Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what really makes individual counseling sessions effective, engaging, and purposeful. If you've ever felt unsure about what to do in these sessions or overwhelmed by how to track student progress, this episode is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Individual counseling is an important Tier 3 support that allows you to provide targeted, personalized intervention. With the right tools and structure, these sessions can feel manageable and meaningful.

Why Individual Counseling Matters

Individual counseling is an essential component of a layered support system. These sessions provide space to work one-on-one with students who need more intensive intervention.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to identify students through referral systems

• How group counseling can help you determine which students may benefit from individual support

• Why individual sessions allow for deeper rapport and tailored intervention

Quick Wins for Tracking Data

Data collection does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This episode highlights simple tools you can implement immediately, including:

• A 30-second student rating scale

• Thumbs-up or thumbs-down check-ins

• Quick data points that help you make informed decisions and track growth

These small, consistent data practices keep you from guessing what students need and allow you to confidently measure progress.

How to Engage Students in Individual Counseling

Engagement is key for successful sessions. This episode shares a variety of activities, strategies, and tools you can use to keep students motivated and open.

Feelings Check-ins

• Model emotional vocabulary

• Use the Zones of Regulation

• Incorporate visuals

Rapport-Building Activities

• Get-to-Know-You Jenga

• Peak and Pit

• Genograms

• Discussion or interview cards

Hands-On and Creative Activities

• Digging Deep activities

• Personalized social stories

• Crafts such as coping skills toolboxes

• Board games

• Task cards

• Art projects

Modifications for Younger Students

• Increased hands-on activities

• Use of play dough

• Dolls and characters for storytelling

• Verbal reflections instead of written prompts

These strategies help students express themselves, stay engaged, and build meaningful connections.

Reflection Tools for Closing Sessions

Reflection helps students internalize their learning and practice self-awareness. Inside the episode, we explore:

• Journaling

• Reflection sheets

• Interview-style verbal reflections

• Open-ended questions that support closure

Using Data to Track Student Progress

Meaningful data guides your decisions and supports your advocacy efforts. You will learn how to use:

1. Student rating scales

2. Self-assessments

3. Behavior surveys from teachers and caregivers

This data helps you determine next steps, identify patterns, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and build year-end reports or data walls that demonstrate the impact of your counseling program.

Additional Tips

• Provide clear examples for students

• Prepare materials in advance

• Maintain consistent session structure

• Balance conversation with activities

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease.

Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence.

How to Set Up Counseling Groups

• Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments.

• Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind.

• Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling.

• Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection.

• Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers.

• Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games.

• Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress.

How to Lead Engaging Small Groups

• Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't.

• Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork.

• Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster.

• Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards.

• End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress.

By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today we are going behind the scenes to talk about how to create engaging class lessons that keep students interested and make your counseling program run smoothly all year long.

1. How to Map Out Lessons for the Year Start by looking at your school calendar and noting upcoming dates, themes, and holidays. For example, October is Bullying Prevention Month, which is a great time to plan related lessons. Review your referral data and needs assessment responses to identify key areas of focus. Check what curriculum your school already uses, such as Second Step, and build from there. You can also base lessons around books to make topics more engaging.

Planning tip: Repurpose content across multiple grade levels to save time and stay consistent.

2. How to Create Lessons Using a Simple Framework Use this five-step framework for 20–30 minute lessons:

• Icebreaker (5 minutes): Start with a fun, short activity to grab attention.

• Lesson (10 minutes): Teach the main concept or skill.

• Discussion (5 minutes): Have students talk in pairs, groups, or as a class.

• Reflect/Review: Leave time for students to write, draw, or journal about what they learned.

• Data Collection: Use quick self-assessments to measure understanding.

Planning tip: Repurpose small group or individual activities by slightly modifying them for classroom use.

3. How to Get Creative Make lessons interactive by incorporating elements such as Scoot Games, Escape Rooms, Digital Game Shows, Breakout Groups, or PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations. These activities help reinforce learning and keep students engaged.

4. How to Engage Students with Movement Movement keeps students focused and helps with participation. Add movement to your icebreakers, activities, and discussions with ideas like:

• Sides of the room

• Simon Says

• Stand up and sit down

• Role play

• Charades

• Beach ball toss or jumbo discussion die

By intentionally planning, getting creative, and incorporating movement, you can design classroom lessons that are fun, effective, and memorable.

Tune in to this episode to hear how I use these strategies step-by-step to make classroom lessons engaging and stress-free!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout October, we have been exploring practical bullying prevention strategies, and today we are wrapping up the series with a focus on teaching self-advocacy. While this may seem like a more reactive approach, it is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges with confidence.

