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10/2/2026 The modern day witch-huntMental health is inextricably linked to historic trends. If we learn from history, and we identify how certain groups are targeted and scapegoated, we can work together to prevent this happening again. As a trauma therapist, this is a fundamental concern for me. There were witch-hunts centuries ago, but still we see decisions made by the powerful that target (and cause more trauma for) women. At the time of writing Beyond Your Confines, the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade was one example of this, and today it is the absolute travesty that is the Cornell 7 (Cornell 57, in fact). We all play a part in preventing trauma, as well as helping each other to heal from trauma, but in a patriarchal society, the focus should be on boys and men to try much, much harder. We can do better. Chris Warren-Dickins Psychotherapist in Ridgewood, New Jersey 9/29/2026 Statement on the Cornell 7As a trauma therapist, I have always had my concerns about fraternities. Paternalism, secrecy, popularity, and the bystander effect are just some of the components that leave our loved ones vulnerable to perpetrators of abuse. And these same components ensure that there is no justice because the perpetrators hold the power, closing ranks against anyone who dares to challenge this tyranny.
We can, and we must, do more to take a stand against abuse. If you are a survivor, you are not alone. There is a whole community, a whole wolf pack out there who are ready, willing, and able to support you. If you are a parent, know that the overly simplistic messaging that some schools communicate (eg, "Choose to be nice") can be damaging. We must teach our kids more than this, and this includes the importance of boundaries and assertiveness. We also need to teach them that it is not enough to stand by and witness bullying, exploitative, and abusive behavior. As I mention in chapter 9 of Beyond the Wolf Pack (Bystanders, Enablers, and Social Apathy), there are psychological reasons why we can end up as a bystander, enabler, or with social apathy (for example, the bystander effect) but there are also psychological reasons why it is beneficial for our mental health to take a stand against a bully or perpetrator of abuse. The bystander effect (for example) is not inevitable, it is a psychological tendency that we can become aware of, and guard against. Silence is complicity, and, with all the information out there to access, we cannot claim ignorance as a defence. Chris Warren-Dickins Psychotherapist and Author in Ridgewood, New Jersey 9/21/2026 Yet another audiobook has dropped!Exciting news. The audiobook version of Beyond Your Confines is available now! Once you have had a listen, please leave a review or send me a message with your thoughts. I would love to read your thoughts on this project that has been years in the making. Available on Amazon. Chris Warren-Dickins Psychotherapist and Author
9/15/2026 Audiobook now availableExciting news. The audiobook version of Beyond the Wolf Pack is available now! Once you have had a listen, please leave a review or send me a message with your thoughts. I would love to read your thoughts on this project that has been years in the making. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0eXPAs3D Chris Warren-Dickins Psychotherapist and Author
Immunizations for you and your kids. Don’t succumb to social contagion. Get Beyond the Wolf Pack today.
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Chris Warren-Dickins, EMDR Therapist in Ridgewood, NJ and the UK
Serving New Jersey, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Telephone: (USA) +1-201-779-6917 / (UK) +44 7735 361209 Sessions are online. Mailing address: 235 Orchard Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA. © Copyright 2026 Chris Warren-Dickins. All rights reserved. NJ license # 37PC00618700 |
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