Back to School Renewal: Supporting Your Family’s Mental Health Journey

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, families across Virginia are preparing for fresh beginnings. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, navigating middle school challenges, entering high school, or heading off to college, each transition brings unique opportunities and stressors. At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, we understand that supporting your family’s mental health is essential for academic and personal success.

This back-to-school season offers a natural time for renewal—a chance to establish new routines, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize both your children’s and your own emotional well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for being the parent your family needs.

Supporting Different Developmental Stages

Elementary Age Children (5-11)

Young children may experience anxiety about new teachers, classrooms, or friends. They might struggle with separation anxiety or worry about academic expectations. Creating consistent routines, validating their feelings, and maintaining open communication can help ease these transitions.

Middle School Students (11-14)

The middle school years bring unique challenges with peer relationships, academic pressure, and early adolescent development. Students at this age benefit from support in developing coping skills, building self-esteem, and navigating social dynamics.

High School Students (14-18)

Teenagers face increased academic demands, college preparation stress, and identity development challenges. They need support in managing anxiety, developing independence, and making healthy choices while maintaining family connections.

College Students (18+)

Young adults transitioning to college or navigating college life often experience homesickness, academic pressure, and the challenge of newfound independence. Mental health support during this time can be crucial for long-term success and well-being.

Specialized ADHD Support with Kent

For families dealing with ADHD, the return to school can present particular challenges. We’re pleased to highlight that Kent provides specialized therapy for ADHD in older children and adults. His evidence-based approaches help clients develop executive functioning skills, emotional regulation strategies, and practical tools for academic and life success.Kent’s ADHD support includes understanding the unique strengths of the ADHD brain, building awareness of executive functioning, and developing personalized strategies for time management, focus, and emotional regulation. His work helps clients move from struggle to thriving in school and beyond.

Team Member Spotlight!

We’re excited to highlight three talented therapists on our team who are ready to support families this fall, bringing expertise and expanded availability for families seeking support.

Kyla Rose Wilcox, M.Ed., Resident in Counseling

Now Accepting New Clients at Our Haymarket Location

Kyla brings a unique background combining music therapy and school counseling experience with Loudoun County Public Schools. Kyla has immediate availability for new clients this school year and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Jaimon Jefferson, MSW, Social Work Supervisee

Serving Alexandria and Online Therapy

Jaimon has nearly nine years of experience in early intervention and special education, utilizing play therapy and CBT with children while expanding her practice to support adults with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Mark A. Boothe, LICSW, LCSW

Serving Alexandria and Online Therapy

Mark brings over 25 years of clinical experience specializing in depression, anxiety, and anger management for young adults (16+) and adults. His person-centered approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles to help clients achieve positive outcomes.

Ready to Start Fresh?

The new school year represents hope, growth, and new possibilities. If your family could benefit from professional support during this transition, our team is here to help. With expanded availability and specialized expertise across all age groups, we’re ready to support your family’s unique needs.

Whether you’re seeking support for ADHD, anxiety, depression, family relationships, or simply want to build resilience and coping skills for the year ahead, we invite you to reach out and discover how therapy can support your family’s journey.


At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, we believe that every family deserves support in their journey toward mental wellness. Our therapists in Gainesville, Haymarket, and Alexandria are here to help your family thrive, not just survive, the school year ahead.

To schedule an appointment with any of our therapists, including our new team members with immediate availability, call us at 703-754-0636.

Wishing your family a successful and emotionally healthy school year, The Life Enrichment Counseling Center Team

📞 (703) 754-0636
📧 info@leccinc.com
🌐 www.lifeenrichmentcounseling.com