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

Emotional Safety in Relationships: What It Actually Means and Why Most Couples Are Missing It

Posted on July 8, 2026, updated on July 8, 2026 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

If a long-term relationship is thriving over decades, one factor matters more than any other. Not compatibility. Not shared values, though those help. Not chemistry, not communication skills, not the frequency of date nights. What matters is emotional safety, and most couples have never been given a clear picture of what that means or how… Read More

Post-Traumatic Growth: The Science of Becoming Stronger Through Struggle

Posted on June 30, 2026, updated on June 30, 2026 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

For most of the history of clinical psychology, the conversation about trauma focused almost entirely on injury. The diagnostic categories, the research, the public understanding, all of it centered on what trauma takes from people and what symptoms it produces. The injury was the appropriate place to start, and the field needed to take it… Read More

The Window of Tolerance: How to Stop Being Triggered

Posted on June 23, 2026, updated on June 22, 2026 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

Most people who feel hijacked by their own reactions have never been given an accurate explanation for what is actually happening to them. They get told to calm down, to be more mindful, to manage their stress, to think before they react. None of that addresses the underlying mechanism, which is why none of it… Read More

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference?

Posted on June 18, 2026, updated on June 22, 2026 by John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C., M.C.A.P.

A significant portion of the people who come into my office carrying what they call PTSD do not actually have PTSD in the way that term is most commonly used. They have something related, often more pervasive, and frequently harder to recognize because it does not look the way trauma is typically portrayed. They have… Read More

Toni Taylor

14:22 21 Dec 25

Bissan is amazing! She has really been a blessing to not only myself but my son as well. She’s so easy to talk to and makes you feel seen. She is truly helping with my self growth.

Mike Taylor

20:19 15 Dec 25

Meeting with Bissan wasn’t my idea to be honest, but I’m extremely glad and grateful to have been shown her by my parents. I’d be lying if I said I think therapy is fake and that this didn’t help. Cause it did and overall i am extremely grateful that I began talking to her, my life flipped in a good way. I began going out more, I grew confidence in stuff and overall just all of the dread I had for awhile kind of just vanished slowly as I kept seeing her. This is the most effective counseling i’ve ever been to, and this isn’t my first. She truly helps.

El Dja

18:35 20 Oct 25

Meeting Dr Bissan was a blessing to my life! And it was so random, I was looking for help but didn’t know where! I found her and I will never regret this day! I would really love to see her every single day till I’m totally healed! She’s good with what she’s doing! She’s perfect! Thank you! Looking forward to see her again!

Amanda Haber

18:48 30 Aug 25

Bissan has been such a gift in my life. From the moment I met her, I felt seen, understood, and truly cared for. She has a way of listening that makes you feel safe to be completely honest, while also gently guiding you toward healing and growth. Her kindness and compassion come through in every session, and she never makes you feel rushed or judged. I’ve gained so much clarity and peace since working with her, and I can honestly say she’s helped me through some of my hardest moments. I’m deeply grateful for her and would recommend her to anyone looking for not just a counselor, but a true source of support.

Brenda Amin

16:04 12 Aug 25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (And I’d give more if I could!)I cannot say enough good things about this counseling center. From the very first interaction, the team has been incredibly helpful, compassionate, and thoroughly professional. They create a safe, welcoming environment where you truly feel heard and supported.Every session is handled with care, empathy, and expertise, and it's clear that the counselors are deeply committed to helping their clients grow and heal. Whether you're going through a tough time or just need guidance, this is exactly the kind of place you want by your side.Highly recommend to anyone looking for real support from people who genuinely care.Thank you for all that you do!

Hawkins Counseling Center – Therapist