Counselor Chat Podcast

January has a way of making counselors feel like they should start over with new systems, new routines, new everything. But what if that pressure is actually working against your effectiveness?

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm offering a grounded reframe for the new year: you don’t need to become a brand-new counselor just because the calendar changed.

Instead, this episode invites you to slow down, protect your energy, and focus on what already works.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

As the calendar turns to a new year, many school counselors find themselves holding a mix of emotions about heading back to work. Motivation might feel low, energy might feel scattered, and that sense of readiness may not be there yet.

In this New Year’s Eve re-listen, I'm revisiting Episode 41 of Counselor Chat Podcast, a conversation counselors return to again and again when break comes to an end.

This episode is a reminder that feeling unmotivated, heavy, or unsure about returning to school is normal. Motivation does not magically appear on January 1st, and yo...

As the holiday season arrives, we’re revisiting one of the most meaningful episodes of Counselor Chat — a conversation filled with honest advice, encouragement, and reminders from counselors who truly understand the work.

In this episode, counselors from across the country share the wisdom they wish they had when they were new to the profession — advice that’s just as powerful for seasoned counselors navigating full plates, shifting priorities, and year-end reflection.

You’ll hear thoughtful insights on:

December in schools hits different.

The schedules are off. The kids are buzzing. The teachers are exhausted. And counselors are somehow expected to be part Santa, part therapist, and part crisis manager… all before lunch.

If your December feels especially full, you are not imagining it.

In this week’s episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing The School Counselor’s Holiday Survival Guide. It’s a realistic, no-pressure conversation about how to get through this season without losing your sanity or your joy.

In this episode, we talk about:

Episode 140: Finding Calm in the Counselor Chaos

December brings a special kind of school chaos. Schedules shift. Energy skyrockets. Teachers and students feel stretched. And counselors often find themselves trying to hold it all together.

In this episode, I am sharing simple ways to stay grounded, centered, and calm during one of the busiest months of the school year.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Common early signs of counselor burnout

 • Why noticing burnout is an act of wisdom, not weakness

 • Easy micro practices that take 30 seconds to 2 minutes

 • A guided one-minute breathing reset you can use anytime

 • How to l...

December can feel like a whirlwind in schools, which makes it the perfect time to slow down and center students in one of the most grounding SEL themes we have: gratitude.

In this episode, I am sharing simple, meaningful ways to introduce gratitude to students of all ages, plus ideas for weaving it into your counseling program throughout the whole month.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why gratitude boosts mood, relationships, and academic outcomes

• How gratitude connects to all five CASEL competencies

• How I use the book Last Stop on...

Right before Thanksgiving, in the middle of progress reports, last-minute meetings, and all the pumpkin spice in the world, it can be easy to miss the small moments that actually fuel us.

This episode is a gentle pause.

 A breath.

 A circle of gratitude created for you.

I asked counselors in my Facebook groups what they are most grateful for, and their answers were pure joy, connection, and heart. Today I am sharing their stories, along with a few of my own, as a reminder that even in the chaos, the work you do every day truly matters.

✨ What You Will Hear in This Episode:

In this week's podcast we look at pre-holiday behavior spikes through a problem-solving lens. Instead of “How do we punish this?” we ask, “What skill is missing?” She models restorative conversations, shares reflection tools that build self-awareness, and walks through calm-down strategies that help students regulate before you problem-solve.

Key takeaways

How do we help students stand by their values even when doing so might cost them friends?

In this week’s episode, I'm sharing how a simple story—The Fall Festival Dilemma—sparked powerful conversations about honesty, belonging, and integrity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

October might be over, but kindness shouldn’t be. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how restorative practices can take your school from reactive to relational — and how simple daily routines can build a culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Restorative practices aren’t about punishment; they’re about connection. When we focus on building relationships first, we prevent harm — and when harm does happen, we know how to repair it with empathy and understanding.

I’ll walk you through what this looks like at each tier — from morning greetings and check-ins to commu...

October is packed—Red Ribbon Week, conferences, spirit days, and of course, Bullying Prevention Month. But if we really want to create schools where students feel safe, seen, and supported, our work has to go deeper than themed t-shirts and hashtag campaigns.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to build an anti-bullying culture that lasts long after October ends — one rooted in empathy, connection, and consistency.

