Counselor Chat Podcast

Have you ever had to share an office or classroom with a colleague? Sharing a workspace can be challenging and can certainly have its ups and downs, especially if the move is unexpected and the space is small. 

In this episode, my colleague and officemate, Ashley Morat, and I are chatting about how we came to share the same workspace and how we make it work successfully. 🙌🏼

Topics Covered:

• The importance of having open, honest, and frequent communication with your officemate.
• How to set clear boundaries and know when to ask permission to use certain items. 
• Why having a positive mindset, open mind, and being flexible is crucial when sharing an office space. 
• How having two counselors allows us to reach every student more effectively and provide additional support when necessary.
• How sharing office space can be a rewarding experience and can help you both grow as professionals and as friends.

Resources:

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Carol's website
• TPT store

Questions about anything you heard on this episode? Send me an email: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Does your school have an advisory program? A successful advisory program includes social-emotional learning (SEL) done by both classroom teachers and school counselors. It creates a supportive environment, fosters connections between students and educators, and addresses various topics including bullying, relationship building, and college preparation. 

Our guest, Leslie Cuprill is a licensed clinical social worker from Brooklyn, who has extensive experience working with diverse populations of students. In our conversation today, we will discuss how to create an engaging advisory program that promotes social-emotional learning (SEL) to help students thrive in their academic and personal lives. 

You can hear more from Leslie at The Summer Counselor Conference where she will be presenting a session on engaging students in groups, advisory, and SEL. 

Topics Covered:

• The many benefits of advisory programs; including improved attendance, engagement, graduation rates, and more.
• Why it is important for school counselors to support classroom teachers with training to effectively facilitate advisory sessions and connect with students. 
• The best ways for integrating advisory into the regular school day in order to increase student engagement and accountability.
• Engaging students by using surveys to gather student preferences and interests and involving them in creating ground rules for advisory sessions. 
• Why it is essential to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of students when designing advisory content. 
• Tips on how to overcome teacher resistance and create a successful advisory program.

Connect with Leslie: 

• Email: [email protected]
• Informed Decisions Newsletter
• Informed Decisions Blog
• Advisory and SEL Programs And Activities Facebook Group
• Informed Decisions Instagram
• Informed Decisions TpT Store
• Informed Decisions on Boom Learning

Resources:

• Advisory and SEL Programs that Fail in the School System
• What Would You Like to Discuss Checklist 
• Summer Counselor Conference
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Carol's website
• TPT store

Questions about the conference or anything you heard on this episode? 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Have you ever used motivational interviewing (MI) in your school counseling program? If you aren’t familiar with motivational interviewing, it is a technique that focuses on building empathy and helping students talk themselves into making positive changes based on what motivates them. 

It’s absolutely fascinating to learn about and for our guest today, Reagan North, it completely changed the way he viewed his job as a school counselor. Reagan is here to share all about this technique and how you can use it with your students.

Reagan North is a professor and author of Motivational Interviewing for School Counselors. In our conversation, we discuss the power of motivational Interviewing (MI) in school counseling and how it can lead to positive behavioral changes in students.

You can hear more from Reagan at The Summer Counselor Conference where he will be presenting a session on motivational interviewing techniques for individual counseling, small groups and classroom lessons.

Topics Covered:

• A powerful MI technique that leads to better understanding and connection with students.
• How asking for permission to discuss sensitive topics or change allows students to feel in control of the conversation
• Different ways that school counselors can use MI (Motivational Interviewing) effectively 
• Why giving advice can actually break our relationships with students
• The difference between a simple and complex reflection, and examples of how you might use it during a counseling session
• What to focus on in order to help students develop the motivation to make positive change in their lives

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Reagan North:

• Facebook: Motivational Interviewing For School Counselors
• Twitter: @ReaganNorth

Grab Reagan's Book:

• Motivational Interviewing For School Counselors

More Resources:

• Summer Counselor Conference
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Carol's website
• TPT store

Questions about the conference or anything you heard on this episode? 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

When was the last time you got to the end of a work day and actually got everything done that was on your to-do list?

As our guest Jeff Becker says, “there’s never a quiet day in the counseling office”. It’s non-stop and some days the overwhelm really wears on you. What’s worse is that other staff members may not recognize the hard work that you put in each day. 

