meet dr. rachel oristano
We are connective, social beings, and we all need a support system to help guide us out of the ruts in which we find ourselves. Life can feel like that: like a cart you keep pulling, like a rock you keep pushing, like a hole you keep digging. Sometimes you need some help getting unstuck.
Maybe you're struggling with daily traumas and microaggressions, or recovering from gaslighting. Maybe you want to get better at setting boundaries. Maybe you need a little encouragement and guidance to develop self-nurturing rituals. Maybe you want to explore and process new ideas around gender, sexuality, and intimacy. Or maybe you just want to embrace your personal identity with embodiment and joy.
I want to empower you to harness your own strengths and meet the world on your own terms. I want to help you build resiliency and make your needs heard, even if you're having trouble finding your voice. Let's collaborate.
TRAINING + LICENSURE
Dr. Rachel Oristano is a white queer cis woman of Ashkenazi, Sicilian, and German heritage, and has over 15 years of lived experience engaging with and advocating for the LGBTQIA+/Kink community. She believes that the obligations of mental health counselors and East Asian medicine practitioners extend to social justice work.
Dr. Oristano holds a Doctorate of Science in Chinese Medicine (DSCM), a Masters of Science in Education for School and Mental Health Counseling (MSEd), is a Diplomate of Acupuncture (DiplAc), and is a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc). Dr. Oristano received her DSCM from the accredited National University of Natural Medicine, and her MSEd from University of Pennsylvania. She is currently practicing under the supervision of Heather Kilroy LPC and Jennifer McPherson LPC in pursuit of her counseling license, and has completed the official Level 1 Training for Internal Family Systems.
Prior to attending NUNM, Dr. Oristano graduated from Haverford College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Minor in East Asian Studies, and a Concentration in Neural and Behavioral Sciences. She furthered her scientific research experience working in the Aaron Gitler Molecular and Cell Biology lab at the University of Pennsylvania before pursuing her career in Chinese Medicine.
Her continuing education within Chinese Medicine is with Dr. Clayton Shiu and the Xǐng Nǎo Kāi Qiào 醒脑开窍 ("Awaken the Spirit and Open the Orifices") lineage transmitted to him by Dr. Shi Xue Min. This lineage is renowned for its efficacy with stroke, TBI, and other neurological issues, however is likewise applicable to mental health and whole system concerns. Dr. Oristano appreciates both neuroscientific and classical Chinese lineage lenses, and endeavors to practice with respect to the indigenous roots of East Asian medicine.
When she's not trying to learn All The Things, you can find her LARPing, lifting heavy things, or at home covered in cats while watching nerdy sci-fi/fantasy shows.