Here’s what I’ll walk you through:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing one of my favorite fall-inspired lessons — what I like to call The Candy Corn Principle.

You know how people either love or hate candy corn? Well, the same goes for our work as school counselors. No matter how much heart, effort, or intention we pour into our programs, not everyone is going to love what we do — and that’s okay.

In this episode, I’m talking about why trying to please everyone can leave you burned out and how to stay focused on what truly matters: m...

In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, I'm exploring how counselors can help students move beyond “Don’t be a bully” to living empathy through meaningful, collaborative kindness projects.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Lead with empathy — not just awareness. Don’t just define kindness. Show it. Celebrate it. Let it grow.

Resources mentioned:

Where Oliver Fits Lesson

Books Mentioned:

The Kindne...

The first few weeks of school are often a blur of class schedules, new faces, and back-to-school energy—but they’re also the time when every referral seems to come in at once.

In this episode, I'm breaking down how to handle that wave of requests without losing your mind (or your lunch break). You’ll learn how to triage like a pro, set healthy boundaries with staff, and create systems that save your future self a ton of time and stress.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

The first few weeks of school aren’t just about bulletin boards and icebreakers. They’re the perfect time to notice the small shifts in our students that tell us something deeper might be going on.

In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to recognize red flags early, along with strategies to check in without making students feel called out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

“What do you do again?” If you’ve ever heard this question, you already know why visibility matters. In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into how a simple monthly newsletter can help you advocate for your role, connect with staff and families, and showcase the true impact of school counseling.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Do you ever feel like you and your principal are speaking two different languages? Maybe you’ve been asked to cover lunch duty, sit in on last-minute student issues, or explain (again) why your role matters. You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re talking about how to collaborate with administrators without feeling like you’re constantly on defense. You’ll learn how to reset your mindset, swap your language, and use strategy that strengthens your working relationships.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Suicide prevention isn’t easy to talk about—but it’s a conversation we can’t afford to avoid. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I share strategies, stories, and resources to help school counselors navigate this difficult but critical topic.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Sometimes the smallest gestures hold the biggest power. In this episode, we’re talking about how the High Five Habit can transform your energy, your relationships, and your school year.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

Crisis isn’t on your calendar—but it will find its way into your school year. From grief to suicide risk to behavioral outbursts, these moments change everything in an instant. In this episode, I share how to build a Crisis Toolkit so you’re ready to respond with care, structure, and sanity when the unexpected comes knocking.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Episode Summary:

What does ice cream have to do with school counseling? More than you might think. In this episode, I share the famous Blueberry Story—a tale that perfectly captures the heart of what we do as counselors. While businesses can send back “bad batches,” schools take every child who walks through the doors—gifted, anxious, angry, brilliant, frightened, and everything in between.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

If you’ve ever felt like your day is one giant interruption, this episode is for you.

In this week’s Counselor Chat, I'm sharing my go-to strategies for using time-blocking to create structure, reduce chaos, and make room for what matters most in your school counseling program.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover:

Let’s be honest—back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind. But there’s one move that can make the whole year smoother: teaming up with teachers from the start.

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm walking you through simple and creative ways to build trust and connection with your teaching staff—without adding more stress to your plate.

You’ll learn:

In this inspiring guest episode of Counselor Chat, Carey Hughes and Rachel Haglin take the mic to share how a simple shift in mindset — and one powerful administrative conference — led to real advocacy and real results.

They didn’t just talk about change. They led it. And it’s already transforming their district.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

August doesn’t have to feel like a whirlwind of late nights, unlaminated posters, and cold cups of coffee. I'll share the 10 intentional steps I'm taking this summer to avoid the dreaded back-to-school chaos—and how you can do the same.

From organizing your counseling office (yes, both paper files and those prehistoric Google Docs) to prepping data tools, small group plans, and even your go-to “counselor tote,” Carol walks through the exact systems and routines she’s setting up now to make the start of the school year smoother and calmer.

In this episode, you’ll lea...

Are you navigating a new caseload structure this year? Wondering how to divide the work with a co-counselor without splitting the heart of your program? In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies and real-life examples of caseload division that works—plus the bumps to avoid.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re brand new to a team or refining what’s already in place...

