About Dr. Manuel Varela
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Experiential Therapy
Adlerian
Hypnotherapy
EMDR
Image
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Dr. Manuel Varela
I am a licensed psychologist who works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma and painful life experiences, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, major life transitions, and patterns that leave them feeling stuck. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and offer EMDR therapy as an important part of my practice.
My approach begins with curiosity about both what you are experiencing now and the experiences that may have shaped how you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. Some experiences stay with us long after they are over. They can influence our emotions, reactions, relationships, and the stories we carry about who we are.
I primarily draw from EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also incorporating mindfulness, imagery, and body-based awareness when helpful. Rather than applying one technique to every person, I work collaboratively to understand what is keeping you stuck and what kind of therapeutic work may help you move forward.
I believe therapy can be a place not only to reduce symptoms, but also to develop a different relationship with your experiences. While the past can remain part of your story, it does not have to write the next chapter.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My style is collaborative, curious, and active. I will listen carefully, but I may also ask questions that invite you to slow down, notice patterns, consider a situation from another perspective, or pay attention to what is happening emotionally and physically in the moment.
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what is wrong or what you want to work on. Part of our work can be discovering that together. I am particularly interested in the connections between present difficulties, earlier experiences, the beliefs we develop about ourselves, and the stories we have learned to tell about our lives.
During our first visit, I want to understand what brings you to therapy, what you would like to be different, and what has or has not helped before. We will also talk about how EMDR could be helpful, we will discuss what it involves and prepare appropriately.
I see therapy as something we do together. I bring psychological knowledge and therapeutic tools; you bring knowledge of your own life and experience. Both matter.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Therapy usually begins with understanding what is happening in your life now and what you hope will change. We may explore current symptoms, relationships, important experiences, recurring patterns, and the beliefs or stories that seem connected to what you are experiencing.
A typical session often begins with checking in on what has happened since we last met and deciding together what feels most useful to focus on. From there, we may talk through an experience, notice thoughts and emotions, explore a recurring pattern, pay attention to physical sensations, or use an experiential exercise. At times, I may invite you to look at an experience from a different perspective, explore different parts, or narratives within yourself.
When appropriate, we may use EMDR to work with memories, triggers, negative beliefs, or experiences that continue to feel unresolved. We first develop an understanding of the problem, identify relevant experiences and patterns, and make sure you have adequate preparation and resources for the work.
As therapy progresses, we regularly pay attention to what is changing, symptoms are improving, and whether you are responding differently, making choices that fit the life you want, and developing a more flexible relationship with your own story.
Dr. Manuel Varela is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
More information on payments and coverage
There are several insurance plans available and out-of-network options:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc.
Christian Brothers Services - Aetna
Cigna
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Albizu University Miami Campus, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
NPI number
1427681469
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Manuel Varela?
Generally, Dr. Manuel Varela has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Varela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Manuel Varela accepting new patients?
Dr. Manuel Varela generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Varela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Manuel Varela accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Varela is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Manuel Varela online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Varela using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Manuel Varela work with?
Dr. Manuel Varela works with Upon Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Manuel Varela?
Dr. Manuel Varela frequently sees patients for Pain Management Consultation, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Manuel Varela on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Manuel Varela speak?
Dr. Manuel Varela speaks English and Spanish.