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

Hi Robbie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In my experience, embracing risk-taking has taught me that it goes beyond simply stepping into the unknown; it involves listening to the whispers of my heart and summoning the courage to follow its guidance, even when it leads me down uncharted paths.

My journey in healthcare began with a sense of fulfillment as an allergy specialist, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of clients. However, as time passed, I sensed that something deeper was at play – an underlying issue that traditional methods couldn’t address. This realization prompted me to delve beneath the surface and forge deeper connections with my clients on a more profound level.

Yet, the trajectory of my journey took an unexpected turn with a company-wide layoff, leaving me feeling adrift and uncertain. The subsequent onset of severe health challenges tested my resolve, pushing me to the brink of despair. However, even in the darkest moments, I knew that giving up wasn’t an option. I sought guidance through prayer and embarked on a quest for answers, refusing to succumb to defeat.

Venturing into seeking unconventional solutions required a significant risk – investing time, resources, and vulnerability. But it was a risk I deemed worth taking. Through sharing my truth and embracing vulnerability, I discovered the transformative power of mental health in achieving overall well-being. Although the journey was fraught with doubt and pain, it ultimately led to a profound awakening and a newfound sense of vitality.

The decision to establish Rituals Holistic Mental Health Counseling marked another leap of faith, diverging from conventional healthcare norms to embrace a more holistic approach to healing. It demanded stepping outside of my comfort zone, challenging traditional paradigms, and venturing into the unknown.

Throughout this journey, doubt and apprehension were constant companions. However, each risk I embraced served as an opportunity for growth and self-exploration. Whether it was leaving behind a stable career in corporate America or embarking on a new educational pursuit at Naropa University, every decision to take a risk propelled me closer to my authentic self and the realization of my vision for Rituals Holistic Mental Health Counseling.

In hindsight, I’ve come to realize that the greatest rewards often stem from embracing uncertainty and stepping beyond our comfort zones. Risk-taking hasn’t merely enabled me to create a sanctuary for healing but has also empowered me to guide others on their journey towards wholeness and self-discovery.

Today, as I stand alongside adversity, I am reminded that risk-taking isn’t solely about seeking external validation or success. It’s about honoring the wisdom of the heart and placing trust in its guidance. My journey has illuminated the understanding that true health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental and spiritual alignment. And as I continue to embrace the lessons learned, I am grateful for the opportunity to live a life infused with vitality, purpose, and a profound connection with nature – a testament to the transformative power of taking risks and following the heart’s wisdom.

To all those hesitating to embrace risk, I urge you to take the leap and trust that the universe will cradle your fall. Life is too fleeting to dwell in discontentment and unfulfillment. Our world yearns for courageous souls who lead with their hearts. If you dare to tread the path of uncertainty, rest assured that your existence will pulse with newfound vitality

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rituals Holistic Mental Health Counseling is more than just a counseling service; it’s a sacred space for individuals to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. What sets it apart is our deep-rooted belief in the power of ritual – intentional acts that foster connection with oneself and the world around us, both seen and unseen.

Unlike conventional medicine, which often takes a narrow approach to healing, I recognize that true wellness encompasses the full spectrum of the human experience – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rather than seeking to annihilate dis-ease, I strive to foster intimate connections with it, guiding our clients to create art from their pain and transform it into wholeness.

The journey began with a personal odyssey, as I navigated the labyrinth of corporate America’s healthcare system. A layoff served as the catalyst for a profound awakening, as mysterious heart arrhythmias led me to the doorstep of a healer in the tranquil hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Through this encounter, I discovered the transformative power of connecting deeply with oneself and nature, igniting a passion to share this wisdom with others.

Driven by a desire to revolutionize healthcare, I pursued a master’s degree in public health care administration, only to realize that true healing lay not in administrative roles but in intimate connections with people’s stories. Thus, I embarked on a path of self-discovery, delving into the realm of transpersonal wilderness therapy at Naropa University.

Throughout this journey, lessons were learned – the importance of being gentle with oneself amidst misdirection, the value of slowing down in a fast-paced world, and the profound beauty of finding purpose in the midst of uncertainty.

