Depression affects many children, adolescents, and young adults. Therapy SRQ provides therapy for youth in Sarasota and Venice, FL to treat Depression.

Counseling support in Sarasota FL and Venice FL for Middle school girls who feel they don’t belong

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Middle school can be a challenging time for many young girls. As they navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence, they may struggle with feelings of not belonging or fitting in with their peers. This can lead to a range of emotional and behavioral issues that can impact their overall well-being.

Fortunately, there is support available for middle school girls who are struggling with these issues. In Sarasota and Venice, FL, there are counseling services specifically designed to help young girls build healthy peer relationships and develop a sense of belonging. In this article, we will explore the importance of peer relationships for middle school girls and how counseling support can help them navigate this crucial time in their lives.

The Importance of Peer Relationships for Middle School Girls

During middle school, peer relationships become increasingly important for young girls. They begin to rely more on their friends for emotional support and validation, and their social circle expands beyond their family and close relatives.

The Impact of Peer Relationships on Mental Health

Positive peer relationships can have a significant impact on a young girl’s mental health. They provide a sense of belonging, boost self-esteem, and help girls develop important social skills. On the other hand, negative peer relationships can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-worth, and even mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Middle school girlsby David Pennington (https://unsplash.com/@dtpennington)

The Role of Peer Relationships in Identity Development

Middle school is also a time when young girls are developing their sense of self and identity. Peer relationships play a crucial role in this process, as girls often look to their friends for validation and acceptance. When they feel like they don’t fit in or belong, it can have a significant impact on their self-image and self-confidence.

Signs Your Middle School Daughter May Be Struggling with Peer Relationships

It can be challenging for parents to know when their middle school daughter is struggling with peer relationships. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Withdrawal from social activities and spending more time alone
  • Changes in behavior, such as becoming more aggressive or argumentative
  • Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
  • Low self-esteem and negative self-talk
  • Changes in academic performance
  • Expressing feelings of not belonging or fitting in

If you notice any of these signs in your daughter, it may be a sign that she could benefit from counseling support.

How Counseling Support Can Help

Building Healthy Peer Relationships

Group therapyby Nathan Dumlao (https://unsplash.com/@nate_dumlao)

Counseling support for middle school girls focuses on helping them build healthy peer relationships. Through individual and group therapy sessions, girls can learn important social skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. They can also explore their own thoughts and feelings about their relationships and learn how to set boundaries and make healthy choices.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Sometimes, feelings of not belonging or fitting in can be a symptom of underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Counseling support can help girls address these issues and develop coping strategies to manage them. By addressing these underlying issues, girls can improve their overall well-being and feel more confident in their relationships.

Providing a Safe Space to Express Themselves

Middle school can be a challenging time for girls, and they may not always feel comfortable talking to their parents or friends about their struggles. Counseling support provides a safe and confidential space for girls to express themselves without fear of judgment. This can be especially beneficial for girls who may feel like they don’t have anyone to talk to about their feelings.

How to Find Counseling Support for Your Middle School Daughter

Counseling supportby taylor hernandez (https://unsplash.com/@taylormae)

If you believe your middle school daughter could benefit from counseling support, there are a few steps you can take to find the right program for her:

  1. Talk to her school counselor or pediatrician for recommendations.
  2. Research counseling services in your area and read reviews from other parents.
  3. Contact Therapy SRQ to learn more about their programs and approach.
  4. Schedule an initial consultation to see if the program is a good fit for your daughter.

Student Support Contacts for Sarasota and Venice, FL

Sarasota Middle Schools:

  1. Sarasota Middle School
  2. Sarasota County Schools Student Services
    • Executive Director: Debra Giacolone
    • Email: Debra Giacolone
    • Administrative Assistant: Laura Ahumada-Aguilar
    • Email: Laura Ahumada-Aguilar
    • Student Services Administrative Assistant: Aimee White
    • Email: Aimee White
    • Phone: 941-927-9000, ext. 34756
    • Fax: 941-361-6157

Venice Middle Schools:

  1. Venice Middle School
    • Phone: (941) 486-2100
    • Address: 1900 Center Road Venice, FL 34292
  2. Student Leadership Academy
    • Phone: (941) 485-5551
    • Address: 200 Field Ave E, Venice, FL, 34285

Conclusion

Middle school can be a challenging time for young girls, but with the right support, they can navigate this crucial time in their lives and develop healthy peer relationships. Counseling support in Sarasota and Venice, FL, offers a safe and supportive environment for girls to build self-esteem, develop social skills, and address underlying issues. If you believe your middle school daughter could benefit from counseling support, don’t hesitate to reach out and find the right program for her. With the right support, she can thrive and develop a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.

