Back-to-School, Back to Old Patterns?

It’s back-to-school season, which I personally loved as a student. There’s something energizing about the beginning of a new school year or new chapter: getting to know a new teacher, fresh shoes or a cool new backpack, getting organized with my new planner (I still love a planner!), and possibilities for the school year ahead. 

But new chapters can also bring up old stress and anxiety patterns that are not so helpful or exciting:

• As a parent, maybe the new school year is bringing up your anxiety about leaving your child and your worst fears. You may be overwhelmed with the changes, learning new policies or routines, or maybe you can’t shake that mom guilt that you’re not the “perfect” parent you thought you would be. 

• Perhaps you are trying your best to “co-parent” with an abusive ex-partner; the new school year means you’re now constantly on edge about that inevitable Our Family Wizard message accusing you of being a forgetful or terrible parent, or you’re utterly terrified of the next school function when you have to see your ex-partner. 

• For college and post-grad students, you may be dreading going back to classes, knowing the overwhelming stress and burnout that seems to inevitably come by the middle of the semester is just around the corner. 

• Maybe the new school year doesn’t really impact you at all but with summer winding down, you’re realizing just how down you have been feeling and just not yourself lately, and you’re ready for a change.

If you find yourself noticing an old pattern coming up that you’re ready to let go of in this back-to-school season, this is a great time to start therapy.

I have current openings for both online therapy and in-person sessions in Dallas, TX, and I would love to be a support to help you thrive in this season. Reach out to schedule a consultation call and let’s talk about how we can work together towards your goals.