Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and the author of seven books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and her latest, Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga.
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About Dr. Arielle Schwartz

I grew up on Long Island, New York. I was introduced to yoga as a child by my parents who were involved at Kripalu in the 1970s. Later, when I was in my twenties, I rediscovered yoga and began exploring other somatically or body-based modalities to help manage my own anxiety. Out of a longing to understand more about the body-mind relationship, I completed my yoga teacher training at Kripalu in 1996, pursued a master’s degree in somatic psychology from Naropa University which I completed in 1999 and a subsequent doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 2008.

For over 20 years, I have dedicated my practice to the treatment of post-traumatic stress with an emphasis on resilience and post-traumatic growth. I call my work Resilience Informed Therapy which is an integrative mind-body treatment model that includes applied polyvagal theory, somatic psychology, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, parts-work therapies, mindfulness, and therapeutic yoga.

Key influences in my work include:

  • Relational-Cultural Therapy & Feminist Psychotherapy: Jean Baker Miller, Judith Herman
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology: Daniel Siegel, Allan Schore, Louis Cozolino, Stephen Porges, Bessel van der Kolk
  • Parts Work Therapies: Richard Schwartz, Robin Shapiro, Kathy Steele, Fritz Perls, and my mentor of over 15 years Betty Cannon
  • Somatic Psychology: Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Janina Fisher, Christine Caldwell, Susan Aposhyan, Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen, Ron Kurtz, Kekuni Minton, Eugene Gendlin
  • Collective Trauma Healing: Thomas Hübl, Gabor Maté, Resma Menakem, Bert Hellinger, Malidoma Somé
  • Narrative Exposure & EMDR Therapies: Maggie Schauer, Thomas Elbert, Francine Shapiro
  • Positive Psychology: Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Marty Seligman, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  • Mind-Body Therapies/Therapeutic Yoga: Richard Brown, Patricia Gerbarg, Amy Weintraub
In 2012, I had my first meeting with Dr. Stephen Porges, whose polyvagal theory has radically transformed trauma-informed care. Polyvagal theory recognizes that your vagus nerve is a key to mind-body health. The vagus nerve is considered to be a superhighway of communication between your brain and your body. Polyvagal theory provides a compassionate way of understanding the symptoms of post-traumatic stress from a physiological perspective and helps us recognize why breathing, movement, and nourishing social connections are all key elements to the healing process. I am honored to teach the applied polyvagal theory model within psychotherapy and yoga as part of the Polyvagal Institute, Embody Lab, PESI, Psychotherapy Networker, and more.
I believe that we cultivate growth post-trauma by orienting to our strengths, attending to our pain, and taking charge of the narratives that define our lives. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome adversity. However, this requires that we have compassionate support and intelligent guidance. One of my personal life missions is to provide that guidance and support through my work in the world.

Learn from Dr. Schwartz

As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy®, Arielle teaches an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy that includes relational therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, parts-work therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She specializes in applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie most mental and physical health conditions.

Through intellectually stimulating and heart-centered trainings and presentations, Arielle shares her expertise on topics of resilience, healing from trauma, EMDR, and somatic psychology with both therapeutic professionals and the general public.

Explore Arielle's Books

Media Requests

For media requests and to inquire about having Arielle speak at your organization’s event, please visit her website.
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Connect with Dr. Schwartz’s Work

Arielle provides informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. You can find more from Arielle on her website, as well as access materials created by Arielle through the Center’s resource base.

EXPLORE RESOURCES

Find a Therapist

Dr. Arielle Schwartz is not currently accepting new clients and does not maintain a waitlist.

At the link below is a list of trusted practitioners who either work alongside Dr. Schwartz at the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy or who have trained with her—all highly recommended and excellent alternatives.

Please note that we cannot provide individualized case consultations or tailor referrals to your specific needs. If any of the practitioners listed seem like a good fit, contact them directly to learn more. We wish you the best on your healing journey.

Find Resilience Informed Therapy Practitioners
“Like so many others you’ve touched, I am eternally grateful for your insight and gentle guidance.”
—Anonymous
“Dr. Arielle is an amazing teacher! Having experienced trauma and grief in my past, she offered new, practical and gentle practices along with her kind understanding, vulnerability and intelligence.”
— Cecelia, Castle Rock, Colorado
“Dr Schwartz, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your study and compassion, and for making your yoga videos readily accessible. Incorporating this practice into my existing healing program is yielding tremendous benefits in my post-traumatic growth.”
— Maggie