nikki hawkins, phd, med
PRONOUNS: SHE/HER
Office Location: Athens
I help clients discover, strengthen, and apply their inner strengths to build resilience and find meaning through life’s highs and lows.
Hi, I’m Nikki. I began my career as a Health Psychologist Researcher, studying what people understand about heath and illness, how they cope with medical problems, and how they find hope after difficult diagnoses like cancer. I loved working in a field that supported patients through tough times and being able to mentor young professionals along the way.
After years of considering a shift to counseling, I pursued that path once my oldest child left for college—and I am so happy I did! Whether in research or therapy, my passion has always been helping people find health, purpose, and resilience through life’s transitions and difficult times.
I hold a PhD in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and an MEd in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Georgia (UGA). My clinical experience includes counseling students, adults, retirees, individuals in drug and alcohol addiction recovery, and their partners and families. I also hold specialized training in brief trauma therapy, couples therapy, and anger management. I enjoy leading support groups and have been teaching undergraduate classes at UGA for the past two years focused on helping students progress in their career journeys.
Counseling requires a significant investment of a client’s time and money and it’s important that they find the right fit. Former clients have described me as a warm, supportive, and insightful counselor who provides a comfortable space for them to laugh, cry, learn, and grow. Personally, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, digging into a good podcast or documentary, visiting new places, and doing just about any type of physical activity outdoors. I am working under the clinical supervision of Debbie Smith, LPC, CPCS, and the clinical direction of Meg McLeroy, LMFT.
Anxiety and Panic, Depression, Peer Relationships, Career, Body Image, Trauma, Divorce, Parenting, Family Conflict, Infertility, Medical and Health Concerns, Aging, Caregiving, Grief and Loss, Spirituality, Addiction, Couples (Gottman Method), Motivational Interviewing for Behavior Change