Lena Dicken, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Lena Dicken is a Clinical Psychologist based in Santa Monica, California. With over eight years of experience, Dr. Dicken specializes in therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. She utilizes an integrative approach combining Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Mindfulness-based therapies. Dr. Dicken holds a BS in Integrative Medicine from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood. Dr. Dicken’s work has been featured in GOOP, The Chalkboard Magazine, and in numerous other articles and podcasts. She is a licensed psychologist with the state of California.

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Forum Comments (2)

How can I be more affectionate towards my partner?
Everyone’s different when it comes to physical touch. Some people love all forms of touching, while others prefer none. The most important thing is to make sure you discuss what your partner likes and dislikes. Maybe they want hugs and kisses. When you want to try something else, make sure that it's out in the open and address it directly to your partner, so that you both understand each other clearly. Remember, communication is key, especially when matters of the heart are involved.
What do I do if my bestie is growing away from me?
That's certainly a sad situation when it happens. I think just reminding yourself that people change and want different things as they get older, and it just inherently leads to some relationships not continuing. When those feelings come up, remind yourself that you are a really different person than you were when you met, and they are a really different person than when they met you.

It’s just natural that people grow apart over time, because the only constant is change, and it wouldn't actually be beneficial for us to stay who we were for our entire lives. It's actually really beneficial for people to change and grow and sort of grow into themselves. So try just acknowledging all of those pieces of the puzzle and reminding yourself that it's okay to let go of relationships that aren't really working anymore, or you don't really have much in common anymore.

Really be open to new friendships and people who really feel like more of where you are now, who really fit in with your lifestyle and fit in with your interests. Be optimistic that those people exist, and by doing the things that you love, you will meet those people.

Co-authored Articles (62)

8 Reasons You're Sleepy Around Your Partner

Explore the physical and emotional link between love and sleep You’ve been excited to come home from work to your loving partner all day, but when you finally reunite, you can’t help but start yawning. Why is that? I...

How to Give Someone Space and Improve Your Relationship

What to do when someone says "I just need some space" Everyone needs space, no matter how close the two of you are. That’s what makes relationships of any sort healthy, exciting, and sustainable. If someone asks you fo...

How to Comfort a Friend after a Breakup: 13 Texts to Send

It’s natural to want to comfort a friend after a breakup, but is there anything you can do over text? It turns out you can be a huge support to them just by reminding them you’re there and being a reliable presence f...

Being Ignored? Here’s How to Get Them to Stop

Everything you need to know about dealing with the cold shoulderHello? Is anyone there? Being ignored doesn’t feel good, whether it’s a friend, partner, or sibling shutting you out. Not to mention, it can be super co...

What to Do When Your Boyfriend Says He Needs Space: 10 Tips

So your boyfriend said he needs space, but how are you supposed to respond if you aren’t sure what he means? Whether you just started dating or have been together long-term, it’s still nerve-wracking when you hear hi...

What’s the Meaning of "How Are You Feeling?" Definition, Examples, & More

Learn how to effortlessly reply to this personal question “How are you feeling?” is a casual way to show interest in someone’s health or well-being, especially if they’re going through a difficult situation.. 5 F...

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Deal With People Who Ignore You

It's easy to feel hurt when someone ignores you, but one important thing to remember is that there is usually a bigger picture you aren't seeing. If you're being ignored and feel hurt, try talking to the person and figur...

Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Figure out why he's giving you the cold shoulder Whether he’s your long-term partner or your newest crush, few things are as frustrating as a guy who ignores you. It leaves you hurt, anxious, and wondering if you did s...

How to Deal When a Friend Ignores You

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How to Ask Someone if They're Mad at You

Find out if someone is upset with you, in person or over text It can be hard to know whether someone you care about is upset with you, especially if they're acting a little out of the ordinary and you aren't sure why. Yo...

How to Tell if You Like a Friend Romantically: 21 Signs & Questions

Plus, relationship experts weigh in on how to express your feelingsWhen is a friend not just a friend? How can you know for sure that you’re falling in love with your bestie, before you go and spill your feelings? We�...

Why Do I Cry When People Yell At Me? Potential Reasons & How to Deal With It

Learn why you might involuntarily cry when someone shouts at you While it’s perfectly normal to cry when someone yells at you, it can be embarrassing if you’re at work, school, or in public. Crying is a natural resp...

What It Means to Be a Good Friend & How to Be a Better One

Master the art of being a supportive and caring friend Good friendships boost your overall well-being and greatly enhance your life. At the same time, a good friendship isn't built without a lot of time and effort—and ...

How to Deal with Being Ignored by Someone You Love (and Start a Conversation About Your Needs)

Getting the cold shoulder from someone never feels good, especially when it’s someone you love. Usually if someone is giving you the silent treatment, it's because they feel hurt or upset. If you’re on the receiving ...

How to Flirt with Your Husband

Show your love as a wife with these displays of affection Are you looking to spice up married life? Do you miss the spark from your relationship’s honeymoon stage? When you’re together for a long time, it can be hard...

How to Handle a Lying Boyfriend

Find out if your boyfriend is being honest, as well as the best way to confront himThere’s very little that’s more painful than finding out your boyfriend has a habit of lying. Not only does it hurt that he lied, but...

What a Gaslighter Can Say to Manipulate You

The most common gaslighting phrases and how to shut them downDoes someone have you second-guessing yourself even when you know you’re right? If so, they may be gaslighting you. Gaslighting is a form of psychological ma...

11 Ways to Respond When a Guy Calls You Crazy (and What He Actually Means)

A guy just told you you’re “crazy”…what’s that supposed to mean? Being called “crazy” can be a simple and fun flirt, joke, or even a serious manipulation. We know replying can be hard, especially when you d...

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Recognize the Potential Crazy Girlfriend

You've heard the horror stories about awful ex-girlfriends. Maybe you've even got a couple of horror stories of your own. The following will show you how to recognize these women and save you from heartbreak, broken belo...

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React when Your Apology isn't Accepted

If you have recently had an argument or wronged someone in any way, apologizing can be difficult. What can be even tougher is saying you're sorry to someone who is unreceptive to the words. Whether you delivered the pe...
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