Afleveringen
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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 topicâbut you are not alone. By the end of this episode, youâll have practical steps to confidently support students who self-harm, without feeling overwhelmed.
What Youâll Learn:
âď¸ The real reason students self-harm (itâs not for attention)
âď¸ How to identify warning signsâeven when students try to hide it
âď¸ The best way to start the conversation without making them shut down
âď¸ Healthy alternatives to self-harm (spoiler: red markers & ice cubes work wonders)
âď¸ Why involving parents can be trickyâand how to do it right
âď¸ How to create a safety plan that actually helps
âď¸ Self-care for youâbecause this is heavy work
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
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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 lessonsâwithout adding extra work to your plate.
What Youâll Learn:
âď¸ Why your energy sets the tone for engagement
âď¸ The easiest way to instantly shift a classroomâs atmosphere
âď¸ How movement, tone, and facial expressions keep students engaged
âď¸ Simple, no-prep activities to make learning interactive
âď¸ Managing your own energy so you donât feel drained
Resources Mentioned:
Kindergarten Career Lessons Community Helpers and Tools
Grade 1 Career Lesson Community Helpers and Their Skills
Grade 2 Career Lesson Careers and Training Needed
Grade 3 Career Lessons Multiple Intelligences
Grade 4 Career Lessons Careers and Workspaces
Grade 5 Career Lessons Career Interest Inventory and Research
Grade 6 Career Lessons Career Research
The next time you walk into a lesson, be intentional about your energy. Walk in with a smile, bring a little enthusiasm, and make it interactive. The difference? Itâs huge!
Until next time, keep bringing the good vibesâyouâre making a difference! đ
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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đ 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This milestone is all thanks to YOUâour amazing community of school counselors who tune in, take action, and make a difference every single day. Whether youâve been listening since episode one or just found Counselor Chat, Iâm beyond grateful for your support.
This podcast started as a simple ideaâto create a space where school counselors could get practical strategies, feel supported, and be reminded that theyâre never alone in this journey. And wow, has it grown! Along the way, weâve had incredible conversations, deep dives into real challenges, and moments of pure inspiration.
đ YOU are the reason weâve made it to 100 episodes. So today, weâre celebrating together!
Inside This Special Episode:â A heartfelt reflection on the journey to 100 episodes
â The top 5 most-loved episodes and why theyâve resonated so deeply
â A sneak peek into the exciting topics and guests coming your way
Because this is such a big milestone, I want to celebrate youâthe amazing listeners who make this podcast possible! To say thank you, Iâm doing a special giveaway. One lucky listener will win a $100 Amazon gift card!
Hereâs how to enter:
Make sure youâre following this podcast.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.Snap a picture of your review and email it to me at [email protected].Thatâs it! Iâll pick a winner by March 5th, 2025, and announce it on an upcoming episode.
Some of the episodes you all loved the most include:
đ§ Individual Counseling Like A Pro (Episode 49) â This episode dove into making the most of one-on-one time with students and structuring sessions effectively.
đ§ Finding Grace in Grief: A School Counselorâs Journey (Episode 51) â A deeply moving episode where we talked about grief, loss, and supporting students through tough times.
đ§ What Am I Supposed To Do For National School Counseling Week? (Episode 44) â A fan favorite that broke down how to celebrate and advocate for school counseling in a meaningful way.
đ§ Using Community Circles As SEL Lessons (Episode 47) â A practical and hands-on episode that inspired so many of you to bring community circles into your schools.
đ§ Go Make Some Lollipop Moments: Back To School Motivation (Episode 75) â If you need an instant boost of inspiration, this oneâs for you!
Whatâs Next? Get Ready for Even More!
The best part? Weâre just getting started. As we move into the next 100 episodes, expect even more of what you love:
âď¸ Solo episodes packed with actionable strategies
âď¸ Expert guests bringing fresh insights and game-changing ideas
âď¸ Real talk about the challenges we face as school counselorsâand how to overcome them
đ Upcoming topics include:
đš Setting Boundaries as a School Counselor (because yes, you CAN say no!)
