Dr. Christine E. Dickson

30/10/2025

She cut her stomach with a razor every night, even though she was a popular straight-A student. No one suspected that this quiet perfectionist was in pain. On the outside, she seemed to have everything together: grades, friends, an amazing future. But on the inside, her emotions felt unbearable. Self-injury wasn’t about wanting to die; it was about trying to survive feelings she couldn’t manage or express. -> Visit christinedickson.com for more information

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I’ve learned that self-injury is rarely about seeking attention or wanting to die; it’s about release. It’s a way to cope with unbearable emotions. It momentarily numbs the pain or gives a sense of control when life feels overwhelming. But the relief never lasts. What heals is not punishment or willpower; it’s validation, understanding, and developing new skills to regulate emotions and tolerate distress.

If someone you care about is self-injuring, don’t shame them or panic. Stay calm. Ask how they’re feeling, not why they’re doing it. Help them feel heard, not judged. Healing starts with connection, not correction. Please visit christinedickson.com/contact for more information or to schedule an appointment.

27/10/2025

He told me he was worthless and should die --but on paper, he was everything the world considered “successful.” A great career. A loving family. Friends who admired him. Yet shame convinced him he deserved to die. -> Visit christinedickson.com for more information.

This is the quiet cruelty of suicidal thoughts. They don’t always look like despair from the outside. Often, people who commit suicide appear outwardly calm, capable and successful.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I’ve seen how shame and unworthiness distort reality until a person no longer feels they have the right to live. Evidence based therapy helps challenge those lies. Healing begins when the pain is met with compassion and understanding instead of judgment.

Remember it's NOT you that needs to die, it's the lies that shame is telling you.

If you or someone you love feels like there’s no way out except death, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

I am also here to help. Dr. Christine E. Dickson, PhD (CA PSY20050) Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Please visit christinedickson.com/contact for more information or to schedule an appointment.

25/10/2025

I’ve walked beside clients with suicidal thoughts and self injurious behavior for over 20 years. It’s been one of the most meaningful parts of my work as a licensed clinical psychologist. —> Visit christinedickson.com for more information.

Self-injury and suicidal thoughts are rarely about wanting to die. They are about wanting the pain to stop. When we meet that pain with compassion, validation, and evidence-based care, healing becomes possible.

Recovery doesn’t mean becoming “happy.” It means learning one skill at a time to tolerate distress, to find more effective ways to release the pain, and to reconnect with life. This is the essence of what I call The Radical Reset.

After more than 20 years as licensed psychologist, I’ve learned that hope is the most powerful medicine we have. People don’t heal because they’re “fixed.” They heal because they are finally validated, supported, and taught how to approach their pain differently.

If you or someone you love is struggling with self-injury or suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988. Help is available 24 hours / 7 days a week.

You can also reach out to me for an appointment by visiting: https://christinedickson.com/contact/

14/10/2025

Radical Acceptance: From Resistance to Inner Peace. Visit christinedickson.com to learn more. Full transcript of my podcast, The Radical Reset guiding you through powerful, meaningful change the kind of radical reset that brings clarity, peace, and purpose back to your life. Today's episode is on the practice of radical acceptance. Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Christine E. Dickson, licensed clinical psychologist [Lic # CA PSY20050]. For the past 22 years, I’ve been blending modern psychology with ancient wisdom to guide people through the challenges and stressors of everyday life. --> Contact christine.e.dickson@gmail.com or call 925-523-1397 -->

Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every session I have with my clients -- the practice of acceptance and surrender as a way to radically reset your mind. Specifically, what we call Radical Acceptance. It’s a life skill that can feel nearly impossible in the moment -- but it’s also the path to real freedom. Especially when life hands you something you didn’t ask for, didn’t expect, or simply didn’t deserve. Let’s be real -- life gets messy. And for thousands of years, spiritual and religious traditions across cultures have taught that acceptance and surrender help us survive -- even thrive -- through the mess. Now, whether you’re spiritual, religious, or neither, this wisdom holds up.

