NWA Transplant Series: James Hawkins Discusses Mental Health and the Importance of Seeking Support
Manage episode 415345451 series 3295114
About the Show:
"There's a lot of culture here in Northwest Arkansas even then. So what I ran into in my job at that time, I worked with a lot of business leaders, the church community, but also I worked with what they identified themselves as the hillbilly community."
- James Hawkins
About the Guest:
James Hawkins is a seasoned therapist and the clinical coordinator for the Joshua Center. With a depth of experience in psychology and counseling, James holds a Master's Degree and a PhD in his field. He is a former Air Force member who has served the country with honor and has continued to serve the community through his dedication to mental health and relational work. James is also known for his podcast, "The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy," where he shares his expertise with other clinicians.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast, host Randy Wilburn engages in a rich conversation with guest James Hawkins. The episode peels back layers surrounding the intersectionality of business, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. It is a narrative journey through James's transition into the community as a transplant and how he found a home in Northwest Arkansas, despite its striking contrasts to his previous experiences living in the South and New Orleans.
James and Randy discuss the nuances of community and identity, especially for African American individuals like themselves, in a majority space. They delve into the subject of mental health and the importance of seeking help through channels like face-to-face therapy rather than solely through emerging platforms like online counseling. James conveys strong arguments for why therapeutic relationships are most effective in person, drawing from his extensive experience in the field.
Key Takeaways:
- Northwest Arkansas's welcoming community and entrepreneurial spirit make it a home for many, including transplants.
- Mental health conversation is essential, and the stigma around seeking therapy needs to be diminished, especially in the African American community.
- Maintaining mental health is crucial, much like servicing a vehicle; one must not delay addressing their emotional and psychological needs.
- The growth and diversity of Northwest Arkansas benefit the community, enriching it with new flavors and ideas.
- The importance of building a responsible, regional transit system and affordable living spaces to align with Northwest Arkansas’s growth trajectory.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:
- Grab our Newsletter
- Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
- Connect With Our Facebook Page
- Connect With Our Twitter
- Connect With Our Instagram
- Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
- Join The Facebook Group
- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas
Mentioned in this episode:
Winetopia 2024 Event
Join us for our annual Winetopia event and experience the best of what our NWA Community has to offer! We are proud to feature incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, AND a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries. Enjoy delicious food and desserts from northwest Arkansas's best spots while perusing our amazing silent auction items. When you buy a ticket, you will have access to it all! Don't forget about our famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner and DJ Shortfuze will be spinning smooth tracks all night long! It is a night that you won't want to miss! Winetopia 2024 Date: Friday, October 4th, 2024 Time: 7-10pm Place: Stone Chapel
NWA Council Commercials Groundwork (revised)
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.
300 episoder