đš Tier 2 Interventions That Actually Work â No fluff, just real strategies
đš...
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Crisis situations in schools are unpredictableâbut your response doesnât have to be. In this episode of Counselor Chat, weâre 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, weâll cover the key steps to handling crises with confidence.
đ§ What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
â The different types of school crises and how to navigate them
â The importance of having a crisis response plan before you need it
â How to create a strong crisis response team and clearly define roles
â Why communication is keyâand how to avoid misinformation spreading
â How to take care of yourself as a crisis responder
Crisis will happenâbut with the right preparation, you can handle it with confidence.
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
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What if making your counseling program more effective didnât require a total overhaul? In this episode of Counselor Chat, weâre talking about small, strategic changes that can create major improvementsâwithout 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.
đ§ What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
â How a check-in board can give you real-time insight into student emotions
â The magic of five-minute classroom visits (and how they build trust)
â Why revamping your email signature can make you more accessible
â The importance of a âfeel-good fileâ for tough days
â How one positive phone call home can strengthen school-home relationships
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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Self-care has been marketed to us as bubble baths, spa days, and green juicesâbut letâs be real, school counselors donât always have that kind of time. In this episode, weâre breaking down what self-care really looks like when youâre juggling a full caseload, endless emails, and back-to-back student crises.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:The truth about self-care that no one talks aboutWhy saying no is just as important as saying yesHow to build micro moments of care into your daily routineThe underestimated power of a snack drawer and hydrationHow to set emotional boundaries to protect your energyA simple daily practice to find joy in the ordinaryLetâs embrace real self-careâbecause you canât pour from an empty cup. đ
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
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Happy National School Counseling Week! While weâve already talked about ways to celebrate (check out Episode 94 if you missed it), today weâre taking it one step furtherâby creating a vision board for your school counseling program.
A vision board isnât just a fun craft project; itâs a powerful tool for goal setting, advocacy, and intentionality in your counseling program. Whether youâre 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.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
Why vision boards actually work (hint: neuroscience backs it up!)How to create a vision board that aligns with your counseling goalsWhat to includeâmission statements, key goals, student-centered themes, and data trackingThe difference between physical vs. digital vision boards (and which one might be best for you)How to turn your vision board into action so itâs not just decoration⨠Ready to Get Started?
Grab some markers, magazines, or your favorite digital tool and start crafting your counseling vision! Donât forget to share your vision board with meâIâd love to see what you create! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook @CounselingEssentials and letâs celebrate your amazing work together.
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
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Welcome back to Counselor Chat! In this episode, weâre diving into the often-overlooked but incredibly powerful tool of small talk. Whether youâre working with a shy first-grader or a skeptical high schooler, small talk is more than just casual chitchatâitâs a bridge to building trust, setting the tone, and paving the way for meaningful conversations.
Hereâs what weâll cover:
Episode Highlights:đ Why small talk matters: Discover how these seemingly trivial conversations create a sense of safety and connection, especially for hesitant students.đŻ Balancing small talk with therapeutic goals: Learn three practical tips to keep small talk intentional without letting it take over your session.đ ď¸ Tips and tricks: Fun icebreakers and creative prompts to break the ice, like âWould you rather eat tacos forever or only pizza forever?âđ Real-life example: How inviting first-graders to lunch helped me assess their social skills and build rapport.đ¤ Using small talk to gain insight: How to listen for clues about a studentâs hobbies, struggles, and personality.
Links and Resources:Chit Chat Conversation Starters
Roll and Respond Icebreakers
Icebreakers for Everyone
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
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National School Counseling Week is just around the corner, and this episode of Counselor Chat is all about helping you make it memorable! Whether youâre 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, thereâs something for every school counselor looking to shine.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
Why National School Counseling Week is vital for advocacy and education.Creative celebration ideas like scavenger hunts, mindfulness moments, and career day collaborations.Simple ways to engage your school community and spread awareness.Social media strategies to maximize your reach and visibility.Tips for incorporating pre-made resources to save time and reduce stress.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
ASCA NSCW Materials
Get the free posters I talked about here.
