Hi, I’m Mia Manic (She/Her/Hers), a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (CA #125241) in California, practicing under the direct supervision of Dr. Hubbis D. Fabian, Ph.D., Registered Licensed MFT (CA#135664).

Becoming a therapist has been a meaningful journey for me, shaped by a genuine desire to help people feel seen, supported, and understood. I know that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when life feels overwhelming, uncertain, or simply not quite where you want it to be. My hope is to make that process feel a little more comfortable and create a space where you can be yourself without judgment. With degrees in Sociology and Social Work, I bring a unique perspective that looks at both the individual and the larger systems we are part of. I am interested in understanding how our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and personal experiences are connected to broader cultural, social, and systemic factors that can influence the way we experience ourselves and the world around us.

 My work experience across health care systems, schools, and social services, have taught me that there is so much more to a person’s story than what we may see on the surface. I bring this broader perspective into my work and believe in meeting you where you are, while also recognizing the strengths you may have a hard time seeing in yourself. 

As an immigrant from Serbia, I also understand what it can feel like to navigate different cultures, expectation, identities, and systems. My own experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the role that culture, family, language, and belonging can play in how we see ourselves and the world around us. I want therapy to be a space where you can bring all of those parts of yourself with you. You never have to leave an important part of who you are at the door. 

My approach is warm, collaborative, person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based and informed by anintersectional feminist perspective. I don't believe therapy should be a one-size-fits-all experience. Together, we can explore what is happening in your life, better understand what you need, and find approaches that feel meaningful and realistic for you. I especially enjoy working with people navigating life transitions, anxiety, stress and burnout, relationships, self-esteem, identity, and difficult or overwhelming experiences. Whether you're feeling stuck, trying to make sense of something that has happened, struggling with a relationship, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, you don't need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.

“Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge.” - Audre Lorde.

 This quote reflects something I value deeply in therapy: our emotions can tell us important things about our experiences, needs, values, and relationships. Rather than judging or pushing away difficult feelings, we can become curious about what they may be trying to tell us. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, recognize the strengths you already carry, and move toward the life and relationships you want with greater self-compassion and intention. You don't have to have it all figured out before we begin. We can start exactly where you are and take it from there, together.