About Derek
Derek Hawkins is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and major life changes. He works with adults who need steady support while they sort through hard situations and make practical plans for moving forward. Derek uses straightforward conversation and focused problem solving to help people feel less overwhelmed.
Derek brings 23 years of practice in New York to his work. He adapts sessions to each person’s needs and pace, and he pays close attention to what matters most to the individual.
Background and approach
He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every meeting. In session Derek will listen, ask clear questions, and help set realistic goals. He balances talking through feelings with building small, manageable steps to change.
The tone is collaborative rather than directive, and progress is checked along the way. He has guided people through addiction recovery, grief after loss, the aftermath of abuse, and major transitions like relocation or job change. Derek is also familiar with issues related to adoption and foster care, seasonal affective disorder, traumatic brain injury, prejudice and discrimination, and family difficulties.
Derek believes the first step is often the hardest, and he aims to make that step easier. He will work with each person to create a clear plan and practical strategies for coping and growth.
Approaches and online care that fit your life
Derek draws on practical, evidence-based therapeutic techniques that help people manage difficult symptoms and make steady progress. One common approach focuses on skills training and structured strategies to reduce addictive behaviors and handle cravings; it helps people build routines and coping tools for day-to-day life. Another approach centers on trauma-informed methods that help people process painful events safely and reduce intrusive memories and strong emotional reactions.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Derek will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences, and then try methods that match those priorities. That plan is adjusted over time based on what helps the person feel and function better, and this is done together rather than imposed.
Online therapy lets Derek provide support through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation and deeper work, phone sessions fit when bandwidth or camera use is difficult, and chat or messaging can be helpful for quick check-ins or when short, frequent contact is wanted. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, and other daily demands while keeping the focus on practical progress and achievable goals.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Adoption and foster care
- Coping with life changes
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family problems
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Experience
- 23 years
- Licensed
- New York
- Languages
- English