Dr. Nicoleta Dragan
Welcome to My Website
For over a decade, guiding others toward emotional wellbeing has been the focus of my professional life. My journey has been deeply influenced by my academic background and my passion for integrating psychology, neuroscience, education, and leadership to help people thrive emotionally. I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a postmaster credential in school psychology, and a doctorate in educational leadership. This diverse education allows me to approach emotional wellbeing from a holistic perspective, with a strong emphasis on the importance of education in fostering mental health.
The Power of Self-Compassion
More than ten years ago, I discovered the transformative practice of self-compassion—a practice that research shows is linked to numerous positive outcomes, such as increased psychological wellbeing, self-efficacy, motivation, self-worth, better physiological functioning, and stronger interpersonal relationships. As I studied the research, began practicing it myself, and observed its benefits firsthand, I grew increasingly passionate about sharing it with others.
I initially introduced self-compassion in my psychotherapy work, where I saw clients becoming kinder to themselves and learning to navigate difficult emotions without judgment. The more I shared self-compassion with clients, family, and friends, the more I witnessed profound transformations—stories of love, kindness, and self-acceptance unfolding in the lives of those around me.
A Personal and Professional Evolution
Driven by a desire to understand the roots of self-compassion more deeply, I embarked on doctoral research that examined how early caregiving environments, shame, and emotion regulation shape our capacity for self-compassion. My study, which was later published in the scientific journal Mindfulness, allowed me to explore how our earliest experiences can influence the development of self-compassion.
This research, combined with my personal and professional experiences, has further fueled my commitment to spreading the message of self-compassion. It is my dream to see a world where everyone extends compassion toward themselves, building stronger emotional health, resilience, and interpersonal connections.
A Writer, Teacher, and Wellbeing Communicator
In addition to my role as a clinician and researcher, I am also a writer and wellbeing communicator. I am happy to share that my upcoming book, The ART of Self-Regulation, will soon be published. In this book, I explore the role self-regulation plays in achieving emotional balance, along with a 21-day experiential journey to self-regulation. This journey is designed to guide readers through a series of practical exercises that cultivate emotional awareness, resilience, and lasting balance, offering a structured yet personal way to connect with the inner wisdom and develop the tools necessary for sustained emotional wellbeing. Learning to regulate our emotions is key to navigating life's ups and downs, helping us stay grounded, reflective, and emotionally resilient in the face of challenges.
I also teach psychology to college students and work with a variety of professionals—including teachers, counselors, school administrators, and mental health therapists—focusing on mental health and emotional wellbeing. I enjoy helping others navigate their own journeys of self-regulation and self-compassion through workshops, seminars, and coaching.
As a wellbeing communicator, I write, speak, and teach about mental health and emotional wellbeing in both personal and professional contexts. I am passionate about making these topics accessible and actionable for individuals and communities. Whether in the classroom, through writing, or during public speaking engagements, my goal is to educate and empower others to take charge of their emotional wellbeing.
What Brings Me Joy
While my work is deeply fulfilling, I also find joy in the simple pleasures of life: writing, dancing, laughing, walking, and spending time with people I love. I believe that these joyful experiences foster the emotional connection and resilience that we all need, and I cherish the opportunity to share these moments with others.
My Mission
My mission is to introduce and guide others in the practice of self-compassion and self-regulation. I invite you to join me in creating a world where kindness and compassion are part of our everyday experience. Together, we can build a future where emotional balance, self-compassion, and meaningful connections are at the heart of how we live.
Thank you for visiting my website.
Nicoleta