In this episode, we explore three simple ways to help students learn to advocate for themselves and others:

1. Practice Scripts Provide students with sample scripts they can use in real-life situations. Watch short videos together, then practice through role play in small groups or class lessons. This gives students a chance to apply what they learn and build communication skills in a safe environment.

2. Self-Esteem Affirmations Encourage students to use positive self-talk that supports their confidence. Have them create affirmation cards or write encouraging messages on sticky notes to remind themselves of their strengths and worth.

3. Advocating for Others Teach students to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Traditional bullying prevention lessons can be adapted to show students how to recognize when someone needs help and how to take safe, supportive action.

Tune in to learn how you can incorporate self-advocacy into your counseling lessons and empower your students to stand up for themselves and others.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! October is Bullying Prevention Month, and throughout the month I'll be sharing some replays of our best episodes focused on strategies to prevent bullying in schools.

In today's episode, we're diving into friendship skills — an essential foundation for creating a kind, connected, and inclusive school culture. I'll be sharing ideas you can use at every level: schoolwide, classroom, small group, and individual.

Schoolwide Strategies

• Buddy Bench (Elementary Level): Transform an existing bench at recess into a "Buddy Bench." When a student feels lonely or doesn't have anyone to play with, they can sit there to signal they're looking for a friend. Other students are encouraged to approach, sit with them, or invite them to join in play.

• Mix It Up at Lunch Day (Middle School Level): Help reduce lunchroom anxiety by encouraging students to sit somewhere new for a day. This activity helps them meet new peers and break out of their usual social circles.

• Assigned Recess Groups: Rotate groups of students to play or interact together, fostering connections between kids who might not usually spend time with one another.

Classroom Strategies

• Friendship Lessons: Lead a class discussion or activity around the qualities of a good friend versus the qualities of a not-so-good friend. This sets the tone for healthy peer relationships and respectful communication.

Small Group Strategies

• Friendship Discussions: Talk about what makes a good friend and how good friends act.

• Friendship Dice Game: Use discussion prompts such as "What do you love about your friends?" or "What annoys you about your friends?" to spark meaningful conversations.

• Conflict Resolution Practice: Teach students to use "I" statements to express their feelings and resolve friendship conflicts.

• Scenario Cards: Role-play different social situations to help students problem-solve and practice empathy.

Individual Counseling Strategies

• Scripts and Role Plays: Work one-on-one with students to build their social confidence. The goal is to help them gain the skills they need to transition into small group or class activities successfully.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified. Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, this episode focuses on practical conflict resolution strategies you can use at the schoolwide, classroom, and small group levels. If you have not listened to last week's episode on restorative circles, start there for helpful background on resolution circles and community-based approaches. Today we build on that foundation with tangible tools you can use right away to help students resolve, forgive, and repair relationships.

What you will learn in this episode

• How to use classroom-based activities to teach conflict resolution skills

• A simple script for I statements that students can use to express feelings and seek solutions

• Engagement strategies for role play, discussion, and practice

• Small group activities and curricula that support peer problem solving

• Steps to take when a student is referred to you after a conflict

Classroom strategies

Talk it out circle

• Use a classroom circle where two students resolve a conflict in front of their peers while the teacher or counselor facilitates a respectful discussion.

• This model teaches the whole class how to listen, reflect, and offer support.

Counselor push-ins

• Join the classroom for a lesson or mediation session, while the teacher and student exit the classroom to resolve a conflict.

I statement lessons

• Teach a simple I statement script: name the emotion, describe the incident, explain how it made you feel, and suggest a next step toward resolution.

• Use dry erase boards with fill-in-the-blank templates for practice.

• Post I statement language on classroom walls and in common areas so students have visible reminders.

Role play and scenario practice

• Break students into small groups and use scenario cards to role play common friendship conflicts.

• Incorporate charades, fishbowl exercises, or paired practice to make skills stick.

Small group ideas

• Run a conflict resolution group using discussion dice or conversation cards to guide reflection.

• Include hands-on activities or crafts that reinforce communication skills and empathy.

• Consider curricula like Kelso's Choices to teach problem-solving options for peer conflicts.

When students are referred after a conflict

• Start by identifying the source of the conflict. Ask why this keeps happening and what the underlying triggers are.

• Take time to get a full picture before deciding on a plan so you do not cycle through the same issues repeatedly.

• Use data from observations, teacher input, and student self-report to refine your intervention.

Action steps you can take today

1. Teach and practice one I statement template with a class.

2. Try a short talk it out circle during your next classroom visit.

3. Create or print an I statement poster to display in classrooms and common areas.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• Conflict Resolution Small Group: Pirates to Peacekeepers

• Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson

• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure

• Check out the Kelso music video on YouTube: It's Your Choice Baby

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, I will be highlighting some of our best podcast episodes all about bullying prevention strategies. Today, we are diving into practical ways to create a culture of kindness in schools.

