In Conversation Series: Meet Rachel Geisler, LMSW

From Performance to Authenticity- Rachel’s transition into the therapy space

About Rachel

Rachel Geisler, LMSW is a licensed master social worker and therapist at MLP Therapy Group in Brooklyn, NY. Before becoming a therapist, she trained and worked in the performing arts and spent years in the hospitality industry, two worlds that put her in close contact with people navigating big emotions, shifting identities, and the particular weight of uncertainty.

That background shapes how she works. She brings a firsthand understanding of what it means to juggle competing roles and feel isolated in the middle of it all, alongside genuine warmth, a collaborative approach, and a belief that therapy can hold real depth and still have moments of lightness. Rachel works with individuals navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions, and with couples looking to grow through the strain those transitions can bring.

If you've been curious about what it would feel like to sit across from Rachel before booking anything, this is a good place to start.

What drew you to this work in the first place?

Before becoming a therapist, I trained and worked in the performing arts and spent years in the hospitality industry. Those experiences introduced me to people from all walks of life and gave me a firsthand look at how work, identity, relationships, and life transitions shape our well-being. I know what it's like to juggle big emotions, shifting roles, and uncertainty, and how isolating that can feel. That's what led me to this work. I wanted to be in a position to offer support that feels genuinely empathetic and tailored to each person's unique story.

How would you describe your style to someone who has never been to therapy before?

Curious, collaborative, and relationship-focused. I try to really understand your experience and work with you rather than take an expert stance. I'm interested in patterns and feelings, and in how past experiences might be showing up in the present, but always in a way that feels grounded in what you're navigating right now.

You can also expect me to show up as a real person in the room with you. I'm not afraid to bring in a little humor, because I believe therapy can be meaningful and still have moments of lightness.

What does a first session with you actually look like?

It's a chance for us to meet and for you to get a feel for what it's like to be in a session with me. Whether you've been in therapy before or this is your first time, there's nothing you need to prepare ahead of time. I'll answer any questions you have, ask a few about what feels most present for you right now, and we'll just start from there.

Is there a belief or idea that quietly shapes how you show up as a therapist?

I really believe that change happens in the context of a safe, genuine relationship. That idea quietly shapes a lot of how I show up in the room. I pay close attention to building a space where you feel comfortable being honest, even about the parts that feel messy or hard to put into words.

What does progress look like in your work? How do you and a client know things are shifting?

Progress looks different for everyone. In individual therapy, it might look like noticing patterns sooner, feeling a bit more grounded, or being kinder and less critical toward yourself. In couples therapy, it might show up as feeling more heard, slowing down in moments of conflict, or finding your way out of the same stuck cycles.

Across both, progress often feels like things becoming a little less overwhelming and a little more flexible over time.

What's something about you outside the therapy room that makes you better at what you do?

I try to practice what I preach and unapologetically make room for the things that bring me joy, like watching Bravo and spending time with friends and family.

Rachel Geisler, LMSW is a therapist at MLP Therapy Group in Brooklyn, NY. She works with individuals and couples navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions. To learn more or book a consultation, visit mlptherapygroup.com.