Hope Stanley
Mental Health Counselor and trained in EMDR.
I too have stepped into the office of a therapist as a client, myself, and I know what it’s like to be exposed, vulnerable, and surprised by being open.
My name is Hope, and I believe counseling should be: simple, sensible, and realistic. I love working with people who are ready to commit to therapy because committing to all the other things has fallen short. I, myself, know the feeling of trying to educate myself with lots of readings and seminars, dedicating my routine to prioritize exercise, trying diet, trying boundaries with toxic people and realizing that while all these things are so wonderful for the fulfilling life that I want, they are not enough to heal my nervous system, not the way EMDR can.
Some quick tidbits that describe me
Philosophical – Ever since I was a young child, I can remember wondering things like, “What is the point of having so many colors?… (or) Why do we forget things?” I love to wonder and I think it’s important to wonder without limits in order to honor who one is uniquely meant to be.
Regimented while Artsy –I attended college at a military school, but I was always a little different than most of my peers. This comes through in my counseling style: while structure is necessary so is following the natural flow, and I work to keep that balance with my clients.
Accepting – Having experienced and even lived in a multitude of cultures, I have learned how to not only accept differences but to embrace them. You will notice an unconditional positive regard when we work together.
Direct –My closest relationships are with people who give it to me straight. I know this will foster a close therapeutic relationship, as well, and I will always be honest with you and you can always be honest with me.
Compassionate – I am, by nature, a “concerned about your well-being” person, a stop traffic to move a turtle out of the road type of person. I consider it a true privilege to practice counseling, and share genuine care combined with refined, technical skills to help you live the life you want, one more characterized by your present rather than your past.
On the weekends you'll find me...
Entrenched in family time as a wife and a mother, hiking and exploring, practicing my spirituality and hopefully squeezing a nap in!
How to pick the right therapist
There are a lot of therapists to consider when trying to decide who to trust. With varying skills and credentials to consider, choosing the right therapist can be tough. It’s much like a pair of pants; you search until you find the one that fits just right. The good news is that there IS a reliable way to tell if you and your therapist are a going to mesh: if you click from the get-go, it’s a good sign.
So, take your time and trust your gut.
I hope this page portrays a revealing snapshot of my personality and professional style. If you think we might be a good fit, give me a call (703)919-5543 or send me an email and let’s talk. I am happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide. What do you have to lose? And imagine all that you might gain.
Request an appointment with Hope:
Credentials:
Licensed Professional Counseling in Virginia; License # 0701009540
EMDRIA Certified Therapist: application pending
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the Virginia Military Institute
Masters of Arts in Counselor Education from Virginia Tech
Master of Arts in Justice and Mission from Denver SeminaryThe Caron Foundation
Training in:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR for Peak Performance in Athletes and Creatives
Motivational Interviewing
Psychological First Aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
