Counselor Chat Podcast

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

• Experience of Grief:
• Reflecting on the different forms of grief, from losing loved ones to pets, colleagues, and students.
• Discussing the impact of these losses and how they can affect counselors personally and professionally.
• Navigating Grief While Supporting Others:
• Exploring the complexity of managing personal grief while being a source of support for students, colleagues, and families.
• The struggle of maintaining strength and resilience while dealing with personal loss.
• Permission to Feel:
• Importance of giving oneself permission to feel emotions and process grief without judgment.
• Acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay and allowing time and space for healing.
• Seeking Support:
• Encouraging counselors to reach out for help, whether from a counselor outside the school community, trusted colleagues, or friends and family.
• Reminding that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Personal Experiences Shared:
• I also share personal anecdotes from my years as a counselor, showing instances of acknowledging limitations and seeking support from others.

This episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing personal grief while supporting others, emphasizing the importance of self-care, seeking help, and building a supportive community of counselors.

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 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:

• Setting Clear Objectives
• Personalized Check-Ins for Connection
• Focus on Grit and Growth Mindset
• Engaging Activities to Reinforce Learning
• Guided Discussions for Insight
• Real-World Application in School
• Structured Approach for Results
• Homework and Follow-Up for Continuity
• Empowering Students for Success

Resources Mentioned:

• Self Esteem (grades 3-8)
• Self Esteem (grades K-2)
• Grit and Growth Mindset (grades 4-8)
• Play Skills (grades K-2)
• School Success Skills (grades 3-6)
• Following Directions (grades K-2)
• Family Changes (grades 4-8)

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 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:

• Intentional Structure: One of the main points I really want to drive home is the importance of intentionally structuring our individual counseling sessions. It's all about setting clear objectives and creating a framework that follows a psychoeducational approach. When we have a purpose for each session, we can ensure that we're effectively addressing the specific needs and challenges of our students.
• Examples of Session Frameworks: I shared some real-life examples in the episode to illustrate how we can structure sessions to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether it's helping younger students develop play skills or supporting older students coping with family changes, tailoring our sessions to individual needs is key.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Clear objectives are essential for guiding our sessions and fostering meaningful conversations with students. By establishing goals, we can empower our students to navigate challenges and develop essential skills that will serve them well beyond our counseling sessions.

Tune in to this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for making individual counseling purposeful and impactful. Let's empower and support students together!

Individual Counseling Links Mentioned:

• Self Esteem (grades 3-8)
• Self Esteem (grades K-2)
• Grit and Growth Mindset (grades 4-8)
• Play Skills (grades K-2)
• School Success Skills (grades 3-6)
• Following Directions (grades K-2)
• Family Changes (grades 4-8)

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 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:

1. Referral Assessment: the necessity of assessing referrals for individual counseling and highlighting the factors to consider when determining whether individual or group counseling suits a student.
2. Nature of the Issue: the nature and intensity of student issues is crucial in deciding whether individualized attention or group support would be more beneficial.
3. Level of Support Needed: the significance of evaluating the level of support required by students, considering their unique circumstances and emotional readiness.
4. Data Gathering: the importance of gathering comprehensive information from teachers, parents, and other professionals to inform counseling decisions is underscored.
5. Planning for Sessions: the importance of having a structured plan for counseling sessions, whether individual or group, to ensure that goals are set and progress is made effectively.

Join me as I guide you through the intricacies of counseling decisions and offer valuable insights to enhance counseling practices.

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 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:

• Community circles trace their origins to ancient traditions, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.
• The circle format ensures equal participation and promotes active listening.

2. Setting Up Community Circles:

• Physical setup: Arrange seats in a circle without barriers for optimal engagement.
• Establish guidelines: Co-create rules emphasizing respect, confidentiality, and active listening.
• Teacher involvement: Teachers remain present to demonstrate commitment and contribute insights.

3. Implementing Community Circles:

• Introduction phase: Initiate with lighthearted topics to build trust and rapport.
• Progression: Transition to deeper discussions on topics like personal integrity and community contribution.
• Varied approaches: Utilize storytelling, multimedia, and interactive activities within circles to engage students.

