About Erin Stanley, LCSW

Psychotherapist in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

Hi, I’m Erin.

I use she/her pronouns and I'm licensed as a clinical social worker (otherwise known as a psychotherapist or therapist) in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. I live in and am a native of Richmond, Virginia.

This healing thing matters to me because I’ve been in some screwed up places and consider myself an ever-evolving work in progress. I know from personal and professional experience that psychotherapy is powerful!

In bell hooks’ “All About Love” she references love as “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.”

I love what I do, it is an honor to do what I do, and I am good at what I do. 

I launched Honey Bee Therapy in October 2021 after working for a group practice. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist in private practice I worked in schools for about ten years. Education means so much to me, and self-knowledge is something I hold in high esteem. It’s truly a gift to be able to peel back your own layers and make new and interesting discoveries about yourself - this is why I am such an advocate for therapy!

My style is empathetic, direct, and warm. I’m not the old, stuffy caricature counselor you see on tv (although Molly’s therapist on Insecure was pretty dope). I will remember your best friend’s name and your birthday. I incorporate humor when appropriate. Sometimes I’ll cuss. Oftentimes I’ll trip over a word or two because my mouth moves faster than my brain (or is it the other way around?) I’ll let you know when I’m happy for you and I will gently call you out if I notice an incongruence to your goals. I ask questions to get you thinking - they won’t always require a response. I am a proud Black, sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who will use your desires and goals, my professional experience, and my intuition to guide where the conversation goes.

I help people break out of the toxic cycles of people pleasing and catering to the needs of everyone but themselves. The ones who everyone depends on, and appear to be capable and calm, but internally are overwhelmed and exhausted.

I intersect this mental wellness work with sexual wellness, and hold space for curiosity around people pleasing shows up sexually. I help people understand and advocate for their sexual needs, and feel more connected to their own desires without shame, guilt, or embarrassment.

I do my best work with people who are struggling to find their voice, trying to develop and maintain their own identities, (outside of their work and relationships with others), and fighting to feel uncomfortable feelings. The people who know there’s something there, but are afraid to tap in alone because the unknown is scary. But, there’s a lingering feeling that something needs to change, and they are ready to make that change.

I’m here to tell you, if this is you - you can make that change to work towards becoming your best self, and I’ll be by your side as you do.

More than anything, I want you to feel comfortable enough to be transparent and bring your full self to each session. Developing a trusting relationship takes time, and one of my goals is supporting you as you get to that vulnerable place so that we can get to work. 

I have helped many people learn their own patterns and heal from toxic thought and behavioral patterns. If you’re ready, I believe I can help you too.

In my free time, you can find me reading, digitally archiving my vinyl records, trying new recipes, making a Spotify playlist I’ll forget about in three weeks, working out, or exploring Richmond. I have loved reality tv for over 25 years, and regularly watch a handful of shows. I have wonderful groups of family and friends that help me refill my cup regularly, and as an extroverted introvert, it is imperative that I make time to engage in deep rest. Finally, I love spending time in nature with my rescue pup, August.

August - we think she is about 9 years old, and know she is a Bichon Frisé and the sweetest girl in Virginia.

Professional Credentials:

Erin Stanley, LCSW (VA & MD), LICSW (DC)

Education: 

  • Spelman College | BA, Psychology | Magna Cum Laude

  • The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (now known as The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice) | AM, Clinical Social Work | Program of Study - Family Support 

Clinical Social Work License Numbers: 

National Provider Identifier:

NPI#: 1619346731

Specializations:

  • Sexuality and intimacy

  • Intersectionality

  • Anxious attachment style

  • Emotionally abusive relationships

  • Anxiety treatment

  • Women’s health

  • Trauma-informed care

Facilitator:

Ongoing Professional Development:

Member:

  • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

  • Metro Richmond Chapter: National Alumnae Association of Spelman College

Board Member:

Volunteer: