ABOUT PHIL
In, 2022 Phil holds multiple licenses and certifications, including Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Masters-level Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP) in the state of Florida, National Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). He graduated Summa cum laude from Lynn University in 2020 and was the first student in the mental health counseling program to be chosen as the graduate speaker at the 2020 commencement.
During his time in school, Phil gained experience as a clinical case manager in a detox, facilitated IOP groups, and worked as an individual case manager for clients with thought disorders. He presented at a national conference and contributed to a case-study book published for undergraduate psychology students.
After graduation, Phil worked as a primary therapist at a dual diagnosis mental health/substance abuse treatment center, where he focused on substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, and severe mental health and played a key role in developing the clinical detox manual and programming. As a consultant, he helped implement the programming across multiple states during a period of expansion.
In 2022, Phil left his job and founded Dude, Breathe Counseling, a private group practice dedicated to addressing men’s mental health issues. Phil has devoted significant time and effort over the last three years to studying men’s psychology. He has completed multiple trainings, conducted his own research on the topic, and crafted a distinctive approach to working with men. He has been featured on multiple podcasts speaking about men’s issues and has developed a culturally competent training program for organizations. Phil has several speaking engagements and podcasts scheduled over the next six months.
Phil’s ultimate goal is to spread accurate information about men’s mental health struggles, break down stigmas, and encourage men to seek the help they need to overcome their challenges.
ABOUT Viktoriya
Viktoriya has a Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Therapy, which she earned in Florida. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Studies from Oregon. Viktoriya received her M.S. from Nova Southeastern University in 2022. During her postgraduate studies, she showed a keen interest in helping families going through divorce. She received extensive training in Collaborative Divorce and worked with top-tier experts in the field.
She externed with Broward Family and Dependency Courts, where she gained experience in helping families, couples, and individuals dealing with family conflicts and legal disputes. Viktoriya’s dedication to her work continued after graduation as she further expanded her expertise in traditional couples and family therapy, transitioning to have a special focus on men’s issues.
Her desire to work with men crystallized during this process. She realized that many men face hidden biases and shame when it comes to therapy. Viktoriya has made it her mission to create a comfortable space for men in the therapeutic setting and to break the stigma of seeking out counseling. She has also taken the initiative to establish and support a community for fathers navigating the complex landscape of parenting and co-parenting amid divorce, separation, and strained relationships with their children. Viktoriya believes that both parents are needed in the home for healthy childhood development.
In the spring of 2023, Viktoriya met Phil from Dude Breathe Counseling. Phil’s passion for expanding men’s mental health resonated with her own ambitions. They decided to collaborate on a shared journey to amplify the voices of men across the broader South Florida region.
Viktoriya has completed various trainings and certifications and conducts independent research on couples therapy and men’s issues. With a unique approach, she has developed a distinctive method of working with couples. Viktoriya has been featured on several podcasts, where she shares insights on issues related to men in couples. Currently, she is working with Phil to develop a workshop and curriculum for couples. She openly discusses these topics in her speaking engagements, contributing to the conversation on improving relationships.
ABOUT Dr. Matt
Dr. D’Urso worked as the clinical director of a cooccurring substance use and mental health facility from January 2023 to January of 2024, deepening his understanding of and effectiveness with treating those afflicted with addiction, depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, vocational and academic struggles, trauma, adversity, and life skills.