4. Benefits of Community Circles:

• Transformational impact: Promotes empathy, breaks down social barriers, and fosters a sense of belonging.
• Encourages active listening: Emphasizes that participation includes both speaking and listening.
• SEL integration: Aligns with Social and Emotional Learning objectives, enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

5. Resources and Further Exploration:

• Book recommendation: "Circle Forward" serves as a comprehensive guide to implementing community circles.
• Prompts and check-ins: Access resources for engaging circle activities and check-ins to deepen student participation.
• Training opportunities: Explore professional development to enhance circle facilitation skills.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Circle Forward Book
• Check In Freebie

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:

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 throughout your school community.

Topics Discussed:

• Celebrating Kindness Month: February is Kindness Month and celebrating it is so important! 
• Empathy in Classrooms: Focusing on teaching empathy through lessons and incorporating books that highlight kindness.
• Book Recommendations: Suggestions for books to use in kindness lessons, including "The Kindness Quilt" and how it can be used for a school-wide project.
• Mix It Up Day: How to host a Mix It Up Day event to encourage students to cross social boundaries, available for all school levels.
• Kindness Initiatives: Ideas for school-wide kindness initiatives such as assemblies, Kind Student of the Week, kindness trees, and compliment days.
• Kindness and Empathy Lessons: Lesson ideas focusing on kindness and empathy, including book readings and craft activities.
• Community Circles and Small Groups: Running community circles and starting kindness or friendship groups to foster kindness and improve communication skills among students.
• Individual Sessions: Using kindness or gratitude journaling and mindfulness in individual counseling sessions to promote a positive mindset.
• Sister Classrooms: Pairing different grade levels for joint activities, promoting kindness and cooperation.
• Kindness Challenges and Projects: Suggestions for engaging students in kindness challenges, such as painting kindness rocks, journaling, and creating a kindness chain.

Resources Mentioned:

Books to Use For Lessons:

• The Sour Grape
• TpT Lesson
• The Last Stop On Market Street
• Try A Little Kindness
• Jelly Donut Difference  
• Tpt Lesson
• The Kindness Quilt

Learning For Justice Mix It Up Day Toolkit

Top Secret Kindness Club Small Group

February Kindness Calendar

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

In this enlightening episode, we are taking a look into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of school counseling - data-driven practices.

As we head into the second semester in the chilly February of New York, I share my journey and insights on harnessing data to enhance student growth and success.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Importance of Data in School Counseling: I discuss why, even though data analysis can seem daunting or tedious, it's essential for effective program planning and intervention.
2. Data Collection for RAMP Application: Insight into the process and significance of collecting data for the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) application, highlighting its role in program development.
3. Practical Strategies for Data Management: I share actionable methods and tools for collecting and analyzing data, emphasizing the need for a purposeful approach.
4. Time Management and Time Audits: Understanding the significance of conducting time audits to optimize counselor efficiency and program effectiveness.
5. Utilizing Data for Program Improvement: Strategies to leverage data for enhancing counseling programs, including examples such as initiating peer mediation programs and community circles.
6. Aligning Counseling Goals with School Objectives: Discussion on how data can help align counseling program goals with overall school goals for a cohesive strategy.
7. Real-life Applications and Success Stories: I share anecdotes and examples from my own experience, illustrating the impact of data-driven decision-making in school counseling.

 Resources Mentioned:

School Counselor 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

Get ready to be inspired and energized in this special edition of the Counselor Chat podcast!

This episode features a lively and insightful Zoom call recording with the vibrant Kansas elementary school counselors, Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick.

They're here to share their ingenious toolkit for celebrating National School Counseling Week. From discussing the multifaceted role of school counselors to diving into creative and practical ways to celebrate and advocate for the profession, this episode is a treasure trove of ideas, laughter, and inspiration.

Whether you’re a school counselor, educator, or simply someone passionate about the impact of counseling, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain!

