Tag: emotional regulation
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What is Mindfulness?
Sometimes we get stuck thinking about a particular thought and it feels like we have no control over our mind. All of this brain chatter can be overwhelming and affect how we feel each day. But if we really tune into our thoughts, we’ll notice how much they wander. We might be: Thinking about plans…
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9 Cognitive Distortions and How to Challenge Them
Distorted thinking can fuel stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. Discover 9 common cognitive distortions—from catastrophizing to blaming—and learn practical ways to challenge them for a healthier, clearer mindset.
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Stopping Obsessive Shaming Thoughts
The emotion of shame can be overwhelming to say the least. Stopping obsessive shaming thoughts can be even more difficult. Shame-inducing thoughts tend to fall into three categories: Self put downs such as “I’m stupid,” “I’m fat,” “I can’t do anything right.” Catastrophic thoughts about one’s ability to handle the future. Critical or shaming thoughts…
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3 Ways to Tolerate Stress and Anxiety
At times stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, leaving us exhausted and drained. In this post, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Christine E. Dickson shares practical tools for tolerating strong emotions. These strategies can help you move through difficult moments with greater resilience.
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9 Ways to Accept Reality
In a previous post, I wrote about the practice of radical acceptance. Radical acceptance is accepting life on life’s terms. It is derived from deep spiritual wisdom that goes back thousands of years. The practice of radical acceptance has helped people thrive during periods of upheaval or change, and has helped decrease symptoms of anxiety,…
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The Practice of Radical Acceptance
Acceptance is the only way out of suffering. For thousands of years, religious and spiritual traditions have advocated acceptance and surrender as a way to manage the challenges and stressors of life. This deep spiritual wisdom has helped people survive and thrive during periods of turmoil and upheaval. As a psychologist, it would be foolish…
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One Mindfully @ Work
In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel overwhelming and constant. One simple but powerful practice—“One Mindfully in the Moment”—offers a way to regain calm and focus. Dr. Christine E. Dickson recommends this ancient Zen technique as one of the most effective tools for managing stress, helping to reduce overwhelm, improve concentration, and bring balance during…
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My New Hobby is WORRYING?
Suddenly I realized that my new hobby was worrying about the coronavirus and checking the news several times a day. I also developed what I called a “hypochondriacal corona cough.” But for the past three weeks, I never associated feeling preoccupied, overwhelmed, or abandoning my hobbies with worry. It was only after noticing the changes…
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Understanding Thought Addictions
When we think about an addiction, we usually think about addictions to drugs or alcohol, gambling, sex, video games or even food. We rarely think about addictions to our thoughts. Many of my clients have thought addictions.
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Managing the Cognitive Distortion: Overgeneralization
Overgeneralization can contribute to a restricted thought process and lifestyle. This form of distorted thinking intensifies feelings of shame and unworthiness as well as thoughts of inadequacy.