This week on Counselor Chat, we’re taking a break from the heavy stuff and diving into a little mid-summer magic. It’s a personal episode full of recommendations, reflections, and fun finds that are keeping me grounded, growing, and even a little more organized during these sunny months.

Here’s what I’m sharing:

📚 What I’m Reading

🎧 What I’m Listening To

📺 What I’m Watching

🥗 What I’m Cooking

✨ What’s Coming Up:

In this candid solo episode, I get real about mid-summer counselor burnout. If you’ve been feeling tired, guilty for not “doing more,” or wondering why you’re not excited for back-to-school season—this conversation is your permission slip to hit pause and actually recharge. I'm sharing personal stories, actionable reflection questions, and why summer isn’t a competition for productivity—it’s a chance to reconnect with who you are and why you started this work in the first place.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

In this inspiring guest takeover, Kansas-based counselor Cassie Good shares how starting an Advisory Council changed everything—from how her role was viewed to how she spent her time.

What You’ll Learn:

Cassie’s advice: You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

🎙️ Episode Title: That One Student – Ending the Year with Impact

In this powerful episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the emotional story of “that one student” — or in her case, an entire family — who made a lasting impact during the school year. From crisis to resilience, you'll hear how four siblings reminded her why school counselors do this work, even when it’s messy, hard, and uncertain.

You'll walk away with:

This week on Counselor Chat, we’re getting personal—and a little behind-the-scenes.

🎧 Episode 114: Conference Confidential – The Backstage Tour of the Summer Counselor Conference

In this episode, I’m sharing how the Summer Counselor Conference came to life—from the spark of an idea to a community of thousands of counselors learning together from the comfort of their homes.

✨ Inside this episode:

In this heartfelt episode, I'm sharing a mix of laughter, encouragement, and reflection for school counselors wrapping up the year. Drawing from letters written by real counselors, this episode offers wisdom to tuck away for the tough days ahead—and a reminder that your work truly matters.

Highlights:

Words of Wisdom from the Episode:

What happens when grief becomes your unexpected companion—but also your teacher?

In this heartfelt Podcast Takeover, guest host Carol Colao opens up about guiding children through grief in her school counseling role, sharing signs, stories, and a reminder that children grieve differently--and deeply. She’s joined by Julie Riga, a leadership coach and author, who turned her grief into purpose by completing her late father’s memoir and discovering “authentic grieving” in the process.

This episode is a touching blend of personal story and professional wisdom—and a reminder that hope can grow even in the hardest seasons.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

As school counselors, we tend to spotlight the big moments—graduations, awards, and final grades. But what about the small wins? The quiet growth, the subtle progress, and the unseen impact?

In this uplifting episode, I'm sharing why those “little things” might just be the most important part of our work—and how you can start recognizing and celebrating them today.

You'll hear:

“Those tiny victories build momentum, boost morale, and create a positive environment for everyone… You are making an impac...

Surviving school counseling? Sure, it’s doable. But thriving in it? That takes intention. In this episode, Carol shares the 5 non-negotiables that help counselors stay grounded, confident, and impactful—no matter what time of year it is.

Whether you're wrapping up the school year or planning ahead, these five foundational pillars will support your work (and your wellness).

What You’ll Learn:

Between testing, field trips, and students bouncing off the walls, May can be chaotic. But even during the busiest weeks of the school year, you can make meaningful moves for Mental Health Awareness Month—without adding more to your calendar.

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing quick, creative, and practical ways to promote mental wellness at school without burning yourself out.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re exploring one of the most important (and exciting!) aspects of school counseling: promoting self-discovery.

Forget the "find yourself in a forest" narrative — we're talking about real, practical strategies to help students uncover who they are, what they're great at, and how to channel that into meaningful goals.

What You’ll Learn:

In this heartfelt episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into something every school counselor faces: when a student you once saw regularly suddenly fades from view. Whether it's due to schedules, emotions, or avoidance, reconnection is possible—and often starts with something small.

🧠 Here’s what we’ll explore:

In this episode, we’re cracking open the (possibly chaotic) game closet to help you survive and thrive this spring with low-prep, high-impact games.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

🌟 Counselor Tip: Don’t be afraid to end early if the energy gets too wild—sometim...

It’s that time of year again.

