Blending Filmmaking and Psychology to Craft Impactful Legacies with Eriksen Dickens
Jul 30, 2024In the latest episode of the Wellness Center Creators podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Eriksen Dickens, a filmmaker with a background in clinical psychology. Eriksen's unique journey is a testament to the power of blending seemingly disparate passions into a fulfilling career.
Eriksen grew up in Oakdale, California, where he and his brother nurtured a love for filmmaking. At the same time, his mother, a behavior analyst, exposed him to the world of psychology. Torn between these two passions, Eriksen pursued both, eventually earning a master's degree in clinical psychology while continuing to explore filmmaking.
"We wanted to do something a little bit more story driven, something that really tapped into our ability to tell stories about people, human beings."
The turning point came when Eriksen and his brother decided to create a documentary about their late father. This project not only allowed them to process their grief but also demonstrated the therapeutic potential of storytelling. Thus, the concept of legacy documentaries was born.
Legacy documentaries are more than just films; they are experiences. Eriksen and his team spend significant time with their subjects, building trust and rapport to capture genuine, heartfelt stories. This process often helps participants work through their emotions and gain new perspectives on their lives. One client even remarked, "I feel like I could pass away tomorrow and feel okay. My story is told."
"We get to know these people on a very intimate level. We spend a lot of time with them, getting to know their stories, their traumas, their successes, the impact that they've had."
Eriksen's background in clinical psychology plays a crucial role in his work. He uses therapeutic techniques to build rapport with his subjects, ensuring they feel comfortable and understood. This approach allows him to extract authentic emotions and stories, creating compelling and impactful documentaries.
However, the emotional weight of this work is significant. Eriksen shares that he initially struggled with taking on his clients' pain, likening it to a form of transference. Over time, he learned the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care to maintain his well-being and continue delivering high-quality work.
On the business side, Eriksen and his brother have grown their company from a college dorm room startup to a team of 13. This growth required them to learn about leadership, delegation, and the importance of self-care. Eriksen emphasizes that entrepreneurs and creatives must prioritize their well-being to sustain their passion and productivity.
Eriksen's story is a powerful reminder that our passions don't have to be mutually exclusive. By finding creative ways to merge his interests in filmmaking and psychology, he has carved out a unique niche that not only fulfills him but also profoundly impacts others.
If you're interested in learning more about Eriksen's work or connecting with him, you can visit his website at dickensbrothers.com or email him directly at [email protected].
Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of storytelling and therapy, and discover how legacy documentaries can preserve and honor the stories that shape our lives.
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About Eriksen Dickens
Eriksen Dickens is an award winning filmmaker, actor, and business owner based in California.
In 2016, Eriksen co-founded Platinum Peek Inc., with his brother, Soren, while in college. Platinum Peek is a video agency that specializes in creating story-driven video solutions for marketing, sales, and operations teams for clients around the country.
In 2017, Eriksen directed his first documentary, His Legacy— a 2 hour film based on the life of his late father. Since then, Eriksen has directed numerous “legacy documentaries” for clients from all walks of life. These are films for accomplished people/businesses looking to preserve their story for future generations.
His short documentary, Two Magic Drops, was featured in nine film festivals, winning best documentary at two.
These legacy documentaries are formulated through a specific 7 step storytelling curriculum developed by the Dickens Brothers.
Aside from filmmaking, Eriksen enjoys writing, having published his novel, The Orchard’s Offspring in 2018. He also has acted in numerous projects.
Eriksen received his BA in Philosophy in 2017 and his MA in Clinical Psychology in 2021.
Eriksen’s Website and Links
- Website: https://dickensbrothers.com/
- Website: http://platinumpeek.com
- Instagram: @eriksenwdickens and @dickensbrothers
About Anna Rudel
Anna Rudel, L. Ac is the owner and founder of Lokahi Acupuncture Clinic in San Jose California, founded in 2003. Anna is a master organizer and clinician, and as a Coach she specializes in working with Clinic Owners in the state of California, and Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Clinic Owners, or groups wanting to add Acupuncture worldwide, as well as teams that need support with employee retention and satisfaction. Born in the UK, Anna has traveled extensively in Asia and now has a thriving multi-practitioner clinic in the US!
Anna's Website and Links
- Website: https://lokahiacupuncture.com/
- Learn Group Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/group-coaching
- For info about Individual Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/individual-coaching
About Kendall Hagensen
Kendall is a Somatic Mental Health Therapist, Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner and Business Coach. She specializes in, and is passionate about, working with healthcare professionals to create the businesses of their dreams. Big goals always have a psychological component beneath the surface, so Kendall uses her background in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR Therapy mixed with Business Coaching tools to help clients develop a healthy relationship with their business and their strength as a leader.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, Kendall feels that health happens best within community, which is why she takes a holistic, integrative, and collaborative wellness approach to her personal and professional life.
Kendall’s Web/Social Links