Rituals Holistic Mental Health Counseling stands as a beacon of hope and healing, committed to guiding individuals towards their true direction and purpose. The brand is a testament to the transformative power of intention and self-awareness, offering a soft and gentle landing for those ready to embark on their sacred journey of healing. As we navigate the currents of life together, I believe that setting aside time for introspection and connection will become the new currency of intimacy, paving the way for profound healing and transformation. Welcome home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s truly no place like home, especially when it comes to sharing meaningful moments with loved ones. If home is where the heart resides, then that’s precisely where I’d take my guests. I’d warmly welcome them to my cozy abode nestled in the serene Colorado mountains. We’d gather around the hearth, where I’d prepare a wholesome, home-cooked meal infused with love and care. Amidst the crackling fire, we’d engage in heartfelt conversations, exchanging laughter, tears, and deep breaths. I’d cherish each moment, embracing the simple joy of genuine connection. No extravagant outings or distractions—just the authentic warmth and comfort of shared stories and companionship.

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?
Gratitude flows abundantly to my family, community, clients, and friends for their unwavering love and support. No journey to success is solitary; it is adorned with the sacrifices and nurturing care of others. To those who have touched my life with their presence, I hold your smiles, your kindness, your embraces, and your love close to my heart. I stand where I am today because of your invaluable contributions. To those select few who consistently uplift me in profound ways:

-To my beloved cosmic daughter, Rue. Though your time on Earth was brief, your presence left a mark upon my heart. I will forever hold dear the moments we shared and the profound lessons you imparted on grief and loss. Your departure turned my world upside down, yet in the aftermath, I emerged as a healer imbued with newfound rawness, compassion, and wisdom—both for those I serve and for the natural world around us.

-Leah Watterson, my wife, has been my guiding light, mentor, confidante, and cherished companion throughout my journey of transformation. During my darkest moments when I felt like giving up, she was there, steadfast and unwavering in her support. Through the highs and lows of my prolonged illness spanning over two years, she stood by me with unwavering love and compassion.

Leah’s sacrifices will forever be etched in my heart. She nurtured me back to health with her nourishing meals, ensuring I took my supplements to sustain me through each day, and soothing my weary soul with magnesium-infused baths. Her whispered assurances that everything would be alright, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, kept me going.

To me, Leah is more than just a life partner; she epitomizes the true essence of partnership. Her love knows no bounds, and I am endlessly grateful for her unwavering presence in my life. Leah, I love you deeply and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-Paula Curtis has been an instrumental figure in my journey, serving as a dear friend, healer, and mentor who has profoundly influenced my path. Her dedication to her craft emanates from the depths of her heart, teaching me the importance of infusing my own work with heartfelt sincerity.

Through her expertise in energy medicine, Paula guided me in harmonizing areas of my life that hindered my success, relationships, and well-being. As someone inherently sensitive, she empowered me to harness my psychic and energetic abilities, transforming them into powerful tools for healing and growth.

No challenge has proven too daunting for Paula; her unwavering support and intuitive guidance have consistently guided me through moments of imbalance and uncertainty. I am endlessly grateful for her ability to tend to every aspect of my being with grace and skill.

Paula, your impact on my life is immeasurable, and I cherish our connection deeply. Thank you for your boundless love and support.

-Emily Isaacs is not just a teacher, mentor, and friend; she is a formidable force in the realm of mental health healing. With an unparalleled ability to discern the subtleties within each person’s narrative, she has dedicated much of her life to immersing herself in nature, infusing her practice with its wisdom.

Under Emily’s guidance, I have been granted access to a deeper, more soulful approach to working with clients, steeped in the art of storytelling and mythology. Her wisdom has unlocked within me the capacity to connect with others on a profound level, fostering healing journeys of depth and resonance.

Having Emily as a friend is a privilege I hold dear, and her presence reassures me that the world is indeed in good hands. Emily’s boundless care and love for humanity shine through in her dedication to the mental health care field, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Thank you, Emily, for your unwavering love, support, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

-To my clients, you all are truly remarkable individuals who continually offer profound insights into the world. In our shared journey, I receive as much healing and wisdom from you as you do from me. The exchange of care flows effortlessly in both directions. It is a privilege to walk beside each of you, holding your stories and challenges with deep reverence and admiration. To all of my clients, thank you for entrusting me with your well-being.

Finally, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who tested me the most, stirring the depths of my being and bringing forth my shadows. Through your challenges, you have taught me to confront and embrace the pain of the world with greater understanding and compassion. Though your actions caused me much distress, I recognize that your own suffering runs deep. My hope is to gently illuminate even a fraction of that pain and offer a space filled with light and love. To begin I will use the Ho’oponopono saying, “I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you”.

Website: ritualsmentalhealth.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertericwatterson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOutdoorMentor4U

Image Credits
Leah Watterson- Sacred Moon Healing Whitney Williams- https://whitneyphotographer.com/home

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