Tonya Pleasant , MD, LCPC

Tonya Pleasant is a counselor who trained at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Family Therapy and Community Development. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland and also holds licenses and certifications in Marriage and Family Therapy (VA), is a Board Certified Professional Counselor, and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. With more than 25 years in the counseling and mental health field, she has supported people from diverse backgrounds and life stages in working toward meaningful, measurable change.

Tonya emphasizes an optimistic, growth-oriented style grounded in Adlerian principles, which highlights individual strengths, creativity, and capability. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and to develop practical strategies for behavior change. In sessions she listens attentively, offers coping skills and behavior-change techniques to consider, centers clients' strengths and abilities, and marks progress as clients reach their identified goals. Tonya brings years of experience and a commitment to helping individuals set and achieve realistic goals for improved day-to-day functioning and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and the behaviors that follow. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress management, and other everyday challenges where changing thoughts and habits can ease symptoms and improve functioning.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, combines acceptance of difficult internal experiences with a focus on personal values and committed action. It can help people who are struggling to move forward because of strong emotions or unhelpful avoidance patterns.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a space where the client’s own goals and strengths guide the work. This approach supports growth by helping individuals feel heard and by building on their existing resources.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process, and Tonya works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will try techniques and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access care from home or work. These options increase flexibility and can help sustain momentum between in-person appointments when in-person visits are not possible.