About Me

In life we are often dealt circumstances beyond our understanding or control. These experiences can be the result of a strained relationship, unresolved trauma, loss, or dissatisfaction with life’s journey. Many times these experiences distort our perception of reality, causing sadness or anxiety. These events often diminish our ability to enjoy life the way we once did.

I am a psychotherapist with a degree in Counseling and in Neuropsychology. Ph.D work is rooted in studying the constructs of social behavior from a multi-level perspective. Workings include identifying the cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that drive behavior in social contexts, while identifying the processes shaped by cultural, societal, familial and organizational factors.

Throughout my counseling practice, I have provided comprehensive mental health services to adults, youth and families, specifically coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, loss and grief. My experience has taken place in clinical inpatient and outpatient settings, non-profit environments, community mental health initiatives, adolescent and family refugee settings, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have also developed programs that support individuals within a group counseling setting. These group programs include social skill development for youth and adolescents, and support programs for individuals with dementia and their families. Clinical research has lead me to areas of experimentation including psychoanalytic concepts of depression, PTSD, trauma exposure, the effects of mindfulness on depression, and the comorbidity of diagnosis’. I have also participated in research collection related to dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, specifically that of aphasia and word processing.                                                                                

My objective in treatment is to meet my client where they are at. I value humanizing the experience of therapy, and working hand in hand to achieve the result that you desire. I set out to facilitate stability, emotional growth, and healthy functioning. I typically consider myself to be an eclectic therapist, adapting the treatment style to the needs of each individual. However, I have found the trained and certified skills of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to be an effective approach in facilitating the growth needed to regain emotionally satisfying lives. Many times life experiences lead us to self-defeating and limiting thoughts and emotions. Following the teachings of Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck, CBT is used to alter individual’s thought patterns, sequential behaviors, and resulting emotional reactions. I often incorporate other modalities of treatment that include DBT, ACT and Attachment Theory.

In changing negative thoughts, behaviors and emotions, we are often able to combat things like depression and anxiety.

Nicole L. Manza

Founder