Dr. Manizeh Mirza-Gruber
“Through an open heart, one hears the universe” – Ram Dass
I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, the youngest of three siblings. After graduating from medical college, I moved to Houston, Texas, to pursue my postgraduate training in psychiatry. I have lived in Houston for over thirty-five years!
Living life in a way that resonates with my own truth is essential for serving others – I incorporate mind-body-heart-spirit for healing and wellness, both for myself and for those in my clinical and educational practice. My daily practice of meditation, yoga, running, writing, and gratitude practice guide me to a space of reflection and inner peace. I am a vegetarian with a special interest in “food is medicine.”
I am a children’s book author and illustrator with the launch of my first children’s picture book, “Mama, I Will Send You a Purple Flower” on November 12, 2024.
I love to teach, write, read, paint, cook, make up new recipes, bake, garden, and further my learning from mentors and teachers. I love being in community with others. I cherish the time spent with family, friends, fellow mindfulness practitioners and students. I love all animals, especially dogs! My two beautiful dogs share my at-home workspace and join the Mindful in Practice meditation practice!
Running has been a major part of my life - I ran my first marathon in 2001 and an ultramarathon in 2016! I have been involved with Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization, and have run six of their chapter marathons as a “fundracer.” I was a morning circle-up co-lead volunteer for the Houston Chapter from December 2021-December 2024.
“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. I was on track to join faculty to further our knowledge in cross-cultural psychiatry, when my first child was born. Being a mother was most important for me at the time, and I took a long leave of absence to be a stay-at-home mother to my two children, who are now grown adults.
In 2006, I began working in community mental health providing psychiatric care to inpatient crisis facilities and outpatient clinics. I worked in these locations through October 2021, and again periodically from 2023 - 2025. I also worked via telepsychiatry for several years in community mental health and was a Consultant Psychiatrist for the Woman’s Hospital of Texas in Houston. I care deeply about bringing compassionate care to the homeless and underserved either through the practice of clinical psychiatry or non-clinical work.
In May 2017, I founded Mindful in Practice, a psychiatric private practice to follow my lifelong passion and vision of guiding individuals to become their true and authentic selves. I am deeply grateful to all those who have been in my care over the years and currently – they continue to teach me about life.
Since January 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, 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 challenges and trauma.
In March 2022, I began leading Mindful Mondays – a free, virtual, 30-minute guided meditation on Zoom. Since the Fall of 2024, this became Thankful Tuesdays! I have also been writing the Mindful in Practice newsletter since March 2022. I invite you to subscribe!
Professional Philosophy
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi
Throughout my years I have followed a holistic approach to life. I believe in connecting mind, body, heart, and spirit for wellness and healing. I integrate and incorporate evidence-based teachings and practices of mindfulness and mind-body skills with traditional talk therapy and medication management (as needed) in my clinical psychiatric practice.
My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, stress management, mindful parenting/parenting concerns, coping skills, stress management, and self-esteem. I have experienced firsthand how wellness and healing is enhanced when we connect mind and body for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and well-being.
I have completed additional training/certifications and continue deepening my own mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude practices with learning and teaching.
Over the years, my vision of how I see providing care has evolved. Now, in addition to my holistic and integrative approach to clinical psychiatric care, I offer a non-clinical and educational teaching for mindfulness meditation/mind-body medicine skills teachings/practices and mindfulness mentoring. This is provided in-person and virtually to individuals, couples, families, groups, schools, community mental health, and I am slowly bringing them to the homeless in various settings.
I am “mindful in practice”, taking one moment at a time to achieve a common goal for those I work with – guiding them on their journey to becoming their true and authentic selves. I practice in a relaxed, unhurried environment, where each person can feel comfortable knowing their story and presence will be acknowledged and heard. I work collaboratively with compassion, respect, acceptance, and empathy.
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded Houston and my home. Through many challenges, joys and sorrows, I have been guided to 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 find my own voice, run my own race, and 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 hope to leave a legacy through my actions, words, and deeds. I wish 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 own voice. I wish to make a meaningful difference in this world.
It would be an honor if you allow me the opportunity to share the 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), December 2016.
Certified Mind-Body Skills Facilitator with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, August 2019.
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 in collaboration with Sounds True, Wisdom 2.0, LinkedIn, September 2022 - May 2023
Graduate of the Mindfulness Mentor Training Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, February 2024.