    Behavior problems starting school? Get your child the help they need!

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    Behavior problems in school

    Behavior problems are commonly seen with transitioning back to school. Parents, teachers and students start with an optimistic view on a “fresh start” and a new grade. However, typically within a few weeks, things start to slide. As a result, often we are frustrated that expectations are not met.

    Approximately 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have behavior problems at school that lead to serious mental illness according to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Consequently, students drop out or get stuck in the juvenile justice system. There is never enough eyes to monitor a child’s well being. As a result, KXAN a NCB affiliated television station in Austin, Texas is exploring potential solutions by developing Save our Students (S.O.S) This healthcare initiative is helping educate teachers, staff, bus drivers and parents understand and take action of mental health concerns with students. S.O.S stresses it is not your job to fix but be aware something is happening and get the child to where they need to get help.

    As parents…how can we help?

    Parents need to model on how to deal with mental health issues. First, you need to develop a language around mental illness to talk to your kids. Next, you must advocate for them to speak up when needed. Similarly, we all need to recognize as adults, we struggle too. It is equally important for parents to ensure they are taking time for their needs. As a result, modeling positive coping skills and problem solving techniques benefit you as well!

    Often times behavioral problems can be the result of underlying mental health disorders. As a result, these problems can have a negative change on the way children learn. It can effect their behavior, emotions, causing distress and struggling to get through the day. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Depression, anxiety and behavior disorders are the most common among adolescents.

    Depression in adolescents

    • Frequent and longer periods of sadness or unexplained crying spells
    • changes in appetite and sleep patterns
    • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
    • Pessimism, indifference
    • Loss of energy, chronically feeling tired
    • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
    • Not able to concentrate, indecisiveness
    • Inability to find pleasure in usual interests, social withdrawal
    • Physical symptoms of unexplained aches and pains
    • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

    Anxiety in adolescents

    • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nightmares
    • Feeling on edge/Irritable
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Restlessness
    • Unexplained outbursts
    • Avoiding social interactions with friends
    • Avoiding extracurricular activities
    • Spending more time alone
    • Changes in grades, missed assignments
    • Procrastination or increased difficulty concentrating on academics
    • Increased heartbeat/dizziness
    • Frequently sweating
    • Upset stomach
    • Derealization

    If your child appears to be struggling with symptoms of these common adolescent problems in school, home or daily functioning its important to get help. These problems are treatable and most adolescents can learn to cope and manage their symptoms. Please call Therapy SRQ today at 941-202-3432 for a free consultation.

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    teen cutting

    Self harm or “Cutting” and why does our youth do it?

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    teen cutting
    Red raised marks on this teen’s arm are the result of cutting.

    Self harm or “cutting” appears to be an increasing epidemic in our youth. Working with youth in schools and various settings since 2001, it seems to have taken off. So, why cut? Cutting is used as a way to cope with the discomfort of powerful emotions. For instance, bullying, self-esteem issues, relationship problems are all common stressors that are behind this negative coping mechanism. Perhaps their feelings are so intense that they don’t quite have the coping mechanisms to relieve the emotional pain.

    Lyness D’arcy at Teenhealth.org https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cutting.html explains that teens can cope better with major life events and overwhelming emotions with the help of a mental health professional. Self harm or “cutting” can become habit forming by the person getting a false sense of relief from cutting. The brain starts to connect the false sense of relief to the cutting behavior. As a result, the behaviors can feel like an addiction. A person may feel that they need to cut to cope with their feelings. When they have difficult feelings, the thoughts go to cutting.

    Identify the trouble that’s triggering the cutting. Cutting is a way of reacting to emotional tension or pain. Try to figure out what feelings or situations are causing you to cut. Is it anger? Pressure to be perfect? Relationship trouble? A painful loss or trauma? Mean criticism or mistreatment? Identify the trouble you’re having, then tell someone about it. Many people have trouble figuring this part out on their own. This is where a mental health professional can be helpful. http://sioutreach.org/

    If you or someone you love have a problem cutting please reach out for help. Admitting you need help can be challenging. Cutting can make you conceal your feelings from the world even more. A feeling of shame is commonly associated with these behaviors. However, many feel a sense of relief after telling a trusted adult. Forms of non-suicidal self injury are not something to dismiss. If you need further help or guidance please call Therapy SRQ at 941-202-3432.