Michael Manocchio

MSW

Psychotherapist

Insurance I Accept
Therapeutic Approaches
Areas of Expertise
Client centered
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Gender Identity
LGBTQIA+
strengths based
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma
Gender Affirming Care
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my approach:

I’m a Queer, non-binary therapist with a background in the arts, a working-class upbringing, and a lifelong commitment to social justice and Buddhist practice. These lived experiences shape how I show up in the therapy room—with authenticity, openness, and care. I know how healing it can be to sit with someone who shares parts of your experience, and I believe in leading with honesty and heart. My approach is relational, client-centered, and grounded in deep respect for your unique story. I create a collaborative space where we move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s exploring identity, processing trauma, navigating relationships, or managing everyday challenges. My goal is to co-create a space where you feel grounded, seen, and empowered.

thoughts for new clients:

Take your time. And I don't just mean "slow down," I mean "take this in your own time," whatever that might mean, and understand that whatever that cadence is, it might change over time. I also mean "take your time" like others might say "take your space." Own it. These sessions are yours.

ABOUT ME:

Before becoming a therapist, I spent 15 years as an actor, teaching artist, and university professor. At the time, I didn’t realize that career was laying the foundation for my future in therapy—teaching me how to attune to human behavior and the ways our environments shape how we relate to ourselves and others. It also deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of safe, intentional connection.

I carry that history with me into the therapy room—a sensitivity to story, a respect for each person’s process, and a belief in the healing potential of compassionate collaboration. For me, therapy is a lot like a rehearsal room: a space to explore, experiment, reflect, and revise without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll look at what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and what feels most authentic—so you can move through the world with more clarity, confidence, and intention.

While I work with clients across a range of identities and experiences, my practice centers LGBTQIA+ individuals, with a special focus on transgender and gender-expansive clients. I’ve supported people navigating all kinds of transitions—gender-affirming care, rediscovery of sexuality, and healing from trauma tied to family, social, and systemic pressures. My clinical work often lives at the intersection of trauma, identity, and self-discovery.

I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago.

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