Dr. Lizzy McManus Joins Solstice
Solstice announced that Dr. Lizzy McManus, a Bermudian Clinical Psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, has returned home and joined their dedicated team.
A spokesperson said, “After several years of clinical practice in the UK, where she supported children and teenagers facing emotional, social, and mental health challenges, Dr. McManus is excited to bring her expertise and passion for mental well-being back to Bermuda.
“Dr. McManus’ journey with Solstice began in 2017 when she joined as one of Solstice’s first interns. During her internship, she gained invaluable direct experience working alongside Clinical Psychologists—an opportunity that was difficult to secure early in her training process in both Bermuda and the UK. Her time at Solstice was formative, deepening her understanding of Bermuda’s mental health needs and shaping her desire to return to the island after becoming fully qualified. During her internship, Dr. McManus was exposed to core competencies such as neuropsychological assessments and gained practical experience by participating in opportunities such as Solstice’s empowerment groups programs with children which have been acknowledged internationally as world class.
“Dr. McManus’ academic journey is marked by exceptional achievement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Newcastle University, a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from King’s College London, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey.
“Her professional career has been distinguished by her commitment to trauma-informed, holistic approaches. In the UK, she worked in specialist settings with adolescents who experienced significant early life trauma, including those navigating mainstream education challenges or facing involvement with the criminal justice system. Her collaborative approach ensured that families, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals worked together to create a support system where young people felt empowered to thrive.
“In addition to her extensive work with children and teens, Dr. McManus has significant experience in supporting individuals of all ages coping with substance abuse. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and pursue meaningful recovery.
“Dr. McManus’ therapeutic approach is both warm and collaborative. Her practice integrates Systemic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy [DBT], Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [ACT], and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT], underpinned by attachment theory and Trauma Systems Therapy. These frameworks emphasize the importance of trust, connection, and community in fostering resilience and long-term positive change.
“A strong advocate for family-centered support, Dr. McManus is also trained in Non-Violent Resistance [NVR], an approach that empowers parents and caregivers to address challenging behaviors with calm and effective strategies. Additionally, as a Theraplay®-informed practitioner, she uses playful, interactive therapy to strengthen the bond between parents and young children, fostering trust, confidence, and joyful connection.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McManus to Solstice,” said Kelly Madeiros, Managing Director at Solstice. “Her history with Solstice and her wealth of experience abroad exemplify our commitment to nurturing Bermudian talent and bringing top-tier mental health care to the community. Dr. McManus’ journey is a prime example of what we envisioned when we created opportunities for Bermudians to gain valuable clinical experience that would enable them to excel in competitive training programs and eventually return to contribute to Bermuda’s mental health landscape.”
A spokesperson added, “This announcement is particularly meaningful as Solstice prepares to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this winter. Over the past decade, Solstice has grown significantly, becoming a trusted resource for mental wellness in Bermuda. As part of the celebrations, Solstice will host an open house and offer free workshops to the community, showcasing the growth and impact of its services. The celebration also reflects Solstice’s ongoing commitment to fostering professional development for Bermudians, helping them gain the skills and experience necessary to excel in the mental health field.”
“The return of Dr. McManus represents the success of our vision and underscores the importance of investing in local talent,” said Dr Eloise Pitts Crick, Executive Director. “We are excited to continue creating pathways for Bermudians to achieve their professional goals and strengthen mental health care on the island.”
A spokesperson added, “Although her specialization lies in supporting teenagers and families, Dr. McManus enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan. At Solstice, she is dedicated to helping clients build resilience, heal from past experiences, and move forward with confidence and strength.
“The addition of Dr. McManus reflects Solstice’s continued investment in supporting Bermudians through evidence-based mental health care and community well-being.”
