Counselor Chat Podcast

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

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 of leadership approaches, and build stronger connections with your colleagues.

Key Takeaways:

• The Fable of the Blind Men and the Elephant: A powerful story to illustrate the importance of understanding different perspectives.
• Leadership Compass Breakdown:
• North: Action-oriented, loves to get things done.
• East: Big picture thinkers who work with the end in mind.
• West: Detail-focused and question everything to ensure clarity.
• South: Relationship-focused and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
• How to Use the Leadership Compass: Tips for facilitating the activity with faculty and students, including creating a visual compass in your room.
• The Power of Diverse Leadership Styles: Why you need all four directions on your team for true collaboration and success.

Links Mentioned:

The Leadership Compass Activity

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 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:

• Build Relationships: Start the year by connecting with both returning and new staff and students. Building strong relationships is the key to effective counseling and creating a supportive school environment.
• Review and Update Your Counseling Program: Take time to review your counseling program to ensure it meets current student needs and aligns with school goals. This includes setting measurable goals, such as improving attendance.
• Set Up Your Office: Make your office a welcoming and organized space where students feel comfortable. Clear out old materials, refresh your resources, and create an environment that’s inviting but not overwhelming.
• Create an Organized Counseling Schedule: Develop a flexible yet structured schedule for your counseling sessions, including classroom lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. Remember to leave some white space for unexpected issues that may arise.
• Communicate Your Role: It’s crucial to educate staff, students, and parents about your role as a school counselor. Use brochures and open house events to explain what services you offer and how to access them.
• Plan Your SEL Curriculum: Outline your SEL topics for each month, aligning them with school-wide events and goals, like bullying prevention week, to provide consistent and relevant support to students.
• Participate in Professional Development: Stay on top of the latest counseling techniques and practices by engaging in ongoing professional development. This helps you keep up with the evolving needs of your students.

Links Mentioned:

Counseling Brochures Bundle

Get a Year of Perks for 25% off!

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

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:

• The Importance of Counselor Habits: Discover why the small, daily actions we take can have a big impact on our students and our school community.
• Creating Lollipop Moments: Learn about the profound, unmeasurable effects we have through simple acts of kindness and being present for our students.
• And more...

If you haven’t tuned in to the earlier episodes in our back-to-school series, I highly encourage you to start from the beginning. Each episode builds on the last, offering insights and tips that are especially valuable as we prepare for a new school year.

Let’s band together to make this school year one filled with meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this episode!

Links Mentioned:

Lolipop Moments YouTube Video

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, 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:

• Leadership from a Lone Nut: The "Leadership from a Dancing Guy" video illustrates how one person's actions can inspire a movement.
• Creating Momentum: As school counselors, it's essential to be that first dancer, leading by example and encouraging others to join in.
• Inspiring Positive Change: Your consistent and courageous actions as a counselor can have a lasting impact on your school community.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on new ideas or initiatives you want to introduce this school year.
• Think about how you can be the first dancer in your school community, inspiring others to take part in creating positive change.

Links Mentioned:

• Leadership From A Dancing Guy YouTube Video
• Blog Post: Are You A Lone Nut? A Lesson To Develop Leadership

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

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:

• Advocating for Our Role: Ensuring that the value of our work is communicated so it doesn’t get overlooked.
• Sharing Successes: Highlighting the progress of our students with colleagues and administrators to build awareness and appreciation for the counseling role.
• Collaboration is Key: Being seen as integral members of the school team by actively participating in and contributing to the broader educational environment.
• Impactful Interventions: Recognizing the power of empathy and understanding in counseling.
• Building a Supportive Environment: Advocating for ourselves to help create a school culture where our contributions are respected and supported.

Join me as we explore how to ensure our work is visible, valued, and celebrated as we head into what I hope will be our best school year yet!

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

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:

• Introduction to the Atomic Habits book by James Clear.
• The concept of habits reflecting identity.
• Practical examples of habit formation in personal and professional life.
• Strategies like habit stacking and the two-minute rule.
• Importance of self-awareness in habit development.

Actionable Tips:

• Identify and reflect on your current habits.
• Use habit stacking to create new routines.
• Implement the two-minute rule to gradually build new habits.
• Foster habits that support your wellness and work-life balance.

Resources Mentioned:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

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