Debora McManus, LCSW
Child and Family Therapist
7/25/2012
I came to see Debora when I was feeling over whelmed by the tasks of motherhood and as my role as wife, I needed some guidance with parenting. In one session I felt immediately better because Debora taught me ways handle my daily stress and how to work with my kids so that they would respond to me in a positive manner. We also saw Debora as a couple and my husband also felt the positive effects of one session with Debora, everyday we use tips Debora taught us to be a better husband and wife and also parents. I could not be happier with the results thus far.
-Lafayette Mom
7/23/2012
Debora brought my family back into the warm sunshine after months of living in a cold and disconnected home. After feeling desperate watching my relationship with my young son spiral into a dark whole, she gave both us tools to help focus our daily interactions with each other so that we could once again grow together and learn to navigate our ever changing world of mother and son. My son enjoyed his time talking and playing with Debora and she always gave me a chance to review the previous week and hone my new skills during our weekly check-ins. For us, she is our safety net for the future should the need arise again.
- mother of a seven year old son
7/18/2012
Debora's play-therapy practice is interactive, fun, and well loved by the children who receive services. We are more than pleased with her program, and are so happy to be working with her. Play-therapy, as opposed to talk therapy, uses play and active processes to help children express feelings and learn new behaviors. It's like they are going to play with a friend who helps, rather than going to a "therapist". We (as parents of a child ) couldn't be more pleased.
R. Pleasant Hill, CA
3/27/2012
Upon adopting our son from foster care suffering from a lot of trauma, I started researching for a therapist with a lot of experience dealing with high-risk children and found Debora. Debora has been my family's therapist for two years now. Debora has been a lifesaver to me. I could not have made it through all the trials which come from adopting a child from foster care had it not been for Debora and her expertise. Debora is very professional and goes above and beyond what is expected. Debora is always there when needed providing her help and guidance. I cannot thank Debora enough.
S. (Alamo, CA)
Education/Training
I completed my undergraduate work at UC Santa Cruz in 1990 and received my MSW from UC Berkeley School Of Social Welfare in 1992 with a specialty in School Social Work. I hold a PPS and a Child Welfare and Attendance Credential. I have been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1994.
Bio
I have over 20 years of experience. I started working in the field of mental health in 1988. Since then, I have worked in an adult psychiatric hospital, teaching autistic youngsters in a school setting, treating emotionally disturbed children both in a day treatment and group home setting and as a school social worker in a public preschool and elementary school. I started my private practice in 2005 and moved my business to Lafayette, CA in 2010.
I am a mother of four children as well as a business owner and consultant.
Memberships
NASW
CASSW
APT
CAMFT
Payments Accepted
Cash, credit cards, check
License:Ca 18920
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Adoption
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Play Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Women's Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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