Jeff and I both know exactly how you feel, which is why he’s here to emphasize the importance of vocalizing your value and showcase his passion for helping other counselors succeed.

You’ll hear Jeff introduce a new training program, “Counselor Impact Training”, which focuses on empowering counselors to understand and utilize data effectively, identify and address performance gaps in students, and develop creative interventions. Plus, he explains the significance of pitching innovative ideas to school leaders and display your impact to stakeholders.

Topics Covered:

• How to communicate who you are, what you do, and the value you provide
• Strengthening the skill to understand and apply data effectively for student success 
• Identifying hidden performance gaps impacting students 
• Inspiring the creation of unique innovative solutions to address individual student needs. 
• Boosting your confidence in presenting bold innovative ideas to school leaders 
• Jeff will be presenting a session at the upcoming Summer Counselor Conference, focusing on how to get teachers involved in delivering counseling lessons and fostering social-emotional learning in the classroom.

Resources:

• Jeff’s Website: In Control SEL
• Jeff’s Instagram: @Incontrolsel
• Summer Counselor Conference
• Carol's website
• TPT store
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

As counselors, we do so much for our students, but how do you actually show up for yourself in supporting your own wellness?

This is just one of many great questions that we're going to challenge you to ask yourself today. In this episode of Counselor Chat, Dr. Sandi Logan from Oceanic Yoga and Wellness joins me to discuss the topic of bringing accountability to your own wellness as a counselor.

Dr. Sandi emphasizes the importance of connection and commitment in supporting personal wellness. She introduces the Indivisible Self Model of Wellness, which focuses on five key elements: creative, social, physical, coping, and essential self.

She also provides examples and strategies for nurturing each element, such as engaging in creative activities, investing in relationships, cultivating a healthy relationship with food, and prioritizing physical well-being. She leaves us with 2 questions to consider: 

What are 1 or 2 steps that you can take immediately to bring greater accountability to your wellness? 

What are 1 or 2 steps that may take more time and effort to implement, but lead to long term wellness? 

Topics Covered:

• Overcoming the challenge of implementing wellness practices as a counselor despite understanding their importance
• The Indivisible Self Model of Wellness: creative, social, physical, coping, and essential self
• The importance of using your sick and mental health days 
• Strategies for nurturing each element include engaging in creative activities, investing in relationships, cultivating a healthy relationship with food, and prioritizing physical well-being 

Links Mentioned In The Show:

Summer Counselor Conference

Connect With Dr. Sandi:

Instagram- Beachmeetswellness

Oceanic Hoga And Wellness Blog

Facebook Page--Beach Meets Wellness

Facebook Group-- The School Counselor Sanctuary

Connect With Carol: 

Carol's website

TPT store

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

How do you approach teaching the topics of race and racism with your elementary students, especially if you are not a person of color? If you need additional support with this, this episode is for you!

In this podcast episode, I interview Kristen Moffett, a 20 + year school counselor at the Walker School in Georgia. Kristen shares her experiences and insights on addressing race and racism with elementary students.

Kristen collaborated with parents, administration, and colleagues to develop a curriculum focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, race, and racism. She discusses the significance of educators taking responsibility for learning and educating themselves about race and racism, rather than solely relying on individuals from diverse backgrounds to teach these topics.

Kristen is also going to be one of our presenters at the 2023 Summer Counselor Conference. Be sure to grab your ticket here today!

Topics Covered:

• Educators, regardless of their racial background, must educate themselves about race and racism and take responsibility for teaching these topics to students.
• The curriculum developed by Kristen and her team, consisting of five lessons on diversity, equity, inclusion, race, and racism.
• Using age-appropriate definitions and language when teaching about race and racism
• Simplifying complex concepts to ensure students comprehend and engage in meaningful discussions.
• The importance of collaborating with parents, administrators, and colleagues in addressing race-related topics effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

More Than Peach Book

More Than Peach Project

Summer Counselor Conference

Follow Kristen Moffett on Twitter

Connect with Carol:

Carol's website

TPT store

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Attending conferences during the summer is a great way to reset your mindset, set goals, and prepare for the upcoming school year. I’ve attended the ASCA Conference both as an active participant and presenter.

