Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP
Educational Director
RICHARD SABEL, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP, is the educational director for East West Rehab Institute, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Downstate Program of Physical Therapy. Richard has successfully integrated Western therapeutic practices with Eastern philosophy into a distinctive therapeutic approach to help clients with diverse needs reengage in meaningful activities that have been limited by pain or disability. This integrated practice evolved from Richard’s personal experience. After 20 years of back pain, he discovered the benefits of Yoga, mindfulness, breath work and the Feldenkrais Method. As he weaved these approaches into his personal exercise routine, he felt less pain and began to participate in activities he had abandoned years ago. Richard brought these ideas into his occupational therapy practice and the response was overwhelmingly positive - clients reported less pain and started to make impressive functional gains.
Richard teaches his therapeutic approach at several occupational and physical therapy professional degree programs. He divides his clinical time between private and community practice. Richard has been a guest on local cable television and Doctor Radio to discuss his unique integrative approach. He regularly presents at professional conferences and community centers. He has published a variety of articles on this topic in the physical and occupational therapy literature. His writings have been featured in ADVANCE for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists, the American Occupational Therapy Association’s OT Practice and the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. Richard recently received the Abreu Award from the New York State Occupational Therapy Association’s Metropolitan District for outstanding service. Richard is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and also holds advanced certifications in the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Arnadottir OT-ADL Neurobehavioral Evaluation (A-ONE).
Disclosures:
Financial: Richard Sabel is the Education Director for East West Rehabilitation Institute. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Nonfinancial: Richard Sabel has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.
