graduated with first-class honors and thrived in my job, but the more experience I gained, the clearer it became: the system wasn’t built for true transformation. Medication was being used as a bandage while deeper healing remained untouched. That realization led me to create my own path, integrating evidence-based therapeutic practices with alternative healing methods like somatic work, yoga, family constellations, and meditation. But more than anything, my work became about something bigger than healing — it became about awakening.

The turning point came when I removed depression from my self-concept altogether. I stopped seeing it as something to ‘fix’ and instead as something to transcend. That was the true catalyst for my work — helping others reclaim their power not just by healing what’s broken, but by recognizing what was never broken in the first place.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?

I’ve had many incredible people support me throughout my journey, but my greatest source of guidance has always been cosmic in nature. I’ve always been fiercely independent and self-driven, yet I’ve also had an unwavering faith that something greater was leading me. Before my spiritual gifts fully opened, I was fearful of anything connected to spirituality, and I often felt disconnected from those around me. But when my mum passed, everything shifted. It was as if she became an ally on the other side, guiding and protecting me.

For the first time, I felt safe exploring consciousness at deeper levels. My fear of spirituality dissolved, and I found myself being pulled into a profound journey of self-discovery. Her presence was my anchor, giving me the courage to explore the vast landscapes of consciousness that would later become the foundation of my work.

This experience shaped my entire understanding of the human experience. What I once saw as a journey guided by a higher power, I now recognize as something even more profound — we are the higher power. We are not separate from it; we are an extension of it. And when we learn to access that truth, everything changes.

My work isn’t just about feeling good or manifesting desires — though those are beautiful side effects. It’s about self-actualization at the highest level. It’s about moving through life as pure consciousness itself. Every difficult moment along the way — especially my mum’s passing — was part of the initiation that brought me here.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or take away did you learn from that?

It wasn’t a mistake, but rather a discovery that completely changed how I view abundance.

My intuition guided me toward working with multimillionaire clients, under the assumption that because they had wealth, they would have fewer limiting beliefs around scarcity. I believed they would be ‘easier’ to work with. But I quickly realized that was far from the truth. Some of the wealthiest individuals I worked with were the most deeply entrenched in lack. The money was there, but it often left just as quickly — or came with an unbearable weight attached to it. And that scarcity mindset didn’t just show up in finances. It manifested as a lack of connection to themselves, their loved ones, their purpose, their peace. It showed up in exhaustion, strained relationships, and an inability to receive.

This was a profound awakening for me. It revealed how often we mistake money for freedom — when it can be anything but. True freedom isn’t just about financial abundance; it’s about energetic abundance. It’s about feeling deeply connected, aligned, and at peace.

I see this pattern play out in so many high-achieving women. They bury themselves in work, not because they love it, but because it’s a distraction from deeper emotions they don’t know how to process — especially love and vulnerability. And I’ve been guilty of it myself!

This experience taught me the importance of defining true freedom — not just chasing the illusion of it.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

One of the most transformational books I’ve encountered is Advanced Energy Anatomy by Caroline Myss.

She explores four core archetypes — the victim, child, saboteur, and prostitute — and how they unconsciously shape our lives. When I listened to the audiobook years ago, it forced me to confront some uncomfortable truths about myself.

At the time, I was in a deeply codependent relationship, but I had spent my whole life doubting my ability to trust myself. So, in an act of radical self-inquiry, I took a solo trip to separate my energy from my partner’s. What I discovered was unsettling — I had no idea what I wanted outside of the relationship. I had been making every decision from a place of fear.

That realization changed everything. Within a year, I left the relationship and embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery that ultimately led me to my spiritual gifts and the path I’m on today. I later channeled my own framework on manifestation, which my clients describe as life changing. But that book was one of the first experiences that showed me the power of self-inquiry through archetypes, and I still recommend it to this day.

Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

“When you change the way, you look at things, the things you look at change.”

This quote is more than just a mental reframe — it’s a truth that operates on an energetic level.

I saw this profoundly in my relationship with my partner. Before I was viewing him through the lens of fear, hypervigilance, and self-protection. I was questioning everything, pushing him away, and ultimately sabotaging the relationship.

