Good afternoon,   Thank you so much for your response.  There have been no counseling sessions over the last 3 months - she was doing so much better.  But I have an appointment scheduled on 2/1.  I am suspicious about the trigger - her mother rarely communicates with her.  She received a gift box from her mother over Christmas.  But the card enclosed made reference to a belated birthday gift rather than a Christmas gift.  Harm was inflicted prior to the arrival of the gift box - but I'm thinking that perhaps her mother reached out via text and announced that something was forthcoming.  She really spiraled after the gift box was received.  She was depressed, lethargic, complained of tummy aches and had no desire to go to school. I tried to get her to share her feelings with me but had no luck.  After a while I approached her and told her that I had made an observation - that I had observed a change in her personality after the gift box was received.  I asked her if her feelings were related to this.  She admitted that it was.  But that's as far as it went. So, I just hugged her, told her I loved her, I understood and was here if she needed me.   I could use some advice on the best methods of approach so I can get her to talk to me.  I feel so inadequate.     There are other issues as well - such as effective and appropriate consequences for misbehavior.  I try to set boundaries - but don't want to be too rigid.  She's a very headstrong young lady - the kind that will do exactly what you tell her not to do.  She always wants to know why a rule has been implemented or a request has been denied.   I wish I had a degree in child psychology!  She's wearing me out.   ... View more