NSCW Activities For Kids
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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New Year, new resolutions to get organized! In this episode of Counselor Chat, Iâm tackling one of the biggest challenges we face as school counselors â time management. Between unexpected crises, back-to-back meetings, and never-ending to-do lists, itâs easy to feel like there arenât enough hours in the day. But guess what? Time management isnât about squeezing more into your schedule â itâs about focusing on what truly matters.
Iâll share practical tips to help you:
â Prioritize your most important tasks
â Batch your work to save time
â Set boundaries to protect your schedule
â Use tools and strategies to make your life easier
Iâm also giving a heartfelt shoutout to my co-counselor Ashley, who recently transitioned to a new role. While Iâm holding down the fort solo for now, these time-saving strategies are helping me stay sane â and they can help you too!
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
âď¸ Why time management feels so hard for school counselors
âď¸ The truth about multitasking (spoiler: itâs not helping!)
âď¸ How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize your tasks
âď¸ Tips for batching, setting boundaries, and building lasting habits
âď¸ Tools and strategies to simplify your workflow
Resources Mentioned
Atomic Habits
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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Are you constantly saying "yes" to everything and feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Counselor Chat, weâre 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 Youâll Learn in This Episode:
đŻ Why overcommitment is so common among school counselors
đŻ The real reason saying no feels uncomfortable â and how to move past it
đŻ How to reframe your no as a yes to what matters most
đŻ Three practical strategies to help you say no with confidence and kindness
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupđŻ Wisdom from BrenĂŠ Brown and Steve Jobs on boundaries and focus
Mentioned in this episode:
Perks Membership
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Today, weâre diving deep into the power of mentorship in school counseling. Whether youâre 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 Youâll Learn in This Episode:The Emotional Phases of Counseling: From the excitement of starting out to the rejuvenation and reflection phases, learn how mentorship can help navigate the ups and downs of this career.7 Steps to Mentorship Success: Practical tips to foster trust, provide resources, celebrate milestones, and empower growth for both mentors and mentees.Pro Tips from Seasoned Mentors: Hear valuable advice from experienced counselors whoâve supported new professionals in the field.Using ASCA Standards: Discover how these guidelines can elevate mentorship and strengthen school counseling programs.
Key Takeaways:Mentorship isnât just about giving adviceâitâs about listening, validating, and helping others find their way.Supporting new counselors can make a profound difference, both in their confidence and in the impact they make on students.Experienced counselors: Take the leap to guide someone new.New counselors: Donât be afraid to ask for helpâyouâre not alone in this journey!Mentorship is more than guidanceâitâs about shaping future leaders and ensuring the longevity of our profession. Whether youâre a mentor or a mentee, your role matters. Together, we can make a difference!
www.summercounselorconference.com
ASCA School Counselor Competencies
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
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Welcome to a special holiday episode of Counselor Chat Podcast!
As we head into the festive season, itâs important to remember that the holidays arenât joyful for everyone.
In this episode, weâre 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 Youâll Learn in This Episode:A Meaningful Activity to Share: Discover an engaging group exercise using everyday items to teach the power of perspective and gratitude.The Power of the Giverâs Eyes: Hear a personal story from me that sheds light on why the intention behind a gift matters more than the gift itself.Holiday Stress Awareness: Understand how the holidays can affect students and staff differently and how to provide support during this time.Practical Takeaways: Ideas for implementing gratitude-focused activities in your school or team meetings.
