Dr. Rivi Har-El
About
Dr. Rivi Har-El is a respected physical therapist, dance/movement therapist, author, and innovator in the field of integrative healing. With over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Rivi has devoted her life to helping individuals find relief from chronic pain and reclaim freedom in their bodies — blending biomechanics with emotional intelligence, movement therapy, and, most recently, light energy work. A graduate of the prestigious Wingate Institute in Israel, Dr. Rivi earned her credentials... Dr. Rivi Har-El is a respected physical therapist, dance/movement therapist, author, and innovator in the field of integrative healing. With over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Rivi has devoted her life to helping individuals find relief from chronic pain and reclaim freedom in their bodies — blending biomechanics with emotional intelligence, movement therapy, and, most recently, light energy work. A graduate of the prestigious Wingate Institute in Israel, Dr. Rivi earned her credentials as a Registered Physical Therapist in 1983. She later completed a Master’s in Dance/Movement Therapy from Hunter College, NY, in 1991 and earned her PhD in Physical Therapy from New York University in 2000. Her work has spanned acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings, always anchored in deep compassion and a dedication to treating the whole person. Throughout her career, Dr. Rivi has explored the intersection of physical symptoms and mental-emotional states. Her background in psychology and dance/movement therapy led her to develop a more holistic model of care — one that integrates therapeutic exercise with breath, somatic awareness, and mindful movement. This approach culminated in the creation of the RiVision Method, a pioneering body-mind modality that empowers patients to become active participants in their healing. From 2009 to 2018, Dr. Har-El served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at The State University of New York, where she taught future therapists about body-mind awareness and the RiVision Method. She is also an active lecturer at professional events for therapists and educators. In 2016, Dr. Rivi published her highly regarded book, Moving Pain Away – RiVision: An Innovative Physical Therapy Method, a work that beautifully synthesises decades of hands-on experience. Lovingly illustrated by her longtime colleague to bring clarity and flow to each movement, the book is a testament to her commitment to making healing accessible and deeply felt. More recently, Dr. Rivi has entered a new chapter in her practice — one shaped by the light. Since the pandemic, she has undergone an inner transformation, awakening to subtle forms of healing energy that she had long sensed but only fully received in the last few years. This shift has led her to study and integrate light and energy-based practices into her clinical and therapeutic work. She now supports patients not only through the physical and emotional body, but also through energetic alignment — working with what she calls the “light behind the movement.” This evolution reflects her lifelong devotion to listening — to the body, to spirit, and to the quiet intelligence of healing itself. Alongside her professional work, Dr. Rivi offers free sessions in Dance/Movement Therapy to women in New York’s Jewish community, honouring her deep sense of service and commitment to collective wellbeing. Her vision is rooted in the belief that healing must be shared — not just within the therapy room, but in the wider world. Whether guiding a patient through chronic pain, mentoring future therapists, or offering energetic support, Dr. Rivi meets each person with presence, wisdom, and unwavering care. At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful intention: to help others return to movement, to joy, and to the healing light within. Read more
Languages
English and Hebrew
Therapies
Membership of professional associations
- American Physical Therapy Association
Education and Training
- 2000 – PhD in Philosophy- Schoo of Physical Therapy – New York University – New York
- 1991 – Masters of Dance Movement Therapy – Hunter College – USA
Working hours (GMT-04:00) New York
Dr. Rivi’s studio location
New York, New York, United States
Reviews
Lis
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
I’ve been seeing Rivi Har-el for over a decade and for all that time, as someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve been immensely helped... I’ve been seeing Rivi Har-el for over a decade and for all that time, as someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve been immensely helped by our once-a-week sessions. As you know, there are many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s And Rivi’s global approach to the body Has been a godsend. Most physical therapists I have worked with rely heavily on machinery and focus on the eradication of the main symptom of the Prescription; Rivi addresses the whole body and I believe it is because of her holistic approach that am still high functioning and a source of wonder to my other doctors , including my neurologist. I am 85 and until recently was Chair of my department at Columbia. Apart from the very real physical benefits I’d have to add that Rivi’s spirit has been an important factor in her treatment. Her knowledge of the body is extraordinary and each visit transformative. Lis Harris lisharris@columbia.edu Read more
Sarah
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr. Rivi is an incredible healer. As someone that asks a lot from my body, I am always looking for ways to support it and my session... Dr. Rivi is an incredible healer. As someone that asks a lot from my body, I am always looking for ways to support it and my session was Dr. Rivi was just what I needed. I love her holistic approach in weaving in physical therapy, music, guided imagery and healing light exercises. My body responded so beautifully and I felt like I was floating during and after my appointment. I can't recommend Dr. Rivi enough for anyone experiencing pain or discomfort or just someone that wants to support/maintain their wellbeing. It is a maintenance practice for me given how much I ask of my body! Read more
Debi
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr Rivi Har-El has been treating my chronic pain for many years. I have a lot of achiness and inflammation from fibromyalgia and... Dr Rivi Har-El has been treating my chronic pain for many years. I have a lot of achiness and inflammation from fibromyalgia and she is the only therapist who has been able to treat me effectively. She is extremely intuitive and often starts working on a problem area before I’ve even told her where the problem is. I came to her after fruitlessly trying many other therapists. Dr Rivi Har-El uses many different methods. She intuitively knows what the patient needs. For my specific needs, she has used in-person and long distance energy, guided imagery, dance therapy, and hands-on gentle manual manipulation hands. When I first came to her, my achiness had been so intense that that for many months I could not be touched. Dr Rivi Har-El started with energy from about a foot and a half away because any closer I would scream out in pain. Dr Rivi Har-El’s energy is palpable, even though I had my eyes closed, I could always feel exactly where on my body she was working. As her work improved me, very slowly over many weeks, she was able to move closer and closer until, for the first time in a long time, i could be touched without whimpering in pain. Read more
