Counselor Chat Podcast

Join me in a candid exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with heading back to work after a break.

We will be diving into the mix of feelings we all encounter during this transition, plus, offering insights and reassurance that you're not alone.

Key Highlights:

• Mixed Emotions: I discuss the normality of feeling a range of emotions as you gear up to return to work.
• Personal Christmas Adventure: Hear about my unique Christmas experience in Puerto Rico with my son, and the moments that left me both refreshed and fatigued.
• Rediscovering Your Why: Explore the importance of reconnecting with your passion for being a school counselor and the positive impact you make on students' lives.

This episode leaves you with practical strategies to ease back into your routine and prioritize self-care.

Remember, your feelings are valid, and by acknowledging them, you pave the way for a positive start to the new year.

Tune in to the full episode for encouragement, relatable stories, and valuable insights.

Plus, don't forget to download the Energy Inventory so that you can discover the things that are bringing you energy and the things that are draining you during this season.

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 dive into school counselors' common challenges when collaborating with teachers. From encountering pushback on interventions to fostering a more collaborative relationship, I share insights and strategies to enhance the counselor-teacher partnership.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Pushback:

• Identifying scenarios where teachers resist suggested interventions.
• Exploring the frustrations counselors experience when met with resistance.

Navigating Challenges with Empathy:

• Approaching conversations with teachers with empathy and understanding.
• Recognizing the unique perspectives, experiences, and pressures teachers bring to the collaboration.

Building Collaborative Relationships:

• Emphasizing the collaborative nature of the counselor-teacher partnership.
• Validating teachers' concerns and expertise as essential contributors to student well-being.

Overcoming Time Constraints and Frustrations:

• Addressing the common frustration related to time constraints and challenging students.
• Finding common ground to alleviate pressure and foster cooperation.

Effective Communication Strategies:

• Providing insights on effective communication to bridge the counselor-teacher gap.
• Emphasizing the importance of sharing research and data to support suggested interventions.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating collaboration challenges and fostering a more productive relationship with your teaching colleagues.

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, join me as we delve into a unique exploration sparked by questions from our vibrant Facebook groups.

 This episode centers on the challenges of fostering positive relationships among students within a classroom, addressing disrespectful behavior, and promoting an environment conducive to learning.

From the importance of strong relationships with adults to the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula, this episode offers practical strategies.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for counselors seeking effective tools to navigate the intricacies of student relationships and classroom dynamics. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom and actionable advice.

Links Mentioned:

• Perk Counseling Club Membership
• Circle Forward: Building a Restorative School Community

Facebook Groups:

• Elementary School Counselor Exchange
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors
• High School Counselor Connection
• The School Counselor Store

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 shaking things up a bit as we explore the burning question: "What do you wish you learned in grad school?" The response from our amazing community has been overwhelming, and we're excited to share the insights, experiences, and challenges faced by fellow counselors.

Tune in to this episode for a candid and intimate conversation that reaffirms you're not alone in your journey as a counselor. The collective wisdom of our community awaits.

I hope this episode speaks to you and that if you feel like you have something that you can share, whether it's advice for those that are maybe struggling a little bit or a question you have that you want answered, that you'll drop me a line, that you'll send me an email to [email protected], or you'll leave a review on this podcast and ask that question or share your tip.

But whatever it is you do or connect, with me on Instagram or Facebook. Whatever you choose to do. I hope that you join in this conversation because there are so many things that I think we all wish that we learned while we were in grad school.

Send us your thoughts! Send us a voice message!

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 us as we dive into the incredible journey of Michelle, a seasoned international counselor currently based in Florida. 

Sneak peak of what is inside:

Travel Experiences:

• Benefits of working in Asia, including travel opportunities.
• Schools providing allowances for professional development.

Family Experiences:

• Choosing unconventional summer vacations over returning home.
• Experiencing diverse cultures and historical sites with family.
• Kids growing up with a global perspective.

