Hawkins House opens as Healing Center

BONNERS FERRY — One of the most historic buildings in Bonners Ferry is once again open to the public, not as a fine dining restaurant but as a healing center.

The Hawkins’ House closed as a restaurant in 1987 and opened in mid-January as the Hawkins House Healing Center.

The Hawkins’ House feels like home for Susan Falck, who worked at the restaurant for 10 years with her parents, Fay and Fredericka Florea.

The Florea’s were the third owners of the house built in 1910.

Falck became the owner of the Hawkins’ House after her mother’s estate was settled a few years ago.

Expanding her practice into a larger space was a natural step for Falck, who has been practicing for 13 years, since she wanted to expand her services. Falck and her business, PlayWorks Counseling Center, were previously located in the Moore Chiropractic building.

“The sky is the limit when you have the room,” said Falck. “I’m hoping to keep expanding.”

Moving her business to the Hawkins’ House nearly tripled the amount of room Falck has for her services.

Falck now has a children’s room, a counseling room, an art room, a group room and a central gathering area. There are also the outside grounds which Falck is planning on using.

The children’s room offers space for sand tray therapy and play therapy, both which are very helpful to children, said Falck.

The art room provides a space for kids to make art which is a helpful, expressive way for kids to get their feelings out or to learn about feelings, explained Falck.

The group room is where Falck hopes to expand her offerings. She is planning on offering classes in family yoga, calming skills techniques, creative parenting skills, stress reduction and support groups.

“I’d like to become a hub for professionals,” said Falck in regards to training.

Many professionals are required to obtain continuing education credits every year and the healing center could offer a space for those classes, said Falck, who is a licensed clinical social worker.

Falck would also like to add more offerings for families and children, in which she specializes, such as anger management support. She offers emotional, cognitive and behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Corey Richards is working with Falck as a graduate intern.

Falck plans to add more staff at the healing center to help expand the offerings for the community.

“I have a vision,” said Falck. “I love my work.”

An open house is tentatively scheduled for March.

The Hawkins House Healing Center is located on Hwy. 95 at the north end of town near the city limits (7583 Main Street). Falck can be reached at 208-946-9572.