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Tonya Pleasant, MD, LCPC

Experienced Maryland counselor for life transitions
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Family and parenting
  • Coping and resilience

About Tonya Pleasant

Tonya Pleasant, MD, LCPC, brings more than 25 years of professional experience to her work with individuals, families, caregivers, and young adults facing a wide range of life challenges. She earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Family Therapy and Community Development from the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds the credentials MD - Doctor of Medicine - and LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland.

Her practice emphasizes an optimistic, strength-focused stance alongside practical, evidence-informed strategies. Drawing on Adlerian principles and cognitive behavioral techniques, she helps clients explore how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact while identifying personal strengths and creative solutions. In sessions she listens closely, teaches coping skills and behavior-change tools, and tracks measurable progress toward goals.

Tonya works with concerns including stress and anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, family and parenting challenges, grief, self-esteem, eating and sleep problems, anger, career transitions, compassion fatigue, and caregiver stress. She also supports clients navigating divorce and separation, communication difficulties, forgiveness, life purpose questions, seasonal mood changes, self-love, women's issues, and issues common to young adults. Her focus is on helping people make positive, practical changes that align with their identified goals.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression

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.

Is Tonya Pleasant a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds these credentials: MD, 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 is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a 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.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Tonya uses approaches that translate well to remote work while focusing on real-life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating concerns, and stress management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports people in clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult emotions are present, which can help with grief, life transitions, and persistent worry. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a collaborative, nonjudgmental relationship that helps clients explore goals and build self-trust.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Tonya works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps ensure therapy feels practical and relevant.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, allow continuity of care during life changes, and make it easier to access regular support. These options let clients choose the format that best fits their daily life while working with licensed professionals and therapists to pursue meaningful, measurable progress.

Ready to start therapy with Tonya Pleasant?

Take the first step toward a better you.