The sun is trying to shine, test season is in full swing, and your to-do list just grew its own to-do list. Before the end-of-year whirlwind sweeps you away, it’s time for some spring cleaning—but not just for your desk.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

Feeling like May and June are just a chaotic blur of testing, field trips, and students who’ve forgotten how to sit in chairs? Same. But believe it or not, it’s actually the perfect time to run small groups—and in this episode, I’m sharing exactly why.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re doing a mid-year check-in to reflect, reassess, and reframe our approach so we can make the rest of the school year impactful and fulfilling.

What We Cover:

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, and as school counselors, we need to be prepared. In this episode, we cover how to recognize the warning signs, approach students with care, and provide them with real, effective coping strategies.

This is a heavy topic—but you are not alone. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to confidently support students who self-harm, without feeling overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The real reason students self-harm (it’s not for attention)

✔️ How to identify warning signs—even when students try to hide it

✔️ T...

Want to make your lessons fun and engaging without feeling like a stand-up comedian? The energy you bring into your classroom can make or break student engagement. In this episode, we dive into simple ways to bring enthusiasm, structure, and interaction to your lessons—without adding extra work to your plate.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why your energy sets the tone for engagement

✔️ The easiest way to instantly shift a classroom’s atmosphere

✔️ How movement, tone, and facial expressions keep students engaged

✔️ Simple, no-prep activities to make learning interactive

✔️ Managing your...

🎉 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This milestone is all thanks to YOU—our amazing community of school counselors who tune in, take action, and make a difference every single day. Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or just found Counselor Chat, I’m beyond grateful for your support.

This podcast started as a simple idea—to create a space where school counselors could get practical strategies, feel supported, and be reminded that they’re never alone in this journey. And wow, has it grown! Along the way, we’ve had incredible conversations, deep dives into real challenges...

Crisis situations in schools are unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into Crisis Management 101: what to do before, during, and after a crisis to ensure the best possible support for your students, staff, and yourself.

From grief and loss to natural disasters and mental health emergencies, we’ll cover the key steps to handling crises with confidence.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The different types of school crises and how to navigate them

✅ The importance of having a crisis response...

What if making your counseling program more effective didn’t require a total overhaul? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re talking about small, strategic changes that can create major improvements—without adding more to your plate.

From simple check-in boards to five-minute classroom visits, these easy tweaks will help you better connect with students, streamline your work, and make a lasting impact.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How a check-in board can give you real-time insight into student emotions

✅ The magic of five-minute classroom visits (and how they build trus...

Self-care has been marketed to us as bubble baths, spa days, and green juices—but let’s be real, school counselors don’t always have that kind of time. In this episode, we’re breaking down what self-care really looks like when you’re juggling a full caseload, endless emails, and back-to-back student crises.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Happy National School Counseling Week! While we’ve already talked about ways to celebrate (check out Episode 94 if you missed it), today we’re taking it one step further—by creating a vision board for your school counseling program.

A vision board isn’t just a fun craft project; it’s a powerful tool for goal setting, advocacy, and intentionality in your counseling program. Whether you’re focusing on student engagement, SEL initiatives, or data-driven success, having a visual roadmap can help keep you motivated and on track throughout the year.

📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Welcome back to Counselor Chat! In this episode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but incredibly powerful tool of small talk. Whether you’re working with a shy first-grader or a skeptical high schooler, small talk is more than just casual chitchat—it’s a bridge to building trust, setting the tone, and paving the way for meaningful conversations.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Episode Highlights:

National School Counseling Week is just around the corner, and this episode of Counselor Chat is all about helping you make it memorable! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, I'm sharing creative ideas, advocacy tips, and time-saving strategies to celebrate your work, engage your school community, and amplify your impact.

From fun activities like counselor coffee chats and student shout-out walls to leveraging social media with themed posts and hashtags, there’s something for every school counselor looking to shine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

New Year, new resolutions to get organized! In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m tackling one of the biggest challenges we face as school counselors — time management. Between unexpected crises, back-to-back meetings, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But guess what? Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your schedule — it’s about focusing on what truly matters.

I’ll share practical tips to help you:

✅ Prioritize your most important tasks

✅ Batch your work to save time

✅ Set boundaries to prot...

Are you constantly saying "yes" to everything and feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for many school counselors: overcommitment. As natural helpers, we often feel the urge to take on more, but saying yes to everything can quickly lead to burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎯 Why overcommitment is so common among school counselors

🎯 The real reason saying no feels uncomfortable — and how to move past it

🎯 How to reframe your no as a yes to what matters most

🎯 Three pr...

