Dr. Manizeh Mirza-Gruber
“Through an open heart, one hears the universe” – Ram Dass
After completing my medical college in Karachi, Pakistan, I moved to Houston, Texas, to pursue my post-graduate training in psychiatry. I incorporate a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach toward life. I have a daily practice of meditation, yoga, running, and other mind-body skills. I am a vegetarian and practice a healthy lifestyle. I love dogs! I love to cook, bake, read, garden, further my educational pursuits, and spend time with my family and friends. I am an avid runner – a marathoner and ultramarathoner. I “fundrace” for Back on my Feet, a nonprofit organization, and have run six of their chapter marathons. I am a morning circle-up co-lead for their Houston Chapter.
“My vision is to guide others to reach their full potential, have faith in the journey, dream big, and love who they are. I am aware this can take time. Being able to walk and work together on this path is the journey.” —Manizeh
My Journey
I completed a general adult psychiatry residency in 1994 and a Research Fellowship in 1995 at The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. Following that I took a leave of absence to be a stay-at-home mother to my two children.
In 2006, I began working in community mental health providing psychiatric care in crisis facilities and outpatient clinics; I worked in these locations through October 2021. I have practiced via telepsychiatry for several years and have been a Consultant Psychiatrist for the Woman’s Hospital of Texas in Houston.
In May 2017, I returned to private practice as the founder and CEO of Mindful in Practice ™ to follow a lifelong passion of helping individuals become their true and authentic selves.
Since January 2018 I have been facilitating Mind-Body Skills Groups and workshops in the community for wellness and stress management; fostering healing and resilience in the wake of stress and trauma. During the coronavirus pandemic, these were conducted virtually.
In March 2022, I began leading Mindful Mondays – a free, virtual, 30-minute guided meditation on Zoom and began writing my newsletter. I invite you to subscribe!
Professional Philosophy
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi
Throughout my years as an individual, parent, and psychiatrist, I have followed a holistic approach to life. I believe in connecting the mind, body, and spirit for wellness and healing. I am “mindful in practice”, taking one moment at a time to achieve a common goal for both the individuals I work with and myself – helping them on their journey to becoming their true and authentic selves.
The vision I have had for my private clinical psychiatric practice has evolved, as my own mindfulness and compassion practices have deepened.
In addition to my holistic and integrative approach to clinical practice, I am offering a separate non-clinical mindfulness meditation/mind-body medicine skills educational and teaching practice. Several of these evidence-based teachings and practices are incorporated and integrated with traditional therapy and medication management and I have found them to be profoundly effective for wellness and healing. My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, stress management, parenting concerns, and promoting wellness and healing by connecting mind and body for mental and physical well-being and health.
I am now providing mindfulness teachings and practices to individuals, couples, families, groups, schools, community mental health, and the homeless.
I practice in a relaxed, unhurried environment, where everyone can feel comfortable knowing that their story and presence will be acknowledged and heard. We will work collaboratively towards this journey, teaching and practicing with compassion, respect, acceptance, and empathy.
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded Houston and my home. Through many challenges, I have become who I am today – I know first-hand the journey is not always easy and the path is not always clear. My struggles and triumphs have allowed me to be a better person – to be authentic and true to myself. I continue to learn from others – this shared experience I believe is key in our transformation and healing and is the seed for growth and trust in the relationship.
I want to leave a legacy through my actions and words. I want to be the voice for those who think they do not have one; for those who feel they have lost theirs; and for those who are afraid to find their voice. I want to make a meaningful difference in this world. I would be honored if you would allow me the opportunity to share this journey with you. Together, I know we can make a difference!
Currently, I am based in Houston, Texas. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me - I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Additional Certifications:
Certified Yoga Instructor with the National Association of Certified Yoga Teachers (200-hour level)
Certified Mind-Body Skills Facilitator with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine
Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher - A two-year Certification Program with Jack Kornfield Ph.D. and Tara Brach Ph.D. in partnership with Sounds True and the University of California’s Greater Good Science Center - Class of 2023
Inner MBA Nine-Month Certification Program (September 2022 - May 2023) Sounds True, Wisdom 2.0, Linkedin
Graduate of the Mindfulness Mentor Training Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach (February 2024)