Career Paths Can Change: You may think you’re headed in a specific direction for your career, but along the way, unexpected detours will shift your path in ways you never imagined. I’ve known since I was six that I wanted to be a psychologist, and I had a clear plan in my mind. However, I learned that the dream was much bigger than I could have envisioned. I’ve had to embrace the need to pivot, and each shift has brought me closer to where I was meant to be at that moment.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Patricia Dixon.
Dr. Patricia Shalene Dixon is a licensed clinical psychologist, esteemed professor, sound healer, and life coach dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion. As a relational expert, she empowers individuals and communities through her impactful speaking engagements and her collaborative podcast, “Relationship Rehab.” An influential community leader and author, Dr. Dixon inspires positive change and fosters meaningful connections across diverse audiences.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your backstory with us?
Thank you for having me! I’m the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and sister close to me in age, which made for a fun and loving household. My parents, who had us when they were quite young, instilled in us core values of faith, love, and the belief in endless possibilities.
We moved around a lot due to my parents’ toy business, where my dad created high-tech toys and my mom was his partner. Watching them pursue their dreams taught me the importance of taking risks. While some might find constant moves as a child challenging, I viewed them as adventures and opportunities. In many ways, the changes in living environments fueled my curiosity about people and their diverse life experiences. It also instilled in me a willingness to fearlessly take chances.
Despite the struggles they faced in running a business and supporting a family of five, my parents always prioritized our education and opportunities. They often lived beyond their means to ensure we were in good school districts, which I deeply appreciate.
My mom had developed health issues while I was in middle school, and her battle with lupus profoundly influenced me. Even as her health declined, she maintained her strength and smile. Tragically, when I was 33 and she was 56, her health progressively and aggressively declined. Ultimately the most painful and significant thing happened in my life, she died, and then, just a month later, I found a lump in my breast that turned out to be stage three breast cancer. Watching my mother navigate her illness with faith and resilience inspired me during my own treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy. This was truly the most difficult time of my life, going through cancer was hard, but going through cancer without my mom at times felt unbearable.
The loss of my mother has profoundly impacted me, not only because of our close relationship but also due to the instrumental role she played in shaping the woman I am today. She opened my eyes to my calling in life, and she guided me in ways I continue to cherish.
My parents’ strength and love have profoundly influenced my career path, and I’m grateful for their impact on my life. Both my mom and my dad contributed to my choice in career as well as the path that unfolded in getting me here.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have known my career path from such an early age. When I was about five or six, my grandfather passed away, and my mother had traveled from California to North Carolina to care for him during his final days. After the service, she returned home feeling sad. One day, I noticed her upset, so I crawled into bed with her and began asking questions. As I asked these questions she just kept answering, it felt very natural.
During our conversation, she was answering my questions, until she paused at some point and, realizing she was speaking to a child, she stopped, she smiled and then she referred to me as her “little psychiatrist.” Although she meant psychologist, I didn’t understand the difference at the time. I responded with a joyful, “Yes, I am!” and I left the room feeling a sense of purpose — I was meant to be a psychologist.
From that moment on, I declared my aspiration to become a psychologist, and I never proclaimed to want to be anything different. While I didn’t fully grasp what it entailed back then, I knew it was my calling. My father also played a significant role in shaping my dreams. He often emphasized the importance of turning dreams into reality, even naming a business he once had “Dreams to Reality.” Throughout my childhood, he instilled in my siblings and me that “children have a mind that is imaginative and creative and with such a mind, you can turn your dreams to reality,” and with this mindset I knew with hard work and faith anything I dreamt was possible.
This mindset has guided me throughout my life, and I am grateful to be living out my dream. I truly believe that this is not just a job or career for me; it is my calling, and I cherish every moment of this journey.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
Throughout my career, every person I encounter on their therapeutic journey brings a unique story that I find interesting and enriches my understanding of humanity. So it is difficult for me to identify any one interesting story or experience. However, one of the most profound experiences I have had has been working with clients grappling with grief after losing a loved one. This journey through loss reveals an extraordinary tapestry of connection and resilience that binds us all.
Grief is a universal experience that underscores our deep need for one another. It sheds light on the profound depths of love we share and the strength we discover within ourselves when faced with the unmanageable. I’ve learned that grief acts as a powerful revealer, highlighting the beauty that exists alongside our pain. It’s a poignant reminder that our hurt is a testament to the love we’ve experienced.
What I find most interesting is how intertwined pain and beauty are; grief only hurts because we have loved so deeply. This realization has taught me that while grief can be overwhelming, it is also a reflection of the richness of our connections.