Key Highlights:

• ???? Guest Appearances by Mallory and Hannah: Discover the passion and creativity behind the roles of Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick, elementary school counselors and board members of the Kansas School Counselor Association.
• ???? Celebrating National School Counseling Week: Unpack the essence of this special week with fun, innovative activities, and strategies designed to highlight and advocate for the vital role of school counselors.
• ????️ Toolkit Exploration: Dive into the details of the toolkit prepared by Mallory and Hannah, featuring easy-to-implement, engaging activities perfect for any school setting.
• ???? Advocacy Over Celebration: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on why National School Counseling Week is more about advocating the profession than just celebrating it.
• ???? Creative Engagement Ideas: Get inspired by a range of ideas from dress-up days to interactive games, all aimed at making the week memorable and impactful.
• ???? Social Media Interaction: Learn how to share your own celebration stories and connect with a broader community of school counselors and educators.

Tune in to this episode for an enriching experience combining professional insight with fun and community spirit. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us on social media! ????????????️

Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick are both Elementary School Counselors in Kansas and serve on the board of the Kansas School Counselor Association. They also have a podcast called Kickin' It With KSCA.

• Kickin' It WIth KSCA Podcast
• NSCW Toolkit- 
•  Use the hashtag on socials during NSCW #ksde4nscw

Hanna Kemble-Mick- [email protected]

Mallory Jacobs- [email protected]

Carol's NSCW resources

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 podcast episode of Counselor Chat, we delve into the fascinating world of international school counseling with our guest, Taylor Maxwell, a school counselor currently based in Budapest, Hungary.

Taylor brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in Korea and shares unique insights into the life and work of a school counselor abroad.

Here are the key points covered in this episode:

• Introduction of Taylor Maxwell: Learn about Taylor’s background, including her education in psychology and her journey from Nashville, Tennessee, to becoming a school counselor in Budapest, Hungary.
• Transition from Korea to Hungary: Taylor discusses her shift from high school counseling in Korea, where academic pressure is intense, to middle school counseling in Budapest with a focus on student well-being.
• Experiences in International School Counseling: Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of working in different cultural and educational environments. Taylor shares her experiences in both Korea and Hungary.
• Life in Budapest: Explore Taylor's personal experiences living in Budapest, including adapting to Hungarian culture, participating in local festivals, and the challenges of learning the Hungarian language.
• Advice for Aspiring International School Counselors: Taylor offers valuable advice for those considering a career in international school counseling, including understanding lifestyle choices, family needs, and the support systems available at international schools.
• Resources for Finding International Opportunities: Discover resources like ISS and Shroll that Taylor used to find international school openings and the importance of thorough research and asking the right questions.
• The Joy of International Living: Taylor shares the joys and challenges of living internationally, including the unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Future Plans and Perspectives: Get a glimpse into Taylor’s future aspirations and her thoughts on potentially moving to Southeast Asia.

Listeners interested in learning more or having specific questions for Taylor can reach out through the podcast’s contact channels. 

Interested in hearing the experiences of International School Counselors? Check out these episodes:

• Episode 36- School Counseling In Ethiopia With Daniel Inman
• Episode 37-School Counseling In A Korean International School With Michelle Pownall

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 delve into the transformative practice of conducting an Energy Inventory. Here's what you'll find in this insightful episode:

• Understanding Energy Inventory: An introduction to the concept of an Energy Inventory, explaining its importance beyond just physical or home energy, focusing on personal energy management.
• The Purpose of Energy Inventory: Insights into how an Energy Inventory serves as a reflective practice to identify what in our lives drains or energizes us.
• Steps to Conduct an Energy Inventory: Detailed guidance on how to undertake an Energy Inventory, including assessing different life aspects such as work, relationships, hobbies, and self-care.
• Identifying Energy Drainers and Boosters: Strategies to recognize activities, people, and situations that deplete or replenish your energy.
• Practical Tips for Managing Energy: Advice on minimizing or eliminating energy drainers, setting boundaries, and the importance of saying no to overcommitments.
• Prioritizing Joyful Activities: Emphasis on the significance of engaging in activities and relationships that are fulfilling and energizing.
• Benefits of an Energy Inventory: Discussion on how conducting an Energy Inventory can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life, and better self-care.

Don't forget to check out the link for your own Energy Inventory template and share your journey with us. We're excited to hear how this practice helps you find more balance and joy in your life.

Energy Inventory Link

Resilience 1 Month Challenge

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