Marc Manning

Background

About Marc Manning

I’m a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#156501) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#APCC20055), supervised by Adina M. Ascher, PhD, LCSW (#28900) with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family therapy from Cal State East Bay (MS), and a Master of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts (MFA). Before becoming a therapist, I spent years deeply immersed in the arts- as a painter, sound artist, and embroiderer. That creative background continues to shape how I think, feel, and practice today. I believe everyone holds a unique inner world – often layered, ambiguous, excitingly abstract, beautifully complex, and deeply meaningful – and I see therapy as a space to gently explore that world together. I’m married to my husband, who is also my best friend, and I’m a proud cat dad of two wonderfully odd affectionate cats. I hold a deep love for music and visual art and maintain an active creative practice myself. Whether through making, listening, or simply being with art, I’ve always experienced it as a kind of bridge – between the inner and outer world, between what we know and what remains mysterious. My approach to therapy is rooted in curiosity, care, and a profound respect for the complexity of being human. I believe that creativity can be a powerful way to process trauma and connect with the unconscious. I also believe that spirituality, in whatever form it takes, matters – its personal, evolving, and often shows up in ways we don’t expect. I’m especially drawn to what is abstract, ambiguous, and hard to put into words. Those experiences that don’t fit neatly into a box but still ask to be witnessed and honored. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ community especially those dealing with early trauma, identity issues, and aging. I am very much pro kink and non traditional relationships. I have a background in social work, CAD, and industrial design, based in San Francisco, CA. Always interested in hearing about counseling related positions, creative opportunities in art and sound related fields.