Dr Viktor Paul Giangrasso

I am a published author of two books on fostering long-term wellbeing in children (“Opaciphobia” and “2: Awakening the Mystery of You and I), Physical Therapist with 18 years of clinical experience primarily in Geriatrics, survivor of a thirty-year personal battle with depression/body dysmorphia, abstract expressionist artist, and proud father of two.

Personally, I suffered with body dysmorphia for most of my life after childhood trauma and was hospitalized twice for severe depression and suicidal ideation.  After decades of talk therapy, trying multiple psychotropic and hypertensive medications, and a chronic struggle with obesity, I discovered many alternative Body/Mind modalities.  Proudly, March of 2025 marks three years being psychotropic medication free. 

As an undergraduate student, I learned the intellectual aspects of meditation in my studies of philosophy and world religions.  During two Summers in New York City, I studied the practical applications of meditation at Stanford University’s Compassion Cultivation Training program co-founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Professionally, after over sixteen years working as a Physical Therapist in skilled nursing facilities throughout the country, I spent a year working in Pediatrics.  Also, alongside a former disciple of Thich Nhat Hahn, I am a founding member of Greatwoods Zen Community providing meditation retreats to individuals and families in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.  

After working over 16 years in nursing homes throughout the US, my moment-to-moment purpose became abundantly clear:

Continue my healing by empowering others to heal.

My big picture mission is to empower families to overcome “The Tragic Four”.       

1. Childhood Obesity 
2. The Child/Adolescent Mental Health Crisis
3. Rising rates of Developmental Disabilities
4. Continued uptrend of School Shootings.

In my two books I utilize my education, professional, and personal experiences, providing insights to families struggling to find mental and physical wellbeing in our highly "advanced" technological culture.