About Me
About Me
At Riot & Refuge Counseling, I believe healing is both personal and political. My mission is to create a radically affirming space where LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals can show up fully — in their grief, their joy, their rage, and their rest.
I honor the complexity of your lived experiences and the strength it takes to exist in systems not built for you. Whether you’re navigating identity, trauma, relationships, or the everyday impact of oppression, we are here to walk alongside you — not to fix you, but to witness you, empower you, and support your journey toward healing on your own terms.
This is a space for both riot and refuge — for reclaiming your voice and your softness. You are not too much. You are not alone. You are already enough.
Riot Stanley, MA, LPC-Associate (they/them)
(Supervised by Megan Torres, MA, LPC-S)
Hi folx — I’m Riot Stanley (they/them), a fat, queer, and brown Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate based in Houston, Texas. I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University, a CACREP-accredited program, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the same institution.
As someone living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my work. I understand firsthand how systemic oppression, cultural stigma, and societal pressures can impact mental health — especially for queer and BIPOC communities. This understanding is at the heart of my practice, where I aim to create affirming, trauma-informed, and identity-affirming spaces for healing and self-discovery.
Originally from Corpus Christi, I’ve planted roots in Houston, where I live with my two wonderful (and very opinionated) furry companions. When I’m not working, you can find me writing, doodling, curating music playlists, spending time with loved ones, and staying engaged in local queer and activist spaces.
My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to collective liberation. Whether you're exploring your identity, navigating life transitions, or healing from trauma, I’m here to walk alongside you — holding space for your full self, just as you are.
