Influential Woman · Mental Health
Rachel Elise Graber
LMSW
Founder, Graber Wellness Collective
Stamford, CT 06905
Her Story
About Rachel
Rachel Elise Graber is the founder of Graber Wellness Collective, a private practice dedicated to helping professionals and organizations achieve greater mental wellness through evidence-based, values-driven care. With nearly four years of experience in the mental health field, she holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and specializes in addiction and trauma therapy, with training in Somatic Experiencing, Psychodrama, and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), for which she is currently working toward certification. She provides one-on-one counseling, professional coaching, workshops, and employee wellness initiatives, with a focus on helping individuals align their personal values with their professional goals to foster sustainable success, resilience, and overall well-being.
Prior to launching her private practice, Graber worked as a psychotherapist in inpatient and residential treatment settings before transitioning into program development. She designed and implemented an evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) tailored for professionals balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities, allowing clients to access treatment while maintaining their daily obligations. Throughout her career, she has developed psychoeducational curricula and facilitated workshops addressing topics such as resilience, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, identity development, and managing pressure in high-performance environments. She also partners with organizations to develop customized employee wellness programs that support mental health and workplace success.
Graber is also drawn to the intersection of music and mental health, and is early in exploring ways to bring her clinical expertise to performers navigating the unique pressures of the music industry. She believes that lasting success begins with investing in oneself, building a strong support system, and staying aligned with one's core values. Guided by a client-centered philosophy, she is committed to delivering practical, compassionate care that empowers individuals and organizations to thrive personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to believing in myself & investing in my own growth. A big part of that has been staying curious & open-minded — staying willing to learn, even when it means questioning what I thought I already knew. I've also leaned heavily on a strong support system along the way. Having trusted mentors, colleagues, and people I can rely on has given me the confidence to pursue new opportunities and build my own practice. Investing in yourself — and staying open to what you don't yet know — is one of the most important steps toward creating meaningful and lasting success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that authenticity is what actually connects you to people — not performance. Whether I'm in a session, a meeting, or a networking room, I try to just show up as myself. People can't connect with a version of you that isn't real, no matter how polished it looks on the surface.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to invest in themselves and believe in their abilities. Confidence in yourself is one of the most important foundations for getting started. I also recommend building a strong support system of mentors and trusted professionals who have experience and can offer guidance when challenges arise. Having people to learn from while continuing to invest in your own development can make a significant difference in both your personal and professional growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in the mental health field right now is the growing recognition of the unique mental health needs of professionals and musicians. That recognition opens the door to specialized services — coaching, emotional regulation strategies, sober support, and wellness programs built specifically for these populations, rather than generic care.
At the same time, launching and growing a private practice brings its own challenges, especially learning the operational and business side of entrepreneurship that clinical training doesn't always prepare you for.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe it is essential to align my professional goals with my personal values so that my work remains meaningful and sustainable. I prioritize my clients' well-being in every aspect of my practice and strive to provide practical, values-driven support that helps them achieve lasting growth. I also believe in continually investing in myself, both personally and professionally, so I can better serve others while maintaining balance and authenticity.
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