Calling all High School Students!

Posted: August 2, 2024

By: Alexia Cabreras MS, LPC Associate & Simrah Wasim MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S

Calling all High School Students!

Let's face it…summer is over…when you finally thought you had nothing to worry about, here we go..back to school! Unfortunately, all the things that didn’t stress you out throughout the summer will start flooding back in. The academic workload, sleep deprivation, lack of support, social pressure, unhealthy relationships, and all the things that can be detrimental to your mental health become significant again. Isn't it crazy that this is something many high schoolers go through, and yet no one finds it easy to talk about and ask for help? With that being said, our high school group is the perfect setting to talk about all the hardships being faced at school and in your day-to-day life. We don't often recognize how many people go through the same things we experience until we surround ourselves with others open to being vulnerable. I hope as you read this blog you may find the motivation to join our group and maybe even bring your friends too!

So…who can join the high school group?

ALL High Schoolers! It doesn't matter if you'll be starting HS in the fall or soon to graduate, this group is for you! We can't wait to work with everyone in grades 9th -12th.

When is it?

Every Thursday 6-7 PM starting August 8th! By doing a weekly group, we guarantee consistency and an ongoing support system to all of our members who choose to join. Not only that, but we know “stuff” happens and you may not always be able to make it, a weekly schedule allows you to come as you please, while knowing we will always be there.

How much is the high school group?

$10 per group! We aim to ensure that those who join our group have access at an affordable rate.

What are the benefits of group counseling?

Group counseling is a fun and effective way to meet people with similar interests as well as differences. We can always learn from one another, and this can happen productively by creating a safe space. Talking to others and getting to know them allows us to learn new skills. You are able to learn and work on social skills, confidence, accountability, and creating a sense of community. The group also offers working and navigating through challenges whilst supporting one another. This group does not only focus on being in high school, we truly talk about real-life things like relationship issues and household dynamics. We talk about the rough stuff like dealing with depression, anxiety, and mental health in general.

What will we be doing in the high school group?

There's not a single answer to this, it's much more complex than you may think. But to give you an idea, we'll be doing multiple things at once! We will be processing and engaging in psychoeducation and psychotherapy all at once. We will discuss many topics such as transitioning in and out of high school, navigating through academics and extracurriculars, socializing, making appropriate choices, and more! As facilitators of the group, we will also be in charge of activities and making sure everyone feels welcome. We aim to have a fun group, after all, therapy is supposed to be fun too!

Parents, get to know us….

Throughout this blog, we have often said “we”, now it's time to get to know us and before we tell you a little more about ourselves, we would like to add a fun little fact. We have both known each other for a long time, and we both know what it's like to navigate being in school and facing hardships too, we did school together and faced that journey together! On top of that, not only are we colleagues, we have a friendship, and we both know personally and professionally the benefits of having a solid support system like the one we aim to create in our group.

Alexia Cabreras

Hi everyone! My name is Alexia! I am an LPC-A, I predominately work with adolescents and adults. My goal is to support you, validate you, encourage you and push you to grow through a safe space. I want you to always be yourself and truly enjoy the thrill of seeking therapy. As a therapist, I wish there was more access to groups like these everywhere, but being part of the change is providing this opportunity to those who can join! Simrah and I can't wait to get to know you and work as a team!

Simrah Wasim

Hi everyone! Simrah here! I am an LPC-A who loves working with children and teens. My goal is to help ensure that we are creating the best versions of ourselves. Having counseling at a crucial developmental age is a resource that we shouldn’t take for granted. I am sure there are times when some of us can reflect and think “I wish I had more help.” This is where Alexia and I come in! We are here to provide the tools that high schoolers need, whether this is for personal growth or professional development. Can’t wait to meet you all and get started!

Begin Group Therapy in Katy, TX!

If you are looking for a supportive group for your teen, our high school group at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
Find ways to thrive through therapy today!

Other Therapy Services We Offer:

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men's issues, women's issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!