Northern Virginia Older Adult Counseling

12/09/2025

This holiday season, we’re committed to connecting our community with the support they deserve.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra support during this season, swipe for a list of places offering free or low-cost meals.

If you are feeling called to give back to your community, continue to the next slide for where and how you can give back to local families.

Small acts of kindness make a big difference over the holidays.

With Love and Warmth,
Northern Virginia Older Adult Counseling (OAC)

12/05/2025

From our OAC Family to Yours- Happy Holidays.

May your Holiday be filled with light, love and peace

12/03/2025

12/01/2025

Attention Local Senior Veterans! Did you know that we host a free monthly lunch just for you and our resident Veterans?

Save the date for our next event! With our special guest, Monteiz Dash (U.S. Army Veteran) with Seniors Helping Seniors Manassas.

11/25/2025

OAC Spotlight! Meet Ashley Mitchell, LCSW!

Ashley is one of our amazing part-time therapists and a School Social Worker. Let’s get to know Ashley and keep reading for a featured announcement!

1. How did you get into social work?
“I took a psychology class in high school and was fascinated in the human experience and how it manifests. I grew to love the restorative nature of therapy and how every human can make progress and make peace with life’s circumstances.”

2. A fun fact about yourself:
“I love plants! Plants carry a lot of symbolism for the cycle of life and your growth as a person. Essentially, they give their life in service for you and your environment.”

3. A piece of advice for your younger self:
“Don’t stay stuck too long- there is a whole world waiting for you”

In addition, OAC is excited to announce that we are adding Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as part of our practice. Thank you Ashley for all the time and attention you have given in order to make this possible at OAC. Swipe to the second picture to learn more!

For more information on the process of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy or on the process of receiving medication management licensure, please visit https://www.journeyclinical.com/

To speak with someone at our practice or to receive a spot on our referral list, please visit https://www.novaoac.com/referral.html

11/12/2025

The holidays can bring joy and connection — but they can also bring stress, especially when spending time with difficult relatives.

Family gatherings sometimes surface old tensions, uncomfortable dynamics, or unresolved conflicts, leaving us feeling anxious or emotionally exhausted.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about holiday get-togethers. With some preparation and self-compassion, it’s possible to protect your peace and make the season more manageable.

Here are some gentle reminders and coping strategies to help you navigate challenging family interactions this holiday season.

11/04/2025

November is Family Caregiver Month — a time to recognize the millions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to care for others.
This year’s theme, “Plug-In to Care,” highlights the importance of staying connected to the right resources, tools, and support networks as a caregiver. There are more than 63 million family caregivers across the United States.

The Caregiver Action Network states: “Family caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system. They provide billions of hours of unpaid care every year, often balancing work, family life, and personal health challenges along the way.” Check out their website for amazing supports and resources for Family Caregiver Month 2025.

You care for others — let us help care for you. 💙

10/29/2025

Today is World Stroke Day

A stroke can happen to anyone, anytime — but quick action can change everything.
Take a moment to learn the FAST signs and share them with someone you care about.

F- Face Drooping
A- Arm Weakness
S- Speech Difficulty
T- Time to Call 911

Together, we can make every minute matter.
For more information, resources, and printable signs for your home or business, please visit the American Stroke Association website

10/23/2025

OAC SPOTLIGHT! Meet Sharon Pago, LCSW!

Sharon is one of our amazing, well-versed therapists who has a refreshing and inspirational outlook on life and the therapeutic relationship.

1. How did you get into social work/mental health?
I knew I was destined for the human services field back in high school. Every day, I’d pass a door labeled “Social Worker”; always closed, always dark, always mysteriously vacant. Most people might’ve walked faster. I got curious. That quiet little door sparked something in me. I started college as a Business Major, eventually changed to Psychology and added Social Work as a double major. I charged straight through the bachelor’s program to a master’s program in clinical social work. Post-grad I accepted a job working in a geriatric and pediatric nursing facility. I quickly fell in love with working with the geriatric population and that is what I still do, to this day.

2. A fun fact about yourself:
I Am a Children’s Book Author!

My book, Talking to Sissy, was published last year and holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a tender, emotionally resonant story that explores sibling loss through the eyes of a toddler; a perspective often overlooked, yet deeply affected.
The inspiration came during a quiet moment in a hospital room with my grandson. The space felt too large, too still, and too full of unspoken emotion. In that silence, I realized how often children are expected to absorb grief without language, without validation, and without tool. Writing Talking to Sissy reminded me that therapeutic work doesn’t always happen in an office. Sometimes, it begins with a storybook, and a quiet moment.

3. A piece of advice for your younger self:
You don’t have to brace for impact every time life knocks. Not every door leads to danger, and not every silence means that something is wrong.
You are resilient, intuitive, and more equipped than you realize. Trust in that. Trust in yourself

Thank you Sharon for all you do for OAC!

10/16/2025

Whether you’re looking to reflect, learn, laugh or simply unwind, there’s something meaningful here for everyone.

Check out these movies, books and documentaries that cover different topics of mental health and self-help.

We’d love to hear what resonated with you — or what titles you’d recommend adding.

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day
Mental health support is essential, especially during times of crisis

The theme this year is “Access to Services- Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” There are so many things happening in today’s world and we are here to say: your mental health matters.
At OAC, we believe that mental health support is a lifeline, not a luxury — especially in emergencies. No one should have to suffer in silence while trying to survive the unimaginable.

Your mind matters. Your story matters. YOU matter.
Let’s advocate for mental health access as a standard part of every emergency response — because mental wellness is just as critical as physical safety.

Check out the UN’s Mental Health Toolkit — packed with free resources and information to help you or someone you love:
un.org/en/mental-health-toolkit

In addition, The World Health Organization has also included news updates, stories, and resources for your reference: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025

Let’s break the silence and end the stigma

10/03/2025

Happy Fall!

As the seasons shift, it’s a natural time to reflect, reset, and refocus. Fall invites us to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for growth.

What goals are we setting for ourselves in this new season?