The greatest takeaway from these interesting experiences is a deeper understanding of time. Truth is that time is infinite, we do always have time. But we have to remember none of us are running according to our own clock. Time keeps moving forward, so it’s what we do with that time that matters. We must be intentional about how we spend our time. Each encounter I have had with clients in times of their grief, reminds me to cherish the present and nurture the relationships that matter most. It’s essential to fill our time with purpose and love.
In essence, my work has shown me that while grief is challenging, it also opens the door to profound insights about love, connection, and the importance of living intentionally.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was in high school, my mother gave me a book titled “If Life Is a Game, Then These Are the Rules”. Two chapters significantly shaped my perspective on mistakes: 1) There are no mistakes in life, only lessons, and 2) Lessons are repeated until learned. Throughout my life, I’ve certainly encountered many lessons, some of which have come up more than once.
One key lesson I learned in my profession was the importance of asking questions and recognizing my biases. I remember working with an older gentleman who came to therapy struggling with depression. I assumed his challenges were related to end-of-life issues, as he was 83-years old at the time. I thought perhaps he would have fears about his own mortality or grief regarding the loss of loved ones. However, I quickly learned he was grappling with a very different situation: he had two girlfriends and needed to decide which one to keep. This man was a 83- year old player full of life, not thinking about death.
This experience revealed to me that I was being ageist, failing to see the full picture of his life. It highlighted the critical need for cultural competency and self-awareness of one’s biases, as these can negatively impact our clients if we don’t confront them.
I had a preconceived notion of how our therapy sessions would unfold, expecting discussions about aging and the inevitable decline of life. Instead, this man shared stories of vitality and the complexities of managing two relationships. He not only helped me understand the importance of meeting each individual where they are but also reinforced the idea that life is unique for everyone.
This experience personally taught me that there’s no single path we all must follow through life; each of us has a unique journey, regardless of how similar our circumstances may appear. It reinforced the idea that age is merely a number and does not dictate one’s experiences or challenges. Now, when I work with clients ranging from childhood to older adulthood, I make it a priority not to let their age influence my understanding of their current situation.
As a therapist, it’s essential to create a space where individuals can share their own narratives rather than imposing my assumptions on them. Everyone’s story is distinct, and each person deserves the opportunity to express their experiences in their own words. Embracing this perspective allows me to better support my clients and recognize the rich complexities of life that shapes who they are.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
When it comes to health and wellness, my hope is to make an impact in the world by focusing on two key areas: relationship building and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In the realm of mental health, representation for ethnic minorities is still lacking, and I am passionately committed to changing that narrative. I do this as an adjunct professor, because again representation truly matters. I also actively participate in training sessions at corporations, nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and even fire departments, promoting the idea that diversity is one of any organization’s greatest assets. By empowering others to recognize and embrace this truth, I strive to create environments where everyone feels valued and included.
On the relational side, I’m thrilled to co-lead a program called Relationship Rehab, where I help individuals navigate the complexities of their relationships — whether it’s the relationship with themselves, family, friends, or romantic partners. Through engaging podcasts, workshops, seminars, and retreats, I guide participants on a journey of self-discovery, helping them explore who they are, who they’ve been, and who they aspire to become.
I engage people in a process to identify the unique strengths they bring to their relationships and address any pitfalls they may encounter along the way. By facilitating healing exercises and fostering open discussions, I empower individuals to embrace their true selves and cultivate healthy, fulfilling connections with others.
Through these efforts, I am hoping to be making a difference while igniting movement towards a more inclusive and emotionally resilient world.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1. Live Like a Two-Year-Old: Have you ever observed a two-year-old? They live life with such authenticity! They enjoy snacks, take naps, and unapologetically express their needs — often with a loud “no.” While I’m joking on some level, I do believe there is a valuable lesson here: as adults, we can learn to be more honest about our feelings and needs. By stepping away from societal expectations and embracing our inner child, we can honor our true selves, which ultimately leads to greater peace and authenticity.
2. Keep Asking, “What Do I Want to Be Next?” Young children often dream big, declaring they want to be doctors, astronauts, or artists all at the same time, without hesitation. As we grow up, harsh realities can stifle that sense of possibility. However, it’s important to regularly ask ourselves what we want to become next. Embracing the idea that we are constantly evolving allows us to give ourselves permission to grow and explore new paths.
3. Know the Difference Between Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: I remember a friend telling me when I was just 23 years old, that I didn’t know my worth. At the time, I was offended, but I later realized he was right. Self-esteem reflects how you feel about yourself, while self-worth is about what you allow others to do to you. Understanding this distinction has helped me navigate all aspects of life — both personally and professionally. Knowing my worth empowers me to set healthy boundaries.