Promoting kindness is one of the most effective ways to reduce bullying. In this episode, I share strategies that teachers and counselors can use to set a positive tone, build empathy, and encourage collaboration.

1. Morning meetings are a simple yet powerful practice that helps students begin their day with intention. Counselors can shadow teachers and suggest SEL activities, such as discussion cards, to promote empathy and connection.

2. Restorative practices, including proactive circles that create safe spaces where every student feels heard and valued. These circles allow students to practice active listening, handle strong emotions, and respect differences. Resolution circles and talk-it-out circles provide opportunities for repair and forgiveness with counselor support.

3. School-wide kindness cards can be passed out to students to recognize and encourage positive behaviors, building a stronger culture of kindness across the campus.

By focusing on these strategies, we can create school environments where kindness thrives and bullying is less likely to take root.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• BULLYING PREVENTION Editable Guidance Lesson

• Morning Meeting Discussion Cards

• Feelings Check

• Bullying Prevention School Wide Activities - Fall and Halloween Activities

• Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling

• Ep. 61. Non-Boring Bullying Prevention Month Ideas

• Ep. 112 Creating a Culture of Kindness

• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we have been diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as tier 1 interventions, and so far we have talked about how to plan, schedule, teach, and manage behaviors during lessons. Today, we are shifting the focus to data and exploring how to measure the success of your classroom counseling lessons.

Often, counselors rely on self-assessments or individual assessments during small group or one-on-one sessions, which is a fantastic approach. But did you know you can also track data in your classroom lessons without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I am sharing two simple and practical ways to measure effectiveness.

• Collecting new data

  • This includes surveying parents and teachers throughout the year to gather feedback on the effectiveness of your lessons.

  • By asking questions such as which topics have been most helpful or what improvements they have noticed, you can continue to modify and strengthen your lessons.

  • Surveys can be kept short and simple with just a few questions to ensure people complete them.

  • You can also share results in newsletters or with your administration to advocate for your role.

• Instant student feedback

  • A brief half-sheet with three simple questions at the end of a lesson can provide valuable insights into what students are learning and how they are engaging with the material.

• How to use this data

• The purpose of gathering information is not just to collect it but to use it to improve future lessons and demonstrate the impact of your program. All data is good data because it allows you to revise, reflect, and show the power of school counseling.

Your action step for this week is to create a parent feedback survey and send it out. This simple tool can make a big difference in helping you measure effectiveness and advocate for your work.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are handed lessons to deliver, there are plenty of situations where you have to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These insights come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program that equips you with tools and strategies to feel prepared and confident.

In today's episode, we are focusing on behavior management during counseling lessons. When I first started, this was one of my biggest struggles. I often had lessons I was excited to teach, but behavior challenges quickly left me feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I discovered that consistency is the key to creating a well-managed classroom. When you are consistent, you build trust with your students. They know what to expect and that you will follow through.

Here are a few strategies we will cover in this episode:

• At the beginning of lessons: Review expectations or rules. You can display them on Google Slides or on an anchor chart. Model each expectation with your students, either as a group or with selected volunteers.

• When students don't follow expectations: Take a pause rather than pushing through. Stop the lesson, revisit the expectation, and reset. Sometimes you need to go slow in order to go fast.

• Reinforcing positive behavior: Use behavior-specific praise. Instead of offering tangible rewards, tell students exactly what they are doing right and why it matters.

The key is to create expectations that can be applied across every classroom you visit and to consistently reinforce them. Behavior management does not have to feel overwhelming when you have clear, practical strategies in place.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are given lessons to teach, there are also plenty of situations where you are expected to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing strategies on how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These ideas come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program designed to help you feel confident and prepared.

In today's episode, we are focusing on the teaching piece and specifically on strategies to keep counseling lessons engaging and fun. The more engaged students are, the less likely they are to act out, which makes your time in the classroom much more effective.

You will learn how to add movement and interactive activities into your lessons, including:

• Icebreakers: Sides of the room, Simon Says, Stand up/Sit down

• Activities: Role play, charades, escape rooms, scoot games

• Discussions: Beach ball toss, jumbo discussion die

These simple strategies can transform the energy in your classroom and keep students focused while learning.

Here are three action steps you can take right away:

1. Find an engaging icebreaker for each topic you plan to teach.

2. Decide which engagement activity strategy you want to try.

3. Create a discussion beach ball to spark interactive conversations.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store

• Blog

• Instagram

• Facebook Page

• Facebook Group

• Pinterest

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!