Because gifted girls so often fail to achieve their potential, they require specialized programming and counseling. Three factors in this longstanding pattern of underachievement and associated issues are: (1) biological (girls lack the innate ability to achieve); (2) environmental (aspects of the environment do not encourage female achievement); and (3) psychological (girls' personalities inhibit their achievement). Counseling, both formal and informal, can be critical in helping girls to recognize and address sex role stereotypes. Counseling can also serve as a positive force in the development of gifted girls' self concept and be instrumental in identifying mentors with whom girls can explore careers and lifestyles. Nine specific suggestions for teachers are offered. (Contains 46 references and resources.) (DB)