Welcome back to Counselor Chat! In this episode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but incredibly powerful tool of small talk. Whether you’re working with a shy first-grader or a skeptical high schooler, small talk is more than just casual chitchat—it’s a bridge to building trust, setting the tone, and paving the way for meaningful conversations.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• 🌟 Why small talk matters: Discover how these seemingly trivial conversations create a sense of safety and connection, especially for hesitant students.
• 🎯 Balancing small talk with therapeutic goals: Learn three practical tips to keep small talk intentional without letting it take over your session.
• 🛠️ Tips and tricks: Fun icebreakers and creative prompts to break the ice, like “Would you rather eat tacos forever or only pizza forever?”
• 📝 Real-life example: How inviting first-graders to lunch helped me assess their social skills and build rapport.
• 🤝 Using small talk to gain insight: How to listen for clues about a student’s hobbies, struggles, and personality.

Chit Chat Conversation Starters

Roll and Respond Icebreakers

Icebreakers for Everyone

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

National School Counseling Week is just around the corner, and this episode of Counselor Chat is all about helping you make it memorable! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, I'm sharing creative ideas, advocacy tips, and time-saving strategies to celebrate your work, engage your school community, and amplify your impact.

From fun activities like counselor coffee chats and student shout-out walls to leveraging social media with themed posts and hashtags, there’s something for every school counselor looking to shine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why National School Counseling Week is vital for advocacy and education.
• Creative celebration ideas like scavenger hunts, mindfulness moments, and career day collaborations.
• Simple ways to engage your school community and spread awareness.
• Social media strategies to maximize your reach and visibility.
• Tips for incorporating pre-made resources to save time and reduce stress.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

ASCA NSCW Materials

Get the free posters I talked about here.

NSCW Activities For Kids

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

New Year, new resolutions to get organized! In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m tackling one of the biggest challenges we face as school counselors — time management. Between unexpected crises, back-to-back meetings, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But guess what? Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your schedule — it’s about focusing on what truly matters.

I’ll share practical tips to help you:

✅ Prioritize your most important tasks

✅ Batch your work to save time

✅ Set boundaries to protect your schedule

✅ Use tools and strategies to make your life easier

I’m also giving a heartfelt shoutout to my co-counselor Ashley, who recently transitioned to a new role. While I’m holding down the fort solo for now, these time-saving strategies are helping me stay sane — and they can help you too!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why time management feels so hard for school counselors

✔️ The truth about multitasking (spoiler: it’s not helping!)

✔️ How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize your tasks

✔️ Tips for batching, setting boundaries, and building lasting habits

✔️ Tools and strategies to simplify your workflow

Resources Mentioned

Atomic Habits

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

Are you constantly saying "yes" to everything and feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for many school counselors: overcommitment. As natural helpers, we often feel the urge to take on more, but saying yes to everything can quickly lead to burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎯 Why overcommitment is so common among school counselors

🎯 The real reason saying no feels uncomfortable — and how to move past it

🎯 How to reframe your no as a yes to what matters most

🎯 Three practical strategies to help you say no with confidence and kindness

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

🎯 Wisdom from Brené Brown and Steve Jobs on boundaries and focus

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Today, we’re diving deep into the power of mentorship in school counseling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise or a newbie looking for guidance, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive.

• The Emotional Phases of Counseling: From the excitement of starting out to the rejuvenation and reflection phases, learn how mentorship can help navigate the ups and downs of this career.
• 7 Steps to Mentorship Success: Practical tips to foster trust, provide resources, celebrate milestones, and empower growth for both mentors and mentees.
• Pro Tips from Seasoned Mentors: Hear valuable advice from experienced counselors who’ve supported new professionals in the field.
• Using ASCA Standards: Discover how these guidelines can elevate mentorship and strengthen school counseling programs.

• Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about listening, validating, and helping others find their way.
• Supporting new counselors can make a profound difference, both in their confidence and in the impact they make on students.
• Experienced counselors: Take the leap to guide someone new.
• New counselors: Don’t be afraid to ask for help—you’re not alone in this journey!

Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s about shaping future leaders and ensuring the longevity of our profession. Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, your role matters. Together, we can make a difference!

www.summercounselorconference.com

ASCA School Counselor Competencies

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 a special holiday episode of Counselor Chat Podcast!

As we head into the festive season, it’s important to remember that the holidays aren’t joyful for everyone.

In this episode, we’re exploring how to foster gratitude, recognize the value of every gift, and support our students and colleagues during this emotionally charged time of year.

• A Meaningful Activity to Share: Discover an engaging group exercise using everyday items to teach the power of perspective and gratitude.
• The Power of the Giver’s Eyes: Hear a personal story from me that sheds light on why the intention behind a gift matters more than the gift itself.
• Holiday Stress Awareness: Understand how the holidays can affect students and staff differently and how to provide support during this time.
• Practical Takeaways: Ideas for implementing gratitude-focused activities in your school or team meetings.

• Value is in the eye of the giver—take a moment to appreciate the intention behind every gesture, big or small.
• The holiday season is a time to foster connection, gratitude, and reflection, even in the midst of stress.
• Small, thoughtful activities can spark meaningful discussions and help your team or students approach the season with empathy and perspective.

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 joined by Dr. Cayce Batts, Social Work Educator and former K-12 School Social Worker in Kentucky, to explore the power of collaboration between school counselors and social workers. If you’ve ever wondered how these roles can work together seamlessly to better serve students, this conversation is for you!

Cayce and I dive into the unique strengths and focus areas of each profession, the importance of setting boundaries while remaining flexible, and how building strong partnerships can lead to a bigger impact. Whether you’re a school counselor or social worker—or just curious about how to strengthen teamwork in your school—you’ll walk away with actionable tips to enhance collaboration and improve outcomes for students.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How school counselors and social workers complement each other’s roles.
• The differences between the clinical lens of a social worker and the academic focus of a school counselor.
• Ways to identify your strengths and share responsibilities effectively.
• Why communication and regular meetings are key to successful teamwork.
• Tips for fostering partnerships, setting boundaries, and celebrating wins.

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, I sit down with Sarah Altman, a seasoned elementary school counselor with 20 years of experience at Sycamore Elementary in Indiana. Sarah gives us an inspiring and detailed look at what it’s like to manage the daily ups and downs of school counseling while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families.

From her creative lesson plans to balancing unexpected challenges, Sarah shares practical strategies, tips, and wisdom that every school counselor—no matter their experience level—can learn from.

• Behind the Scenes of Elementary School Counseling
• Sarah takes us through a "typical" day in her role, showing how she balances proactive planning with the unexpected.
• Creative Lesson Ideas for K-4 Students
• Sarah’s go-to lessons include fun, hands-on activities with “little spot” books, growth mindset escape rooms, and even using a colander to teach social filters!
• The Value of Longevity
• Learn how staying at the same school for 20 years has helped Sarah connect deeply with her school community.
• Proactive Programs That Work
• Discover Sarah’s unique peer mentoring program and how she integrates social and academic skills into everyday interactions.
• Career Readiness for Elementary Students
• Sarah’s innovative approach to career development includes resume writing, mock interviews, and job exploration tailored for fourth graders.
• Balancing Duties and Grace
• From morning drop-off to lunch duty, Sarah explains how counselors can use these moments to connect with students and identify areas of need.

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 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