Center for Authentic Living was created by Dr. Mari Schnitzius-Richko ND, LCPC, CYI, ABT, AOBTA cp. 23 years ago in support of clients suffering physical and mental health issues. Joining Dr. Mari., are her associates Judy Hammond-Sperling MS, ICADC, BRI, and Linda Winter JD, LCPC, SEP.
These women bring a combined 38 year history of assisting individuals and families in healing and continued recovery.
The outpatient office provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy for substance abuse, eating disorders, sex addiction, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety disorders, and stress and pain management.
Our multidisciplinary center offers Asian Body Therapy, Somatic Experiencing Practice, Sensorimotor, Somatic IFS ( Internal Family Systems), DBT, and YogaTalk Group Therapy for physical and mental health related issues.
We believe these integrative modalities promote health, wellness, and the necessary tools for a substantial recovery.
We will also provide interventions for individuals and families following the continuum of care from inpatient to outpatient
.“Center for Authentic Living is committed to promoting individual wellness, education, and expanding healing out into the community.” -Mari Richko
Licenses/Certifications
 Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT)
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Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFS)
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Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
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Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
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License Info
180.006570
Education
Loyola University undergrad in psychology and music therapy
Northeastern University Masters program in psychotherapy
IFS Internal Family Systems Psychodynamic Chicago
Hakomi Bodycentered Psychotherapy Colorado
Naturopathic Medicine Clayton School Alabama
JinShinDo Life Gate Center Chicago
Zen Shiatsu Ohashiatsu School New York City
Yoga Training, Nature Yoga, Chicago
Bio
Dr. Mari Schnitzius-Richko is a Naturopathic Doctor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Yoga Instructor, a Nationally Certified Shiatsu Practitioner, graduate of the International Ohashi Institute, and founder of Center for Authentic Living.
“My experience with complimentary medicine began in my early adulthood, through my exposure to herbal medicine. Due to childhood illnesses, I searched beyond conventional medicine for a method that would lead to the deepest, most fulfilling healing possible. After years of study, I adapted these methods from eastern and western traditions that have become central to my work with my clients. Believing that these concepts of health can benefit all people, I have dedicated my life to the practices of these philosophies.”
Dr. Mari is well known in the addiction community for her work in enhancing recovery for those suffering from mental and physical ailments. Her background includes Body Centered Psychotherapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), CBT, DBT, Asian Body Therapies ( Zen Shiatsu and Bodymind Acupressure), Yoga Psychology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mari along with her daughter, Meghann Richko LCPC, CYT, a psychotherapist and yoga therapist, created "Yoga Talk" group therapy for those in recovery and imbalances due to emotional and/or physical issues.
Dr. Mari’s specialties are eating disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, depression, stress management, chronic pain, and body illnesses due to physical and mental health issues.
Dr. Mari professional engagements include lecturing on the combination of Psychotherapy and Chinese Medicine as an educational tool for recovery along with the need for yoga therapeutics as an adjunct therapy in recovery. She teaches workshops on applying these philosophies to our everyday life. She has lectured has for IFS Conferences (Internal Family Systems), Richard Schwartz, Ph.D on combining psychotherapy and Chinese Medicine. She held a position on the advisory board of directors for InNetwork, an exclusive membership group of integrative healthcare professionals whose main goal was to make complementary alternative medicine better understood and to inspire the public to use prevention medicine. She also holds a position as The Director of Integrative Services at The Awakening Center, an outpatient facility for eating disorders.
Memberships
AOBTA
IAEDP
NAMI
ANAD
IMA
NBCC
IFSAS
Recommendations
Payments Accepted
BCBS PPO,Magellan,Aetna,Cigna,UHC,Humana
Hours
Mon-Sat 9am-9pm
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Addiction
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Adolescents
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Anger Management
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Anxiety and Panic
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Body Image Issues
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Caregiver Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Couples
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Depression
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Divorce
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Eating Disorders
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Family Conflict
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Group Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Loneliness
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Marriage Counseling
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Pet Therapy
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Relationship Issues
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Stress Management
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Trauma and PTSD
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Women's Issues
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Work and Career Issues
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