About Change

About Change Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from About Change, Mental Health Service, 4000 Genesee Place Suite 101, Woodbridge, VA.

Since 2014, About Change has operated as a multicultural mental health agency designed to provide quality therapeutic care for individuals and families while enhancing their wellbeing.

There are seasons in life when the weight feels too much to carry, when giving up feels like the only option. If you’ve ...
09/25/2025

There are seasons in life when the weight feels too much to carry, when giving up feels like the only option. If you’ve ever been there, know this: you are not alone, and these moments do not define the entirety of your story.

Here are five gentle reminders to help you hold on:

• Pause & Breathe - When everything feels overwhelming, start by focusing on your breath. Inhale slowly, exhale fully. Remind your body and mind that you are still here, grounded in this moment.

• Express What You Feel - Don’t bottle it all inside. Please write it down, cry it out, talk it through, or even create art. Expression is release, and release can bring relief.

•Shift the Energy - Step outside, move your body, change your surroundings, or listen to music that lifts you up. Sometimes even the smallest shift can interrupt the heaviness.

•Remind Yourself: Thoughts ≠ Truth - Your mind can be loud in dark times, but not every thought is reality. Just because your brain says you’re unworthy or hopeless doesn’t make it true. You are more than your thoughts.

• Reach Out - Talk to someone you trust, a friend, family member, or professional. Carrying this weight alone is exhausting, and connection can be a lifeline. Reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Holding on doesn’t mean you have to have it all figured out. It simply means choosing to stay, moment by moment, until the storm passes, and it will pass.

If you’re struggling today, please know that support is available to you. Call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. You are seen, you are valued, and your life matters.

***dePrevention

Dark seasons come for all of us, times when hope feels far away, when the weight of life makes it hard to see beyond the...
09/24/2025

Dark seasons come for all of us, times when hope feels far away, when the weight of life makes it hard to see beyond the moment. But even in those times, small sparks are waiting to be noticed: the kindness of a friend, the comfort of rest, the beauty of a sunrise, or simply the choice to keep going one step at a time.

“Happiness” doesn’t always mean joy that shouts. Sometimes it’s quiet, gentle, and tender. It can be found in the act of asking for help, in permitting yourself to rest, or in choosing to believe that better days are still possible.

If you’re walking through a dark chapter, remember: the light doesn’t need to erase the darkness to matter. Even a small flicker can guide you forward. Keep holding on, you are worth the light.


Not all struggles are loud. Sometimes, the things quietly hurting your mental health hide in plain sight.• Lack of sleep...
09/23/2025

Not all struggles are loud. Sometimes, the things quietly hurting your mental health hide in plain sight.

• Lack of sleep quality – It’s not just about hours slept, but how restful that sleep is. Poor sleep impacts mood, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Social comparison – Scrolling and measuring yourself against others can chip away at self-worth without you even noticing.
• Overcommitting – Saying “yes” to everything leaves no space for yourself, leading to exhaustion and resentment.
• Digital overstimulation – Constant notifications and screen time overload your brain, leaving little room for peace.
• People-pleasing – Always putting others first may feel kind, but it often leaves you drained and unseen.

Healing starts with awareness. Pay attention to these hidden drains on your energy, and remember: protecting your mental health is not selfish, it’s necessary. You deserve to feel grounded, whole, and at peace.

Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it shows up in ways we often overlook.Burnout is also: 1️. Exhaustion Beyond Sleep...
09/19/2025

Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it shows up in ways we often overlook.
Burnout is also:

1️. Exhaustion Beyond Sleep – No matter how much you rest, you still feel drained.
2️. Brain Fog & Forgetfulness – Struggling to focus or remember even simple things.
3️. Loss of Joy – The things that once lit you up now feel like a chore.
4️. Irritability & Withdrawal – Snapping at others or pulling away from loved ones.
5️. Ignoring Your Own Needs – Skipping meals, neglecting self-care, pushing past limits.
6️. Constant Second-Guessing Yourself – Feeling unsure, even about small decisions.

