Tonya Pleasant , MD, LCPC

Tonya Pleasant, MD, LCPC, brings 25 years of clinical experience to her work with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of life challenges. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - a credential that indicates advanced training in therapeutic practice - she combines practical coping strategies with a strengths-based, growth-oriented perspective to help people move toward meaningful change.

She has supported clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, addictions, self-esteem struggles, sleep and eating difficulties, anger, career transitions, and caregiver and compassion fatigue. Her practice also addresses family and parenting dynamics, communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, life purpose, seasonal affective disorder, self-love, women’s issues, and challenges common to young adults.

Tonya emphasizes collaborative work - listening closely, identifying client goals, teaching coping skills, and sharing behavior-change techniques to try between sessions. Grounded in approaches such as Adlerian ideas that highlight personal strengths and optimism and cognitive behavioral tools that clarify how thoughts influence feelings and actions, she guides clients in setting realistic goals and celebrates progress as changes take hold. Her style is supportive, pragmatic, and focused on measurable steps toward the outcomes clients seek.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Tonya uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and learn practical skills that change feelings and behaviors; CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating concerns, and stress management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to clarify their values, accept difficult internal experiences without avoidance, and commit to actions that align with what matters most - it can be helpful for life changes, chronic stress, and self-esteem work. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the therapist listens and supports the client’s own self-directed growth, which can be valuable for relationship issues, grief, and building self-compassion.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Tonya works collaboratively with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies as progress unfolds so therapy remains relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexibility for scheduling and access - sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - allowing clients to engage in care from home or other convenient locations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of support around work, family responsibilities, and other life demands while working with licensed professionals and therapists toward meaningful change.