Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ERIN STANLEY. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

ERIN, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I launched Honey Bee Therapy in October of 2021. Prior to launching, I worked in a group psychotherapy practice for about a year. Prior to that, I worked in public education for nearly a decade as both an elementary school teacher, and a school social worker for pre-school – 8th grade students and their families. Serving others has been in my personal and professional fabric for as long as I can remember.

Since choosing to major in psychology as an undergraduate student at Spelman College, I’ve known for some time that I wanted to go into private practice. My idea at that time was to spend as much time as I could in the field, gaining myriad experiences across the span of social work, until I felt I had enough experience and credibility to start my own practice. That was my plan – thirty plus years of the hard, gritty work, and transition out to the lovely world of independent psychotherapy. But you know what they say about making your own plans, right?

After working for a local group practice, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the decision to pivot, not just my career, but my life. I was frustrated with toxic work cultures, constructing expectations placed upon me, and unclear and misaligned goals. I was ready to work on my own terms. I was ready to create my own work schedule, establish my own professional values and mission, and lean into deep work with people and issues I was passionate about working with. I was ready for freedom in my career.

As a former educator, I believe in the power of organization. So, I began by setting up systems. I created my LLC, EIN, business bank accounts, and financial spreadsheets. People-wise, I set up calls with tax preparers, read blogs of other solopreneurs, and watched vlogs of other therapists in private practice. I found online communities of folks doing similar work as me. Working by myself, for myself can feel isolating, so I make intentional time to connect with other professionals in the field both in-person and virtually throughout the month.

It has been challenging to break away from the idea of the status quo. Over the years, between being a student, and becoming an educator, I’ve gotten used to having a set schedule (Monday-Friday, waking up at 5:30 am, at work by 7 am, leaving the school building by 5 pm or later, etc.). There’s a sense of comfort and familiarity in that routine. Since establishing my own practice, however, I’ve had to work to actively combat feelings of guilt and feeling unproductive because I no longer start every day before the sun comes up. I work with my body, not against it, now. I am in constant conversation with myself of the benefits of doing this. I’ve learned that this practice helps me be the best version of myself, which in turn allows me to show up fully for my clients.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Erin Stanley, LCSW/LICSW and I’m a psychotherapist and owner of Honey Bee Therapy. I am a solopreneur and solo practitioner.

Honey Bee Therapy is a virtual private practice serving clients in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. At Honey Bee, I help anxious, people-pleasing millennials and Gen Z’ers navigate the complex and sometimes complicated relationships in their lives. We work together to identify behavior patterns they want to change in order to create healthier ways of functioning and living.

Through a relational and psychodynamic approach, I help people look at the reality of the relationships (self, romantic, familial, and platonic) that they’re a part of.

But my clients will tell you my real speciality is serving as their cheerleader when they’re doing well and gently calling them out when their actions are incongruent with their set goals.

A common question I get is where the name Honey Bee Therapy came from. Bees work together to achieve a common goal. Every single bee in the hive has a role in making honey and keeping the colony functioning and well .

I like to think of all the parts of you, every relationship you have, every characteristic you embody, as a bee. Here for a purpose, whether actualized yet or not. Your pain, your joy, your confusion…all the feelings can help propel you to that purpose and your goals.

I also think bees are really cool insects. They and butterflies are my favorites. And I am a big Beyonce fan.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would choose psychotherapy again and again and again. I elected to receive my Masters in Social Work because I believed the degree would provide entree to a broad range of career choices. Now, nine years after receiving that degree, I can wholeheartedly assert that the degree can do that.

As a business owner, I have learned the power in pivoting and constantly seeking to learn more, both clinically and entrepreneurially. I consistently ask myself “what’s next” and where I see myself in another five, ten, fifteen years, in the field and out. For example, I have the goal of becoming a Certified Sex Therapist by Fall 2025, and will then begin to broaden my span to online programming. I also want to begin working with couples in the next few years, which will require additional trainings.

Last year, I began providing mental health consultative services to companies and organizations looking to support their staff in areas such as self-care, emotional regulation, and boundaries. This has been incredible as it has allowed me to expand my scope beyond individual, one-on-one counseling. The benefits and options of the field are truly endless.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honey Bee Therapy receives the most referrals from current clients and from online directories such as Therapy for Black Girls. When clients recognize growth in themselves, or loved ones are able to bear witness to their growth, they are not only willing, but excited to share about the progress they’ve made in therapy. This is so powerful because seeking help for mental health is often stigmatized, especially in communities of color.

That being said, it’s important for me to not only market regularly, but to maintain consistency in the work I do with clients that I see on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.honeybeetherapy.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybeetherapy_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-stanley-lcsw-licsw/