Friendships, appearance, belonging and social media can become closely linked to a teen girl’s sense of self-worth. Helping girls build body respect, recognise healthy friendships and develop an identity beyond comparison can provide an important foundation during adolescence.

“I’m exhausted, but I don’t really know why.” This is one of the most common things women say when they have been functioning for a long time under pressure. There may be no obvious crisis. Nothing dramatic has happened. Life is still moving. Work is getting done. Children are being cared for. Meals appear. Forms are signed. Birthdays are remembered. Appointments are booked. Everyone gets where they need to go. From the outside, everything can look organised. Inside, it can feel very...

Girls will often mask their anxiety at school. When School Feels Too Hard: Understanding School Avoidance and Anxiety in Girls Aged 10–15 Recently in my clinic, I’ve been seeing a growing number of girls between 10 and 15 who desperately want to go to school, but whose anxiety is making it feel unbearable. These are thoughtful, sensitive girls. Many are bright, kind, and conscientious. And many families arrive feeling exhausted, worried, and unsure how to help without making things worse....