Episode 3: Reality Therapy and the Power of Choice in the Wizarding World

What do a school bully, a rule-following genius, and a flying broom have in common? In this episode, we journey into chapters 9 and 10 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to explore how Reality Therapy helps us understand behavior, bullying, and belonging. Discover how Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger's choices reflect their unmet needs—and how we, as counselors and educators, can guide students toward more empowering decisions using Glasser’s WDEP model. Because in both magic and real life, the power to change always begins with a choice.

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School Counselors Beyond is an independent podcast created for educational and commentary purposes. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any other rights holders of the Harry Potter series or related properties.

All references to fictional characters, settings, or events are used under fair use for the purpose of critical analysis, discussion, and the exploration of counseling concepts. The views expressed are those of the host and do not represent any official organizations or creators of the original works.

© School Counselors Beyond. All rights reserved.

In every school cafeteria, there’s a moment—tray in hand, scanning for a seat, seeking a friendly face—that defines the human need to belong. In this episode of School Counselors Beyond, we walk alongside Harry Potter during his first week at Hogwarts, exploring how Adlerian Theory—and the concept of social interest—illuminates his journey from outsider to connected friend and wizard. Drawing from both counseling practice and scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Chapters 6–8), host Tony Yang unpacks the emotional power of inclusion, the impact of rejection, and how small acts—like sharing a pasty or calling a student by name—can encourage lasting change. Whether you're a counselor, educator, or simply someone who remembers that cafeteria moment, this episode invites you to reflect on what it means to help students truly belong. 

Support the show

Want to support School Counselors Beyond? Connect with me on LinkedIn or support financially below!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonytyang/

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/tonyyang

School Counselors Beyond is an independent podcast created for educational and commentary purposes. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any other rights holders of the Harry Potter series or related properties.

All references to fictional characters, settings, or events are used under fair use for the purpose of critical analysis, discussion, and the exploration of counseling concepts. The views expressed are those of the host and do not represent any official organizations or creators of the original works.

© School Counselors Beyond. All rights reserved.

In this debut episode, host Tony Yang, a school counselor, steps into the early chapters of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to explore how a school counselor could support a young wizard discovering who he really is. Using Person-Centered and Narrative Therapy, Tony examines Harry’s emotional journey from feeling unwanted and invisible to reclaiming a powerful new identity in the Wizarding World. Through scenes like Hagrid’s arrival and Harry’s first steps into Diagon Alley, listeners will see how empathy, unconditional positive regard, and reauthoring one’s story can be life changing. This episode also invites listeners to reflect on their own “problem-saturated” stories and consider the sparkling moments that signal transformation. Perfect for fans of both counseling and fantasy, this thoughtful blend of theory and storytelling reimagines Harry’s world through a deeply human lens. Whether you're a counselor, educator, or just a fan of Harry Potter, this session offers insight, reflection, and heart.

Support the show

Want to support School Counselors Beyond? Connect with me on LinkedIn or support financially below!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonytyang/

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/tonyyang

School Counselors Beyond is an independent podcast created for educational and commentary purposes. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any other rights holders of the Harry Potter series or related properties.

All references to fictional characters, settings, or events are used under fair use for the purpose of critical analysis, discussion, and the exploration of counseling concepts. The views expressed are those of the host and do not represent any official organizations or creators of the original works.

© School Counselors Beyond. All rights reserved.