Stephanie Manes

Stephanie's first career was in international corporate law, working in New York and Paris. Notwithstanding what brought her to France, it was place of great awakening. She discovered the worlds of depth psychology, the ancient mystics, and eastern religion. Her abiding interest in the inner life took form, and she left legal practice to earn her master's degree in social work. Stephanie went on to complete post-graduate training in couples and family therapy at the Ackerman Institute, studied with the Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies of Intersubjectivity, and has a certificate in Spiritually Informed Psychotherapy from New York’s Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute.  She is currently a candidate at the Existential Humanist Institute.

Stephanie has been in private practice for over a decade, working with adults, teenagers and couples. She has also been engaged in teaching, consulting with other organizations, and supervising therapists. Stephanie was previously affiliated with Ackerman's Center for Families and Health and has been a guest speaker at the institute. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology supervising students studying couples therapy. She has also been the recipient of several grants, including the New Writers Award from the Journal of Family Process.   

Stephanie’s work is influenced by her ongoing interest in eastern religion, mysticism, theology, with some endurance sports psychology thrown in as well. She recognizes the gift of the great teachers and healers she has been fortunate to encounter who have deeply shaped her. In particular, Francis Weller, Lindsey Sudeikis, Laura Amazzone, Jerry Hyde, Victoria Loustalot, Ethan Nichtern and Joe Loizzo. But her greatest teacher of all is her child George who continues to open her eyes to the magic in the everyday.

Stephanie has significant experience working with the LGBTQ community. She is a sex positive therapist and supports individuals and couples who opt for non-traditional relationships (such as polyamory and non-monogamy). Her work is always informed by anti-racism and anti-oppression of any form.