My name is David Hawkins, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am an Arkansas native. I lived in Colorado for 3 years and I love travel, but Arkansas is my home and I love the Conway community. I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with my Master’s degree in counseling, having previously obtained a Master’s degree in philosophy and religion from the Iliff School of Theology (Denver), and a Bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College. I am familiar with many of the world’s major religions and philosophical worldviews, and I am keenly aware of how religion/spirituality can be meaningful and conducive to mental health and how some traditions/worldviews have been used in hurtful ways.
I am particularly sensitive to the special challenges faced by historically oppressed and/or underserved groups, such as those faced by immigrants, those who have experienced racism, sexism, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I also have a passion for helping persons who are or have been involved with the criminal justice/punishment system, having worked with clients on the Federal and District judicial levels. In my work I aspire to express my commitment to healing, inclusion, and justice for all.
I have worked in community mental health and in private practice settings where I have assisted people experiencing a wide range of human problems, including life adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal/relationship challenges, and behavioral problems such as substance abuse, to mention a few. I provide services with older elementary age children through senior adults, in individual, couples, and group counseling formats.
My approach to counseling is person-centered and growth oriented, meaning I want to focus on your needs, and help you identify your strengths, challenges, and the goals you would like to achieve in counseling. Listening well and helping people develop new ways of thinking and acting to engage life’s challenges more effectively and holistically is a passion that drives my work as a counselor. I will meet you where you are on life’s journey as we address the issues most urgent for you.
For fun, I enjoy going on walks in nature, reading non-fiction, traveling near and far, cooking with friends, and watching good movies.
A word to the anxious: Facing life challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, and part of what counseling can assist with is helping break-down those challenges into more manageable goals to help both get through, learn from, and grow beyond the challenges we face. Sharing personal information can be uncomfortable at first, but in the context of a working, trusting professional counseling relationship, such sharing can lead to healing and new approaches to improve one’s life.
