Counselor Chat Podcast

Want to make your lessons fun and engaging without feeling like a stand-up comedian? The energy you bring into your classroom can make or break student engagement. In this episode, we dive into simple ways to bring enthusiasm, structure, and interaction to your lessons—without adding extra work to your plate.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why your energy sets the tone for engagement

✔️ The easiest way to instantly shift a classroom’s atmosphere

✔️ How movement, tone, and facial expressions keep students engaged

✔️ Simple, no-prep activities to make learning interactive

✔️ Managing your own energy so you don’t feel drained

Resources Mentioned:

Kindergarten Career Lessons Community Helpers and Tools

Grade 1 Career Lesson Community Helpers and Their Skills

Grade 2 Career Lesson Careers and Training Needed

Grade 3 Career Lessons Multiple Intelligences

Grade 4 Career Lessons Careers and Workspaces

Grade 5 Career Lessons Career Interest Inventory and Research

Grade 6 Career Lessons Career Research

The next time you walk into a lesson, be intentional about your energy. Walk in with a smile, bring a little enthusiasm, and make it interactive. The difference? It’s huge!

Until next time, keep bringing the good vibes—you’re 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

🎉 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This milestone is all thanks to YOU—our amazing community of school counselors who tune in, take action, and make a difference every single day. Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or just found Counselor Chat, I’m beyond grateful for your support.

This podcast started as a simple idea—to create a space where school counselors could get practical strategies, feel supported, and be reminded that they’re never alone in this journey. And wow, has it grown! Along the way, we’ve had incredible conversations, deep dives into real challenges, and moments of pure inspiration.

💙 YOU are the reason we’ve made it to 100 episodes. So today, we’re celebrating together!

✅ A heartfelt reflection on the journey to 100 episodes

✅ The top 5 most-loved episodes and why they’ve resonated so deeply

✅ A sneak peek into the exciting topics and guests coming your way

Because this is such a big milestone, I want to celebrate you—the amazing listeners who make this podcast possible! To say thank you, I’m doing a special giveaway. One lucky listener will win a $100 Amazon gift card!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Make sure you’re following this podcast.
2. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
3. Snap a picture of your review and email it to me at [email protected].

That’s it! I’ll pick a winner by March 5th, 2025, and announce it on an upcoming episode.

Some of the episodes you all loved the most include:

🎧 Individual Counseling Like A Pro (Episode 49) – This episode dove into making the most of one-on-one time with students and structuring sessions effectively.

🎧 Finding Grace in Grief: A School Counselor’s Journey (Episode 51) – A deeply moving episode where we talked about grief, loss, and supporting students through tough times.

🎧 What Am I Supposed To Do For National School Counseling Week? (Episode 44) – A fan favorite that broke down how to celebrate and advocate for school counseling in a meaningful way.

🎧 Using Community Circles As SEL Lessons (Episode 47) – A practical and hands-on episode that inspired so many of you to bring community circles into your schools.

🎧 Go Make Some Lollipop Moments: Back To School Motivation (Episode 75) – If you need an instant boost of inspiration, this one’s for you!

What’s Next? Get Ready for Even More!

The best part? We’re just getting started. As we move into the next 100 episodes, expect even more of what you love:

✔️ Solo episodes packed with actionable strategies

✔️ Expert guests bringing fresh insights and game-changing ideas

✔️ Real talk about the challenges we face as school counselors—and how to overcome them

🌟 Upcoming topics include:

🔹 Setting Boundaries as a School Counselor (because yes, you CAN say no!)

🔹 Tier 2 Interventions That Actually Work – No fluff, just real strategies

🔹 The Heart of Difficult Conversations – Navigating tough discussions with confidence

🔹 Creative Ways to Teach SEL Without Another Lesson Plan – Because your plate is already full!

This journey has been incredible, and it’s all because of you. Every day, you show up for your students, your schools, and your communities. You handle the hard conversations, provide the safe spaces, and create the moments of impact that change lives.

And if you ever doubt the difference you’re making—just know this: You are seen. You are valued. You are making a difference.

So here’s to 100 episodes, to you, and to the next chapter of this amazing journey. 💙

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

Crisis situations in schools are unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into Crisis Management 101: what to do before, during, and after a crisis to ensure the best possible support for your students, staff, and yourself.

From grief and loss to natural disasters and mental health emergencies, we’ll cover the key steps to handling crises with confidence.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The different types of school crises and how to navigate them

✅ The importance of having a crisis response plan before you need it

✅ How to create a strong crisis response team and clearly define roles

✅ Why communication is key—and how to avoid misinformation spreading

✅ How to take care of yourself as a crisis responder

Crisis will happen—but with the right preparation, you can handle it with confidence.

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

What if making your counseling program more effective didn’t require a total overhaul? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re talking about small, strategic changes that can create major improvements—without adding more to your plate.

From simple check-in boards to five-minute classroom visits, these easy tweaks will help you better connect with students, streamline your work, and make a lasting impact.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How a check-in board can give you real-time insight into student emotions

✅ The magic of five-minute classroom visits (and how they build trust)

✅ Why revamping your email signature can make you more accessible

✅ The importance of a “feel-good file” for tough days

✅ How one positive phone call home can strengthen school-home relationships

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

Self-care has been marketed to us as bubble baths, spa days, and green juices—but let’s be real, school counselors don’t always have that kind of time. In this episode, we’re breaking down what self-care really looks like when you’re juggling a full caseload, endless emails, and back-to-back student crises.

• The truth about self-care that no one talks about
• Why saying no is just as important as saying yes
• How to build micro moments of care into your daily routine
• The underestimated power of a snack drawer and hydration
• How to set emotional boundaries to protect your energy
• A simple daily practice to find joy in the ordinary

Let’s embrace real self-care—because you can’t pour from an empty cup. 💛

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

Happy National School Counseling Week! While we’ve already talked about ways to celebrate (check out Episode 94 if you missed it), today we’re taking it one step further—by creating a vision board for your school counseling program.

A vision board isn’t just a fun craft project; it’s a powerful tool for goal setting, advocacy, and intentionality in your counseling program. Whether you’re focusing on student engagement, SEL initiatives, or data-driven success, having a visual roadmap can help keep you motivated and on track throughout the year.

📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why vision boards actually work (hint: neuroscience backs it up!)
• How to create a vision board that aligns with your counseling goals
• What to include—mission statements, key goals, student-centered themes, and data tracking
• The difference between physical vs. digital vision boards (and which one might be best for you)
• How to turn your vision board into action so it’s not just decoration

✨ Ready to Get Started?

Grab some markers, magazines, or your favorite digital tool and start crafting your counseling vision! Don’t forget to share your vision board with me—I’d love to see what you create! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook @CounselingEssentials and let’s celebrate your amazing work together.

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 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