Lynn
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr. Rivi Har-El is a gifted physical therapist and a kind, empathetic human being. She is the consummate professional. I have... Dr. Rivi Har-El is a gifted physical therapist and a kind, empathetic human being. She is the consummate professional. I have been privileged to consult with her regarding numerous physical therapy issues over the years and she has always addressed each matter effectively. I also have been privileged to attend dance therapy and guided imagery classes with Dr. Har-El whose unique ability to simultaneously address the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of pain enables her to positively impact her patience. I unreservably recommend Dr. Har-El. Lynn Goodman Levy Read more
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Services
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Individual session
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
The session uses my RiVision® technique, an innovative body-mind rehab method that is designed... The session uses my RiVision® technique, an innovative body-mind rehab method that is designed to treat musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. The RiVision treatment method is specifically tailored to each patient. RiVision gradually identifies the appropriate mode of therapy as the treatment progresses, without a pre-determined protocol. It is based on the therapist-patient’s continuous communication. RiVision® is delivered as single modality or a combination of physical therapy, dance/movement therapy and/or guided imagery as defined below Physical Therapy uses skilled, specific hands-on techniques, including but not limited to manipulation/mobilization to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures. These techniques are used for modulating pain, increasing range of motion (ROM), reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability, facilitating movement and improving function. Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. Guided Imagery brings beneficial physical changes in the body by repeatedly visualizing the sensations associated with an experience. Used together, they become powerful tools for treatment and ongoing evolution of the body and mind. Read more
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Reviews
Lis
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
I’ve been seeing Rivi Har-el for over a decade and for all that time, as someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve been immensely helped... I’ve been seeing Rivi Har-el for over a decade and for all that time, as someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve been immensely helped by our once-a-week sessions. As you know, there are many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s And Rivi’s global approach to the body Has been a godsend. Most physical therapists I have worked with rely heavily on machinery and focus on the eradication of the main symptom of the Prescription; Rivi addresses the whole body and I believe it is because of her holistic approach that am still high functioning and a source of wonder to my other doctors , including my neurologist. I am 85 and until recently was Chair of my department at Columbia. Apart from the very real physical benefits I’d have to add that Rivi’s spirit has been an important factor in her treatment. Her knowledge of the body is extraordinary and each visit transformative. Lis Harris lisharris@columbia.edu Read more
Sarah
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr. Rivi is an incredible healer. As someone that asks a lot from my body, I am always looking for ways to support it and my session... Dr. Rivi is an incredible healer. As someone that asks a lot from my body, I am always looking for ways to support it and my session was Dr. Rivi was just what I needed. I love her holistic approach in weaving in physical therapy, music, guided imagery and healing light exercises. My body responded so beautifully and I felt like I was floating during and after my appointment. I can't recommend Dr. Rivi enough for anyone experiencing pain or discomfort or just someone that wants to support/maintain their wellbeing. It is a maintenance practice for me given how much I ask of my body! Read more
Debi
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr Rivi Har-El has been treating my chronic pain for many years. I have a lot of achiness and inflammation from fibromyalgia and... Dr Rivi Har-El has been treating my chronic pain for many years. I have a lot of achiness and inflammation from fibromyalgia and she is the only therapist who has been able to treat me effectively. She is extremely intuitive and often starts working on a problem area before I’ve even told her where the problem is. I came to her after fruitlessly trying many other therapists. Dr Rivi Har-El uses many different methods. She intuitively knows what the patient needs. For my specific needs, she has used in-person and long distance energy, guided imagery, dance therapy, and hands-on gentle manual manipulation hands. When I first came to her, my achiness had been so intense that that for many months I could not be touched. Dr Rivi Har-El started with energy from about a foot and a half away because any closer I would scream out in pain. Dr Rivi Har-El’s energy is palpable, even though I had my eyes closed, I could always feel exactly where on my body she was working. As her work improved me, very slowly over many weeks, she was able to move closer and closer until, for the first time in a long time, i could be touched without whimpering in pain. Read more
Lynn
Holistic Physical and Movement Therapies for body and mind
Dr. Rivi Har-El is a gifted physical therapist and a kind, empathetic human being. She is the consummate professional. I have... Dr. Rivi Har-El is a gifted physical therapist and a kind, empathetic human being. She is the consummate professional. I have been privileged to consult with her regarding numerous physical therapy issues over the years and she has always addressed each matter effectively. I also have been privileged to attend dance therapy and guided imagery classes with Dr. Har-El whose unique ability to simultaneously address the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of pain enables her to positively impact her patience. I unreservably recommend Dr. Har-El. Lynn Goodman Levy Read more
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