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 possesses a Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Therapy, earned in the state of Florida. Complementing her academic achievements is a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Studies from the state of Oregon. Her M.S. was conferred by Nova Southeastern University in 2022. Throughout her postgraduate studies, Viktoriya exhibited a keen interest in aiding families undergoing divorce proceedings. She underwent intensive training in Collaborative Divorce, learning from top-tier experts in the field. An internship opportunity followed, where she worked with Broward Family and Dependency Courts, becoming well-versed in assisting families, couples, and individuals entangled in familial conflicts and legal disputes.
Her dedication continued beyond graduation as she joined the agency and further expanded her expertise in divorce counseling. Concurrently, she took on a role in a private practice that concentrated on divorce care, particularly emphasizing support for men.
During her academic pursuits and subsequent professional endeavors within the realm of divorce and family dynamics, her interest in working with men crystallized. Within the agency, she took the initiative to establish and lead a supportive community for fathers navigating the complex landscape of parenting and co-parenting amid divorce, separation, and strained relationships with their children.
In the spring of 2023, Viktoriya’s path serendipitously crossed with Phil from Dude Breathe during a networking event. Phil’s enthusiasm for expanding men’s mental health resonated with her own ambitions. Their visions harmonized seamlessly, leading them to collaborate on a shared journey to amplify the voices of men across the broader South Florida region