Today, we’re diving deep into the power of mentorship in school counseling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise or a newbie looking for guidance, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Welcome to a special holiday episode of Counselor Chat Podcast!

As we head into the festive season, it’s important to remember that the holidays aren’t joyful for everyone.

In this episode, we’re exploring how to foster gratitude, recognize the value of every gift, and support our students and colleagues during this emotionally charged time of year.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m joined by Dr. Cayce Batts, Social Work Educator and former K-12 School Social Worker in Kentucky, to explore the power of collaboration between school counselors and social workers. If you’ve ever wondered how these roles can work together seamlessly to better serve students, this conversation is for you!

Cayce and I dive into the unique strengths and focus areas of each profession, the importance of setting boundaries while remaining flexible, and how building strong partnerships can lead to a bigger impact. Whether you’re a school counselor or social...

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Altman, a seasoned elementary school counselor with 20 years of experience at Sycamore Elementary in Indiana. Sarah gives us an inspiring and detailed look at what it’s like to manage the daily ups and downs of school counseling while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families.

From her creative lesson plans to balancing unexpected challenges, Sarah shares practical strategies, tips, and wisdom that every school counselor—no matter their experience level—can learn from.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Welcome back to another episode of Counselor Chat! Today, I’m thrilled to share a conversation with the one and only Julia Cook. Julia is a former counselor and celebrated author whose books like My Mouth Is a Volcano and Tattle Tongue are staples on school counseling shelves across the nation. In this episode, Julia shares her journey from writing her first book to creating a collection that’s been translated into nine languages and used in schools worldwide.

We explore:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm thrilled to be joined by two inspiring elementary school counselors, Allie and Elizabeth from North Carolina. These two bring such incredible passion to their work, and today they’re giving us an inside look into the joys, challenges, and creative solutions they use to support their students.

We dive into what a “typical” day (if there even is one!) looks like for them, and they share everything from classroom lessons on empathy to creative attendance initiatives that keep students excited about coming to school. Their teamwork, problem-solving, and dedication to creati...

In this heartfelt episode of Counselor Chat, I'm diving deep into one of the core challenges many school counselors face: feeling like the effort you’re putting in doesn’t always lead to visible results. Inspired by a powerful anonymous post from a fellow counselor,

Through real-life stories and insights, I share how just being present for a student, offering a kind word, or modeling integrity can have a lasting impact. This episode is all about recognizing and valuing the subtle yet profound influence you have every day in the lives of your students and colleagues.

Ep...

In this special Halloween-themed episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into how we can use our leftover Halloween candy in our school counseling program!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into an economic concept that might not seem like it applies to school counseling—but trust me, it does!

We’re talking about the Law of Diminishing Returns and how it affects your time, energy, and impact as a school counselor.

Ever feel like the more you give, the less you’re able to accomplish? That’s because constantly responding to crises can lead to burnout and prevent you from making the systemic changes that truly benefit all students.

In this episode, I’ll walk you thr...

In this special Halloween-themed episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into the “school counselor scaries”—those fears and worries that often haunt us in our role as school counselors. From serious concerns like student safety and mental health to the lighter worries like navigating school politics or surviving Monday mornings, we’re covering it all!

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most challenging aspects of being a school counselor: navigating difficult conversations with parents.

From discussing mental health concerns to addressing student safety, these conversations can be emotional, unpredictable, and downright tough.

But with the right approach, you can turn even the most uncomfortable moments into opportunities for meaningful connection and positive change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Welcome to another episode of Counselor Chat! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for every school: fostering an anti-bullying culture. While October is National Bullying Prevention Month, building a supportive, bully-free environment is something we should be doing year-round. In this episode, we explore practical strategies and activities to help you create a culture of kindness and respect at your school.

Key Takeaways:

In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that I know so many of us struggle with—how to fit everything into our school counseling program. With all the different awareness months, SEL lessons, and building needs, it can feel like we’re being pulled in a million different directions. And let's be honest, sometimes it just feels like too much.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most important topics we face as school counselors—suicide prevention. As someone who has experienced the heartbreaking reality of losing students to suicide, this topic is very personal for me. But it’s also a call to action for all of us.

