Exploring Life & Business with Chelsea McGuire of The Whole Self

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea McGuire.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I went through much of my life feeling depressed, anxious, unhappy, and unhealthy. I was feeling lost, disconnected, stuck, and lacking purpose, and I found myself in unhealthy relationships and unfulfilling jobs over and over again. I didn’t know where to start with all of that until I found group fitness and nutrition. I started taking Barre and group fitness classes, and my body started to feel better, and I started to feel stronger – so I started teaching Barre and dance fitness classes. My relationship with food changed when I started work as a weight loss counselor. I learned and studied the ins and outs of nutrition and fell in love with cooking and real food. I started to feel better not just physically but also mentally. While that was helpful, I quickly realized that wasn’t the whole journey. 

My cousin introduced me to an emotional intelligence program called Choice Center that helped me identify past traumas and break through some pretty heavy barriers. I dove into my trauma, limiting beliefs, and behavioral patterns and learned how they were showing up in my life. I looked at the patterns of my abusive and codependent relationships and parent wounds, and that’s when my healing journey really began. Simultaneously working on those healing processes, I started searching for something else to make me feel better. I didn’t know what that was, but Reiki kept popping up in my searches. 

From there, I became a Reiki I practitioner. In discovering Reiki, I learned how to become more aware of my emotions and thoughts and identify where they were coming from. I was able to connect with others and myself better, and I was able to access innate tools to support my nervous system that helped me relieve my anxiety and self-doubt. I learned about energy and how it impacts and connects all of us, and in learning how to shift and find balance within my energetic bodies, my life completely changed. 

I’ve now been practicing for over 6 years and am certified as a Reiki master teacher (level 4). I founded The Whole Self, LLC 3 years ago. Throughout my journey, I’ve studied and practiced the work of Joe Dispenza, Brene Brown, Shealana Aiyana, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, and more. I’ve learned other modalities such as EFT tapping, neuro-sculpting, meditation, breathwork, dance therapy, and even became a certified health coach and trauma-informed Yoga Nidra facilitator, which are all infused into my practice. After several moves and navigating transitions, I landed in San Diego this past August. I help women who are navigating life transitions, seeking self-love and compassion, searching for spiritual growth, and wanting more connection and balance in mind, body, and soul for whole-hearted living. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not particularly. Most recently, I’ve moved about 10 times in the last 3 years with my partner. As a fairly new entrepreneur, it’s been difficult juggling several jobs and starting over with each move. With that being said, I’m proud of how far I’ve come – with every move, I’m able to build new community while staying connected with communities from other states through the digital landscape. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Whole Self is a Reiki healing practice founded in compassion and warmth and provides a safe atmosphere to heal and feel seen and heard. I’m known for my positive presence, energy, and light.

My practice is unique because it’s not just a Reiki practice – I incorporate a variety of somatic healing techniques to really support the healing practice. I truly believe that each one of us has the innate ability and power to heal, and I’m here as a guide, not a guru. I’m here to support your journey, bring out your strengths, and help you find what works best for you. My practice helps you come back to self-compassion and self-love. 

I offer one-on-one Reiki healing packages online and in person, and currently, my practice is mobile, so I can come to you, we can have our session in nature, or I can rent space. I also lead group healing workshops that incorporate Reiki, meditation, and breathwork. 

What also sets me apart is that I teach Reiki trainings that include full attunements and certification so that you can elevate your personal spiritual practice and/or business with Reiki to better support boundaries, protect your energy, and regulate your nervous system through stress and dis-ease. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Erin Anderson, founder of Communitas Movement, LLC in Denver, CO, is my Reiki teacher, mentor, and coach. She shared the world of dance therapy with me, which had a tremendous impact on my growth and healing. 

Jacqueline Toomey, founder of First Responders’ Sleep Recovery and AXS Wellness in Idaho Springs, CO, is my Yoga Nidra teacher and has had a huge impact on the work I offer in relation to facilitating trauma-informed Yoga Nidra. 

Contact Info:

• Website: thewholeselfheals.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/the.whole.self
• Facebook: facebook.com/thewholeselfheals.com
• Linkedin: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAMlqwTO0iQf2mYoj_fm-8Q