School Counseling for Anxious Middle Schoolers with Laura Griese, MS
From a new school and new peers, to social media, hormones, or dealing with perfectionism, the middle school transition is a tough time for many pre-teens.
And right when your pre-teen most needs you, they may shut you out. This is why it’s so important for therapists, parents, and school counselors to work together. So we’re excited to have Chaminade College Prep middle school counselor Laura Griese, MS, shine some light on anxiety in middle school!
Laura Griese, MS
Why did you choose to become a school counselor in St. Louis?
I became a school counselor because I loved working with my students on a more personal level. My favorite part of teaching was having one on one conversations with my students and learning about their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and what made them who they are. I always felt it allowed me to know the whole child. School counseling felt like the perfect fit for me!
Briefly, what do you feel like is the most important part of your role as a school counselor?
I believe the most important role I play is giving my students someone in their corner. They know they have a safe space, someone to listen to them without judgement, and a place to decompress if they should need it.
What grades do you work with?
I work with 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys.
What signs can parents be on the lookout for that their child is having anxiety related to school?
I often see students become irritable, tired, and overwhelmed any time school or homework is brought up. These are three of the first things I would look for in my students.
When do you recommend that parents reach out to the school counselor?
I tell parents to reach out as soon as they need something or have a question about anything school related. I see myself as parents and students "go to person" in the school. There is no silly question or concern! I want my families to feel supported in every possible way.
The pressures on teens to do well can sometimes be hard for them to manage. When would you recommend private counseling for teens who are struggling with perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed, feeling under pressure to do well in sports, or navigating their social life?
When these issues have a real effect on the teen's life, I would recommend outside counseling. If coping skills taught by their parents and school counselors are not enough, I think outside counseling is a great next step.
Parent teacher conferences are coming up! We’d love your advice on how parents and schools can work together to best support their anxious students:
I would suggest setting up a conference with your school counselor! Have open conversations about what triggers their child at home and at school and what coping strategies have been working. Get some plans in place for in school that parents and students are comfortable with. When families work together with teachers and counselors, it makes a huge difference for their child. They feel that love and support!
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
I have a twin sister who lives in Michigan. I miss her dearly and can't wait for her to move back home!
Curious to learn more? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based support!
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anger management and anxiety therapy in St. Louis for kids, teens, and college students and support for their parents. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.