We recently connected with Erin Nicole McGinnis and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Erin Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Around a decade ago, I found myself struggling with being the victim of narcissistic abuse. This was not a common term at the time, and little was known about it. Even though I was already a licensed psychotherapist with a successful career and a lot of training, I didn’t know how to help myself or find anyone in the field who could help me. I went to several therapists who did more harm than good and some that victim-blamed. It wasn’t until I finally found a therapist who specialized in narcissistic abuse recovery that I began to heal. It was then that I decided to specialize in narcissistic abuse recovery myself and help others on their healing journey. This was by far the most defining moment of my career. Since I know how painful and difficult this pattern can be firsthand and how much misinformation there is out there, being able to help others break the cycle of abuse has been very fulfilling and rewarding.

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.

I have been specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery for a long time and have had the opportunity to help many people break this pattern for good. I have helped people heal from the trauma of narcissistic parents, bosses, co-workers, siblings, and friends. However, my main focus is on narcissistic abuse recovery in romantic relationships and overcoming the addictive cycle of trauma bonding.

Trauma bonding and the cycle of abuse create obsession and limerence in another person. Limerence is a state of infatuation that releases dopamine in the brain to create an addictive high. Part of the recovery process is helping the nervous system detox from this powerful drug.

Another part of the recovery process is healing from the trauma of abuse, gaslighting, exploitation, and manipulation. I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) because it is one of the most effective modalities for healing trauma.

By the end of the treatment process, people have not only met their treatment goals but feel confident in navigating their relationships and dating in a healthy way. They learn how to set boundaries and trust themselves. Many past clients have commented on how the recovery process not only freed them from the cycle of narcissistic abuse but allowed them to gain more confidence and love themselves more authentically and on a deeper level.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

As a healer, I think having life experience in your specialization is essential. There is only so much you can learn in a book or class. The best lessons in life are learned through living. Since I have been a client and healed from trauma, I feel that I am well-equipped to understand what another person is going through and how to overcome it.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that I am in the right field. I have wanted to be in this profession ever since I was a child. Even if I won the lottery, I would still do what I do. It’s a blessing that I love what I do this much, and I don’t take it for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HolisticPsychotherapyLA.com
• Instagram: @wisetobewild
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinnicolemcginnis/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/erin-nicole-mcginnis-lmft
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/erin-nicole-mcginnis-ma-lmft-sherman-oaks

Image Credits
Rafael Larin for all photos besides logo