By Bradley C. McGinnis, LPC
The Child Always Asking “Why”
At an early age, I was a person who wanted to know everything. I had an innate drive to pursue knowledge and understanding to help me navigate the world. I was the child asking “why” again and again, never satisfied by surface-level answers.
As I grew, my love for learning deepened, accompanied by a growing compassion for those around me. Being deeply in tune with my own emotions, I realized I wanted to channel my curiosity into something meaningful.
Your Therapist’s Therapist
In high school, I struggled with myself more than I wanted to admit. I suffered the loss of two personal friends, including one to suicide. In the aftermath of that event, I struggled tremendously to find the “why” and spiraled around the lack of answers.
Despite my burgeoning interest in the field of psychology, I was adamant to my mother: no therapy. I thought that it could not be of benefit to me. She was incredibly supportive and gentle, but steadfast in her decision that I needed support.
In the end, I began attending weekly appointments. Through openness and connection with my therapist, my life was saved and changed for the better.
I have been in therapy consistently for the last 15 years of my life. I could not claim to be a lifelong learner without self-exploration and the pursuit of knowledge of self.
Finding My Path In College
By the time I arrived at college, my desire to learn was practically overflowing. I took on as much as I could (and would end up graduating with honors and a B.S. in both Biology and Psychology, as well as a minor in Chemistry).
I was on track to attend medical school after graduating, but it got harder to ignore the love I was feeling for psychology.
The turning point for me came during an impactful conversation with a professor and mentor, Dr. Rogers, who said:
“I love being a therapist because you get the opportunity to never stop learning and growing.”
In that moment, it all clicked, and I saw my path clearly.
A Passion That Grew Even Stronger
After earning my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I began practicing at a family-owned intensive outpatient program, primarily serving a population of individuals recovering from eating disorders.
During my first weeks on the job, I began seeing an individual with a history of complex trauma and dissociation. Instantly, my love of learning lit up. I sought as much information as I could about the ways trauma impacts the brain, behavior, and daily functioning.
Since that time, my passion for work has revolved around that as a core tenet:
Learning as much as I can, and doing everything within my power to help the person sitting across from me.
My Commitment to You
When you sit across from me in the therapy room, you are meeting with someone who has been on both sides of the therapeutic relationship.
My love for learning isn’t just about textbooks, degrees, or human behavior in the abstract. It is about a lifelong commitment to understanding the human heart, honoring your unique story, and walking alongside you as you discover your own answers.
About the Author:
Bradley C. McGinnis, LPC
Bradley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents and adults to help them make sense of what they’re carrying, build resilience, and find a clearer direction.
With over two years of experience, he specializes in anxiety, trauma, OCD, depression, identity development, and relationship challenges.