Take your foot off the gas and take a seat with us.
Our anxiety & trauma specialists use a holistic approach to help you pause, process, & progress.
Take your foot off the
gas and take a seat with us.
At The Manhattan Psychotherapy
Collective, we follow the science
and focus on connection.
Authenticity expands expertise
Because trust is not something to blindly give. It's earned. We’re dedicated to earning yours at a pace that feels right. That means we show up as ourselves and guide you with empirically supported psychotherapy techniques. Instead of “just listening,” we’ll be your partner who helps you establish and reach your wellness goals.
meet the team
Because trust is not something to blindly give. It's earned.
We’re dedicated to earning yours at a pace that feels right.
That means we show up as ourselves and guide you with
empirically supported psychotherapy techniques. Instead
of “just listening,” we’ll be your partner who helps you
establish and reach your wellness goals.
Meet your soundboards, gentle
challengers, and fellow complicated humans.
our therapists
During your free consultation, we’ll determine which therapist is right for you based on your clinical needs and budget.
Areas of Focus: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma-focused therapy, perinatal mental health.
Danielle Tal, MHC-LP (she/her)
Associate Therapist
03.
Bio & Credentials
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, EMDR, difficulties at work or school, attachment and relationships, life transitions, dissociative disorders, and psychosomatic experiences.
Sara Housley, MHC-LP (she/her)
Associate Therapist
02.
Bio & Credentials
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: EMDR, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, perfectionism, body-image concerns, relationship issues, sexual and attachment-based trauma, adult “glass children,” borderline personality disorder, ketamine-assisted therapy.
Debbie Missud, LMHC-D (she/her)
Founder & Clinical Director
Bio & Credentials
01.
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, trauma, premarital and marital concerns, IPV, family conflict including “adult children of emotionally immature parents”, narcissistic abuse, communication, and boundaries.
Katie Marino, LMHC (she/her)
Therapist
04.
Areas of Focus: Billing, insurance reimbursement, therapist matching, administrative support, new client consultations, practice management
Lauren Pastolove (she/her)
Client Care & Administrative Coordinator
05.
Bio & Credentials
As a recovering perfectionist and fellow over-achiever, I get it. I’ve spent the majority of my life navigating the hustle and bustle of high-pressure cities—from Paris to Washington, D.C., and now NYC. I’ve seen first-hand how stress from our environments can create a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and unhelpful behaviors that impact our self-esteem, relationships, and work.
That’s why I’m so committed to helping ambitious individuals overcome the mental health challenges that are amplified by high-stress environments and traumas. Since receiving my master's from Columbia University, I've worked in private practice with individuals of various ages, races, gender, sexuality spectrums, and religions.
Some of the most common presenting concerns I work with are anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, perfectionism, body image concerns, and relationship issues. I have a particular specialty working with survivors of sexual and attachment-based trauma, as well as adult “glass children.”
As Clinical Director, I’m the lead therapist and the connector between clients and associate therapists. You’ll work with me if your treatment involves KAP or EMDR, but I also support clients who don’t require those treatments. In addition, I oversee all associate therapists and act as a mentor for their caseloads.
When I'm not at MPC, you can find me walking my dog along the East River, in a pilates class, or scoping out new restaurants around the city.
Debbie Missud, LMHC-D
Founder & Clinical Director
Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Diagnostic Privilege
- Teachers College, Columbia University
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
- NYS Mental Health Counselor License #D013162
- NYS Department of Education Diagnostic Authority
Trainings and Certificates
- EMDR Consultant-in-Training, EMDRIA, 2024
- EMDR Certified, EMDRIA, 2024
- IFS-Informed EMDR, Syzygy Institute, 2024
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Theory & Methodology, Fluence, 2024
- EMDR, EMDR Institute, 2022
- Internal Family Systems for EMDR Therapists, Syzygy Institute, 2023
- Certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Evergreen Certifications, in progress
Back
I work from an allied, multiculturally sensitive, and trauma-informed perspective. My style is primarily psychodynamic, though I integrate other frameworks, including internal family systems (IFS), EMDR, inner child work, relational psychotherapy, person-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative, and individually tailored to complement your needs and treatment goals. I work flexibly and transparently, encouraging your unique history in a safe and therapeutic environment.
I’ve worked with individuals of many ages, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses in a variety of settings, including Coney Island Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit, Brooklyn College’s Personal Counseling Center, and private practice.
Common concerns I help with include anxiety, depression, difficulties at work or school, and relational challenges of all kinds. I have a particular clinical interest in complex trauma and dissociative disorders, in addition to psychosomatic experiences and animal-assisted interventions.
In my spare time, I’m an avid reader, animal lover, and green tea enthusiast!
Sara Housley, MHC-LP
Associate Therapist
Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) from New York University
- Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY Brooklyn College
- MHC-LP
- EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
Back
I draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that you’d like to work on. This also helps you develop skills that empower you to make changes in your daily life.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, relational issues, self-esteem, and life transitions. I also have a particular interest in working with trauma and perinatal mental health. Together, we can explore your experiences, discover your strengths, and work towards your goals.
