Author: John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

Facing Fears: Why Avoidance Only Makes It Stronger

Posted on May 31, 2025, updated on May 31, 2025 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

You know exactly what it feels like. The pounding heart, the racing thoughts, the desperate urge to escape. When you’re afraid—truly afraid—nothing else matters except getting away from the thing that triggered it. In that moment, avoidance feels like relief. But if you’re living with a phobia, that relief is only temporary… and it comes… Read More

Don’t Drive Down Dead-End Streets

Posted on March 27, 2025, updated on March 27, 2025 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

The Frustration of Being Unheard One of the most frustrating things in the world is trying to communicate with someone who just won’t listen. As human beings, we tend to keep talking away while the other person has zero interest in hearing us out. This is what I call driving down a dead-end street. Arrogance… Read More

Courageous Conversations: Embracing Vulnerability in Couple’s Therapy

Posted on May 2, 2024, updated on May 3, 2024 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

Vulnerability is a double-edged sword: it is the only path to deep connection and emotional bonding; but it also exposes us to experiencing emotional and relational wounds. This is the dual bind we frequently find ourselves in: if we play it safe, we limit the depth of what we could potentially experience, but if we… Read More

Here’s Why You’re Depressed

Posted on March 29, 2024, updated on March 29, 2024 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

Clients come into my office on a regular basis and express they’re depressed, but have no awareness as to why. They say things such as, “I’m depressed, but I have no reason to be.” My first thought is, “Apparently there is because you are.” With all kidding aside, I understand what they’re attempting to share… Read More

Hawkins Counseling Center – Therapist