My approach to working with children, families, and adults is collaborative; emphasizing goals that will foster personal growth, strengthen communication, and family relationships. I appreciate the universal similarities that make us all humanly connected and value the individual and cultural differences that are unique to each one of us. I am comfortable incorporating one’s faith into their therapy experience and recognize the importance of talking about those values in session.

My experiences include providing individual and family therapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. For five years, I worked at a non-profit child advocacy center providing psychotherapy and forensic interviews for child victims of sexual abuse, and served as the Program Director for three of those years. As such, I value a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and often consult with pediatricians, psychiatrists, school professionals, and guardians ad litem for coordinated care.

I specialize in sexual trauma and work with children, adolescents, and adults coping with anxiety, school-refusal, grief/loss, depression, blended families, and divorce adjustment.  In therapy, I help individuals explore the specific actions, thoughts, and feelings that may contribute to repeating patterns that hinder personal growth and emphasize existing strengths to develop workable goals. When appropriate, I welcome including the family system in therapy to improve relationships.

I also conduct comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations for school-aged children and adolescents to determine if there is an academic, attention, behavior, or emotional issue that may be impacting  performance at school or home.  One-on-one testing and observation can determine possible learning differences, dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social emotional difficulties, and gifted learners. I work with parents to advocate for their child and collaborate with school professionals to implement appropriate intervention strategies.

drhopkins@cobbfamilypsych.com