Burnout isn’t a weakness. It’s your body and mind waving a red flag, asking for compassion, rest, and change.

If you see yourself in these signs, pause. Breathe. Re-evaluate. Reach out for support if you need it. You deserve more than survival mode; you deserve balance, healing, and joy.


Checking in on others starts with checking in on yourself. We often want to be there for the people we care about to not...
09/18/2025

Checking in on others starts with checking in on yourself.

We often want to be there for the people we care about to notice when they’re struggling, to offer comfort, to make sure they don’t feel alone. But here’s the truth: we can only pour into others when we’ve taken time to refill our own cup.

When you pause to ask yourself, “How am I really doing?” you create space for honesty, rest, and healing. That self-awareness not only strengthens you, but it also makes you more present and compassionate toward others.

Checking in with yourself might look like:
• Taking a few mindful breaths before the day begins
• Naming your emotions instead of pushing them down
• Reaching out for support when you need it
• Giving yourself permission to rest without guilt

By honouring your own needs, you set the foundation to show up authentically for friends, family, and community. Because caring for your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s the starting point of a deeper connection.
So today, take a moment. Ask yourself: “How am I, really?”

Depression can feel like an endless tunnel, but many people have found ways to walk through it and find light again. Eve...
09/16/2025

Depression can feel like an endless tunnel, but many people have found ways to walk through it and find light again. Every journey is unique, but here are some common steps that made a difference:

1. By Finding Purpose & Routine
Simple daily structures like getting up at the same time, journaling, or focusing on small goals helped restore a sense of stability and direction.

2. By Seeking Professional Help
Therapy, counselling, or medication gave many the tools and support they couldn’t find alone. Reaching out is never a weakness; it’s a step toward healing.

3. By Practicing Self-Compassion
Instead of battling themselves, they learned to speak kindly to their inner world. Replacing shame with gentleness opened the door to recovery.

4. By Holding on to Hope
Even on the hardest days, they reminded themselves that the pain wouldn’t last forever. Hope became an anchor that carried them forward.

If you’re struggling, know this: you are not broken, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Healing is possible, and your story is still unfolding.

When someone you love is in crisis, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to say or do. The truth is, you don’t need the “...
09/15/2025

When someone you love is in crisis, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to say or do. The truth is, you don’t need the “perfect” words; what matters most is showing up with care and compassion.

Here are a few gentle ways to support:

1. Be Present
Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply sitting with them in their pain. Silence can be healing when it’s filled with love and presence.

2. Offer Emotional Support
Listen without judgment. Let them cry, vent, or sit quietly. Remind them they don’t have to go through it alone.

3. Ask What They Need
Instead of assuming, gently ask: “What would help you right now?” or “How can I best support you?” Their answer may surprise you.

4. Encourage Professional Support
Remind them it’s okay to reach out for professional help. Whether it’s a therapist, doctor, or crisis hotline, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You don’t have to “fix” everything for your friend. Your presence, empathy, and encouragement can be the bridge that helps them feel safe enough to take the next step toward healing.

Myth vs. Fact: Therapy Edition Myth: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.Fact: Therapy can support an...
09/13/2025

Myth vs. Fact: Therapy Edition

Myth: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.

Fact: Therapy can support anyone, whether you’re navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, or just wanting to better understand yourself.
The truth is, therapy isn’t just about crisis. It’s about growth, healing, and building tools to handle life with more clarity and resilience. Just like you don’t wait for your car to completely break down before getting a tune-up, you don’t need to wait until things feel “unbearable” to reach out for support.

Therapy can help you:
• Manage stress and anxiety
• Adjust to big life changes (a new job, move, or relationship shift)
• Improve communication and relationships
• Build coping skills and resilience
• Explore your goals and identity in a safe space

Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re choosing to invest in your well-being.

