Since the beginning of psychology, there has been a focus on bringing things that are outside of conscious awareness into conscious awareness. There have been a variety of techniques and methods developed over the years to achieve this objective. Some have survived the test of time and are highly effective means for doing so, while others are just plain weird and ineffective.

 

During one of my sessions, this week, a particular client and I identified a lifelong pattern that developed as early as toddlerhood that has derailed my client’s efforts to reach their full potential as well as obtain sobriety from substance use. My emotional reaction in this session was mixed. One part of me felt joy and excitement for my client that we had identified and begun to work on this issue that has blocked them from success in so many areas of their life. Another part of me felt immense sadness and compassion that this issue has derailed them for decades and caused so much suffering.

 

Having the fortune to train with some amazing mentors and years of experience has given me skills and insight into identifying core issues for people that few are equipped to do. This also generates a great deal of grief for me at times that most people will never have these issues detected and resolved due to the nature of how they can conceal themselves from conscious awareness. No matter how intelligent, well read, or experienced a person is, the cause of our major impediments to a successful life can still be completely obscured to awareness. The majority response I hear from my clients as they are making progress in this deeper work is, “Oh my God! Everyone should be in here.” People really have no idea how deep the ‘rabbit hole’ goes. You would be shocked at some of the origins to what is negatively affecting your life today.

 

In almost all of my previous writings I’ve alluded the process of dissociation and implicit emotional and body memories and how these become stored throughout our nervous system. Sometimes these intrusions are overwhelming, such as in the case of post-traumatic stress. However, the preponderance of the time they are almost undetectable and insidious. They erode a person’s potential one event at a time. The general public has almost no knowledge of this process. Neurologically, it is a very concept process. The clinical writings are beyond what most therapist can understand. Nonetheless, I believe the core concepts can be explained in simple terms, which is what has propelled me to begin writing a book explaining in terms everyone can understand and utilize to begin to resolve these issues.

 

My overarching mission this year has been to provide information and guidance to as many people as possible this year related to these issues. I have never been much of a social media person but have been trying to learn as many avenues as possible to get out this message. It is compelling when you know you have the knowledge to help so many heal and so few people really understand or know about it. There are many talented and amazing therapists and helpers out there. Nonetheless, I believe God, The Universe, a Higher Power has given me a unique message and insight to help others heal from trauma, overcome addictions, develop healthy relationships, and achieve their greatness. We all have something amazing to offer humanity. This just happens to be what God has given to me to do. The most rewarding aspect of my work is to help others unleash what it is that has been given to them to give to the rest of us. These topics I continue to write about are the number one factor that is preventing everyone from attaining their full potential. Optimistically, I have total confidence we will continue to grow and evolve beyond our current challenges.

 

• John Hawkins Jr., M.S., L.M.H.C.