Here’s what you can expect from today’s episode:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into a fun and insightful activity that can be a game-changer for your next faculty meeting or even for use with students—The Leadership Compass.

This activity helps individuals identify their leadership style based on four compass directions: North, South, East, and West. Whether you’re a “take charge” North, a “big picture” East, a “detail-oriented” West, or a “relationship-building” South, this exercise fosters a deeper understanding of how each style contributes to effective teamwork.

You’ll learn how to use this tool to boost collaboration, appreciate the diversity...

In this episode, I’m sharing my top ten strategies for school counselors to start the school year successfully. Whether you’re returning to a familiar school or stepping into a new one, these tips will help you build strong relationships, organize your counseling program, and set up a solid foundation for the year.

Episode Highlights:

As school counselors, we often rely on data to prove our effectiveness.

But here's the reality: not everything we do can be measured. Some of the most impactful moments we create with students are those that can't be quantified, yet they leave a lasting impression.

In this episode, we dive into:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we explore leadership through the lens of the "Leadership from a Dancing Guy" video. This simple yet powerful video can be a tool for school counselors to ignite movements within their school communities. By embracing the role of a leader, even when it feels like dancing alone, school counselors can inspire students, teachers, and parents to create a positive, inclusive environment.

Key Takeaways:

In this second episode of our Back to School series, I’m diving into a topic that’s incredibly important for us as school counselors—how to make sure the vital work we do doesn’t go unnoticed.

Too often, despite the significant impact we have, our efforts can go unseen by those around us.

In this episode, I emphasize the importance of:

Episode Summary:

This episode kicks off a special series dedicated to sharing valuable lessons and advice to help school counselors have their best year ever. Drawing inspiration from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, Carol discusses the profound impact of habits on personal identity and professional effectiveness. She shares practical strategies for habit formation, such as habit stacking and the two-minute rule, and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in developing habits that support wellness and work-life balance.

Key Points:

Key Points Covered:

The Role of Data in School Counseling:

Types of Data School Counselors Can Collect:

Using Data to Create Responsive Programs: 

Strategies for sharing data effectively: 

Today's episode we talk about 10 creative ways to use a plain piece of paper as a powerful school counseling tool

Creative Paper Activities:

1. Mind Mapping:

- Visual representation of thoughts and feelings

- Great for brainstorming and organizing ideas

2. Goal Setting:

- Fold paper into sections for short-term and long-term goals

- Create a roadmap to visualize progress

3. Art Therapy:

- Encourage self-expression and emotional articulation

- Activities like "I am" statements with watercolors

4...

Join me today as we talk all about how to use mind mapping as a school counselor to enhance your school counseling program.

Mind Mapping is a visual technique to organize thoughts, information, and ideas. The benefits of using mind mapping is that it enhances creativity, helps with critical thinking, and eases problem-solving skills.

Steps to Create a Mind Map:

1. Start with a blank paper or whiteboard

2. Place the central thought in the middle

3. Branch out with related ideas and subtopics

4. Avoid judging ideas initially, just brainstorm...

Tips for Attending the ASCA Conference & Exciting Updates!

Join Brandy Thompson as she takes over the Counselor Chat podcast for this episode! Brandy shares valuable tips for making the most of your ASCA conference experience. Get ready for essential packing advice, networking strategies, and must-see sessions.

**Key Points:**

ASCA Conference Tips:

- Wear comfortable shoes and pack light.

- Bring a sweater for cold conference rooms.

- Download the conference app for updates and schedules.

- Don’t miss the exhibit hall for networking and di...

Resources Mentioned:

In this episode:

I am thrilled to have my friend Leslie from Informed Decisions join us. Leslie is a fantastic social worker based in Brooklyn, New York, with a wealth of experience working with diverse groups, including court-involved youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, teen mothers, special needs populations, and fellow educators.

Leslie shares her invaluable insights on advisories and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) programs, providing practical advice and real-world examples to help school counselors effectively engage their students and create impactful programs.

Key Highlights:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm diving into the importance of establishing a balanced summer routine for school counselors.

I should forewarn you—this episode might stir some debate about summer routines for school counselors, but it’s important to talk about.