4. Competition Is Poison: My parents always advised my siblings and I to compete only with ourselves. When you look to others for validation, you’re chasing their best instead of your own. Competition can distract us from our true paths and slow our progress. Focusing on personal growth and self-improvement fosters a healthier mindset and leads to more fulfilling achievements.
5. Cultivate a Thirst for Learning: From a young age, I would shout “learn, learn, learn” to my parents before heading off to school, and they would respond in kind. This daily ritual instilled in me a lifelong love for learning. By embracing a mindset of curiosity, we allow ourselves to grow continually. Life is an ongoing lesson, and remaining open to new knowledge enriches our experiences and helps us adapt.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could start a movement to promote wellness for the greatest number of people, it would center on fostering love and empathy in our communities. It may sound simple, but taking the time to understand what others are experiencing can create profound connections and wellness.
We all face pain and challenges in life, and when we embrace our own struggles, we can use that understanding to connect with others. This is where healing begins, not only for ourselves but also for those we support. In my work with clients, I’ve found that my own experiences of pain often allow me to empathize and relate to their journeys. While we may never fully grasp another person’s challenges, we can recognize that we all walk similar paths, just in different shoes.
Empathy stems from our shared human experiences, and even those who haven’t faced significant hardships will eventually encounter their own. A mental and emotional wellness movement rooted in love and care can bridge these gaps and foster a collective healing process. Interestingly, in psychology, the therapeutic relationship is crucial; without it, even the best theories fall short. This highlights that much of our healing is relational. By cultivating love and empathy, we can create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1. Career Paths Can Change: You may think you’re headed in a specific direction for your career, but along the way, unexpected detours will shift your path in ways you never imagined. I’ve known since I was six that I wanted to be a psychologist, and I had a clear plan in my mind. However, I learned that the dream was much bigger than I could have envisioned. I’ve had to embrace the need to pivot, and each shift has brought me closer to where I was meant to be at that moment.
2. Embrace Uncertainty: You’ll figure things out as you go along. Feeling pressured to know everything in advance can hold you back from taking risks. Sometimes, you just need to put yourself out there and learn through experience. Growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
3. Self-Care Is Essential, Not Selfish: Self-care is not the same as being selfish; it’s about being self-focused. To help others effectively, you need to take care of yourself first. If you’re not in a good place as a helping professional, you won’t be able to serve your clients at your best.
4. It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers: As a psychologist, you might feel pressure to provide answers for your clients, but it’s perfectly fine not to know everything. Your role is to walk alongside them on their journey to healing, helping them clarify their struggles and empowering them to make their own decisions. I remember a couple who shared their complex relationship issues with me. In the first session after they dumped out all of their difficulties, of which there were many, they stared at me and said, “So what do we do Doc?” I felt pressure, but then, I honestly said, “I don’t know.” They chuckled and responded with a “What do you mean you don’t know, you’re the doctor?” I said back, “Hey, don’t judge me, y’all are here because you don’t know either. But I am willing to go on this journey with you in figuring it out.” Instead of judgment or disappointment, they laughed at my bold and honest answer and they acknowledged our shared uncertainty. This moment of honesty freed me, and together I partnered with this couple and we navigated their path to healing over time. Witnessing their growth after years of dysfunction and being so uncertain how to work through all of the presenting issues, but watching them do so, became one of my proudest moments as a therapist. I didn’t have to know at the start of therapy with them. I just had to be willing to listen, interpret, share insights and help reveal insights, as they made decisions to do things differently. It was a reflective lesson that in the same way I tell my clients to trust the process, I have to trust the process as well.
5. Clients Teach You More Than You Teach Them: No matter how much you help your clients, they will likely contribute more to your growth than you could ever offer them. This isn’t selfish; it’s a testament to the inspiring resilience of those you work with. Their journeys remind you to stay humble and appreciate the privilege of being part of their lives.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is a cause that resonates deeply within me, as it is not just my profession as a licensed clinical psychologist but my true calling. I am continually inspired by the resilience of individuals facing life’s toughest challenges; witnessing their journeys towards healing and emotional well-being is profoundly moving. Ultimately, no amount of wealth or material possessions can replace the importance of mental health — we must cherish and prioritize it, for it is the foundation of a fulfilling life.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
The best ways to reach me:
- Website:[www.manateecounseling.com](http://www.manateecounseling.com)
- Email:[counseling@manateecounseling.com](mailto:counseling@manateecounseling.com)
- Instagram:[@dr.patricia_s_dixon](https://www.instagram.com/dr.patricia_s_dixon)
-Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drpatricia-dixon
Feel free to contact me through any of these channels!
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
