Occupational Therapist, Yoga Instructor & Coach
- Washington, D.C., United States & South African
- Available online & In Person
Specialities: Yoga, Occupational Therapy, Coaching, Somatic Healing, Meditation
MEET DR. GILLIAN
Dr. Gillian Rai is the founder of Sublime Living, a practice bringing together occupational therapy, yoga and coaching under one roof. She splits her time between Washington, D.C. and South Africa, though her South African base isn’t detailed on her website. She holds a Master of Education, an Honours degree in Psychology, and is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), alongside yoga teaching credentials (RYT 200, E-RYT® 200, YACEP®).
Her approach is built around what she calls “360 degrees of wellbeing” — attending to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health together, rather than treating any one in isolation. She describes blending “modern science with ancient wisdom,” and her practice reflects that range: occupational therapy sessions for clients from infancy through to later life sit alongside private and corporate yoga, meditation, somatic work and coaching.
Gillian also co-founded The Sublime Institute, which works with organisations and their leadership teams on change management and workplace culture — an extension of her holistic approach into the corporate space. Across her work, whether with an individual client or an organisation, the throughline is the same: building the self-awareness and practical tools needed for a more balanced, sustainable way of living.
WHO IT’S FOR
Gillian’s practice is built for a wide range of life stages, from infants and young children through to seniors, as well as people with disabilities and the parents supporting them. Her occupational therapy work suits those navigating developmental, sensory, feeding or social-skills challenges, while her yoga, meditation and coaching offerings suit adults wanting a more holistic, whole-person approach to stress, balance and self-care. Corporate and organisational clients may also work with her through The Sublime Institute.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Because Gillian’s practice spans two disciplines, what a session looks like depends on what you’re booking. Occupational therapy sessions are evaluative and treatment-focused, tailored to the client’s age and needs — from infants through to seniors. Yoga is offered privately, in small groups, or for corporate teams, while coaching and somatic healing sessions lean more conversational and body-aware. Exact formats, session lengths and whether sessions are in-person, virtual or both aren’t specified on the website, so this is worth confirming directly when booking.
WAYS TO WORK WITH DR. GILLIAN
1:1 Sessions
Private yoga, coaching, somatic healing, and occupational therapy evaluation or treatment are each available on an individual basis.
Group Sessions
Private Group Yoga is offered for those who’d prefer a shared session.
Corporate Wellness
Private Corporate Yoga is available for workplace groups, and The Sublime Institute offers change management, leadership development and training for organisations.