Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Nicole McGinnis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erin Nicole, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
“The greatest gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” – Meryl Streep.
I am so happy you asked about empathy, which is significant in my practice as I specialize in treating Empaths. These individuals, much like myself, have heightened empathetic abilities. I also specialize in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, helping people who have been abused by someone who lacks empathy. Another way of saying it is that I am an empathy specialist.
Empathy is a crucial aspect of our humanity, fostering connection and bonding. Sadly, its importance seems to be diminishing in our modern society. I firmly believe that empathy is innate, enabling us to attune and unite. Our survival as a species has been intertwined with our capacity to form bonds, cultivate communities, and care for one another. Empathy is like the glue that holds us together.
Nevertheless, experiences of trauma can lead to the exacerbation or suppression of empathy in individuals. My journey, marked by hardships in a dysfunctional upbringing, school bullying, and enduring narcissistic abuse, shaped me into a highly empathetic individual attuned to others’ emotions and needs. This heightened sensitivity has been both a challenge and a blessing, making me very sensitive at times and fueling my path as a healer. Conversely, some individuals, in response to abuse and dysfunction, numb their empathy to shield themselves from pain, often displaying narcissistic traits. The intricate dance between empaths and narcissists stems from shared wounds expressed in contrasting ways. Through my work, I guide empaths in establishing boundaries, safeguarding themselves from narcissistic harm, and navigating the pathways to healing trauma. I hope to impart the transformative power of empathy, fostering understanding and healing in a world that greatly needs it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, and I specialize in narcissistic abuse recovery. I have helped people heal from the trauma of narcissistic parents, siblings, bosses, and friends. However, my main focus is on narcissistic abuse recovery in romantic relationships and overcoming the addictive cycle of trauma bonding. I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients recover from the trauma of gaslighting, exploitation, and manipulation. Through the therapeutic process and healing trauma, clients achieve their treatment goals and emerge with a newfound confidence in navigating healthy relationships and dating experiences. Equipped with the skills to establish boundaries and trust their instincts, individuals express a sense of liberation from the cycle of narcissistic abuse. Many have attested to the transformative power of the recovery process, citing enhanced self-assurance and a deeper, more authentic self-love.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One quality and skill that has been instrumental for me is empathy. I believe in honing this superpower by learning to adjust its intensity as needed. Some empaths struggle with constantly absorbing emotions around them. By mastering the art of setting energetic boundaries, I could use my empathy for healing in sessions while establishing limits when in unfamiliar or overwhelming environments.
The second skill that has proven invaluable is understanding narcissistic abuse and the steps toward recovery. At the onset of my specialization, few comprehended the complexities of narcissistic abuse, leading some clients to recount experiences of inadvertent victim blaming by previous therapists. Through extensive study and practice in treating narcissistic abuse, I have developed a profound understanding that has been indispensable in aiding others on their healing journey.
Lastly, a pivotal skill is knowing how to treat trauma. I firmly believe that all mental health symptoms stem from underlying trauma. By addressing the root cause rather than solely focusing on symptom alleviation, I have witnessed numerous individuals experience profound healing and growth.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is an empath facing challenges in setting boundaries and caught in a cycle of abuse or exploitation. If this resonates with you, I invite you to connect. I’m excited to share how I can support you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HolisticPsychotherapyLA.com
- Instagram: @wisetobewild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinnicolemcginnis/
- Linkedin: https://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 the logo
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