Erin McMenamin Therapy

I am a licensed clinical social worker serving the Hampton Roads area with in-person and telehealth therapy services. I began my career as an educator, and through that profession realized the most valuable part of teaching was creating relationships with students in my classroom, parents, and other teachers. I left teaching when my husband joined the Navy. Through countless moves as my husband worked in Naval Special Warfare, I noticed how the families within this community required additional support to tolerate the demands of keeping their families together during two decades of war. I felt called to become a more integrated part of the solutions they needed, and chose to pursue a license in clinical social work to share my experience, strength and hope with these families. In addition to serving active and retired military members and their families, I also love working with young people. As a teacher, I valued the importance of creating safe spaces for student expression and creativity, and ultimately social work has brought many aspects of my life together by providing me with the tools needed to serve them in a different capacity. I work with teens, young adults, and parents in my private practice, and am also a Guidance Counselor at a private school in Norfolk. I am a proud partner of The Headstrong Project, a nonprofit that provides no-cost therapy to veterans and their families. I rely on a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, with specific training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) disciplines. In general, my practice is grounded in meeting people where they are, which lets me tailor my therapeutic approach to the individual needs of each client. Why choose a therapist with a background in social work? Ultimately, social work is not just a profession but a calling. This field is driven by a profound desire to serve, connect with others, and facilitate healing within communities. At its core, social work provides a platform to directly impact individuals and families facing diverse challenges, from mental health issues to socio-economic disparities. I see each client as a unique individual with their own story and struggles. My approach is centered around creating a safe and supportive space where the client feels heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their personal journey. Connection is foundational to the healing process. Moreover, social work enables me to contribute to broader community healing by addressing systemic issues and advocating for social justice. I am passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background or identity, can access the support and resources they need to thrive. By engaging in advocacy efforts and collaborating with local organizations, I hope to contribute to changes that promote equity and reduce barriers to mental health care and social services. About my space… My door is open to individuals from every walk of life. For that reason, I have aimed to create a calm, neutral space which exists outside of your everyday life to provide a sense of serenity, comfort, and safety. I look forward to seeing you here.