Derek Hawkins , LCSW

Derek Hawkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York with 23 years of professional experience supporting people through difficult life transitions. He focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and coping with life changes, bringing a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate approach to each therapeutic relationship.

He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the needs of each person, and adapts conversation and treatment planning to align with individual goals and circumstances. In practice this means assessing strengths and challenges, collaborating on goals, and adjusting strategies as progress unfolds.

Derek also has experience addressing issues related to adoption and foster care, drug and alcohol addiction, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and traumatic brain injury. He emphasizes a client-centered process that recognizes the courage it takes to seek change and offers steady support throughout the work.

As an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker qualified to provide psychotherapy in New York - Derek aims to create a therapeutic environment that respects each person’s story while helping them move toward greater wellbeing and more satisfying everyday life.

Evidence-Based Care and Flexible Online Options

Derek Hawkins uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on the presenting concern and the person’s goals. For trauma and abuse he employs trauma-informed strategies that emphasize safety, gradual processing, and skills to manage overwhelming emotions, which can help people rebuild a sense of stability. For addictions and substance-related concerns he applies addiction-focused counseling that combines practical relapse-prevention skills with support for behavior change and coping with triggers. He also offers focused approaches for grief and loss that help individuals process difficult emotions and adapt to life after a major change.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Derek works collaboratively with each person to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors the pace and methods of treatment so the work feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and allowing people to access care from home or other convenient locations. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while maintaining continuity of care and regular contact with a licensed professional.