Empowered to Change

Prescott-based coach guides clients to love themselves … and change their lives accordingly

By Hilary Dartt

Kristen Dicker wants people to know that they have the power to change their lives, no matter what the past holds.

Those who experience trauma or abuse often form subconscious beliefs that they’re not worthy or not good enough, or they deserve bad things. These “inner bully” beliefs can cause people to develop unhealthy patterns such as unhealthy food choices, substance abuse (or consistent overindulgence), abusive relationships, or perfectionism.

“Many people know about subconscious beliefs, but they don’t always know how to change them,” Kristen said during a recent interview. “Once you see it, you can change it—and it’s such a rewarding, positive experience for people to know that they have control.”

As a Trauma and Abuse Recovery Coach, Kristen works with those who have realized they’re repeating patterns and experiences—and they’re ready to heal.

That healing begins with self-love.

The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).” Merriam-Webster says it’s “an appreciation of one’s own worth or value; proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being.”

When you develop self-love, Kristen said, “you’re calm, confident, compassionate, and creative.”

“You don’t have to think you’re the best person in the universe,” she clarified. “But you can be at a foundational level of neutrality: ‘I’m doing the best I can.’”

People with healthy levels of self-love are able to quiet and shrink that inner bully and begin to make decisions that benefit their health, happiness, and well-being. It’s about being at ease in your body, finding your truth, and being authentically you (not the version of yourself that’s inundated by your inner critic).

Kristen is on her own self-love journey (which has involved lots of self-discovery). She started her career as a health writer and editor. After raising her kids, she went back to grad school for health communications. Although she never went into that field, simply going through the process of earning her master’s degree unlocked a new passion.

“The process of doing something for me, focusing on myself, making me a little bit more of a priority … I felt more empowered in myself. I learned about who I am and what I really want.”

And what she wants is to be of service to people. She earned her certifications in Spiritual Life Coaching, Health Coaching, and Transformational Coaching, and is a certified Trauma and Abuse Recovery Coach (and is working on her advanced certification in that area).

Now, she loves what she’s doing.

“It’s an amazing transformation,” Kristen said. “To see people changing right before my eyes … my mouth is on the floor half the time I’m talking to people.”

“It’s exciting to see people happy,” she added. “That’s what I’ve always wanted, is for people to be happy. The world is a better place when we’re all feeling good about ourselves.”

To learn more about Kristen, her services and her Try Self-Love podcast, and to read her blog posts, which contain valuable advice for rediscovering your power, visit https://www.bloomingintoyou.com.