Key Takeaways:Value is in the eye of the giverâtake a moment to appreciate the intention behind every gesture, big or small.The holiday season is a time to foster connection, gratitude, and reflection, even in the midst of stress.Small, thoughtful activities can spark meaningful discussions and help your team or students approach the season with empathy and perspective.ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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In this episode of Counselor Chat, Iâm 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 youâve 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 youâre a school counselor or social workerâor just curious about how to strengthen teamwork in your schoolâyouâll walk away with actionable tips to enhance collaboration and improve outcomes for students.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
How school counselors and social workers complement each otherâs roles.The differences between the clinical lens of a social worker and the academic focus of a school counselor.Ways to identify your strengths and share responsibilities effectively.Why communication and regular meetings are key to successful teamwork.Tips for fostering partnerships, setting boundaries, and celebrating wins.ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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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 itâs 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 counselorâno matter their experience levelâcan learn from.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:Behind the Scenes of Elementary School CounselingSarah takes us through a "typical" day in her role, showing how she balances proactive planning with the unexpected.Creative Lesson Ideas for K-4 StudentsSarahâs go-to lessons include fun, hands-on activities with âlittle spotâ books, growth mindset escape rooms, and even using a colander to teach social filters!The Value of LongevityLearn how staying at the same school for 20 years has helped Sarah connect deeply with her school community.Proactive Programs That WorkDiscover Sarahâs unique peer mentoring program and how she integrates social and academic skills into everyday interactions.Career Readiness for Elementary StudentsSarahâs innovative approach to career development includes resume writing, mock interviews, and job exploration tailored for fourth graders.Balancing Duties and GraceFrom morning drop-off to lunch duty, Sarah explains how counselors can use these moments to connect with students and identify areas of need.ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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Welcome back to another episode of Counselor Chat! Today, Iâm 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 thatâs been translated into nine languages and used in schools worldwide.
We explore:
Juliaâs creative process and her shift from SEL to teaching "Great People Skills (GPS)."How her books evolve with student needs, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.Practical, hands-on strategies for engaging students and teaching essential life skills.The launch of Juliaâs new platform, Cookie Bites, offering videos, activities, and resources for counselors and educators.Juliaâs new book, I Am Vape, addressing vaping prevention for younger students.This episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiration, and a giveaway you wonât want to miss!
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
The Evolution of Juliaâs Books: How feedback from counselors helps her refine her stories to fit the needs of todayâs students.Concrete Teaching Strategies: Learn how visuals and metaphors, like root beer floats and racetracks, help kids grasp challenging concepts like test anxiety and self-regulation.The Power of Adaptation: Why itâs essential for educators and resources to grow alongside the ever-changing needs of students.Practical Tools with Cookie Bites: Discover a treasure trove of resources, from grab-and-go activities to videos, designed to make your counseling life easier.Giveaway Details:
Want to win a signed copy of Juliaâs new book I Am Vape? Hereâs how:
Forward this episode to five colleagues and CC Carol ([email protected]).The first five listeners to send their emails will win!Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Cookie Bites by Julia Cook: Cookie Bites WebsiteCounseling Essentials Resources: Counseling EssentialsJuliaâs New Book, I Am Vape: Learn more about vaping prevention for young students.School Visits and Workshops with Julia Cook: Email Julia at [email protected].Stay Connected:
Follow Carol on Instagram and Facebook: @CounselingEssentialsVisit the Counselor Chat podcast page: Counseling Essentials PodcastFinal Thoughts:
Julia reminds us of the importance of laughter, adaptability, and connection in school counseling. Whether itâs a poopy day or a cookie day, stay focused on the impact you make in studentsâ lives. Youâre doing amazing work, counselor rock stars!
Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Until next time, keep spreading joy and making a difference!
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
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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 theyâre giving us an inside look into the joys, challenges, and creative solutions they use to support their students.
We dive into what a âtypicalâ 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 creating a welcoming environment are truly inspiring.
