Owner/Director, Lead Psychotherapist

I hold as my life’s dedication a desire to inspire health, consciousness, and creative living. As a Licensed Psychotherapist, Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, our work together is both holistic and integrative, honoring and engaging ALL of you; mind, body, and spirit, biography and biology, psyche and soma.

With over 25 years of clinical experience, I bring a wealth of training, including two masters from Hunter (Masters in Social Work and Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy, 1997) and decades of postgraduate training in a variety of evidence-based, trauma-informed psychotherapies from psychodynamic to existential, cognitive behavioral (CBT) to experiential (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and Internal Family Systems (IFS)). I have just as many years of professional training in several expressive arts therapies, including Authentic Movement, Psychodrama, and Voice Dialogue. My 35-plus years of yoga training includes Kundalini, Anusara, Iyengar, Kripalu and vinyasa styles of Hatha yoga as well as Buddhist mindfulness meditation and Kundalini Mind Medicine. I hold numerous advanced professional certifications as a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist.

I’ve been in private practice in NYC since 2002 and created Grater Therapy Group in 2021. I’ve also worked as a mindbody life coach and stress management trainer as in-house consultant at JP Morgan Chase as well as at numerous hedge fund, venture capital and law firms. I’ve run an ongoing weekly Authentic Movement group since 1999 (paused briefly due to pandemic) and a weekly dance-movement therapy group for seniors with early memory loss 2017-pandemic. In January of 2020, I ran my first international retreat in Costa Rica with Master Artist, Sonya Sklaroff, called “Paint, Stretch, Play: An Artistic Adventure.” Prior to going into private practice, I worked in acute inpatient psychiatric units in Manhattan and Long Island. And another lifetime ago I was an Advertising Executive in corporate America.

People say my energy, non-judgmental presence, and playful nature provide a safe space for personal inquiry, expression and growth. Whatever your goals and intentions, I will bring my presence, compassion, and wisdom gained from decades of professional and life experience to help you reach them

I am offering sessions both virtually and in-person.

When not working, I am likely dancing, doing yoga, spending time with family, or playing with my pups in Prospect Park.

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What past clients have to say:

“Words could never express how much Ricki has helped me. She has a strong care and concern for people, and their lives change when she enters.”

-Nina, graduate student

“Ricki allowed me to find my way. Without judgment, intrusion or advice-giving. She knows exactly how to guide, listen, and let you make your own discoveries. And that’s a real gift.”

-Brian, corporate trainer

“People usually start therapy because there is some sort of crisis, they feel a need for change, or they simply need someone to talk to. But in the end, a truly stellar therapist is one who helps you know yourself – more deeply, honestly and compassionately. You walk away with a sense of clarity and are able to face the inevitable uncertainties of life. That is my experience of working with Ricki. She is warm and easy, insightful, and has a way of asking the questions that help you find your own answers.”

-Romona, psychotherapist

“Thank you, Ricki, for everything. You have been a very positive force in my life and I am eternally grateful for your wisdom, warmth and support.”

-Barbara, mother/book keeper/yoga teacher/home health aid

“Words will never suffice the gravity and depth of my gratitude to you. Thank you for being one of the meaningful women in my life in this lifetime. Without you, my light might have dimmed out a long time ago. Thank you for unselfishly shining my path when your light was badly needed.“

-Tatika, international agricultural entrepreneur

“Ricki is patient and understanding, making me feel like any issues I have are both normal and workable. Over a two year period she’s gracefully danced between the roles of listener, co-problem solver, life coach, and movement guide. She’s helped me to have deeper access to my body, mind and spirit—I am so grateful to her!”

-Daria, urban farmer