Written by Anne Luckinbill, LPC

What Led Me to Becoming a Therapist

I began my career as an elementary school teacher in Prince William County—a role I truly loved. When my husband and I welcomed our first child, we made the decision that I would stay home full time. I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom to our four children, a role that shaped much of who I am today.

Once our youngest started elementary school, I began to consider returning to the workforce. Surprisingly, I realized I no longer felt called back to the classroom. I started exploring careers that would support our still-young family and align with a deeper sense of purpose. That journey led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling—where I discovered my passion for walking with others through the complexities of mental health.

**What I Balance Each Day**

Today, I own and lead a multi-location counseling practice. Each day, I live at the intersection of care and responsibility. Our team serves a large and diverse group of clients who rely on us for steady, high-quality mental health care. At the same time, 20 staff members depend on me for leadership, support, and a sense of stability.

Add to that my four adult children—each navigating life and still leaning on me—and I often find myself carrying the weight of many people’s well-being. Our practice spans four office locations, each with its own team, energy, and needs. Supporting each office while ensuring continuity and excellence in care can feel like spinning plates—except the plates are people, and the stakes are high.

I sometimes think owning a business is a bit like cooking (which I love to do)! Sometimes a meal comes together smoothly—the ingredients are ready, the timing is right, and everything tastes just as it should.

Other days, something burns or I realize I’m missing a key ingredient. But the hardest part isn’t the cooking itself—it’s knowing that what I cook is meant to nourish others. That responsibility of nourishment, —that fact that my choices, plan, and actions affect so many people—never leaves. The responsibility often follows me into evenings, weekends, and sometimes even the middle of the night.

Why Boundaries Matter for me

Counseling, at its core, is about holding space for others. As a practice owner, that space multiplies—and without boundaries, it can consume every part of my life. That’s why limits on my work time are so important.

I rely deeply on my husband, Gene, who shares the load in both our practice and our family. He keeps me grounded. I’m also incredibly grateful for the team at Seasons Counseling PLLC—a group of professionals who believe in client- centered care and a shared mission. They keep the practice running and remind me I don’t have to carry everything alone.

Some of the boundaries I live by:

Taking a run- Most early mornings I run several miles. This is the one time of the day I am fully off the grid.
Ending the day with intention – I turn off my computer and phone unless there’s a true emergency.
Trusting my team – Letting go of control has been a slow but powerful shift. When I see staff supporting one another without needing me, it’s a beautiful sign of leadership and growth.
Saying, “This is not a today problem” – Not everything needs an immediate solution. Most things can wait.
Remembering my dad’s advice –Dad used to say, “Don’t let your Monday ruin your Sunday.” I live by those words, figuratively and literally.

A Common Struggle

Work-life balance isn’t just a business owner’s dilemma—it’s a human one. Parents feel it. First responders feel it. Teachers feel it. Caregivers especially feel it. When we carry responsibility for others’ well-being, it’s hard to know where to draw the line between showing up and giving too much.

Learning to Set It Down

I won’t pretend I’ve mastered this. Some weeks I navigate the balance well; others, I do not. I’m learning that carrying the weight of leadership doesn’t mean carrying it everywhere. Boundaries give me space to breathe, reflect, and stay present in my own life.

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about holding it all together perfectly. It’s about serving my family, team, and our clients well—and doing so in a way that’s sustainable. The meal is worth the cooking.

Leadership, Boundaries, and the Heart of a Therapist

When You Want to Roar