As a psychologist, I’d be foolish to ignore strategies that have been helping people navigate suffering for centuries, especially when modern psychology is barely 100 years old. So after finishing my PhD in 2003, I started diving into those traditions -- across different religions, philosophies, and cultures -- and I noticed something: in every system, the themes of acceptance and surrender were everywhere. They weren’t just spiritual ideals -- they were tools for surviving pain, loss, disappointment, and uncertainty. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to belong to any spiritual path to practice acceptance. One of the most powerful psychological approaches to this comes from Marsha Linehan, the founder of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. About 30 years ago, she introduced a term called Radical Acceptance. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: accepting, deeply and completely, the reality of this moment -- even when it feels unacceptable. What she discovered -- and what I’ve seen over and over again with my own clients -- is that when we practice radical acceptance, anxiety goes down. Depression lifts. Self-destructive behaviors lose their grip. Even suicidal thoughts can ease. And here’s what might surprise you -- most of the clients I work with are already incredibly high functioning. They run companies, lead teams, raise families -- but when they start practicing radical acceptance, they transform themselves in ways they did not think were possible.

Now, I’ll be honest -- even as a teacher of radical acceptance I sometimes struggle with applying it to my life. There are moments in my life where accepting what’s happening feels impossible -- like weakness. My mind fights reality with everything it’s got. But here’s what I know, both personally and professionally: the only way out of suffering is through radical acceptance. And I want to share with you exactly how to start building that muscle.Let’s break down the three core skills from psychologist, Marsha Linehan that can help you radically accept life -- even when life feels unlivable.

Skill #1: Create a Radically Accepting Mindset. Start thinking radically by saying to yourself.... Everything is as it is.
Everything is exactly as it should be -- even when it’s painful, unfair, or heartbreaking. Radical acceptance means we stop fighting reality. It doesn’t mean we like it or approve of it. It means we let go of the struggle against “what is.”
And here’s the hard truth: pain turns into suffering when we refuse to accept the pain. But when we truly accept we transform suffering into pain that we can endure. And eventually, move through.

Skill #2: Turning the Mind.
Acceptance doesn’t happen once. It’s a moment-by-moment choice. Think of it like coming to a fork in the road. You can turn toward rejecting reality -- “this shouldn’t be happening” road -- or you can turn toward acceptance. The act of turning your mind is just that -- an act. You might have to do it over and over again, especially on hard days. But each time you choose acceptance, even for a moment, you’re moving toward peace.

Skill #3: Willingness
It is showing up for life as it is -- no resistance, no dramatics. Just doing what’s needed in the moment, with humility, with effectiveness, with presence. It means tuning into your inner wisdom -- that quiet voice inside that knows what’s needed next. It’s also about remembering your connection to the world around you -- to the ground beneath your feet, the air around you, the people beside you. Willingness keeps us open, grounded, and ready to respond -- even when life feels overwhelming.

As you can see, radical acceptance isn’t easy. But it’s powerful. It doesn’t mean we give up. It means we stop fighting reality so we can reclaim the energy to change what we can. If you want help practicing these skills in your life, I’d love to support you. You can reach out through my website to schedule coaching or therapy sessions. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Thank you for listening. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and stay tuned -- there’s more to come on building resilience, finding peace, and creating meaningful change. Until next time -- be gentle with yourself, and remember: acceptance is the first step to freedom.

06/10/2025

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or just “not yourself,” you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. As a licensed clinical psychologist [CA PSY20050] with over 25 years of experience and a Dual PhD in Clinical and Industrial-Organizational Psychology, I specialize in helping professionals, parents, and young people manage anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, ADHD, and burnout.

Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about learning the skills to calm your mind, regulate your emotions, and rediscover who you are beneath the stress. If you’re ready to start that process, I’d love to help.

📞 Call or Text Today: (925) 925-523-1397 or visit my website christinedickson.com or wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_E._Dickson

06/08/2025

Welcome to my new website. I finally integrated my 120 self-help articles with my online therapy practice. My work focuses on evidence-based tools and insights for managing anxiety, preventing burnout, overcoming trauma, improving ADHD, preventing substance misuse, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness so you can do more in less time. Drawing on mindfulness and cognitive behavioral principles, I share strategies designed for high-achieving professionals, parents, teenagers and anyone seeking meaningful change. Book a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call.

Dr. Christine E. Dickson, licensed clinical psychologist. Specializing in evidence-based tools for anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and burnout.

