Danielle Manning
BA | Therapist Intern, Chatham University
she / her
I was drawn to therapy because I'm most passionate about peopleโunderstanding their minds, their perspectives, and the courage it takes to navigate this world authentically. My passion is fueled by deep compassion, particularly for queer people finding their way through the destructive, ever-changing landscape we live in. I believe profoundly in the healing power of being truly seen and having someone genuinely care while you work through all you carry. As a therapist intern in the final semesters of completing my Masters of Science in Counseling at Chatham University, I bring both fresh perspectives and rigorous training to our work together.
I chose Open Space for my practicum specifically because their mission to provide inclusive, anti-oppressive therapy aligns perfectly with my values as a queer woman.
My previous graduate program laid a foundation for decolonizing therapy spacesโsomething I actively carry forward, particularly as a white therapist committed to creating spaces where clients can heal without navigating systemic oppression.
I'm sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and neurodiversity celebrating in my approach. Whether you're deconstructing religious trauma, reclaiming your self-worth, or exploring your sexuality, every part of your identity will be honored here.
Empowerment and straightforwardness drive my work. I believe in collaborative therapy where you are the expert on your own life, and I'm here with tools, insights, and unwavering support. As an autistic, neurodivergent human, I tend to have a direct style while being fully present and deeply invested in your healing.
In our work together, you can expect transparency, authentic connection, and genuine partnership. We'll create a space that's radically accepting and uniquely yoursโbecause you deserve therapy that celebrates, empowers, and honors every single part of who you are.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
English
THERAPY APPROACHES
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Eclectic
Gestalt
Strength-Based
IN THE THERAPY ROOM
Straightforward
Intuitive
Existential
Intersectional
Identity Affirming
YOU CAN FIND ME
Sipping a matcha or a flavored redbull before bustling around a performance venue as an assistant, likely basking in the glitter of a drag show.
IโM ALL ABOUT
Authenticity, deep conversations, laughing while crying, listening to my body, and challenging things that scare me.
Clinician Details
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Danielle does not accept insurance.
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$40 (53-minute session)
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East End Office
Telehealth
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Individual Therapy
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Adolescents / Teens (14-18)
Adults (18+)
Specialties
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In our work together, you can expect me to approach your faith journey with deep respect, cultural awareness, and genuine understanding. I recognize that your relationship with religion is uniquely yours, and I'm here to support you without judgment as you navigate the complex intersections of faith, culture, and trauma. You won't need to explain the intricacies of your religious backgroundโI come prepared with knowledge that allows us to focus on your healing rather than education.
I view religious trauma as a multifaceted experience that can impact your sense of identity, community belonging, and core beliefs about yourself and the world. The wounds from spiritual communities, faith-based shame, or religious control can run deep, affecting how you trust, connect, and find meaning. Healing means untangling what serves you from what harms you, reclaiming your autonomy, and rebuilding a relationship with spiritualityโor choosing to walk awayโentirely on your terms.
My approach integrates CBT with Gestalt techniques that help you stay present with difficult emotions and notice where trauma lives in your body. Through methods like 'staying with the feeling' and somatic awareness, we'll process not just the thoughts but the full-body experience of religious trauma. I'm committed to creating a space where your questions, anger, grief, and growth are all welcome as you reclaim your right to define your own beliefs and values.
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In our work together, you can expect me to show up authenticallyโas someone who understands firsthand that worth isn't determined by size, appearance, or any external measure. As a therapist in a mid-size body who has navigated weight fluctuation throughout my life, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to our conversations about body image, self-worth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. You'll find no diet culture hereโonly genuine support for wherever you are in your relationship with yourself.
I view self-esteem and self-worth challenges as opportunities for profound empowerment and transformation. The negative beliefs you carry about yourself didn't develop overnight, and they often serve as protection from past hurts or societal messages that never should have been yours to carry. Together, we'll explore how these beliefs formed, what purpose they've served, and most importantly, how to build a foundation of self-worth that comes from withinโunshakeable and unconditional.
My approach centers on CBT techniques that gently but effectively challenge the stories you tell yourself. Through Socratic questioning, we'll uncover the automatic thoughts that undermine your confidence. We'll identify the cognitive distortionsโthose sneaky thinking patterns that twist realityโand work on cognitive restructuring to replace self-criticism with self-compassion. With personal experience navigating body image challenges and professional training in evidence-based approaches, I'm committed to creating a space where you can finally put down the weight of not feeling good enough and step into your inherent worthiness.
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In our work together, you can expect me to create a completely judgment-free space where all aspects of your sexuality, relationships, and desires can be explored openly and safely. With academic study in human sexuality and research experience including work on kink and BDSM communities, I bring both knowledge and genuine acceptance to our conversations. You won't encounter shock, shame, or sideways glances hereโjust respectful curiosity and full support for your authentic self.
I view sexuality as a fundamental aspect of human wellness that deserves the same thoughtful attention as any other part of your life. Whether you're navigating questions about desire, working through sexual shame, exploring your identity, reconciling sexuality with other parts of your life, or simply wanting a therapist who won't pathologize your consensual choices, you deserve support that honors your full humanity. Sexual wellness isn't one-size-fits-all, and your journey toward understanding and embracing your sexuality is uniquely yours.
My approach is grounded in sex-positive principles that center consent, pleasure, and autonomy while recognizing the complex emotions that can surround sexuality. I integrate evidence-based techniques tailored to your specific needs, whether that's unpacking shame messages, improving communication, or exploring how past experiences impact present relationships. With graduate-level training in sexuality studies and ongoing commitment to education in this area, I'm dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where every part of youโincluding your sexual selfโis welcomed, validated, and supported.
