Dr. Mari Schnitzius-Richko is a Naturopathic Doctor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Yoga Instructor, a Nationally Certified Shiatsu Practitioner, graduate of the International Ohashi Institute, and founder of Center for Authentic Living.
“Center for Authentic Living is committed to promoting individual wellness, education, and expanding the learning process out into the community.” -Mari Richko
“My experience with complimentary medicine began in my early adulthood, through my exposure to herbal medicine. Due to childhood illnesses, I searched beyond conventional medicine for a method that would lead to the deepest, most fulfilling healing possible. After years of study, I adapted these methods from eastern and western traditions that have become central to my work with my clients. Believing that these concepts of health can benefit all people, I have dedicated my life to the practices of these philosophies.”
Dr. Mari is well known in the eating disorder community for her work in enhancing recovery for those suffering from mental and physical ailments. Her background includes Body Centered Psychotherapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), CBT, DBT, Asian Body Therapies ( Zen Shiatsu and Bodymind Acupressure), Yoga Psychology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mari along with her daughter, Meghann Richko LCPC, CYT, a psychotherapist and yoga therapist, created "YogaTalk" group therapy for those in recovery and imbalances due to emotional and/or physical issues.
Dr. Mari’s specialties are eating disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, depression, stress management, chronic pain, and body illnesses due to physical and mental health issues.
Dr. Mari's professional engagements include lecturing on the combination of Psychotherapy and Chinese Medicine as an educational tool for recovery along with the need for yoga therapeutics as an adjunct therapy in recovery. She teaches workshops on applying these philosophies to our everyday life. She has lectured for IFS Conferences (Internal Family Systems), Richard Schwartz, Ph.D on combining psychotherapy and Chinese Medicine. Her other engagements are public speaking on alternative approaches to wellness, educator on women's issues, educator for bodyworkers on chronic illness and cancer, speaker on radio talk shows on home birthing with Mayer Eisenstein, M.D., assisting pregnancies and birthing using Asian Body Therapy. She held a position on the advisory board of directors for InNetwork, an exclusive membership group of integrative healthcare professionals whose main goal was to make complementary alternative medicine better understood and to inspire the public to use prevention medicine. Mary also held a position at The Awakening Center as a body-centered psychotherapist and the Director of Integrative services.
Passion Statement:
“I believe as therapists that it is necessary to use compassion, cultivate mindfulness, and wisdom in our approach to empowering individuals to progress towards improved health and well- being and that it is imperative to develop some sort of spiritual practice in life to transform and fully heal. I believe a truly optimum treatment program relies on the awareness of the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of who we are in the world, what parts of us are in alignment with our purpose and those that are not. It is my passion to integrate these components while working with my clients. This integration and personal spiritual practice includes our work in the world, our love, our families, and our understanding of mind/ body/spirit. My love of eastern philosophy, body therapies and yoga as a vehicles towards a healthy life have always been a large part of my own practice in the world and as a practitioner of psychotherapy and body therapy.”
“With direction, encouragement, and support, I would be honored assist you in finding a deeper sense of "Self" and a deeper connection with your Body/Mind. My vision for you is health, happiness, and longevity, with the most fulfilling and enduring healing process possible. For you to discover that this source is already within you."