04/08/2025

In this TV30 Interview (yes, I was 7 months pregnant) I discuss using appreciate inquiry in couples counseling to help partners shift from focusing on problems to recognizing what works in their relationship. Instead of staying stuck in conflict, I help them identify strengths, shared goals, and remember times of connection and love. This approach helps couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a stronger foundation for lasting change.

31/07/2025

I’ll never forget the day I met my inspiration, Tim Ferriss, at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. It was 2013, and Tim had no idea he’d changed my life with his book "The 4-Hour Workweek."

Tim's book gave me the strength to step outside my comfort zone, leave my job, and start my own private practice where I have helped hundreds of people! Before reading his book, I was so risk-averse. His words completely shifted my mindset—and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

And in person? Tim is very down-to-earth and caring. He even spent 15 minutes talking with me, despite the fact that his dinner was waiting!

Make sure to Follow Tim Ferriss online for life-changing advice. Even though he is an early stage investor (venture capitalist), author and efficiency expert, his books and incredible podcast challenge the way you think about your life! .

Tim Ferriss is the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast.

24/07/2025

Why Hypnotherapy Falls Short for Trauma and Addiction.

While hypnosis can induce a relaxed state and increase suggestibility, this does not equal effective treatment for complex mental health issues.Hypnotherapy is often marketed as a powerful tool for deep healing, but the research tells a different story—especially when it comes to trauma and addiction.

Here’s why:

Lack of Evidence for Trauma Treatment
Major clinical guidelines—including those from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD—do not recommend hypnotherapy as a first-line or even second-line treatment for trauma. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) consistently outperform hypnosis in randomized controlled trials.

Hypnotherapy has not demonstrated reliable, long-term results for reducing PTSD symptoms.

Poor Efficacy in Addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain-based condition that involves changes in reward pathways, stress systems, and executive functioning. Hypnosis targets the conscious mind and relies on suggestion, but addiction operates at a neurobiological level. Studies in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment and Cochrane reviews show little to no benefit of hypnotherapy for sustained abstinence compared to evidence-based interventions like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Potential Risks
For trauma survivors, inducing a highly suggestible state can sometimes backfire—leading to increased dissociation, resurfacing of traumatic memories without proper stabilization, or even the creation of false memories. Without the grounding techniques and structured protocols found in trauma-focused therapies, this can do more harm than good.

Bottom line:
Hypnotherapy may offer temporary relaxation, but it is not an evidence-based treatment for trauma or addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling, consider therapies backed by decades of research—approaches that build resilience, promote emotional regulation, and address the root causes of suffering.

Healing is possible, but it starts with treatments that work. Choose science. Choose safety.

23/07/2025

ONLY receive trauma-informed therapy from a professional regulated by a State Board. Psychology Today is a good place to find reputable professionals. This is my California State Board License # PSY20050 for Christine E. Dickson Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Christine E. Dickson, Psychologist, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, (925) 521-8785, Recognized by Wikipedia as a 21st-century American psychologist, I have over 25 years of experience blending mindfulness with cognitive-behavioral therapy. My passion is to help you develop greater self-awareness as well....

21/07/2025

My 81-year-old father, pictured here, has tirelessly supported me throughout my entire life. After the loss of my mother in 1992 my father served the role of mother and father to me. He never let me down. Day or night he would answer my calls, patiently listen, and offer comfort, wisdom, and unwavering support. (See the phone in his shirt pocket!!) He was an incredible father. And even now, in his old age and with declining health, the first thing he asks me is: “How are you doing?”

My father is my role model. A Vietnam veteran who put himself through college on the GI Bill, he earned a master’s degree in chemistry and math and spent over 30 years working as a research scientist / chemist for a world-renowned Swiss pharmaceutical company. He was also a skilled mechanic and could fix or build anything.

I don’t know what I will do without my father. But I do know one thing-- I will press on. And like my father, I will think of others more than myself.

