Meet Erin Foster | Psychoanalyst

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
” When you want something, all the universe will conspire to give it to you.” from Paulo Coelho’s novel, “The Alchemist.” Entrepreneurship is defined by obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt—not just internally but also sometimes from those in our closest circle. For me, the idea creates psychological containment that builds resilience, persistence, and a positive outlook.

Many times this quote energized me to seize opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. When you’re deeply committed to your goal, your determination can make you more alert to possibilities that align with your objectives. It might also inspire creative problem-solving, helping you to navigate through or around obstacles more effectively.

This mindset reinforced trusting my instincts, staying true to my vision, and maintaining my resolve, even when the path forward seemed daunting, and that the universe is, in its own mysterious ways, rooting for my success.

What should our readers know about your business?
my career began working triage in LA’s largest psychiatric emergency room, I quickly learned the profound impact of mental health support and the complexities of human psychology. This foundational experience lead me to establish my own private practice, where I’ve been able to apply and deepen my understanding of psychological care in a more personalized setting.

What makes my business truly unique is the unexpected turn my career took, blending the worlds of entertainment, media, and corporate psychology in ways I never anticipated. An acquaintance, who happened to be a reality TV producer, recognized a niche need for psychological profiling for a groundbreaking reality show focused on matching couples. This opportunity not only expanded my professional horizons but also set the stage for subsequent roles in three other reality dating shows.

The journey didn’t stop there. At a colleague’s wedding, I had the fortune of meeting Dr. Drew, leading to an invitation on his podcast and later, becoming a regular contributor on his television show. This visibility opened doors to serve as a psychological expert on several medical-based programs, including The Doctors, Take Part Live, and various projects for HLN and the Discovery Channel. Each appearance allowed me to share my expertise with a wider audience, bridging the gap between clinical psychology and public understanding.

Perhaps most intriguingly, my appearance on one of these shows caught the attention of the EVP of a major financial planning institution, leading to an engagement to coach their executive team. This experience paved the way to work within a family office, focusing on succession and legacy planning for family governance.

What I am most proud of, both personally and professionally, is the journey I’ve embarked upon as a single parent while running a thriving practice. This journey was marked by determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The challenges I faced, particularly a wrongful accusation that led to a grueling year-long court battle, tested my strength in unimaginable ways. I was granted a factual innocence, which is a rare and hard-won victory, but the ordeal took a devastating toll on my personal life, leading to the dissolution of my marriage and a painful separation from my stepchildren whom I loved as my own.

However, it’s from these ashes that I’ve risen, not just surviving but thriving, to become the best version of myself— as a mother, friend, human, and professional. This transformative experience has deeply informed the ethos of my business. I’m most excited about the development of my group practice, which specializes in addressing the unique complexities surrounding families. Whether it’s navigating the intricate dynamics of family offices, providing discernment counseling, managing high conflict divorces, supporting blended families, or giving a voice to stepmothers facing significant stressors, my practice is dedicated to fostering hope and healing.

The greatest challenge of my career, intertwined with my personal life, ironically paved the way for my greatest success. It taught me the value of resilience, the importance of authenticity, and the power of leveraging personal pain for professional and personal growth. These experiences have shaped my approach to my work, allowing me to connect with my clients on a deeply empathetic level, and to provide support that’s both informed and genuine.

I want the world to know that my brand and my story are testaments to the fact that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to profound personal and professional development. My practice isn’t just a business; it’s a mission to help others navigate their most difficult moments, to find strength in their stories, and to emerge stronger and more connected to themselves and their families.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Welcome to a week in my hometown, Malibu, CA.

Surfing at Surfrider Beach: Known for its perfect waves, Surfrider Beach is a hotspot for surfers. Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer, the beach offers an exhilarating experience for everyone.
Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains: Explore the trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Malibu landscape. Popular trails include the Solstice Canyon, which features a waterfall and remains of an old mansion, and the Point Mugu State Park for more challenging hikes.
Visit the Getty Villa: Immerse yourself in ancient art and culture at the Getty Villa. This educational center and museum is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The beautiful architecture and garden settings are a sight to behold.
Malibu Wine Safaris: Enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience at Saddlerock Ranch, where you can taste local wines and meet exotic animals like zebras and camels. The stunning vineyard landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable day.
Relax at El Matador Beach: One of Malibu’s most picturesque beaches, El Matador, features sea caves, rock formations, and stunning sunsets. It’s a perfect spot for photography, picnicking, or just relaxing by the waves.
Explore the Malibu Country Mart: A boutique shopping and dining destination, the Malibu Country Mart offers a mix of luxury and lifestyle stores, art galleries, and eateries. It’s a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the laid-back Malibu vibe.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: For water sports enthusiasts, Malibu offers excellent conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum: Learn about Malibu’s history, from its Native American heritage to its days as a Hollywood hideaway, at the Malibu Lagoon Museum located within the Adamson House. The house itself is a historical landmark, showcasing early 20th-century architecture and tilework.
Dine with an Ocean View: Malibu is home to several restaurants that offer delicious cuisine with stunning ocean views. Some notable spots include Nobu Malibu, Malibu Farm, and The Sunset Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh, local ingredients while overlooking the Pacific.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): One of the simplest yet most breathtaking activities in Malibu is to drive along the PCH. The scenic route offers spectacular views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs, with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the beauty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandmother, CC Carlson, an extraordinary woman whose legacy continues to inspire and influence me deeply. She was the best-selling author of the decade in the 1970s in the category of prophetic books.

Her example of balancing professional success with a deep commitment to nurturing relationships is a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life. Shed emphasized that success is not solely about accolades or achievements but also about the impact we have on those we love and our ability to inspire and uplift them.

Her belief in my success wasn’t just a vote of confidence in my abilities but also a testament to her understanding that the qualities she embodied—compassion, wisdom, and resilience helped shape my character.

Website: drerinfoster.com

Instagram: @drerinfoster

Linkedin: Dr. Erin Foster

Image Credits
Steve Gaffney Nathan Carlson