Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nancy Irwin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Irwin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally from Atlanta where I trained as an opera singer, I moved to New York City in 1985 to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. While I’m a good singer, I’m not good enough for Big Time Opera and discovered I had some other transferrable stage skills: comedic flare. I was fortunate enough to perform all over the country and abroad, and moved to Los Angeles in 1994 when I heard that Hollywood needed more blondes…
While I enjoyed being staff emcee at the Melrose Improve, among other clubs, I had a lot of free time, so began volunteer work for Children of the Night, a shelter for sexually abused children in Los Angeles. This experience was absolutely cathartic, waked up the healer in me, and prompted me to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology to specialize in trauma recovery. I am in private practice in West Los Angeles and am also on staff at Seasons Recovery Center in Malibu.
I enjoy being a frequent media guest on various psychological topics: trauma, addictions, reinvention, and more, on numerous podcasts, radio and TV shows, including Anderson Cooper, The Doctors, Nightline, E!, Bravo, Fox, Dr. Wendy Walsh, The Mitch Albom Show, eHealth radio, and many more.
Having made a “u-turn” at age 44, I authored YOU-TURN: CHANGING DIRECTION IN MIDLIFE (2008), a collection of “over 40 stories of people over 40” who made amazing transitions in midlife. I also co-authored BREAKING THROUGH! Stories of Hope & Recovery (2017), inspiring case studies of sobriety. My philosophy is: “Change is inevitable; you can either affect it or accept it.”
Has it been a smooth road?
It took me five years to make my “you-turn.” Going to graduate school at age 44 while working full-time was not easy. Many peers questioned my sanity, frequently asking: “How old will you be when you finish?” I quipped: “Same age as if I don’t.”
I tried to focus on my mission vs the day-to-day grind. I have always loved school and learning and did my best to be grateful and focus on one day at a time, one course at a time, one dissertation at a time.
I was lucky enough to have a good positive support system and made health and fitness a foundation. I believe that balance is the key to a productive daily life.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and therapeutic hypnotist. I specialize in trauma recovery, addictions, and sports enhancement. I am trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities, such as CBT, REBT, ACT, EMDR, positive psychology, and of course clinical hypnosis.
I believe that we are all born to win, however we define that. We learn how to shrink, doubt, play small, and whatever we’ve learned, we can also un-learn. I am committed to dissolving the negative programming that clients have learned and free their “inner winner.”
I suppose what sets me apart from others is that I know I do not have all the answers for everyone. I refer out when I see that I am not a good fit for a client. I am committed to helping people attain their goals and get un-stuck as quickly as possible, but without sacrificing quality.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles has been very good to me. It is so progressive and open-minded, and that is reflected in the people. That is the beginning of healing and creating a space for success. While I am not a native Angeleno, I, like many others, moved here to fulfill dreams. My dream changed after I moved here, and I am grateful that this city offers all the tools and ingredients I needed to reinvent.
I would certainly encourage anyone starting out in my industry to feel confident in making Los Angeles a base. The schools are terrific, office space is available and affordable, and professional and networking organizations abound. Trust your heart and follow your intuition and your mission.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Gardens
2001 S. Barrington Avenue, Suite 308
Los Angeles, CA 90025 - Website: www.drnancyirwin.com
- Phone: 310-235-2882
- Email: nancy@drnancyirwin.com
- Instagram: DrNancyIrwin
- Facebook: DrNancyIrwin
- Twitter: DrNancyIrwin
- Yelp: DrNancy Irwin
Image Credit:
HLN, CNN, KTLA, Fox-TV.
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