Meet Jillian Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Richardson. 

Hi Jillian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a licensed therapist and mental health service provider. Born in Kentucky and raised in Illinois, I came to Nashville for college in 2006 and have been here ever since. I got started in the mental health field by interning at the child advocacy center in Williamson County at Lipscomb, where I attended undergrad. Then I interned at 3 male prisons and TN Prison for Women in grad school. These experiences solidified that I loved working in mental health. After graduating with my master’s, I have worked with many different types of people, from incarcerated folks to outpatient therapy clients. I am also a freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter, content creator, and book consultant. I self-published my first book of poetry, The Virtue of Doubt, in 2018 and my second book, Golden Hour, in December 2021. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
God has looked out for me along the way. I’ve definitely been blessed. There have been challenges in doing therapy with some tough populations, seeing the worst of what humans are capable of, hearing people’s stories of trauma and healing. I am honored I’ve been able to partner with people; I’m honored they share their stories with me. It’s been a struggle being thrown into school-based therapy with kiddos who have complicated and traumatizing home lives, working with incarcerated people who have endured abuse and fallen through the cracks, and walking alongside those who suffer addictions but are seeking wellness. In my own life, I’ve battled depression, anxiety, complicated grief, and imposter syndrome. But the one thing I know is that we can all come out on the other side of our troubles if we just stick it out long enough. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an author, poet, editor, and writing consultant. I am most proud that I have self-published two books since 2018. Seeing a project through from inception to completion is a grueling process and one that is typically hard for me. I am easily distracted, so the fact that I finished what I started is affirming. I’m also proud that my most recent book, Golden Hour, is being carried at The GreenRay Specialty Bookstore in the Wedgewood-Houston area of Nashville! I love the written word and the way we can express ourselves through this medium. Just like most people, I’m trying to make a mark, to make a difference, to show up well for others, to show up well for myself. What sets me apart is that I use the mediums of writing and therapy to show up and leave a mark on the world. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Family Vacations in Fripp Island, South Carolina. Summers at the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. Youth group outings and friendships. 

Pricing:

• Golden Hour: Selected Poems, Paperback 25, Hardcover 30
• Therapy: varies based on insurance

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: jillianwrites.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianwrites/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKgik5kHXt8Gd7pXAo-fZyQ/videos
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Hour-Selected-Jillian-Richardson/dp/B09LGP2RSN/ref=rtpb_2/142-3345513-1431418?pd_rd_w=O1kem&pf_rd_p=d12edb90-0e5b-498c-816a-9ba65872c34f&pf_rd_r=VCV302JTBPNNED2PKAEF&pd_rd_r=c5ad0547-d7dc-4881-ad8b-565d61cec41e&pd_rd_wg=IWv24&pd_rd_i=B09LGP2RSN&psc=1

Image Credits
Nita In Nashville Photography
Autumn Chanel Photography