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 learn:

• How to organize your office and digital files so everything’s easy to find in September.
• Why building a counseling calendar template now helps you feel grounded before the school year begins.
• The value of printing your most-used materials—like referral forms and coping tools—in bulk before the rush hits.
• How to map out small groups, classroom lessons, and SEL initiatives for the year in advance.
• What to pack in your Counselor Go Bag so you’re ready for anything.
• Why updating your bulletin boards, décor, and intro lessons early makes your life so much easier.
• And most importantly, how to fill your own cup first so you’re not running on empty when the students return.

Plus, I'm sharing details about my upcoming session, “Putting Out Fires All Day: From Crisis Response to Proactive Programming,” at the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference—the perfect chance to fill your cup with inspiration and practical tools.

Because a little prep now? It equals a lot more peace later.

Links I mentioned:

• Perfect Counselor Planner
• Behavioral Survey Bundle
• Think Sheets
• Meet The Counselor Lesson Plan
• Perks Content Club
• Summer Counselor Conference

Grab 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 Store
• Counseling Essentials Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
• High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Mentioned in this episode:

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