Sterling Hawkins, LCSW-C

Practicing Since: 1989

Sterling has been a practitioner for over 25 years and in part-time private practice since 2011. He holds a Masters of Social Work degree and is licensed in the District of Columbia and Maryland and is certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. His underlying philosophy and orientation come from working with seniors and their families, and performing individual, couples, family, and group therapy for those who suffer with mild cognitive impairment and adjustment issues related to transition and loss. Sterling uses an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques which include psychodynamic approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, journaling, photo-therapy, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques. These methods work well together to help establish stability, develop healthy relationships, and manage difficult emotions. Sterling creates a supportive environment of empathy, trust, confidence and success when working with his clients.

Sterling has worked in a variety of settings. His primary experience was established in Acute Care Medicine and home-based Primary Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC where he has worked with aging veterans and their families to educate and provide behavioral health services. Preceding his work with the VA, he worked in private-sector Home Health; Inpatient Mental Health; and in the recent past as a Behavioral Consultant for the Maryland Department of Social Services Medicaid Waiver Program for at-risk seniors. Sterling enjoys working with seniors and their families, and believes nothing helps you understand more about what’s truly important in life than working with others through struggles you do not share or challenges you may eventually encounter. Seniors have traveled much farther along life’s journey and they have a lot to teach us about what matters most and how to shape values, define purpose, identity, and hope. Learning about the aging process enables us to set priorities in our lives by spending time and doing things with those that matter most. Sterling is a native Washingtonian, and resident of Silver Spring, MD where he lives with his wife. He is a student of traditional African percussion, participates in local drum-circles, and enjoys writing and reading non-fiction documentary.

Sterling is licensed in the state of Maryland #08720.

Client Thrive Program
Credentials Earned:

Engagement Badge
Awarded: 3/1/22