Hereâs what youâll hear about in this episode:
Life as a School Counselor: Allie and Elizabeth discuss the highs, the lows, and the endless surprises in their day-to-day.Favorite Lessons & Activities: Discover their go-to activities like the toothpaste empathy lesson and teamwork-building with balloon activities.Small Group Success: Hear about the impact of small groups in building friendship skills, social competencies, and academic support.Creative Attendance Initiatives: Allie and Elizabeth reveal their unique approach to tackling chronic absenteeism with glow parties and personalized attendance goals.The Importance of Teamwork: Learn how having a supportive team makes all the difference and how they balance workloads to avoid burnout.Advice for New Counselors: Allie and Elizabeth share valuable insights on asking questions, taking risks, and working closely with admin to create lasting change.If youâre looking for fresh ideas or just need a little inspiration to keep going, this episode is for you. Plus, itâs a reminder of why we all got into this field: to make a positive difference, one student at a time.
After you listen, Iâd love to hear your thoughts or stories of impact!
ďťżGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!
Connect with Carol:
TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:
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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 youâre putting in doesnât 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.
Episode Highlights:
Feeling Overwhelmed or Unnoticed?How to address those moments when it feels like your work isnât making a difference.Introducing "The Power of One"Why focusing on small, meaningful actions can be transformative in a school setting.Real-Life Stories of Lasting ImpactThe Ripple Effect of KindnessHow even a single positive interaction can spark a chain of compassion and connection within the school community.Mindset Shift for Long-Term ImpactSimple shifts to help you remember that youâre making a difference, even if you donât see it right away.Mentioned in this episode:
Perks Membership
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In this special Halloween-themed episode of Counselor Chat, weâre diving into how we can use our leftover Halloween candy in our school counseling program!
In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
Candy Introductions â Use M&Ms or Skittles as a fun icebreaker. Each color represents a different question for students to answer, encouraging them to share something about themselves.Candy Tower Challenge â Build towers with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Great for discussing teamwork, growth mindset, and creative problem-solving skills.Candy Bar Connection â Match students with candy bars like Snickers and Twix that represent different personality traits, helping them explore their strengths and similarities with others.Guess the Candy Flavor â Blindfolded students rely on their team to describe candy flavors without saying the names, building trust and honing communication skills.Candy Trivia Relay â Set up a trivia relay for some friendly competition! Students race to answer questions on topics youâre covering and win candy prizes for correct answers.Yes or No Candy Game â Encourage kids to converse and win candy by getting their partners to say âyesâ in conversation, improving social skills and interaction.Candy Sort Challenge â A sorting game with candy corn and M&Ms using only straws. This activity promotes teamwork, planning, and focus.Why Youâll Love This Episode:
Get ready for actionable, easy-to-implement ideas that make good use of Halloween leftovers and add a playful touch to your counseling sessions. Whether itâs using candy to spark introductions, teamwork, or just a bit of fun competition, these activities are sure to keep students engaged and learning.
Have your own ideas of how to use your extra Halloween candies that you want to share? Iâd love to hear them!
Join our groups:
High School Counselor Connection
Caught In The Middle School Counselors
Elementary School Counselor Exchange
Mentioned in this episode:
Perks Membership
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In this episode of Counselor Chat, weâre diving into an economic concept that might not seem like it applies to school counselingâbut trust me, it does!
Weâre 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 youâre able to accomplish? Thatâs 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, Iâll walk you through how to recognize when youâre stuck in the âcrisis trapâ and offer actionable steps to break free.
Key Takeaways:
The Law of Diminishing Returns: What it is and why it matters in school counseling.The Crisis Trap: How focusing solely on crises can prevent long-term growth in your counseling program.Prioritizing Prevention: Why classroom lessons, small groups, and empowering teachers can help reduce the number of crises you face.Using Data to Advocate for Change: How to track your time and outcomes to show administrators why shifting focus to prevention can benefit the entire school.Collaborating with Teachers: Tips on building stronger relationships with teachers so they can handle smaller crises before they escalate to your office.Letâs Keep the Conversation Going! Do you feel stuck in crisis mode? Have a strategy thatâs worked for you? Iâd love to hear about it! Send me a message, and letâs chat about how you can focus on what really mattersâmaking a lasting impact on all your students.
Resources Mentioned:
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