Abby Hawkins | Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor | Lyra Health
Abby Hawkins is a highly skilled and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and an adjunct instructor. She works tirelessly in her private practice, where she helps clients through telehealth counseling sessions. Alongside her counseling practice, Abby is an instructor at a university, teaching a variety of subjects that are essential in the field of counseling, including Group Counseling, Diversity and Inclusion, Play Therapy, and Intro to Counseling. In November 2024, Abby will begin a new chapter in her career as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. This role will allow her to guide and supervise postgraduate students during their internships, offering them invaluable insights and support as they transition from academic learning to practical experience in the field. At EliteX, we are proud to have Abby Hawkins as part of the edition: Corporate Queens: Trailblazing Women Driving Business Success in 2024.
Abby’s journey to leadership in the counseling industry has been anything but ordinary. She attributes her success to her willingness to say “yes” to opportunities and challenges. Throughout her career, she has embraced the mindset of lifelong learning, always striving to improve her knowledge and skills. Abby never shied away from trying new things, whether it was testing different billing systems or diving into various aspects of the counseling profession. She made it her mission to explore every corner of the industry, which eventually helped her find her true calling. Abby acknowledges that she has experienced her fair share of failures, but rather than viewing them as setbacks, she used these experiences as stepping stones toward success. For her, failure was never something to be feared; instead, it was a way to learn, grow, and refine her direction in life.
“We are always our solution to any problem we face, and the key is to never stop learning.”
Abby’s motivation to pursue a business career in counseling stemmed from her experiences working in hospitals and facilities. She often found herself frustrated by the inefficiencies and problems within these institutions. However, rather than seeing herself as a victim of the system, Abby recognized that she had the power to be the solution to these issues. This realization became the driving force behind her decision to establish her private practice. For Abby, the belief that individuals have the ability to solve their own problems is a core value. She firmly believes that while we may sometimes fall victim to the actions of others, we are always capable of creating our own solutions and taking control of our circumstances.
As a woman in the corporate world, Abby has faced several challenges, particularly when it comes to managing multiple roles simultaneously. Running a business requires wearing many hats, and Abby quickly learned that she needed to become proficient in all areas of her practice, from being the CEO and CFO to managing the website and training herself on the electronic health records (EHR) system. Abby had to master the art of financial management, learning how to deal with taxes, budgeting, and paying bills, all while balancing her professional responsibilities as a counselor and educator. She describes this process as learning to play chess with money, decisions, and taxes—a skill that has been essential to her success.
Maintaining a work-life balance is no small feat for Abby, especially given the demands of running a private practice, teaching, and mentoring. To manage her time effectively, Abby uses a combination of the Pomodoro method and the Eisenhower matrix, both of which help her prioritize tasks and maintain focus. Additionally, she places a strong emphasis on self-care, ensuring that she gets plenty of sleep, limits her use of social media, and practices mindfulness techniques to prevent burnout. For Abby, spending time outdoors and engaging in sensory grounding exercises are crucial elements of her self-care routine, allowing her to recharge and stay mentally sharp.
Mentorship has played a significant role in Abby’s career, and she is passionate about giving back to the next generation of counselors. Starting in November 2024, she will be able to take postgraduate associates under her wing, guiding them through their 3,000-hour internships as they work toward becoming fully licensed professionals. Abby sees this as a valuable opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with those who are just starting their careers, helping them navigate the challenges and complexities of the counseling field. In 2025, she will also continue her role as an adjunct instructor, marking her fourth year of teaching. Abby is excited to continue mentoring and teaching, knowing that she can have a positive impact on the lives of her students and mentees.
“Pressure is a privilege. The more you push yourself, the stronger you become.”
Abby attributes much of her success to a set of core qualities that have guided her throughout her career. First and foremost, she never gives up. Even when faced with challenges or setbacks, she remains committed to her goals and rewards herself for the effort she puts in. Abby’s humility is another key factor in her success. She recognizes the importance of asking for help when needed and is always open to learning from others. When she encounters something she doesn’t understand, she takes the time to research, study, and seek advice from experts in the field. This willingness to learn and adapt has been instrumental in helping Abby overcome obstacles and continue growing as a professional.
Handling stress and pressure is an inevitable part of being a business leader, but Abby has developed effective strategies to manage these challenges. One of her top priorities is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding substances, getting enough sleep, and taking vitamins to support her physical and mental well-being. Abby views pressure as a privilege, understanding that it often accompanies new opportunities and challenges. She reminds herself that feeling weak or vulnerable is often a sign that she is pushing herself to grow stronger. With this mindset, she embraces the discomfort that comes with stepping out of her comfort zone, knowing that it will ultimately lead to personal and professional growth.
Throughout her leadership journey, Abby has learned several important lessons, one of which is the value of slowing down and ensuring that she fully understands what she is doing before moving forward. Rushing through tasks or overlooking critical details can lead to mistakes that must be corrected later on. Abby emphasizes the importance of addressing issues at their root rather than simply patching them up temporarily. One of the biggest mistakes she made early in her career was being “toxically humble” or naïve—believing that it was acceptable not to understand certain aspects of her business or profession.
Abby now recognizes the importance of taking the time to educate herself on areas she is unfamiliar with, whether that means watching videos, reading books, or seeking guidance from experts. Abby Hawkins is a dedicated and resilient leader in the counseling industry. Her journey has been marked by a commitment to learning, a willingness to embrace failure, and a strong belief in the power of self-sufficiency. As she continues to grow her private practice, mentor the next generation of counselors, and educate future professionals, Abby remains focused on her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of her clients and students. Her story is one of perseverance, humility, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
“I never shy away from failure, because through failure, I find my direction.”