MindWell Psychology

02/05/2026

When it comes to ADHD, “keep them busy” isn’t just parenting advice, there is real science behind it. We’re grateful for the strong response to our recent Ask the Experts event featuring Dr. Lisa Bennett, where we explored how structure, movement, and intentional scheduling can meaningfully support children with ADHD.

During this conversation with ​⁠The Reading & Language Learning Center and Dr. Lisa Bennett, we discussed why some children need increased physical movement to focus while others benefit from intentional downtime, how structured activities strengthen executive functioning and emotional regulation, and how families can recognize when a schedule is supportive versus overwhelming. Dr. Bennett also shared practical strategies for resetting routines when life inevitably gets off track.

If you weren’t able to join us live, or would like to revisit the discussion, the full event recording is now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EqevgUif15Q?si=O1ywARt9ssOHx-HC

We hope these insights provide realistic, actionable tools that families and caregivers can apply in everyday life.

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When it comes to ADHD, “keep them busy” isn’t just parenting advice, there is real science behind it. We’re grateful for the strong response to our recent As...

02/04/2026

Ever feel like your child forgets instructions the second you finish saying them?

You’re not imagining it, and it’s not laziness or lack of effort.

In the latest episode of More Than Words, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Erika Madison from MindWell Psychology joins the Reading & Language Learning Center to discuss how executive function and memory work together and why challenges with either can show up as forgetting.

If your child:
🧠 Struggles with multi-step directions
📚 “Knows it at home” but forgets it at school
🎒 Loses track of what they’re doing mid-task
⏱️ Gets overwhelmed as demands increase

This episode will help you understand why and what actually helps.

🎧 Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-kids-forget-what-they-just-heard-executive-function/id1582688924?i=1000748006080&at=1000lSDb

Check out RLLC!

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02/03/2026

Boost Self-Esteem Month is a reminder that understanding yourself is one of the greatest forms of self-care. Psychological testing and therapy can help uncover strengths, clarify challenges, and build confidence from the inside out. At MindWell Psychology, we’re here to walk alongside you as you build confidence, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.

4 Tips from MindWell Psychology to Boost Self-Esteem:

1. Know Your Strengths – Psychological testing and self-reflection can help you better understand what you naturally do well and where you shine.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk – Notice unhelpful thoughts and practice replacing them with realistic, kinder ones.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes – Progress counts, even when things aren’t perfect.

4. Ask for Support – Therapy provides tools, insight, and encouragement to help you build lasting self-confidence.

Looking to boost your self-esteem?
Visit www.mindwell.us or call 703-378-7998 to connect with our team.

02/02/2026

🧠 Meet the MindWell Team — Dr. Samantha (Sam) Sommer, Ph.D., NCSP

We’re excited to introduce Dr. Samantha “Sam” Sommer, a licensed clinical psychologist who joined MindWell Psychology in August 2025. Dr. Sommer is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) who brings a unique blend of clinical and school-based expertise to her work with children, adolescents, and families. Her experience within public school systems gives her deep insight into child development, learning differences, cognitive and achievement testing, and the policies and procedures that support students with disabilities.

Dr. Sommer is passionate about creating a collaborative and supportive environment where both children and their parents/guardians build skills, confidence, and understanding — empowering families to become experts in their own behavior and growth.

✨ Services Provided:
✔️ Individual psychotherapy for school-age children and adolescents
✔️ Family psychotherapy
✔️ Parent/guardian consultation and coaching

🎯 Areas of Expertise:
✔️ ADHD and related comorbidities
✔️ Executive functioning skills
✔️ Learning disorders
✔️ Mood and anxiety disorders
✔️ Autism Spectrum Disorder
✔️ Behavior analysis
✔️ Parent support and skill-building

💙 More About Dr. Sommer:
Dr. Sommer primarily utilizes a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, often incorporating evidence-based curriculums, mindfulness tools, and client-centered activities into her sessions. She strongly believes that parent collaboration is essential for long-term success and works closely with families to help generalize skills from sessions into everyday home life.

Outside of MindWell, Dr. Sommer enjoys horseback riding and exploring hiking trails with her dog, Fiona — a balance that reflects her appreciation for both movement and mindfulness.

📞 Contact MindWell today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samantha Sommer and learn how she can support your child and family.

01/30/2026

Executive functioning skills support how students plan, focus, regulate emotions, and follow through on tasks. In neurodivergent students, these skills often show up unevenly, strong in some areas and more challenging in others.

At MindWell Psychology, comprehensive and neuropsychological testing helps identify executive functioning strengths and areas of need to guide meaningful support and recommendations. For more information give us a call at 703-378-7998 or visit www.mindwell.us!

01/30/2026

Join the lovely The Sycamore School for their open house! RSVP: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/event/winter-open-house-2026/

01/28/2026

Wondering what an IEE is? In this video, we explain it in a way that’s easier to understand.

If you have any further questions on IEEs or psychological testing, feel free to visit www.mindwell.us or call 703-378-7998

01/27/2026

Snow days can bring excitement and overwhelm. Today’s a great day to slow down, check in with your nervous system, and give yourself permission to rest.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy these pictures of the pond across our office ❄️

01/22/2026

✨ Ask the Experts: Live Event for Parents ✨
Does your child with ADHD seem to need movement to focus, or fall apart when routines change? You’re not alone.

Join for their next Ask The Experts event with our very own Dr. Lisa Bennett, licensed clinical psychologist at MindWell Psychology, as she shares how structure, movement, and scheduling can support regulation and focus in kids with ADHD.

🧠 You’ll learn how to:
• Use structure without overscheduling
• Match activities to your child’s “energy gear”
• Support focus and emotional regulation
• Navigate questions about ADHD medication

📅 Live + virtual
💬 Includes audience Q&A
👉 Register here: https://www.readingllcenter.com/ask-the-experts/

01/21/2026

RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7417683316384/WN_OZCQeJf0TxS9xXM6qsHjWQ

We are super excited about this upcoming workshop!

Eligibility decisions determine everything about your child’s support, yet most parents are never told how they’re made.

In this live session, we’ll walk through what teams actually consider, how data is used, and what advocacy moves matter most.

Practical guidance. Real insight. Live Q&A included.

Save your seat 👇

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5517631469655/WN_OZCQeJf0TxS9xXM6qsHjWQ

01/20/2026

Looking for weekend availability?

We’re excited to offer Saturday & Sunday appointments for both therapy and psychological testing with select clinicians.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Weekend sessions can make care more accessible without disrupting school or weekday routines.

🩺 Professionals: Please keep us in mind for families seeking timely therapy or testing with flexible scheduling.

Immediate availability for therapy. Psychological testing is currently scheduling weekends into March, with earlier weekday testing appointments available. Contact us at 703-378-7998 to schedule or refer.

01/19/2026

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, we reflect on the importance of accessible mental health care for all.