Description: Samantha feels like she doesn’t fit in with her peers.

 Model Statement: “At age 13, there are a lot of social pressures, coming from your friends at school, teammates at soccer, and influencers on social media. It’s important to be a part of a community that accepts and supports you. If you don’t feel accepted or supported, then you should feel comfortable discussing these issues with people you do trust, because that environment might not be healthy for you. It’s also possible that you’re being hard on yourself. I know it’s tempting to compare yourself to others, but don’t let that damage your self-worth.”

 Description: Samantha has insecurities about her body image.

 Model Statement: “Samantha, you’ve mentioned wanting to lose baby fat and look athletic. I’m really sorry you’re having a hard time with the way people see you and the way you see yourself, but there’s nothing wrong with how you look, and you’re in good health. I know it’s easy for me to say this here in the clinic and hard for you when you’re getting compared to other people, but there’s nothing you need to change about yourself.”

 Description: Samantha has concerns that she should have had her first period already.

 Model Statement: “Knowing that your classmates are having their periods when you haven’t had one yet can be frustrating, but you don’t have anything to worry about. It’s typical for someone your age to not have started menstruating yet, and we can expect it to happen before you are 15. Everyone’s experience is a little bit different—sometimes I have patients who are concerned at how early they started. You’re prepared for your first period when it happens, and you’re comfortable talking about it here. That’s the maturity that matters, so do your best not to worry about where your peers are.”

 Description: Samantha says that she skips lunch once or twice a week to reduce her caloric intake.

 Model Statement: “It’s very important to eat lunch, along with the rest of your regular meals. You’re still growing, and that takes a lot of food and energy. You’re also a soccer player, and athletes need plenty of calories and nutrients to play well and stay healthy. You definitely don’t need to feel bad about eating lunch. On top of that, skipping meals can feel pretty bad. When I miss lunch, I get a headache and feel cranky. Please go easy on yourself and your body and try not to skip lunch anymore.”