15/07/2025

Radical Acceptance: From Resistance to Inner Peace. Full transcript of my podcast, The Radical Reset--> Contact christine.e.dickson@gmail.com or call 925-523-1397 --> guiding you through powerful, meaningful change the kind of radical reset that brings clarity, peace, and purpose back to your life. Today's episode is on the practice of radical acceptance. Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Christine E. Dickson, licensed clinical psychologist. For the past 22 years, I’ve been blending modern psychology with ancient wisdom to guide people through the challenges and stressors of everyday life.

Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every session I have with my clients -- the practice of acceptance and surrender as a way to radically reset your mind. Specifically, what we call Radical Acceptance. It’s a life skill that can feel nearly impossible in the moment -- but it’s also the path to real freedom. Especially when life hands you something you didn’t ask for, didn’t expect, or simply didn’t deserve. Let’s be real -- life gets messy. And for thousands of years, spiritual and religious traditions across cultures have taught that acceptance and surrender help us survive -- even thrive -- through the mess. Now, whether you’re spiritual, religious, or neither, this wisdom holds up.

As a psychologist, I’d be foolish to ignore strategies that have been helping people navigate suffering for centuries, especially when modern psychology is barely 100 years old. So after finishing my PhD in 2003, I started diving into those traditions -- across different religions, philosophies, and cultures -- and I noticed something: in every system, the themes of acceptance and surrender were everywhere. They weren’t just spiritual ideals -- they were tools for surviving pain, loss, disappointment, and uncertainty. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to belong to any spiritual path to practice acceptance. One of the most powerful psychological approaches to this comes from Marsha Linehan, the founder of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. About 30 years ago, she introduced a term called Radical Acceptance. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: accepting, deeply and completely, the reality of this moment -- even when it feels unacceptable. What she discovered -- and what I’ve seen over and over again with my own clients -- is that when we practice radical acceptance, anxiety goes down. Depression lifts. Self-destructive behaviors lose their grip. Even suicidal thoughts can ease. And here’s what might surprise you -- most of the clients I work with are already incredibly high functioning. They run companies, lead teams, raise families -- but when they start practicing radical acceptance, they transform themselves in ways they did not think were possible.

Now, I’ll be honest -- even as a teacher of radical acceptance I sometimes struggle with applying it to my life. There are moments in my life where accepting what’s happening feels impossible -- like weakness. My mind fights reality with everything it’s got. But here’s what I know, both personally and professionally: the only way out of suffering is through radical acceptance. And I want to share with you exactly how to start building that muscle.Let’s break down the three core skills from psychologist, Marsha Linehan that can help you radically accept life -- even when life feels unlivable.

Skill #1: Create a Radically Accepting Mindset. Start thinking radically by saying to yourself.... Everything is as it is.
Everything is exactly as it should be -- even when it’s painful, unfair, or heartbreaking. Radical acceptance means we stop fighting reality. It doesn’t mean we like it or approve of it. It means we let go of the struggle against “what is.”
And here’s the hard truth: pain turns into suffering when we refuse to accept the pain. But when we truly accept we transform suffering into pain that we can endure. And eventually, move through.

Skill #2: Turning the Mind.
Acceptance doesn’t happen once. It’s a moment-by-moment choice. Think of it like coming to a fork in the road. You can turn toward rejecting reality -- “this shouldn’t be happening” road -- or you can turn toward acceptance. The act of turning your mind is just that -- an act. You might have to do it over and over again, especially on hard days. But each time you choose acceptance, even for a moment, you’re moving toward peace.

Skill #3: Willingness
It is showing up for life as it is -- no resistance, no dramatics. Just doing what’s needed in the moment, with humility, with effectiveness, with presence. It means tuning into your inner wisdom -- that quiet voice inside that knows what’s needed next. It’s also about remembering your connection to the world around you -- to the ground beneath your feet, the air around you, the people beside you. Willingness keeps us open, grounded, and ready to respond -- even when life feels overwhelming.

As you can see, radical acceptance isn’t easy. But it’s powerful. It doesn’t mean we give up. It means we stop fighting reality so we can reclaim the energy to change what we can. If you want help practicing these skills in your life, I’d love to support you. You can reach out through my website to schedule coaching or therapy sessions. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Thank you for listening. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and stay tuned -- there’s more to come on building resilience, finding peace, and creating meaningful change. Until next time -- be gentle with yourself, and remember: acceptance is the first step to freedom.