About Erin Stanley, LCSW

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.

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! I love 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, my professional experience, and my intuition to guide where the conversation goes.

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 do my best work with people who are struggling to find themselves, 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 because the unknown is scary. I’m here to tell you - you can, and I’m by your side to do it with you.

In my free time, you can find me reading, archiving my vinyl records, baking and eating sweet treats, making a Spotify playlist I’ll forget about in three weeks, working out, or watering my plants. I love reality tv, especially dating 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

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:

Endorsements

“I have had the privilege of watching Erin develop as a clinician over the past 12 years. She blends deep clinical insight with a playfulness that makes hard truths palatable. She offers the women she works with the opportunity to examine how they have become who they are and expand in their relationship to themselves and to worthy partners.”

— Emma Peck-Block, LCSW

Storied Minds Collective

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Erin over the past year and have found her to bring great warmth, insight, and strong clinical skills to her work. She is deeply committed to helping clients better understand themselves and their relationships, approaching each person with genuine curiosity and care while creating a space that feels both supportive and empowering. I trust her wholeheartedly to provide meaningful, high-quality therapeutic care, and I’m grateful to be in the same professional community as Erin.”

— Leah Contreras, LCSW, MPH, Therapist & Owner of Leah Contreras Psychotherapy, PLLC

“Erin is a warm, passionate, intelligent and intuitive psychotherapist who centers the needs and concerns of her clients. By utilizing person-centered therapy, Erin supports individuals through navigating relationships with themselves and others. She also provides high achieving millennials with tools and knowledge around relationships and intimacy.”

Brittney Williams, Death Doula and Educator

Ubuntu Wellness Space

"Erin is one of the brightest therapists I know - combining hard-won wisdom, genuine humor, and encouragement to help women-identified clients move toward the relationships and lives they deserve. She brings both professional expertise and authentic humanity to every session; if you want a therapist who shows up fully, choose Erin!"

— Erin Lingle, MA, LMFT

East River Couple and Family Therapy

“I really appreciate how down-to-earth, warm, and intuitive Erin is in her work. She has a direct yet deeply validating approach that helps women feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate anxiety, relationships, and intimacy. It’s clear she takes a lot of pride in what she does and shows up with presence and care. If you’re looking for someone who is both professional and easy to connect with, Erin is a great fit.”

Dylan “DJ” Colson, LPC

Authentic Counseling and Care, PLLC