RALPH DE LA ROSA, LCSW

Ralph De La Rosa, LCSW, (he/they) is the author of two internationally published books. He is a psychotherapist in private practice and seasoned meditation teacher known for his radically open and humorous teaching style. He is personally mentored by Richard Schwartz, founder and developer of IFS.

His latest book, Don't Tell Me to Relax: Emotional Resilience in the Age of Rage, Feels, and Freak Outs was named one of the “Best Books of 2020” by Mindful Magazine.

As a meditation teacher, Ralph’s work has been featured in The New York Post, CNN, Tricycle, GQ, SELF, Women’s Health, and many other publications and podcasts. He's was named one of Sonima's "Next Generation of Meditation Teachers to Watch,” and regularly offers retreats at venues such as Kripalu, Spirit Rock, and Omega Institute.

Ralph began practicing meditation in 1996 and has taught meditation since 2008. He was a student of Amma's for 16 years and began studying Buddhism in 2005. Today, he identifies simply as a practitioner and teacher of human spirituality. Most recently, he completed an invite-only advanced meditation teacher training with Jack Kornfield.

Ralph is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services. He trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused therapy while working in NYC’s clinical foster care system.

Ralph himself is a PTSD, depression, and opiate addiction survivor. His work is inspired by the tremendous transformation he has experienced through meditation, yoga, and therapy.

Ralph is also an activist, musician, wannabe acrobat, and outdoor enthusiast.