Counselor Chat Podcast

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:

• Julia’s 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 Julia’s new platform, Cookie Bites, offering videos, activities, and resources for counselors and educators.
• Julia’s new book, I Am Vape, addressing vaping prevention for younger students.

This episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiration, and a giveaway you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Evolution of Julia’s Books: How feedback from counselors helps her refine her stories to fit the needs of today’s students.
2. 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.
3. The Power of Adaptation: Why it’s essential for educators and resources to grow alongside the ever-changing needs of students.
4. 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 Julia’s new book I Am Vape? Here’s how:

1. Forward this episode to five colleagues and CC Carol ([email protected]).
2. The first five listeners to send their emails will win!

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Cookie Bites by Julia Cook: Cookie Bites Website
• Counseling Essentials Resources: Counseling Essentials
• Julia’s 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: @CounselingEssentials
• Visit the Counselor Chat podcast page: Counseling Essentials Podcast

Final Thoughts:

Julia reminds us of the importance of laughter, adaptability, and connection in school counseling. Whether it’s a poopy day or a cookie day, stay focused on the impact you make in students’ lives. You’re 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!

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:

Perks Membership

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 creating a welcoming environment are truly inspiring.

Here’s what you’ll 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 you’re looking for fresh ideas or just need a little inspiration to keep going, this episode is for you. Plus, it’s a reminder of why we all got into this field: to make a positive difference, one student at a time.

After you listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories of impact!

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:

Perks Membership

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.

Episode Highlights:

• Feeling Overwhelmed or Unnoticed?
• How to address those moments when it feels like your work isn’t 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 Impact
• The Ripple Effect of Kindness
• How even a single positive interaction can spark a chain of compassion and connection within the school community.
• Mindset Shift for Long-Term Impact
• Simple shifts to help you remember that you’re making a difference, even if you don’t see it right away.

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

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:

1. Candy Introductions – 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.
2. Candy Tower Challenge – Build towers with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Great for discussing teamwork, growth mindset, and creative problem-solving skills.
3. Candy Bar Connection – Match students with candy bars like Snickers and Twix that represent different personality traits, helping them explore their strengths and similarities with others.
4. Guess the Candy Flavor – Blindfolded students rely on their team to describe candy flavors without saying the names, building trust and honing communication skills.
5. Candy Trivia Relay – Set up a trivia relay for some friendly competition! Students race to answer questions on topics you’re covering and win candy prizes for correct answers.
6. Yes or No Candy Game – Encourage kids to converse and win candy by getting their partners to say “yes” in conversation, improving social skills and interaction.
7. Candy Sort Challenge – A sorting game with candy corn and M&Ms using only straws. This activity promotes teamwork, planning, and focus.

Why You’ll 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 it’s 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? I’d 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

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 through how to recognize when you’re stuck in the “crisis trap” 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.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! Do you feel stuck in crisis mode? Have a strategy that’s worked for you? I’d love to hear about it! Send me a message, and let’s chat about how you can focus on what really matters—making a lasting impact on all your students.

Resources Mentioned:

Time Tracker

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:

Perks Membership

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:

• Active Shooter Drills: A fear mentioned by many counselors, but remember, preparation is key to managing the anxiety and ensuring student safety.
• Student Mental Health Concerns: Missing a red flag from a student can weigh heavily, but you’re trained, supported, and part of a team. Trust your instincts!
• Imposter Syndrome: That creeping feeling of self-doubt affects us all, but the truth is, if you care enough to worry, you’re doing better than you think.
• Graduation Anxiety: Whether it’s missed credits or the fear of a student not graduating, systems and accountability can help ease this fear. Remember, it’s a team effort.
• Toxic Work Environments & Unsupportive Admins: These are real-life workplace spooks, but setting boundaries and finding your “marigolds” (supportive colleagues) can help keep the fear at bay.
• School Politics & Monday Mornings: Navigating these feels like a haunted house, but with humor and a strong support system, you can survive the twists and turns.

Have your own “school counselor scaries” you want to share? I’d love to hear them!

Links Mentioned:

High School Counselor Connection

Caught In The Middle School Counselors

Elementary School Counselor Exchange

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:

Perks Membership

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:

• How to create a safe and supportive environment for these sensitive discussions.
• The power of empathy and active listening when talking with parents and students.
• Why asking open-ended questions can encourage deeper, more honest communication.
• Age-appropriate language to use when addressing mental health topics with students.
• The “sandwich approach” to frame difficult conversations with positive feedback.
• What to do when parents react defensively or refuse to take action.
• How to protect your own well-being and manage emotional boundaries after tough days.

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:

Perks Membership

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.

• Proactive and Holistic Approach: Learn why building an anti-bullying culture requires a school-wide commitment from administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
• Clear Policies and Procedures: We discuss how transparent and consistent policies help manage and resolve bullying incidents effectively.
• School-Wide Activities for Awareness: Discover impactful activities like kindness walks, Unity Day, and anti-bullying pledges that promote a supportive environment.
• Classroom Integration: Tips on integrating anti-bullying messages into your SEL curriculum through role-play scenarios, class meetings, and literature connections.
• Tier Two Interventions: Explore ideas for small group interventions, like “secret kindness agents” and friendship groups, to support students needing extra help with social skills.
• Community Partnerships: Learn how to engage parents and the local community in your anti-bullying efforts for additional support and awareness.

Links Mentioned:

• Where Oliver Fits Book
• Where Oliver Fits Lesson
• The Potato Chip Champ Book
• The Potato Chip Champ Lesson
• The Juice Box Bully Book
• The Juice Box Bully Lesson
• Mix it Up Day Activity
• K-2 Recognizing Bullying Lesson
• 3-6 Recognizing Bullying Lesson
• 5-8 CyberBullying Lesson
• Top Secret Kindness Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

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:

• It’s okay to not cover everything: You don’t need to feel pressured to address every awareness month. Focus on what’s most relevant to your school community.
• Prioritize what matters most: Identify your building’s needs and let that guide your focus—whether it’s SEL lessons, attendance goals, or conflict resolution.
• Get creative with incorporating awareness topics: Bulletin boards, morning announcements, and collaborating with other staff can help weave these themes into your program without overwhelming you.
• Collaborate with others: You don’t have to do it all alone! Engage your principal, teachers, and other staff to help carry out school-wide initiatives.
• Set realistic goals: Use your calendar to map out non-negotiables and figure out where you have space to introduce additional topics or activities.

I’d love to hear how you’re prioritizing your program! If you have questions or want to share your strategies, feel free to reach out. Don’t forget—you’re making a difference, one student at a time.

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:

Perks Membership

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:

• I share my own experiences as a school counselor and how suicide has impacted the schools I’ve worked in.
• We’ll talk about how September is Suicide Prevention Month and why it’s the perfect time to raise awareness with your students.
• I walk you through simple, effective strategies like classroom presentations, partnering with teachers, and creating safe spaces for students to talk about mental health.
• You’ll hear about real ways to make a difference with events like mental health fairs, anonymous drop boxes, and even role-playing scenarios to teach kids how to support their peers.
• Plus, I’m sharing a freebie! Download your 988 posters to hang up in your schools to help promote the suicide prevention hotline in a student-friendly way.

Grades 6-7 Suicide Prevention Lesson

Grades 8+ Suicide Prevention Lesson

Free 988 School Posters

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:

Perks Membership