About ERIN HENLEY
I would be honored to join your struggle and guide you to healing. I am a therapist, licensed as a clinical social worker in the District of Columbia (LICSW) and Maryland (LCSW-C).
What I Do Best
You may have already tried talk therapy and found it unhelpful. While I’m happy to provide talk therapy, I also use the evidence-based techniques of EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing) and CBT-i (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia). Research shows these techniques offer lasting results and real change. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are afflicted by trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, and mood disorders. I will meet you with empathy and respect as we collaborate in tailoring your treatment to your needs.
How I Got Here
Some mental health challenges like depression and anxiety go unrecognized for years, leaving suffering individuals feeling helpless and flawed. After experiencing this myself in college, I knew I wanted a career where I could help others realize that they are strong, not flawed, helping them toward happier and more worthwhile lives. To that end, I earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master of Social Work from The University of Utah.
My Career
My ability to diagnose mental health issues and my therapy skills have come from treating diverse people in diverse settings. Working with civilly and criminally committed patients and their families in a mental hospital, taught me that there are always reasons to hope no matter what you have done or who you might have hurt—no one is unfixable or broken. Serving the chronically mentally ill and homeless in a community clinic taught me to meet clients where they are, taking small steps together to achieve goals. Treating women of all ages in an intensive outpatient eating disorder program taught me to approach clients with compassion while, at the same time, holding them accountable to do the hard work required to make life-saving behavioral changes.
Recognizing the limits of talk therapy led me to train in EMDR for treating trauma. Clients have found that EMDR can help with depression, anxiety, and phobias too.
The Fun Stuff
When I am not working, I like to read, tie macrame art, cycle with my spouse, and spoil my dog.