But when I shifted into Superconsciousness — trusting that whatever he brought into our dynamic was an opportunity for growth — the entire relationship transformed. He felt seen, valued, and loved, and in turn, his behaviors changed. We went from constant tension to deep affection, communication, and commitment.

So many people destroy their relationships because they don’t understand this principle. Our relationships mirror our energy. And when we change how we show up, the relationship rises to meet us.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

Right now, I am completely immersed in The New Era of Manifestation — an entirely new paradigm that’s emerging on the planet. This approach shifts our focus inward, reclaiming our only true point of power: our inner realm. It’s about taking empowerment beyond the human level and into the cosmic.

We are each walking Universes, yet so many of us allow external circumstances to dictate how we feel and what we believe is possible. Society has conditioned us to measure success through narrow, external parameters — money, status, and tangible results — without realizing that our entire experience of life unfolds inside of us. My work is about helping people reconnect with their limitless potential by exploring wealth, purpose, and fulfillment in ways that don’t require changing external circumstances but instead harness the infinite resources within.

This project merges somatic practices, advanced spiritual concepts, creative self-concept exploration, and a revolutionary approach to healing — one that isn’t about ‘fixing’ but about expanding. My hope is that this work will help people rediscover life as a miraculous adventure, learning how to self-resource through both the highs and the lows. When we understand that we are the source of our own fulfillment, we stop simply surviving our human experience and start thriving within it.

The most exciting part? I’m not limiting this work to spiritual spaces — I’m actively bridging the gap between science and spirituality by pursuing a Ph.D. in the neuroscience of manifestation. This research will help legitimize these concepts in the academic world, bringing profound inner transformation to people in all walks of life. I couldn’t be more excited about it!

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview. In this interview series we’d like to discuss cultivating wellness habits in four areas of our lives: Mental wellness, Physical wellness, Emotional wellness, & Spiritual wellness. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or experience, can you share with our readers three good habits that can lead to optimum mental wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

Your mind is your most powerful tool — if used intentionally, it can be your greatest ally. Without direction, however, it can easily become chaotic. Here are three transformative habits to cultivate mental wellness and harness the full power of your mind.

1. True Mindfulness: Directing Consciousness with Intention

Mindfulness is often reduced to a coping tool — something we reach for in times of stress. But true mindfulness is so much more than that. It is the art of deliberately directing your consciousness at will. Unlike meditation, which is often passive, mindfulness is an active engagement with life itself.

It’s not about sitting in silence for hours — it’s about being fully present in the moment, no matter what you’re doing. Take something as simple as making your morning cup of tea or coffee. Instead of going through the motions on autopilot while your mind races through the day’s to-do list, fully immerse yourself in the experience. Feel the weight of the cup in your hands, notice the scent of the tea leaves or coffee grounds, and observe the steam curling into the air.

One of the best ways to enhance mindfulness is to slow everything down. When we rush, we miss the richness of life. By practicing bringing yourself back to the present moment — repeatedly — you’ll begin to experience a deep inner stillness that many of us are unknowingly searching for. And from this stillness, clarity, creativity, and insight will naturally emerge.

2. Intentional Identity Cultivation: Who You Believe yourself to Be Shapes Your Reality

Life doesn’t respond to the thoughts you put out — it responds to who you are. More specifically, to who you believe yourself to be. If you want to unlock your limitless potential, identity work is non-negotiable.

I began experimenting with this principle by shifting my self-concept. Instead of seeing myself as just a human navigating life, I started to embody the belief that I am Consciousness itself — the same force that creates entire universes. Instead of ‘practicing self-love,’ I became the embodiment of Love itself.

And everything changed. I saw the world differently, and the world responded in kind. Challenges became opportunities, closed doors became redirections, and life became an adventure rather than a struggle.

The simplest way to start this practice is by choosing a quality you admire in someone else and imagining yourself already embodying it. How would you move differently? What would you wear? How would you hold yourself? Play with this version of you — try it on like a costume. You’ll quickly realize that you are far more fluid and adaptable than you’ve been conditioned to believe.

