Dori Pleasants
Welcome! I support individuals, couples, and those in ENM/poly relationships in building meaningful lives by providing a safe space to explore identity, heal past wounds, and overcome barriers to authenticity.
My approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and person-centered care—it is warm, affirming, and unapologetically human. As a queer, neurodivergent person of color, I draw from lived experience and community wisdom to create a space where every part of you is welcome. Together, we focus on developing the inner trust and resilience needed to “brave the wilderness” in ways that honor your uniqueness, rather than fitting you into a box that wasn’t designed for you.
I look forward to meeting you and embarking on this new chapter of growth and connection together!
As a queer second-generation Filipino American counselor in training, I specialize in identity and cultural issues (specifically with first-and second-generation Asian Americans and immigrants), grief and bereavement from a cultural perspective, living a values-aligned life, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. At the core of my approach is the belief that therapeutic relationship is the strongest force in inciting growth.
I would describe myself as an intuitive yet warm therapist who not only tolerates, but celebrates my clients’ unique identities. I am creative, often pulling from different modalities to suit the needs and unique identity of each client. My goal is to help you live a life that aligns with your values and move from a space of surviving to thriving!
In my free time, I enjoy devouring audiobooks, crocheting, visiting all of Richmond’s awesome cafes and craft markets, playing cozy games on my steam deck (iykyk), hanging out with my French bulldog Melon, and spending time outdoors.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or unsure about what it is exactly you are even experiencing then I am here to help! Life is hard, especially lately, but you are so equipped and I am here to support you in finding your existing strengths and developing new ones. I work to build trust and safety to help reduce shame and increase self-compassion. As a late-in-life diagnosed neurodivergent person, I have spent a lot of time unlearning and learning things to better support myself and I strive to support others in finding what has been working and what may need some changing.
I have a Bachelors in Biology with minors in Psychology and Zoology so I values research and evidence, but also lived experience. As a social worker, I am conscious of how systems impact our wellbeing and will work alongside you to find resources and develop effective ways to navigate these systems. Meaning, when the world is on fire, sometimes our responses to that are very valid and what we need in those moments may just be a listening ear or resources.
It is wonderful to meet you here on your journey. My name is Mike, I am a Supervisee in Social Work and practicing nurse. I am a VCU graduate with a training background that reflects serving both diverse clients and mental health concerns. I am grounded in attachment and believe the therapeutic client- clinician relationship can lead to healing and growth.
My approach to therapy encourages exploration, cultivates awareness, and invites vulnerability. I practice from an Object Relations framework that reflects upon how we internalize early experiences and ways to offer our present selves corrective solutions. I am culturally informed as a second generation Asian-American navigating the complexities of duality and belonging. I am trauma informed particularly with grief/ loss, chronic illness, and medical practices. If you are seeking an affirming therapist that can challenge growth, then maybe we will be a good fit. Naturally, we will enter this process as slowly and gently as you need.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking, pickleball, gaming, role playing, and finding new coffee shops around RVA. I am passionate about social justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ identities, and neurodiversity.
You dread facing the day. Existing in society has filled you with doubt that you may ever live a life most authentic to yourself. Relationships have challenged you and you yearn to be able to navigate conflict without constant blow ups. You are afraid. You wonder how you will love your life and achieve your goals. You struggle to acknowledge that you need help. What if you could take your life back? The world spirals around you and you are ready to put yourself first. It is time to choose yourself.
I can help slow down the spiral. I specialize in working with LGBT+ adults who feel stuck in survival mode. First, we will create a map of your world and learn how you have successfully survived thus far. Then, we will discover new ways to navigate conflict and make a confident step forward towards the life you deserve. Let’s look forward to new days ahead.
You are worthy of a life you love. I am a therapist who will help you use your creative abilities and teach you new ways through therapeutic interventions to help you build the life you crave. It’s time for peace of mind, starting now.
