Human nature is to manipulate one's environment to suit our biological impulses. When someone needs attention and does something to get that attention, that is not any more "manipulative" than feeding oneself to "manipulate away" the hunger.

The term is not helpful, particularly when used to describe the behavior of someone who is in therapy.

I suppose I pay my session fee up front and on time each week to manipulate my therapist into thinking I am a good client! ...Oh gee, it's not "manipulation" when it's a behavior that people like.

Suicidal behavior is not manipulative. .... grrr .... that's so inconsiderate and mean to say that of someone!