3. Go Rogue: Break Free from Self-Imposed Pressure

If you’re someone who is highly driven and passionate about achieving your potential, you probably feel a constant internal pressure to keep pushing forward. But when that drive becomes relentless, it can feel like you’re being dragged through life rather than leading it.

The truth is the pressure isn’t coming from the outside world — it’s coming from you. Even if external voices are reinforcing it, those voices can only impact you if they reflect something you already believe about yourself.

That’s why it’s essential to break the cycle of relentless striving by intentionally going rogue. I schedule at least two obligation-free days a month where I have no structure, no work, no socializing — just pure, desire-led freedom.

This practice is especially crucial for high-achieving women, many of whom struggle to prioritize pleasure. We’ve been conditioned to believe that success must come first, and pleasure will follow. But the reality is, if you operate from that mindset, you will always be chasing something just out of reach. True freedom, peace, and fulfillment can only be found within — and they are available now.

So go rogue. Let your soul lead. You might be surprised by the clarity that arises when you do.

Do you have a specific type of meditation practice or Yoga practice that you have found helpful? We’d love to hear about it.

I absolutely adore devotional yoga. It’s a blend of sensual movement and traditional yoga, but instead of focusing on rigid postures, the emphasis is on expressing devotion — both to life and to the present moment. In this practice, I allow my body to move intuitively, honoring the wisdom it holds. It’s a moving meditation, a way to pray through movement. Rather than separating myself from Source, I merge with it. Every stretch, every flow, every breath is an act of reverence.

While I do love conventional meditation, I find this dynamic approach even more rewarding. There is something profoundly powerful about feeling both the stillness of presence and the vibrant hum of life moving through you at the same time. I recommend it to everyone.

Thank you for that. Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum physical wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

Since mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, wellness practices don’t exist in isolation. Mental and emotional health directly impact physical well-being, so the key is to approach health holistically. Here are three essential habits for optimal physical wellness:

1. Prioritize Emotional Well-Being

Chronic stress floods the body with chemicals that contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and disease. Many people obsess over diet and exercise but unknowingly sabotage their health with unprocessed emotions and high stress levels.

Down-time is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Without it, your body cannot rebalance itself.

2. Walk in Nature (Without Your Phone!)

Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your health. It boosts immune function, improves sleep, reduces cortisol, increases vitamin D production, and supports heart health.

For maximum benefit, leave your phone at home (or on airplane mode) and use the walk as a mindfulness practice. Engaging all your senses in the experience — feeling the air on your skin, listening to the sounds around you — will supercharge the benefits.

3. Nourish Your Body Through Movement

Many of us spend long hours hunched over screens, leading to stiffness and pain. Even if you exercise regularly, prolonged sitting can take a toll. I make it a priority to stretch or move every hour, even if it’s just for two minutes. It doesn’t have to be intense — gentle movement is enough to keep your body happy and mobile.

And if something feels off in your body, don’t ignore it. When my usual yoga practice wasn’t alleviating some persistent aches, I sought help from a physiotherapist. The targeted exercises she gave me made all the difference. Sometimes, the best act of self-care is asking for support.

Do you have any particular thoughts about healthy eating? We all know that it’s important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, etc. But while we know it intellectually, it’s often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?

The key to sustainable healthy eating isn’t just what we eat — it’s why we eat it. Many people make reactive health choices, driven by the fear of illness rather than the love of nourishment. This fear-based motivation creates pressure, making dietary changes feel like an obligation rather than an act of self-care. When we focus on avoiding what we don’t want (e.g., poor health), we carry a scarcity mindset that often leads to a binge/restrict cycle.

True, lasting change happens when we shift to intrinsic motivation — choosing healthy foods because they feel good in the moment, not just because they promise a future reward. Those who make dietary changes out of genuine enjoyment tend to sustain them longer because their brains associate the behavior with dopamine-driven pleasure.

