 Photo by Morgan Basham on Unsplash Many parents remember middle school as one of the hardest times of growing up. It’s an age filled with change, confusion, and intense emotion — and for today’s children, it can feel even more overwhelming. Developmentally, middle schoolers are in the middle of a major transition. They’re leaving behind childhood identities and beginning to form a more complex sense of self. In that in-between space, many feel uncertain about who they are and where they fit in. This lack of confidence can create a deep sense of vulnerability — and when kids feel powerless, some try to regain control in unhealthy ways, such as putting others down or joining in when others are targeted. What adults recognize as “bullying” often stems from this developmental struggle to belong and feel safe. At the same time, middle schoolers are becoming acutely aware of social status. They’re learning what it means to be “cool” or “popular,” and the fear of being left out can feel devastating. Research shows that social rejection activates the same parts of the brain as physical pain. For children who are still developing emotional resilience, that fear of exclusion can feel almost life-threatening. While this age has always been difficult, today’s world adds new layers of stress. Young people are witnessing unprecedented levels of public bullying, anger, and division among adults — on social media, in politics, and in everyday life. When children see adults engaging in cruelty or ridicule, it shapes how they believe people relate to one another. The long-term impact of this environment is something we’re only beginning to understand. Family dynamics, peer pressure, and online culture can all magnify these challenges. The constant comparison on social media can erode self-esteem and make the social world feel inescapable. What Parents Can Do Your connection to your child is the most powerful protective factor they have. Here are a few steps to support them:
Middle school lasts only a few years, but the lessons learned — about self-worth, belonging, and kindness — can last a lifetime. Every child deserves to feel both physically and emotionally safe at school, and parents play an essential role in helping that happen. If you’re concerned about your child’s school experience or emotional wellbeing, Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center offers support for families navigating these challenges. Our therapists can help you and your child strengthen communication, build coping skills, and restore a sense of safety and connection. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay Kids don’t come with a training manual. It is hard to know what to say or how to do things ‘right’ when it comes to helping them grow up. The Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center cares about providing resources to our community that can help us have hard conversations with our youth. Today’s topic is in honor of Pride Month so we are going to be talking about ways that we can discuss LGBTQ+ topics in the home. This is important to explore whether you or any of your family members identify as LGBTQ+ because right now, those populations are suffering from high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. According to the Trevor Project, 52% of LGBTQ youth who were enrolled in middle or high school reported being bullied in person or electronically. Transgender and nonbinary students (61%) reported higher rates of bullying compared to cisgender LGBQ students (45%). The statistic are even more harrowing for LGBTQ students of color. Overall LGBTQ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. These statistics can be overwhelming and leave us feeling like we are fighting an uphill battle, but the first line of action can be taken by you in your home. Starting the conversation can be the hardest part, but the Oak Creek team came up with some great starting points you can do with your actions.
Some questions that could be good to use to start the conversation come to us from EducateEmpowerKids.org.
These questions can show that you are open to talking about all topics even if it can be difficult to discuss. The concept has been labeled as, “leaving the door open.” It doesn’t mean that they need to tell you where they are with their gender or sexuality but showing that you are comfortable talking about these topics in general leaves the door open for them to come speak to you about things of that nature later if they find themselves wanting to share that with you or needing your help in protecting and caring for themselves. If you’d like a resource on speaking with children about mental health in general, take a look at one of our blogs from last month. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. Empowering Teens Through Connection and Confidence: Join Our Summer Teen Group in Pleasant Hill5/23/2025
 This summer, Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center is offering a transformative opportunity for teens aged 13 to 17 through a weekly therapy group designed to promote emotional growth, connection, and resilience. Running from June 10 through July 29, this group will meet every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our Pleasant Hill location: 2100 Monument Boulevard, Suite 7. Facilitated by Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Catherine Carr (AMFT #131708) and MFT Trainee Sara Zavala, under the supervision of Stephen Polin (LMFT #7861), the group provides a safe, supportive environment where teens can practice healthy communication, increase their social confidence, and learn problem-solving skills—all while engaging in interactive and fun therapeutic activities. Group therapy offers a unique setting where teens can gain insight into themselves and others, reduce feelings of isolation, and strengthen their coping strategies. This program at Oak Creek is intentionally designed to meet teens where they are, creating space for authentic expression, peer feedback, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships. At just $80 per session, this summer group is not only impactful but also accessible. Whether your teen is navigating social anxiety, struggling with peer relationships, or simply looking for a place to connect, this group can provide the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive. Spots are limited. To learn more or to register your teen, please contact us today at [email protected]. Let’s help your teen feel seen, heard, and empowered—one Tuesday at a time. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. |
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