There is a unique energy, excitement, and inspiration that can be found at this event. However, it's common to make excuses as to why you should not attend a conference such as shyness, missing family, not meeting anyone, cost, and thinking you wouldn't learn anything new.

In this episode, I am going to debunk these excuses and emphasize the value of attending conferences for professional development and personal growth.

Topics Covered: 

• My experience with attending the ASCA Conference as a participant and a presenter 
• Common excuses people make for not attending conferences
• Practical tips for those attending in-person conferences
• Benefits of attending summer conferences both in-person and virtually 

Blog Posts

• Going To ASCA: What You Need To Know
• Why Did I Wait 20 Years To Go To ASCA? 

ASCA Conferences

• Dream Big Conference--Atlanta, GA 2023
• Future Conference Information

Resources:

• 2023 Summer Counselor Conference
• Carol's website
• TPT store
• Leave a Review On Apple Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Do you attend conferences or professional development trainings during the summers? Attending national and state conferences can open up a world of opportunities for learning and networking with other educators and counselors.

In this episode, we are chatting about the benefits of attending conferences and other professional development trainings. I am also announcing details about the 2023 Summer Counselor Conference I am hosting in August! You won’t want to miss the amazing keynote speakers and presenters I have lined up!  

Topics Covered: 

• Why it is important to attend professional development trainings for school counselors
• How to keep up with the changing educational landscape and aligning counseling approaches with evolving needs
• How to create networking and collaboration opportunities with colleagues from different schools and districts
• Announcement of the 2023 Summer Counselor Conference! 🎉

Links Mentioned:

• ASCA Conference
• Summer Counselor Conference
• Prior episode about anxiety that was mentioned (Activities To Help Kids With Anxiety)
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions about the conference or anything you heard on this episode? 

Send me an 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

Mindfulness is a topic we hear a lot about. But what really is mindfulness? What does it look like? And how can we use it in the classroom with our students? 

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, I interview Beverly Fernandez, also known as ‘Counselor Bev’. Beverly dives deep into the topic of mindfulness and its powerful impact on both students and educators.

Mindfulness is all about appreciating the present moment, helping us break free from stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. By being fully present and anchoring our thoughts to our senses, we can experience greater clarity and emotional well-being.

Topics Covered:

• Beverly Fernandez discusses the concept of mindfulness and its importance in being present and reducing stress and anxiety.
• Strategies for incorporating mindfulness in the classroom such as using breathing, senses, art, music, and movement.
• Introducing mindfulness to students while respecting individual preferences and beliefs 
• Tips for counselors to practice mindfulness in their own lives such as self-reflection and taking pauses to gain clarity.
• Beverly's favorite mindfulness activities, such as breath work, using scents like peppermint, and appreciating water

Beverly Fernandez is a licensed mental health professional and certified thetahealing practitioner. She is a counselor educator and school counselor from the Philippines.

Connect with Beverly Fernandez:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 

Links Mentioned:

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

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Are you a school counselor looking for effective strategies to address separation anxiety, school anxiety, and school refusal? If so, this episode of Counselor Chat Podcast is for you! 

In this episode, I chat with Ashley Bartley, an experienced elementary school counselor, author, presenter, and creative mind behind Counselor Station. They take a deep dive into the topic of helping kids overcome separation challenges and anxiety. 

Ashley Bartley is an Elementary School Counselor in Virginia. She also is Counselor Station on TpT and social media. Ashley will be a presenter at the Summer Counselor Conference where she will go in depth on helping students with school anxiety, separation anxiety and school refusal, but today she'll share what she does at her school to help students who are frequent cryers as they enter school.

Topics Covered:

• Identifying the prevalence of separation and school anxiety in recent years, especially following the pandemic 
• Exploring tactical tips and strategies for educators to support students facing separation and school anxiety
• Collaborating with parents and caregivers to provide comprehensive support for students 
• Implementing tiered interventions to meet students’ varying needs
• Creating a positive and inclusive environment for new students, including ELL students 

Connect with Ashley Bartley:

Instagram 

Facebook 

TpT  

Blog 

Books by Ashley 

Resources:

2023 Summer Counselor Conference

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  

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