Tag: self-compassion
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The Land of the Inner Critic
Step inside the world of your inner critic. Learn practical steps to quiet its influence and reclaim self-compassion.
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Embracing Imperfection: A Guide to Self-Acceptance
Perfectionism may drive us to succeed, but it often comes at the cost of stress, self-criticism, and strained relationships. In this post, Dr. Christine Dickson explores the hidden traps of perfectionism and offers practical steps to embrace imperfection — from mindfulness and self-compassion to setting realistic goals — so you can build resilience, boost creativity,…
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Harnessing Positive Affirmations as a Grounding Technique
Positive affirmations are more than feel-good phrases — they are powerful grounding tools that can reduce stress, rewire negative thought patterns, and build confidence. In this post, Dr. Christine Dickson shares how affirmations work, why they matter, and how to use them daily to cultivate resilience, peace, and self-belief.
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Working Through Shame
Shame can leave us feeling unworthy and disconnected, but healing is possible through self-discovery and compassion. In this article, Dr. Christine E. Dickson outlines strategies to work through shame—such as identifying its roots, practicing vulnerability, challenging shame-based beliefs, and embracing self-forgiveness—so you can reclaim your sense of worth and rebuild self-esteem.
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Overcoming the Impostor Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common but painful experience marked by self-doubt, perfectionism, and the fear of being exposed as a fraud. Even highly accomplished people often struggle silently with these feelings. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, imposter syndrome creates a cycle of anxiety, negative self-talk, and discounting achievements—but it is possible to break free.…
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How to Make a Shame Siren
Toxic shame convinces us that we are “not good enough” or “worthless,” fueling anxiety, depression, and destructive behaviors. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, the first step in healing is recognizing when we shame ourselves or allow others to shame us. Using tools like the “Shame Siren” and daily affirmations, we can externalize shame, reclaim…
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7 Ways to Overcome Perfectionism
Perfectionism is one of the strongest drivers of anxiety, rooted in the belief that worth depends on achievements. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, perfectionism often leads to self-criticism, burnout, and low self-esteem—but it doesn’t have to. By recognizing unhealthy thinking styles, focusing on progress over flaws, setting realistic goals, and embracing pleasure in daily…
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Mistakes as Teachers
Mistakes are not signs of failure—they’re feedback. Just as children learn to walk by falling, each error shows us what needs to be adjusted. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, mistakes are steps toward growth, not reflections of worth or intelligence. By viewing them without shame and labeling them as “ineffective” or “unwise” rather than…
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Encouraging Words
Read from my private journal and learn what I say to myself during times of upheaval or difficulty.
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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…