My practice will center you and your needs in the community you live in. I know that you are your own best expert. I will listen and empower you. I am passionate and driven by community care. It has helped me immensely in times I have needed it and I am happy that I get to use my own skills to pour back into my town. It is my life’s goal to empower strong individuals to strengthen communities. I have struggled coming from a family that did not meet my needs growing up and found out during my own treatment that I am a bit of a nerd for emotional regulation and trauma healing. I am queer and gender non conforming and my hair changes constantly to reflect that horrible stereotype that nonbinary people have blue hair but whatever lol.
I started my Music Education degree at James Madison University, dropped out several times and never finished. I got more nerdy about feelings and social justice and wanted to dig in more with people. I got my Bachelor’s of Social Work and Master’s of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. I’ve trained in Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. I love utilizing techniques from Somatic therapy, EMDR, mindfulness and creative expression. When I am not doing therapy, you will find me making or listening to music, slummin it on the couch and binging television with my doggies, or practicing yoga.
Hi everyone, my name is Quinn Doroski, and here at Phases, I serve as a Client Support Specialist/Admin Support. In these roles, I help connect clients with clinicians, complete billing tasks, communicate with insurance, and step in for other members of the team as needed. I strive to make your experiences with therapy as seamless and easy as possible. When I am not working, I am often relaxing with my two cats, Shoe and Teef, playing video games, watching soccer, or curling up into a cuddle pile in front of a movie with friends.
I have a long-time passion for mental health and wellness stemming from my own experiences with mental illness, neurodivergence, and being trans, as well as my educational and vocational background. I completed my undergraduate education at William & Mary, where I received a B.S. in Psychology. I have also worked as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee at a residential treatment home near Richmond, where I live. Before joining the Phases Therapy team, I completed a year in the Mental Health and Rehabilitation Master’s program at VCU. I’m immensely excited to continue connecting individuals with therapeutic services and care here with the Phases Therapy team.
My passion as a therapist comes from the uniqueness of my clients: every day is different because everyone is different. I like eclectic approaches that best fit the needs of the human in front of me, taking the whole person into account to help them be the best version of themselves.
Hey, Hi, Hello!
My name is Danielle and I use she/they pronouns! I am passionate…. Yeah I feel like that is the end of that thought. But in all seriousness I am extremely passionate about the work I do with clients, my supervises and the community.
I have a spark for working with people who experience dissociation and trauma symptoms, who also are in the LGBTQIA+ community. I am very eclectic in my approach and work through things with consent being front and center in the therapy space. I also work through the lens of anti-capitalism, anti- patriarchal, ACAB, harm reduction, and how do we survive in a world that is working against us.
Being a supervisor for LPC residents allows me to share my passion with similarly minded individuals in a way that helps them learn and grow in their own identities as a therapist. I love being able to celebrate the wins and figure out how we can learn from tough times in the therapy space. I am also passionate about helping therapists learn how to grow their own private practice and understand how the business side of things work since most of us were not taught that in school. I love when we are in supervision and we get to dive into hypotheticals of how our brains work and potential theories. If you want a supervisor who is going to treat you like a human first and bad ass therapist second, that is my goal, so feel free to reach out!
In my off time you can catch me playing with my dog Amelia, who I do agility with on the weekends. Or making up monologues for my orange cat Jasper. I also like powerlifting, crafting, table top rpg, and fudgy brownies.
Although I am not currently seeing clients at phases I am available to take on residents for supervision.
Hey there! I’m Kane (He/Him), a Resident in Counseling based in sunny Australia, and I’m thrilled to join the amazing team at Phases Therapy! Due to my location, I have late evening hours available. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023 from Adams State University, and I’m excited to help you navigate life’s challenges. When I’m not supporting you, you can find me binge-watching reality TV, cheering on contestants in game shows, or shopping at my local yarn or fabric store as I also love getting crafty with quilting, sewing, knitting, and crochet.
Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery together, and maybe swap some TV recommendations along the way.