Tonya Pleasant, MD, LCPC
Licensed Maryland counselor with 25 years experience
- Stress and anxiety
- Family and parenting
- Caregiver support
About Tonya Pleasant
Tonya Pleasant is a seasoned mental health professional who brings 25 years of experience to her work. She earned a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Family Therapy and Community Development from the University of Maryland, College Park. She also holds an MD and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) - the LCPC is a state license that authorizes practice as a clinical counselor and the MD denotes a medical degree.
Over a multi-decade career she has worked with people from diverse backgrounds, focusing on practical, measurable progress toward clients' goals. Her areas of focus include stress and anxiety, family and parenting concerns, self-esteem and depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, career and life transitions, and compassion fatigue. She also pays special attention to caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, life purpose exploration, seasonal affective disorder, self-love, women’s issues, and challenges facing young adults.
Tonya’s clinical approach emphasizes growth and actionable change. She draws on Adlerian principles that highlight strengths, creativity, and an optimistic, wellness-oriented view of clients, together with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that illuminate how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. In sessions she listens attentively, offers coping skills and behavior-change strategies, highlights clients’ strengths, and marks progress as goals are met. Tonya works collaboratively with each person to identify practical steps toward meaningful improvement.
She is based in Maryland and is not currently accepting new clients.
Over a multi-decade career she has worked with people from diverse backgrounds, focusing on practical, measurable progress toward clients' goals. Her areas of focus include stress and anxiety, family and parenting concerns, self-esteem and depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, career and life transitions, and compassion fatigue. She also pays special attention to caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, life purpose exploration, seasonal affective disorder, self-love, women’s issues, and challenges facing young adults.
Tonya’s clinical approach emphasizes growth and actionable change. She draws on Adlerian principles that highlight strengths, creativity, and an optimistic, wellness-oriented view of clients, together with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that illuminate how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. In sessions she listens attentively, offers coping skills and behavior-change strategies, highlights clients’ strengths, and marks progress as goals are met. Tonya works collaboratively with each person to identify practical steps toward meaningful improvement.
She is based in Maryland and is not currently accepting new clients.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDivorce and separationForgivenessLife purposeSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Tonya Pleasant have?
Tonya Pleasant has 25 years of experience in the counseling and mental health field.
Is Tonya Pleasant a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds these credentials: MD and LCPC. License details: MD LCPC LC1574.
In which languages does Tonya Pleasant provide therapy?
Tonya Pleasant provides therapy in English.
Where is Tonya Pleasant located?
Tonya Pleasant is located in Maryland.
How can I work with Tonya Pleasant as my therapist?
You can work with Tonya Pleasant through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Tonya Pleasant work with international clients?
Tonya Pleasant does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Tonya Pleasant cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and accessible online support
Tonya integrates practical, evidence-informed methods into online work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and related behaviors - it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and stress-related problems. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and building a trusting relationship that highlights each person’s strengths and capacity for growth - this approach can be especially helpful for self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Tonya treats it as a collaborative exploration. She works with clients to match methods to their goals, preferences, and the specific challenges they bring, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds and new needs arise.
Online sessions offer practical flexibility - clients can connect by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit therapy into busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or work commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and apply new skills between sessions while working with licensed professionals and therapists who can guide treatment toward meaningful change.