Middle school is a tough time for so many reasons. The brain is under major construction, hormones are blossoming, and the middle schooler is straddling childhood and adolescence. There is increased peer and academic pressure, and just when they thought they got the hang of changing classes and dialing in that locker combo, they are inundated with alerts of social media perfection. Additionally, they are negotiating the desire to be both connected to family, yet the pull to individuate. And on top of all of that, to be a middle school girl comes with it's own unique challenges with relational aggression and the "mean girl" phenomenon peaking. Phew. It's a lot! It's a lot for any middle school girl, not to mention when you add on issues related to anxiety, depression, executive functioning, divorce, and adoption. 

Katie Ford has previously been a therapist and Clinical Director, overseeing all clinical services, at a therapeutic, residential program for Middle-School girls. All of our clinicians enjoy working with middle school girls and their families. It is a unique, challenging, and fun age that requires a specific skill set and knowledge, and a unique approach. It is with this strong background that we work with middle school girls individually, and/or with their parents providing much needed parent support and education.