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Author Chris Warren-Dickins

@chriswarrendickins.bsky.social

190 followers 660 following 360 posts

Author, psychotherapist & parent in Ridgewood, New Jersey. | BEYOND YOUR CONFINES & THE BEAST OF GLOOM are available now. | Posts ≠ therapy/advice. exploretransform.com

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Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 23

Striving for peace in a fractured world

We live in a time when fear often leads the conversation. Yet, when I look at my daughters, I am reminded of what truly matters: not winning, not being right, but being present and feeling safe and calm.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · 23d

Thank you, Carl Nassib . Visibility saves lives 💪💪

www.linkedin.com/posts/chrisw...

Thank you, Carl Nassib . Visibility saves lives 💪💪 | Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC

Thank you, Carl Nassib . Visibility saves lives 💪💪

www.linkedin.com

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · 29d

“This isn't about being anti-AI in healthcare. It's about ensuring we don't deploy harmful systems while pursuing innovation. AI has promising supportive roles in mental health, but replacing human therapists isn't one of them.”

cse.umn.edu/college/news...

New research shows AI chatbots should not replace your therapist

For the first time, researchers compared AI systems and clinical standards for therapistsMINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/08/2025) — Should AI chatbots replace your therapist? New research says “no.” The ne...

cse.umn.edu

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 2

Just one of many options for self-care. Paint with your kids! 🎨❤️

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Healing can only happen when we address both the trauma and the addiction. In therapy, we do this in a non-shaming way. We understand the why of the behavior, and we appreciate that we survive in whatever way we can.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

I often tell my clients here in New Jersey: Addiction isn’t about the substance. It’s about what the substance is soothing.

Many people are trying to quieten the trauma responses that were never understood, never validated, and never healed.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

When someone turns to substances, they’re not just “making bad choices.”
They are trying to cope with pain that their nervous system hasn’t been able to process.

In this video, therapist Jamie Willis and I discuss the unique challenges of trauma and addiction:
youtu.be/ZOkQQX7jnI8?...

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

A collaboration between a psychotherapist and a speech and language pathologist can make a profound difference. In this video, I discussed this need for collaboration with speech-language pathologist Laura Grube:
youtu.be/WeDbYaEcwvM?...

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Therapists like me help with fear, shame, or trauma behind the silence.
Speech therapists can help with expressive and receptive language.

This kind of dual support can be life changing.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Did you know that psychotherapy and speech therapy often work best together?

In this video, I discussed this need for collaboration with speech-language pathologist Laura Grube:
youtu.be/WeDbYaEcwvM?...

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Have you ever wondered why you shut down during a stressful experience? Do you apologize even when you’ve done nothing wrong? Do you stay in unhealthy situations out of guilt or fear?

These might be trauma responses.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Trauma responses aren’t overreactions. They’re survival strategies.

When something painful or overwhelming happens, especially repeatedly, your brain learns how to protect you.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Depression might feel like you’re stuck in a fog. You’re unable to shake this heaviness, this disconnection from things you used to enjoy.

Depression doesn’t have one face, and it doesn’t always come with obvious signs.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Depression often feels like an invisible weight, but the truth is, you don’t have to carry it by yourself.

Whether it’s a lingering sadness, a sense of numbness, or struggling to get through the day, it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not weak, you’re human.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Depression isn’t just “feeling sad.” It can look like anger, irritation, disconnection, fatigue, excessive guilt, struggling to get out of bed, or an inability to focus.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

At what point do you speak up about your feelings and needs? When you are already experiencing burnout? If so, that might be too late. Studies show that burnout thins the gray matter of your prefrontal cortex, and it can enlarge the amygdala.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Do you ever say “no” and then feel guilty? Do you wish you could say “no” but don’t know how? You’re not alone. Many of us, especially in high-pressure careers, have learned from an early age to prioritize the convenience or comfort of others over our own needs.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Oct 1

Assertiveness is not aggression. It’s about knowing that your feelings and needs matter. It’s also about expressing those feelings and needs, and listening to others.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 30

Signs you might need stronger boundaries:

You feel exhausted after social interactions.
You say “yes” to avoid conflict.
You take on responsibilities that aren’t yours.
You feel resentful but stay silent.

Sound familiar?

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 30

If you’ve ever felt guilty about saying “no,” you’re not alone.

Many of my clients here on the East Coast come into therapy feeling burnout out. It isn’t because they don’t care. It’s because they care too much, and at the expense of themselves.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 30

Boundaries are how we teach others how to treat us. More importantly, they protect our energy and preserve our sense of self. So why do so many people, especially here on the East Coast, confuse boundaries with selfishness?

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 29

Polyvagal techniques I use with my clients.

www.exploretransform.com/therapy-blog...

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 29

By the way, polyvagal techniques work because they mimic the body’s natural signals of safety.

Thank you and have a good day.

www.exploretransform.com/emdr-therapi...

EMDR & Trauma Therapy – Healing Pathways | Explore Transform

Heal from trauma through EMDR and trauma-informed psychotherapy with Chris Warren Dickins. Serving Ridgewood, NJ and online clients across New Jersey.

www.exploretransform.com

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 29

Imposter syndrome won’t go away just because you achieve more.

Author Chris Warren-Dickins @chriswarrendickins.bsky.social · Sep 29

Do you spend many days at work feeling like you have to ‘earn’ your place there?

If so, you are dealing with imposter syndrome.
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many of us feel this way, and no matter how hard others try to convince us, we still don’t believe in our worth.