The truth is, therapy isn’t just about crisis. It’s about growth, healing, and developing tools to navigate life with greater clarity and resilience. Just like you don’t wait for your car to completely break down before getting a tune-up, you don’t need to wait until things feel “unbearable” to reach out for support.

When it comes to mental health and neurodiversity, one of the greatest gifts we can offer is understanding. Every autist...
09/12/2025

When it comes to mental health and neurodiversity, one of the greatest gifts we can offer is understanding. Every autistic person experiences the world in their own unique way, and how we respond can make a huge difference in helping them feel seen, valued, and safe.

Here are some gentle reminders:
1. Listen First
2. Respect Boundaries
3. Use Clear & Kind Language
4. Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges

Autism isn’t something to “fix.” It’s a different way of experiencing the world. By listening, respecting, and valuing autistic individuals, we create communities where everyone can thrive.
Let’s choose empathy. Let’s choose respect. Let’s choose to honour every voice.

September is World Su***de Prevention Month Every year, communities around the world pause to shine a light on a truth w...
09/11/2025

September is World Su***de Prevention Month

Every year, communities around the world pause to shine a light on a truth we often keep in the shadows: su***de is preventable, and hope is always within reach. Here in Virginia, thousands of families are impacted by su***de each year, yet just as many stories remind us that support, connection, and timely care can save lives.

This month, let’s remember:
• You are not a burden.
• You are not alone.
• Your life matters, and your story isn’t over.

At About Change VA, we believe in walking beside individuals and families through life’s hardest seasons. Whether it’s through therapy, recovery programs, or simply holding space to talk, every step toward healing matters.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of su***de, please know help is here:
Call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline – available 24/7 across the U.S.)

In Virginia, you can also dial 988 for immediate local crisis support.
Together, we can break the silence, reduce the stigma, and remind one another that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Your tomorrow is worth staying for.
***dePreventionMonth ***dePreventionVA MedicAid

It’s so easy to slip into problem-solving mode to believe that every uncomfortable feeling, every uncertain moment, ever...
08/29/2025

It’s so easy to slip into problem-solving mode to believe that every uncomfortable feeling, every uncertain moment, every setback needs an immediate solution. But the truth is, life isn’t meant to be solved all at once.

Some things just need time.
Some feelings just need space.
Some chapters just need to unfold.

When you give yourself permission to pause instead of rushing to fix, you create room for clarity to naturally rise. You stop carrying the impossible weight of trying to control everything, and you start allowing life to move at its own pace.

• It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers.
• It’s okay if things feel messy or unfinished.
• It’s okay to simply be where you are.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Growth doesn’t happen in a straight line. And peace doesn’t come from fixing everything, it comes from knowing that you’re safe to take it one step at a time.

So today, breathe deep and remind yourself: you don’t need to solve it all right now. Just being here is enough.

A new month is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to reset the little things that make a big difference in how...
08/27/2025

A new month is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to reset the little things that make a big difference in how we feel day to day. Here are three simple habits to bring more clarity, balance, and peace into your life:

1. Phone-Free Mornings
Give yourself the gift of a calm start. Instead of scrolling as soon as you wake up, try beginning your day with a stretch, a quiet cup of coffee, or a moment of reflection. It sets the tone for a clearer, less rushed mind.

2. Get Sunlight Time
Step outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Natural light boosts mood, regulates sleep, and reminds you that the world is bigger than your worries. A daily dose of sunshine is like a natural reset button.

3. Say No Kindly
Protecting your energy doesn’t mean being harsh, it means being honest. Saying “no” with kindness is a way of saying “yes” to your well-being. Boundaries create space for what truly matters.

None of these habits require a huge lifestyle overhaul. Just gentle shifts that can help you feel more grounded as you step into a new month.

Which one will you try first?

Address

4000 Genesee Place Suite 101
Woodbridge, VA
22192

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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