Sheet 1
- Addictions focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief and life changes
About Derek
LCSW in New York with 23 years of clinical experience, Derek Hawkins focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes. He sees adults who are navigating major stressors and loss. Sessions are conducted in English.
Derek helps people address drug and alcohol addiction and the practical problems that follow. He offers direct, goal-oriented conversations about relapse prevention, triggers, and day-to-day coping. He also works with adults who are processing traumatic events and abuse and helps them manage symptoms that make daily life harder.
For grief and loss, Derek uses straightforward pacing. He helps people make space for difficult emotions while restoring routines that support everyday functioning. He also supports people handling major life transitions such as job changes or relocation.
Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care issues, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and traumatic brain injury. Those topics are handled within the same practical framing he applies to his main areas of work.
Sessions are shaped around the client's situation and goals. Derek aims to adapt conversations and treatment plans to fit each person's needs. To begin, he asks about current concerns and sets clear steps for what to work on together.
Sheet 2
How therapeutic approaches guide remote sessions
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques can include structured skill teaching and trauma-informed processing. Structured skill teaching breaks problems into actionable steps, such as coping strategies for cravings or routines to manage seasonal mood changes. These methods help with day-to-day functioning and reducing immediate risks.Trauma-informed processing focuses on stabilizing symptoms and building tolerance for distressing memories and feelings. That approach is aimed at helping adults who have experienced abuse or other traumatic events regain more predictable emotional responses and better sleep or concentration.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Derek works with clients to identify which methods match their goals and circumstances, and he adjusts the focus as progress or needs change. The plan is reviewed together and revised when necessary.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current remote options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit work or caregiving around appointments, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Ask about available formats and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire and book your first session.
Sheet 3
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include adoption and foster care, drug and alcohol addiction, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses direct, goal-oriented conversations and adapts discussion and plans to each person's needs. The focus is on practical skills and steps clients can use between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of professional experience working in behavioral health settings and clinical practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds an LCSW and is licensed in New York. His practice is located in New York.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what formats are used?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; confirm current session options before booking. Scheduling begins by completing the platform matching questionnaire and booking a first session.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.