My educational background includes a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University. I also have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University, where I helped conduct research on global mental health, stigma, and culture.
With my clinical training and research experience, I take a holistic approach to therapy, understanding the intersection between mental health and cultural context. Having been born and raised in Montreal and being the child of two immigrants, I am deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive care.
Beyond therapy, I love to bake, watercolor, and spend time with my dogs in Central Park!
Danielle Tal, MHC-LP
Associate Therapist
Mental Health Counselor - limited permit
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University
- EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
Back
I’m a licensed therapist currently working with individuals, ages 20-35, who are living anxiously and unsatisfied in their relationships. My clients’ relationships are significantly impacted by trauma, infidelity, intimacy concerns, dysfunctional communication, family conflict, and abuse. I also work with many clients who are adult children of emotionally immature parents. Together we’ll evaluate and
explore many aspects to your relationships including existing maladaptive patterns, attachment style, boundaries, and communication, so you can reach a state of intimacy, security, and safety in your life.
I work from a strengths-based, systems approach that prioritizes client empowerment to safely engage in self exploration, healing, and growth. I strive to create a collaborative and compassionate environment in hopes that my clients feel valued and understood as they work on addressing ongoing challenges and achieve their treatment goals. In order to effectively respond to each client’s unique
needs, I utilize an eclectic blend of modalities and styles such as narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and internal family systems (IFS).
Outside of therapy, you can find me exploring live music around the city, reading a good book, and trying out new restaurants.
Katie Marino, LMHC
Therapist
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine, Boston University’s School of Medicine
- National Certified Counselor #1670883
- NYS Mental Health Counseling License #015616
- EMDR Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
- Counseling Older Adults: Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Promote Well-Being, NBCC (2024)
- Treating Relationships with Only One Person, Simple Practice Learning (2024)
- Helping Clients Heal From Self Harm: A DBT Approach, Core Wellness (2024)
- Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders, Monte Nido (2024)
- Malnourished Minds: Exploring Suicide in Anorexia Nervosa, Monte Nido (2024)
- Navigating the Evolution of Female Desire, Modern Sex Therapy Institute (2023)
Back
I want to commend you on your bravery for taking this step in your journey and hope that I can do my part to make sure your experience is everything you could ask for.
In my role, I focus on creating a warm and supportive environment for both the patients and staff. I take pride in guiding each patient to the therapist who best fits their unique needs, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, I strive to enhance the quality of care we provide. My goal is to make your journey at Manhattan Psychotherapy one of growth, understanding, and empowerment.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two cats, volunteering at a local animal rescue, and watching as many Mets games as possible.
Lauren Pastolove
Client Care & Administrative Coordinator
- Adelphi University, Bachelor of Arts
- Molloy College, Certificate in Non-Profit Management
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We need to examine your full context to troubleshoot sources of distress. Not only does this help us uncover answers. It allows us to support you with general wellness goals too.
We also use a variety of integrative modalities like EMDR and ketamine-assisted therapy. While these aren’t a fit for everyone, they can be powerful for those who have hit a plateau with talk therapy alone.
Psychology + environment + mind-body connection
The pressure can feel so real.
Let’s turn off the anxiety tap.
When you work and play hard in a city like New York, you might feel like you constantly need to do and be more.
Balancing a career, social life, dating, and family dynamics is a lot. It can cause burnout, pressure to perform, or just a sense of blah. Sometimes that inner critic turns up the volume, magnifying those nasty "what ifs" and making you question your worth.
Or maybe past stressful experiences—like toxic relationships and “Big T” traumas—weigh you down. They might unexpectedly emerge in everyday scenarios.
Believe us, we’ve been there. And we’re here to help.
When you work and play hard in a city like New York, you might
feel like you constantly need to do and be more.
Balancing a career, social life, dating, and family dynamics is a lot. It
can cause burnout, pressure to perform, or just a sense of blah.
Sometimes that inner critic turns up the volume, magnifying those
nasty "what ifs" and making you question your worth.
Or maybe past stressful experiences—like toxic relationships and
“Big T” traumas—weigh you down. They might unexpectedly
emerge in everyday scenarios.
Believe us, we’ve been there. And we’re here to help.
book a free consult
You have a history of sexual or complex trauma
You want to build insight into how your history contributes to your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
You want to learn evidence-based tools to cope with your stressors
You’re open to a holistic approach to therapy, where we examine your psychology, environment, and mind-body connection
You’re brand new to therapy or you’ve been in therapy for a long time, but haven’t made the progress you want to
You’re experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, or self-esteem concerns
You want to improve your work-life balance
You want to improve your relationship with yourself and others
Find a better state of mind with our experts by your side.
We may be the therapists for you if:
book a free consult
While we’re experts in mental health,
you are the expert in yourself.
At The Manhattan Psychotherapy Collective, our approach is collaborative. We’ll help you gather tools and practice strategies while knowing you are the expert in your own life experience. That’s where your true wisdom comes from.
Book a free consultation to match with one of our therapists.