Advice for Those Considering International Positions:

• Emphasizing the value of the international experience.
• Michelle's personal experience paying off significant debt through international roles.
• Encouraging research for those contemplating international positions.

Connect with Michelle Pownall:

• [email protected]

Or tag her in a post in:

•  Elementary School Counselor Exchange FB Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counseling FB Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

In this episode of the Counselor Chat podcast, I welcome special guest Daniel Inman, an elementary school counselor at the International Community School of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Daniel received his M.Ed. in International School Counseling from Lehigh University in 2021. Daniel shares his diverse background, transitioning from teaching PE in North Carolina to counseling in various countries, including Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, and now Ethiopia. 

The discussion delves into the unique characteristics of the International Community School, emphasizing its rich diversity with students from around the world. Daniel provides insights into his daily routine, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of working in Ethiopia.

Daniel highlights the importance of researching schools and countries when considering international opportunities. He suggests connecting with international educator groups on platforms like Facebook and recommends organizations such as Search Associates and Teacher Horizons for job searches.

The conversation also touches on the International School Counselors Association (ISCA) and its upcoming conference in Athens, Greece, in March. Daniel encourages listeners to explore international opportunities and assures them of his willingness to provide guidance.

Links Daniel Mentioned:

• https://www.searchassociates.com/
•  https://www.teacherhorizons.com/
• https://www.grcfair.org/
• The International Educator: https://www.tieonline.com/default.cfm

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, join me as I chat in a thought-provoking conversation with the dynamic Katie Rowe, a seasoned middle school counselor hailing from St. Louis, Missouri.

The episode delves into Katie's 13 years of counseling experience, emphasizing the powerful role data plays in shaping student success.

Together, we explore Katie's unwavering advocacy and discover the practical strategies and insights Katie shares on employing data-driven practices to navigate the intricacies of student needs and program advocacy.

From the innovative use of Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) data to the creation of a transformative "Zen Zone," this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and actionable tips for educators and counselors alike. Tune in for a compelling narrative on the transformative impact of data-driven practices in education!

Katie Row is a Middle School Counselor in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. She has been a school counselor for 13 years. Katie loves hiking, summer vacations and collecting and using Data in her counseling program.  

Find out more, or contact Katie through one of the channels below:

• IG @edukatied_row
• TikTok @edukatiedrow
• Email: [email protected]

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 episode of Counselor Chat, I am doing something different and sharing invaluable advice from experienced school counselors. this advice is not only for new counselors but also beneficial for seasoned professionals as they navigate the challenges of their roles throughout the school year.

Some of the advice you will here:

- Be Visible and Communicative: a school counselor with 11 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of being visible in your school. 

- Building Relationships and Eating Lunch with Students: a counselor with 30 years of experience, shares her wisdom. She recommends focusing on building relationships not only with students but also with cafeteria workers and custodians, who can be valuable allies in your work. 

- Never Be Too Proud to Ask for Help: a 12-year counselor and the 2018 California School Counselor of the Year, offers essential advice for counselors, both new and experienced. He highlights the significance of being humble and admitting when you don't have all the answers. 

- Find Your Support System: an elementary school counselor from Arkansas, underscores the importance of finding a support network. 

- Take Care of Yourself: a school counselor from Ohio, emphasizes self-care in a challenging profession. 

- Remember It's About Relationships: a counselor with 13 years of experience, highlights the central role of relationships in counseling. 

- Have Fun in the Chaos: a counselor in her 7th year offers a piece of advice that encourages counselors to find moments of joy and fun amidst the chaos of their roles. Her advice reminds counselors not to forget to enjoy the journey and have fun while making a positive impact on their students' lives.

- Use Strategic Noticing: another counselor from Northwest Ohio introduces the concept of "strategic noticing." 

I am so thankful for the experienced counselors who shared their wisdom and advice, and I encourage you to share your own insights and experiences, as this kind of collaboration helps elevate the counseling profession and support one another. Click the link below to submit your tip/advice!

We want to hear from you!  Have something to share with other counselors? Click Here!

