Relationship Healing in Sayulita: An Interview with Dr. David Hawkins

The beauty and allure of Sayulita offers a warm and welcome backdrop for couples looking to escape the every day, and to work through relationship issues, whether that be mistakes of the past or to simply become closer. Dr. David Hawkins of the Marriage Recovery Center offers 2 and 3-Day Intensive sessions, which allow for extensive focus, understanding, and in turn, hope and breakthrough. 

How long have you been living/working in Sayulita? What brought you here?

My wife Christie and I have been coming to Sayulita to vacation for the past six years. We initially came for the climate, but kept coming because of the wonderful people, the beaches and water, great food and vibrant community. We have loved it so much that we purchased our home, Casa Candiles, this past year. We are now spending up to three months here every year—and are determined to learn Spanish!

Why offer your services here?

I want to offer relationship counseling because this community is so supportive of health-seeking people and healthy relationships often leads to overall health.

What services do you offer?

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 40 years of counseling experience and the author of 39 books, I write, speak and share my expertise widely. I am highly skilled at helping people resolve trauma, heal marriages fraught with emotional abuse, and help individuals and couples lead vibrant, healthy lives.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is seeking health. They are motivated to move into change, understanding they may have to experience some initial anxiety as they face growth. They are open-minded but willing to look at their lives critically, accepting of change as a pathway to growth and ultimate healing.

Tell me about your approach to counseling.

I am a solution-focused psychologist, practical and positive. I have a strength-based approach to finding solutions to the challenges you face. I utilize Lifespan Integration to assist in the healing of trauma, emotionally-focused couples therapy to move couples effectively forward, and an eclectic approach to individual therapy.

What is your background?

I began my clinical practice with a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Social Work, going on to obtain a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have specialized training in Lifespan Integration as way to resolve trauma. I have a model I’ve designed, “Getting to the Core” where I teach individuals and couples how to relate from their healthy Core Self. I recently obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Why relationship therapy?

Our lives are intertwined with relationships. When those relationships are vibrant, healthy and life-giving, we are healthy, positive and encouraged. When our relationships are challenging, because of unhealthy patterns of interacting, we suffer emotionally and our relationships suffer. I believe we all have the capacity for emotional health and wonderful relating!

What is your greatest strength as a therapist?

By far my greatest asset is my warm, caring personality. I am passionate about helping people, and am incredibly optimistic that we are all capable of change. Sometimes “it takes a breakdown to have a breakthrough,” but positive change is possible. We all have the capacity to make changes that will help us. I am a positive change agent.

What can a couple expect after an Intensive?

Couples and individuals can work with me by the hour, but I’ve had tremendous results when individuals and couples spend time with me in 3-hour blocks of time. One hour, once per week, is an antiquated way of doing therapy; it often doesn’t work. I prefer to work intensively with couples and individuals, thereby helping them more quickly discover and eliminate self-defeating behaviors that interrupt healthy relating. All seeking help will find a safe atmosphere to explore the aspects of their lives that create pain and discover pathways to health and healing.

Is there something about Sayulita that enhances the therapeutic process/experience?

Of course. I’ve had countless couples fly down to Sayulita to work with me intensively. Many couples and individuals have come to work with me over several days, but are also excited by the sunshine, people, food and water. It’s such an exciting, nourishing and powerful atmosphere in which to do personal/ relational work!