Dr. Deborah Manzano

Hi, my name is Dr. Deborah Manzano.  I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and have been living in the US since 1997.  I have a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Alizu University in San Juan, PR (APA accredited university).  I am a bilingual and bicultural clinical psychologist.  I have 30 years of clinical experience with expertise in trauma and anxiety disorders.  My approach to therapy is very holistic as I believe that our mind, body and spirit works as a unit and all parts are important in the healing process.  I have worked in an inpatient and outpatient settings, offered consultations, testing, training, directed pre-doctoral and postdoctoral programs, have years of administrative work, and taught in graduate universities.  During these years I was able to serve clients from ages 4-85 y/o and this exposure and experience provided me with the certainty that my passion is to provide psychotherapy to the adult population.  

In my early career I began working with children who were sexually abused and although challenging it was a very gratifying experience that allowed me early on to solidify my enthusiasm for trauma work.  I started my training path in the work of trauma with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  As new treatment modalities emerged, I have decided to get trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which was the best decision I ever made.  This has been the treatment that has caused the most profound and lasting changes in my clients due to its effectiveness.  Soon after I completed the Veterans Behavioral Health Certification and the Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).  All of these trainings have received the recognition of being evidence-based treatment models.  Other areas of expertise are: working with anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, obsessive-compulsive related disorders, somatic symptoms, personality disorders and trauma-related sexual dysfunctions (sexual disinterest, aversion, dissatisfaction, permanent difficulties, painful intercourse and impaired arousal).

After completing a comprehensive assessment of the problem that brought you in, you will receive education about your condition, the possible etiology of your problem, and current maintenance factors.  I will help you gain insight into your role in the problem.  This part of the treatment aims to help you gain insight about your current condition as we cannot create change if we don’t recognize or label the problem first. Without safety there is no trust or vulnerability, I will also create a safe space for your treatment where you feel respected, accepted, cared for and feel at peace.   Once we can establish a therapeutic relationship I will provide you with the tools that you are going to need to address your problem.  Usually after this stage and only when you are ready, we will begin your individualized treatment.