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 thrilled to have the dynamic Mallory Jacobs as our special guest. Mallory is the lead elementary school counselor at Whitson Elementary in Topeka Public Schools and serves as a school counseling consultant for the Kansas Department of Education. She's also known for her role as the bylaws and ethics co-chair for the Kansas School Counselor Association and has been recognized as the 2023 Kansas School Counselor of the Year. With her vibrant personality and a penchant for leopard and cheetah prints, Mallory is a powerhouse in the world of elementary school counseling.

Mallory and I delve into strategies for making counseling lessons not only effective but also incredibly fun and engaging for elementary school students.

Some fun things in this episode include:

• Unique Breathing Techniques: Mallory introduces entertaining and imaginative breathing exercises like "Spider Man" and "soup" breathing. These techniques add an element of playfulness to relaxation exercises, making them enjoyable for elementary school students.
• "Would You Rather" Game: Mallory shares the "Would You Rather" game as a way to prompt discussions and decision-making. This interactive game is not only fun but also encourages student participation and engagement within the classroom community.
• "Color the Counselor" Activity: Mallory's "Color the Counselor" activity is a creative and unique way to connect with students. It's a fun and visual representation that fosters a sense of belonging and trust. The colored pictures proudly displayed in her office add a personal and enjoyable touch to her counseling sessions.
• The "Awesome" Cheer: Mallory's "Awesome" cheer is a positive and uplifting way to conclude her counseling lessons. It promotes self-confidence and self-worth, and it's a fun and empowering ritual for students.
• Heartwarming Story: We share a heartwarming story called "The Pup." This story emphasizes the power of kindness and empathy and is a delightful addition to any classroom. It's a touching and memorable moment that underscores the importance of teaching valuable life lessons to young students.

As we conclude this episode, we encourage you to watch Rita Pearson's TED Talk on being a champion for kids, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships with students. Every day counts in the field of education, and creating a supportive and caring environment is key to nurturing the next generation.

As Mallory says, "As our world is changing, I am confident that we will create our path and encourage shape, and empower students, families, and staff. I am excited to give back to our profession which has given me so much. Thank you and I look forward to working with you! Don’t forget to be awesome!"! 

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our guest, Mallory Jacobs, for her invaluable insights into making counseling lessons fun and effective for elementary school students. If you'd like to connect with Mallory or learn more about her work, her contact information is provided below!

Join us as we talk and share fun tips and tricks for elementary lessons! 

Connect With Mallory:

[email protected]

Links Mallory Mentioned:

• The World Needs More Purple Schools-https://youtu.be/3lGON12Nib8?si=YhhDdHqBSvVAgXOj
• The World Needs More Purple People-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LviYLYVRScw
• All are Welcome-https://www.amazon.com/All-Are-Welcome-Alexandra-Penfold/dp/0525579648
• https://reallycolor.com/
• Crayola App- https://www.crayola.com/Home/product%20feature/Color%20Camera
• Dr. Suess Book- https://www.amazon.com/Things-You-Can-That-Good/dp/0375810986

Links Carol Mentioned:

• The Pup Counseling Lesson
• Where Oliver Fits

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'll be delving into the importance of teaching friendship skills as a crucial component of our anti-bullying education efforts. We'll explore how fostering these skills can help students develop empathy, improve communication, practice kindness, learn cooperation, hone their problem-solving abilities, understand the art of forgiveness, grasp personal boundaries, and discover effective conflict resolution.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected]. Your input is highly appreciated, and it helps shape the direction of our podcast.

Don't forget to follow or subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and connect with me on social media at counseling essentials. I'm looking forward to our next episode and can't wait to share more valuable insights. Thanks for tuning in!

Bullying lessons mentioned can be found here:

• K-2 Bullying Lesson
• Grades 3-6 Recognizing Bullying Lesson
• Grades 5-8 Cyber Bullying Lesson
• CyberBullying Game Show

Try Perks Counseling Content Club FREE for 7 days and receive instant access to hundreds of free lessons! 

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