Key Takeaways:

Rest and Relaxation:

Reflect and Plan:

Professional Development:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I sit down with Jenice Lee. a youth development consultant and the voice behind the podcast School After Hours. Jenice shares her extensive experience and insights on the importance of after-school programs, their benefits, and how school counselors can effectively collaborate with these programs to create a cohesive and supportive school culture.

Topics Discussed:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we dive into:

In this episode, we have a special guest, John Burnett, a middle school counselor from Houston, Texas.

John's journey into education is nothing short of inspiring and serves as a great reminder that our paths can be as unique as the students we serve.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode, I dive into the unpredictable nature of school counseling and share strategies to navigate the daily chaos effectively.

I'm thrilled to be joined by my good friend Laura Filtness from Positive School Counselor, an experienced elementary school counselor from Tennessee.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of Counselor Chat:

We dive into the transformative technique of mind mapping and how it can elevate your school counseling programs.

Whether you're familiar with mind mapping or it's a new concept for you, this episode will provide practical insights and tips to help you harness its full potential.

Here's what we cover:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I dive into your questions about navigating some of the common challenges we face as school counselors. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming interview or trying to optimize your time with students, I've got some tips and stories to help you through. Here's what we covered:

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we tackle the often-dreaded state testing season with a fresh perspective and effective strategies to support our students. 

We dive into practical tips and creative ideas designed to alleviate testing anxiety and foster a supportive atmosphere in our schools.

Highlights of this episode:

In this episode of the Counselor Chat podcast, we explore the various ways school counselors can step into leadership roles within their schools and communities. I discuss the differences between vertical and horizontal leadership and share examples of how these leadership styles can make a significant impact on student success and school culture. Whether you're a new counselor or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing leadership to better support students and advocate for our profession.

Key Topics Covered:

Types of Leadership: I break down vertical and horizontal leadership and explain how...

In this episode of the Counselor Chat podcast, I share insights into what I wish I had known earlier in my career as a school counselor. We explore the lessons learned from over three decades in the field, and I offer practical advice to both new and experienced counselors. Join me as I discuss key topics like setting boundaries, understanding contracts, and the importance of retirement planning, along with insights from other counselors in our Facebook group.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the Counselor Chat, we are learning all about the Circle of Control, a fundamental concept that helps us differentiate between what we can and cannot influence in our lives. 

Episode Highlights:

Understanding the Circle of Control:

Setting Boundaries:

T...

In this episode we are exploring side hustles and how to make ends meet as a school counselor.

Episode Highlights:

My Journey to Side Hustles:

Inspiring Side Hustle Ideas from Our Community:

The Joy of Creating Tangible Results:

In this episode, I am absolutely thrilled to announce we are celebrating a very special milestone - the one-year anniversary of the Counselor Chat Podcast!

???? Highlights of Our Journey:

Today I am taking you on a journey into the world of teaching careers to our youngest learners.

Episode Highlights:

Kindergarten Dreams:

First Grade Adventures:

In this episode, we are chatting about something that is sure to spark joy and excitement - future planning for our incredible students! 

Highlights:

Exploring Future Planning

Strategies for Engagement

In this Episode of the Counselor Chat, we delve into the challenging terrain of grief, particularly for school counselors who are often pillars of strength for their communities.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, we are heading into the art of crafting purposeful counseling sessions. Whether you're new to individual counseling or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to make your sessions effective and engaging.

Episode Highlights:

Resources Mentioned:

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, we are diving into the realm of individual counseling. With a focus on making each session purposeful and impactful, I am sharing practical strategies and insights drawn from my own experience in the field.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, join me as we delve into the nuanced world of student counseling.

If you have been inundated by an influx of referrals for individual counseling, it's important to make informed decisions about the appropriate type of counseling for each student.

Key Points Covered:

Welcome to episode 47 of the Counselor Chat podcast. Today we are diving in deep and talking about how to use Community Circle as SEL lesson.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Community Circles:

2. Setting Up Community Circles:

In this episode:

Join me as we dive into a heartwarming discussion on celebrating Kindness Month in schools. Throughout the episode, I am sharing tons of ideas, strategies, and book recommendations aimed at fostering empathy and kindness among students. 

From school-wide projects to individual acts of kindness, this episode is packed with actionable tips for school counselors looking to make a significant impact on student growth and success.

Whether you're searching for new ideas or looking to refresh your kindness initiatives, this episode promises inspiration and practical advice to help you spread kindness t...