Sisters Helping Clients Feel Safe, Seen & Supported – Interview with Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso
- Brainz Magazine
- 23 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso, sisters, psychologists, and founders of Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic. As a sister team, we bring both professional expertise and a deep sense of empathy to our work. We believe effective therapy starts with genuine connection, care, and actionable strategies.
Our mission? To offer compassionate, evidence-informed care that is deeply rooted in the therapeutic relationship. We know how important it is for clients to feel safe, seen, and supported in their journey.
Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso, Psychologists, Founders Of Crosstown Psychology & Wellness Clinic
Who is Nadia Diuso? Who is Debora Diuso? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favorites, you at home and in business. Tell us something interesting about yourself.
We’re Dr. Debora and Nadia D’Iuso, sisters, psychologists, and founders of Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic. We are a sister team of highly trained specialists who believe effective therapy starts with genuine connection, empathy, and actionable strategies.
Meet Dr. Nadia
I always knew I wanted to be a psychologist, and so I feel it has been a part of my identity since I was an adolescent. At 16, my uncle unexpectedly passed away by suicide. I was in complete shock, and the grief was overwhelming. I saw the devastating impact it had on my family and those closest to me. We worked together to find strength in each other, and I saw the power of emotions and the power of resilience and coping. I knew I wanted to work toward helping others and started to pursue and direct my focus toward psychology. From there, I pursued extensive training to be a licensed psychologist.
What people may not know is that I am also an auntie (zia) to my niece and nephew. My favorite thing to do is simply spending time today, whether we are building towers or making Play-Doh bunnies, my heart is full. I am also pretty active and find that my best ideas come when I am out on a walk listening to something that feels upbeat.
Meet Dr. Debora
My path to becoming a psychologist wasn’t straightforward. Initially, I studied in another discipline, but my heart was in connecting with people and making a difference in their emotional lives. That’s why I followed my older sister’s footsteps and chose to pursue psychology.
In addition to being a psychologist, I am also a mom to two incredible kids. Navigating the whirlwind of parenting has been both fulfilling and incredibly humbling, as it has taught me the importance of having a growth mindset and embracing continuous learning. I’ve had my share of moments where I felt like I was just winging it in life, which is why I make it a point to practice the strategies I recommend to my clients. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, sitting outside on sunny days, and traveling when possible.
What inspired you to start Crosstown Psych and focus on the work you do today?
We founded our clinic approximately one year ago with the shared mission of providing a space where clients feel truly seen and supported as they work through areas they have been struggling with. Our approach to therapy combines compassion and collaboration, delivering proactive support as one evolves through life’s stages. We also recognize the importance of providing evidence-based strategies from our own research backgrounds, having designed and implemented studies exploring what makes therapy effective. We see the importance of drawing from scientific research and personalizing findings in our work with our clients so that we can create a balance when it comes to the process.
What makes your approach to therapy and mental health unique compared to others?
At Crosstown Psychology, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, collaborative, and authentic therapeutic environment. We each bring our own strengths to help clients feel comfortable and empowered.
Here are some things you can expect.
Debora’s approach: With firsthand experience as a dedicated mother, Debora brings a deep understanding of the challenges that come with balancing life’s responsibilities. Her empathetic nature and ability to validate her clients’ emotions create a safe space for them to explore their struggles. Debora’s authentic and approachable style makes it easier for clients to open up, helping them navigate stress and overwhelm with confidence and support.
Nadia’s approach: Nadia combines humour, relatability, and professionalism to create a dynamic and supportive therapeutic experience. Her approachable style fosters trust and engagement, whether she is working with teens or adults. Nadia’s ability to connect on a personal level while addressing complex emotional challenges makes her a valued partner in guiding clients toward growth and resilience.
How do you tailor your support to fit each client’s individual needs?
We see the therapeutic relationship as a large piece of what makes change possible. We work toward creating a strong, emotionally safe, and collaborative relationship with our clients to help them feel like they can use the space to share what is on their minds. It is through this relationship that we can increase awareness and transparency when it comes to their struggles. It helps us work together to create a plan that is present-focused and uniquely tailored to what they hope to see as change.
One question we typically ask right at the start is, “If you were to look back at this process, what is one thing you hope to have done to make this worth your time?” Taking the first step and asking for help is powerful and takes courage, and we work toward honoring and validating your commitment with awareness and actionable strategies you can use for lasting change.
What common misconceptions about therapy would you like to clear up?
The biggest misconception that we often debunk is the belief that one has to be in a bad spot to go to therapy. Therapy isn’t just reserved for people in crisis or who are experiencing a severe mental health concern, it is for anyone who has realized that the current tools in their toolbox for dealing with life stressors are just not working and they are feeling ready and motivated to try something different.
Additional myths and misconceptions we commonly hear are summarized below:
Myth 1: You will be forced to share everything.
Truth: You are in complete control of the content. We guide the process and skills, but you decide what to share and when.
If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, anxious, or just off, you are not overreacting. You are responding to life. And therapy can help you make sense of it.
Myth 2: Therapy means digging up your childhood.
Truth: Therapy can go deep, but it does not have to.
Many of our sessions are present-focused, actionable, and built around the client’s current goals. You set the tone. We meet you where you are.
Myth 3: Therapy takes forever.
Truth: Some of our clients come in for 4 to 6 sessions and walk away with tools that last for years. Others come back when life throws them something new. Therapy is flexible, not a lifetime sentence.
Myth 4: Virtual therapy isn’t as effective.
Truth: Both virtual and in-person therapy have unique benefits. Virtual gives you the comfort of home and eliminates commute stress. In-person offers a different energy.
Many of our clients do a hybrid approach.
The best therapy is personalized, collaborative, and practical.
Whether it is about navigating relationships, regulating anxiety, or simply checking in with yourself, therapy is one of the most effective ways to care for your emotional health. And you do not have to earn it by breaking down first.
Can you share the kinds of issues you specialise in helping people overcome?
Our work covers a wide range of life stressors for adults, adolescents, and couples. We work closely with individuals struggling with anxiety and mood, trauma, work and relationship struggles, eating disorders, and attention and concentration difficulties.
How can potential clients connect with you to start their journey?
We recognize the courage it takes to ask for help. At Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic, we offer a 15-minute consultation call, which individuals can book directly through our website, to help clients take the first step. During this call, we discuss the therapeutic process and help answer any questions or concerns individuals might have about therapy. We believe the consultation call is important, as we recognize that therapy is not about finding help, it is about finding the right help, and we want to ensure that individuals feel safe and supported right from the start.
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