A practical way to cultivate this is by making healthy eating fun. Turn it into a self-love ritual — light a candle, play music, or savor the colors of your meal. Or make it social — plan weekly healthy meal dates with a friend. The more joy you infuse into the process, the more sustainable it becomes.

Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum emotional wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Prioritize Connection

As an Interpersonal Psychotherapist, I know that human connection is one of the most effective ‘treatments’ for emotional distress. When we’re struggling, many of us withdraw, but research shows that connecting with others significantly improves our mood. Even when it feels easier to isolate, reaching out can be the exact shift we need.

That said, self-connection is just as vital. Not just passive downtime, but active self-care — journaling, meditative walks, or intentional solitude. The key is balance: deeply nourishing time with yourself and meaningful connection with others.

2. Learn Your Love Language — And Others’

Many conflicts aren’t due to a lack of love, but rather a lack of understanding in how it’s expressed. Miscommunication is one of the biggest causes of emotional distress in relationships. Learning how you and those around you give and receive love (through Gary Chapman’s Love Languages, for example) can transform relationships. When we understand how others express appreciation, we stop misinterpreting differences as disconnection.

3. Process Your Emotions Regularly

Emotional hygiene is as essential as brushing your teeth. Stress accumulates daily, and without processing, it builds into burnout. Journaling, voice-noting a trusted friend, or even periodic therapy sessions can act as emotional ‘check-ups,’ clearing out unprocessed feelings before they take root. Just like we see doctors for physical health, tending to emotional well-being should be just as normalized.

Do you have any particular thoughts about the power of smiling to improve emotional wellness? We’d love to hear it.

Smiling is one of the simplest ways to shift your emotional state. I remember learning as a teenager that smiling alone could improve mood, so I tried it — and within minutes, I genuinely felt better. This led me to explore power poses and embodiment practices, which became core elements of my work today. Our body posture not only reflects our emotions but shapes them. Just as slouching can reinforce feelings of heaviness, an open posture and a smile can trigger the brain’s ‘happiness’ response. And it doesn’t just benefit us — smiling at a stranger could be the moment that shifts their entire day.

Finally, can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum spiritual wellness?

1. Cultivate Your Own Connection to the Divine

Spirituality isn’t about following a prescribed path — it’s about forging your unique connection to something greater. Whether you call it God, Source, Energy, or the Universe, what matters is that your connection is rooted in Love. When we open our hearts to a higher consciousness, life becomes richer, more meaningful, and infinitely more magical.

2. See Everything as Happening for You, Not to You

This shift changed everything for me — my business, my relationships, my spiritual gifts, and my ability to manifest at an entirely new level. When we trust that every challenge carries hidden wisdom, we move through life with a sense of adventure rather than resistance.

3. See Everyone (Including Yourself) Through the Eyes of Love

The real game-changer? Seeing everything — yourself, others, and the world — through the lens of Unconditional Love. This isn’t just about spiritual awareness; it’s about creative power. When we embody love, we naturally attract higher frequencies, create deeper connections, and manifest from a place of expansion. Life itself becomes a sacred adventure.

Ok, we are nearly done. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Ironically, I’ve been told I’ve already inspired the We Are God movement! My work is about embodying the truth that at the core of everything is One Consciousness — whether you call it God, Source, or the Universe. When I see myself and the world as infinite expressions of that divine force, everything transforms. And from that place, I don’t just change my life — I naturally overflow that love, raising the frequency of everyone I touch. Even if my beliefs turned out to be untrue (which, of course, they might be!), what matters most is the way they cause me to live. And I love knowing that my guiding force is Unconditional Love — for myself and for the world.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

Oprah, of course! Who doesn’t dream of meeting Oprah? But if she’s busy, I’d love to connect with Jay Shetty — I deeply admire the work he’s doing in the world.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can find me on Instagram at @Iamleannerose or visit my website at www.leannerosegalayla.com.

For those ready to experience this new paradigm of consciousness, check out my membership, The Power Portal — a space where we explore cutting-edge consciousness and manifestation work. The results have been insane!

And keep an eye out for my upcoming podcast, The Divine Wealth Frequency, launching soon with my dear soul sister!

Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success.