Summer Hawkins M.S., LPC, RPT

06/19/2026

Many of the things OCD asks you to do feel helpful in the moment.

Check one more time.
Think about it a little longer.
Ask for reassurance.
Wait until you feel certain.

The problem? These strategies may reduce anxiety briefly, but they also teach OCD that the fear was important and needed solving.

Recovery isn't about getting rid of uncertainty.
It's about learning that you can handle uncertainty without doing compulsions.

You don’t have to figure OCD out alone! My course, Your OCD Toolkit gives you the exact tools to face it with confidence. Comment BANANA and I’ll send details your way.

05/02/2026

05/01/2026

True health involves your mental health as well! If you’ve never struggled with your mental health, you probably know someone that has. Take some time today to reflect on your own mental health and check-in with those around you!

04/30/2026

Some children do everything “right” - they sit quietly, follow the rules, get through the school day without causing concern. On the surface, they look fine. But what you do not see is the effort it takes to hold it all together.

Many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, spend their day masking. They copy others, rehearse what to say, hide confusion and push through sensory overload just to fit in. By the time they get home, they are exhausted. This is when the overwhelm, meltdowns or shutdowns often appear. It is not bad behaviour - it is the cost of coping all day.

When we only respond to what we see, we risk missing what children actually need. A child who looks like they are coping may be struggling the most. Understanding masking can change how we respond, support and connect with children who are working far harder than we realise.

THE MASKING ICEBERG (CHILDREN)

LIKE the photo and comment "MASKING" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

02/06/2026

This week is international play therapy week! I truly enjoy working with children and getting to be a part of their story! ❤️

01/21/2026

Telehealth is always an option! Stay safe and warm! ⛄️

We know winter weather in this area brings lots of uncertainty! What IS certain is that we always offer Telehealth options- especially during unpredictable weather. Here are your options for communication:
1.) Call the office 479-226-8403…if you cannot connect with Mary then…
2.) Message your therapist on the Telehealth app you’ve been set up on. If you haven’t set that up…
3.) Email your therapist directly. You can find email addresses on our website www.refreshcounseling.co

Stay safe and warm!