Meet Our Therapists

Anthea Paterniti, PhD

Co-Founder and Senior Psychologist

I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of all good clinical work. It encourages curiosity, exploration and discovery. It also provides clients with new experiences of themselves and others, and challenges their notions of the world. Though I am compassionate and serious in my approach, I believe there is an important place in therapy for playfulness and humor.

I take an integrative, collaborative approach to my therapeutic work, utilizing a psychodynamic approach, as well as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based interventions. My clients have come from all walks of life, diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, and have grappled with an array of problems. I have expertise working with issues concerning: professional and personal identity, work-life balance, pregnancy and postpartum changes, as well as with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, organizational difficulties, LGBTQ+ concerns, and relationship issues. For over 8 years, I worked at New York University’s Counseling and Wellness Services as the therapist for the law school students. I also worked for several semesters at NYU’s campus in Florence, Italy, with undergraduate students studying abroad. Furthermore, I have extensive experience working with early career professionals.

Licensed in New York, New Jersey, & California, and telehealth provider in Florida.

Megan Clary, PhD

Co-Founder and Senior Psychologist

I believe in being an active participant in the therapy process. I feel it is important that the client not be the only one working in therapy and that it is both empowering and healing to feel that you are collaborating with another person in this emotional journey. My current focus is on helping people develop better self regulation abilities in order to create space for more satisfying relationships with themselves and others. Each step in the process aides in the creation of a stronger, more resilient self.

I received my doctorate from LIU-Brooklyn Campus and generally rely on talk therapy, but I also have a master's degree as a creative arts therapist. I am certified as a Level 3 AEDP therapist and completed a year-long post-doc at NYU in couples and families. I have a diverse background in that I have worked with clients of all ages and from various cultural backgrounds. I have extensive training with children, adolescents, and adults with significant trauma histories and severe emotional disturbances.

I am certified as a Level 3 AEDP therapist and completed a year-long post-doc at NYU in couples and families. I am also working toward my EFT certification in Couple's Therapy and have completed Externship and Core Skills.

LIU-Brooklyn Campus Faculty Supervisor

Licensed in New York and New Jersey and a telehealth provider in Florida.

Allysen Manz, PhD

Co-Founder and Senior Psychologist

I believe in being an active collaborator in psychotherapy sessions. My style is warm, frank, and attentive to the processes of healing and change. Therapy is not a one size fits all type of experience. Using creativity, exploration and feedback, we will discover the unique combination of insight, emotional processing, coping skills and lifestyle changes that will help you reach your goals and enhance your sense of well-being.

When working with children and adolescents, I believe in taking a pragmatic approach. Often my work with children involves a combination of individual therapy, parent consultation, family therapy and engagement with the school.

I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. This is a wonderful and highly effective model that can help couples understand why they get stuck in cycles of distress and how to find their way to positive connection and safety in their relationship.

Ursula Rogers, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

I believe that we all carry vast wisdom within us; I also believe that suffering often arises from our difficulty listening to our own wisdom and from the ways we learn to cope (isolation, blame, anger, busy-ness, drug/alcohol-related problems, hopelessness). We also face incredible hardship and pain (e.g., the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event) that dramatically alter our lives and perspectives and shake our ability to trust or feel safe. In psychotherapy I prioritize building a relationship based on trust and safety, as these are essential for us to work together to explore beliefs, patterns, and reactions with openness. I believe that by doing so in therapy, we can better understand and accept ourselves and others, and access a greater sense of freedom in the way we react and experience inevitable adversity. 

I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at LIU-Brooklyn, and I have six years of experience working with a wide range of populations (adolescents and college students, families and couples, adults) in a variety of settings (inpatient, outpatient, community health, forensic) all of which has inspired awe and humility in my understanding of what it means to be human. I have two years of experience with family and couples with training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Structural Family Therapy. Though I work primarily through a psychodynamic lens, I often integrate aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to strengthen coping skills or relationship effectiveness. I honor the lived experience of patients with a commitment to anti-racist, LGBTQIA+-affirming and feminist practice. 

Victoria De Paula, LMSW

Psychotherapist

I approach my clinical work with openness, curiosity, and empathy, while also challenging my clients to understand and transcend barriers to creating the lives they want. My style is both integrative and flexible, incorporating elements of attachment-based therapy, parts work, and mindfulness-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I help clients become more mindful and in control of their emotions, learn how to maintain healthy relationships, and increase self-efficacy. With couples, I practice both Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, two leading forms of couples therapy. 

If you notice unhealthy patterns in your relationships, have difficulty regulating or expressing your emotions, or struggle with self-confidence, I would love to help you. I have expertise with the following issues and populations: couples, young adults, interpersonal issues, life transitions, emotion dysregulation, generalized anxiety, assertiveness, boundary-setting, and insecure attachment. I identify as LGBTQ+ and I am a native Portuguese speaker. 

I received my Master's in Social Work from New York University and I am a Certified Emotion Focused Couple's therapist (EFT). I also use the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, DBT and ACT.

Licensed in New York and New Jersey.

Eitan Metzger, PsyD

Postdoc Psychologist

I firmly believe that the journey of healing thrives within a collaborative partnership, where clients are empowered and supported at every turn. In my practice, I embrace the role of an active collaborator, walking alongside my clients as they navigate their emotional terrain. Grounded in psychodynamic principles, my primary aim is to guide individuals toward greater self-understanding and facilitate transformative shifts in their relationships with themselves and others. My approach is enriched by the integration of cognitive-behavioral and experiential techniques, tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of each individual.

Throughout my training, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse group of clients grappling with a myriad of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and broader life struggles.

I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School, where I underwent extensive training in psychodynamic principles and various other modalities. My professional journey has led me through various esteemed institutions, such as the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute and Ferkauf’s Parnes Clinic. Equipped with this comprehensive foundation, I am dedicated to supporting clients across diverse backgrounds and circumstances, guiding them toward profound growth and meaningful transformation.

Vista Psychological Services embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to celebrating all identities and abilities, and offer a safe space for all.