Counselor Chat Podcast

Latest Episodes:

93. New Year, New Habits: Time Management Tips for School Counselors Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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!

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92. Breaking Up with Overcommitment: Learning to Say No in the New Year Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

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!

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

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91. Counseling’s Secret Sauce: The Art of Mentoring New School Counseling Professionals Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

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.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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.

Key Takeaways:

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:

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90. Is That Trash Actually Treasure? A Holiday Reminder For School Counselors Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

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.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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.

Key Takeaways:

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:

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

89. School Counseling VS School Social Work: Working together as a collaborative unit with Cayce Batts Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

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!

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Perks Membership

88. A Day In The School Counselor Life with Sarah Altman Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

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.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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:

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87. A Conversation with Julia Cook: The Heart of School Counseling, Books, and Teaching Great People Skills Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

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:

The Evolution of Julia’s Books: How feedback from counselors helps her refine her stories to fit the needs of today’s students.
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.
The Power of Adaptation: Why it’s essential for educators and resources to grow alongside the ever-changing needs of students.
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:

Forward this episode to five colleagues and CC Carol (carol@counselingessentials.org).
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 julia@juliacookonline.com.

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:

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

86. School Counselor Duo Allie and Elizabeth Share Their Day Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

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!

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85. The Power of One: How You’re Making a Difference as a School Counselor Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of Counselor Chat, I'm diving deep into one of the core challenges many school counselors face: feeling like the effort you’re putting in doesn’t always lead to visible results. Inspired by a powerful anonymous post from a fellow counselor,

Through real-life stories and insights, I share how just being present for a student, offering a kind word, or modeling integrity can have a lasting impact. This episode is all about recognizing and valuing the subtle yet profound influence you have every day in the lives of your students and colleagues.

Episode Highlights:

Feeling Overwhelmed or Unnoticed?
How to address those moments when it feels like your work isn’t making a difference.
Introducing "The Power of One"
Why focusing on small, meaningful actions can be transformative in a school setting.
Real-Life Stories of Lasting Impact
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
How even a single positive interaction can spark a chain of compassion and connection within the school community.
Mindset Shift for Long-Term Impact
Simple shifts to help you remember that you’re making a difference, even if you don’t see it right away.

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

84. Creative Ways To Use Your Leftover Halloween Candy As A School Counselor Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

In this special Halloween-themed episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into how we can use our leftover Halloween candy in our school counseling program!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Candy Introductions – Use M&Ms or Skittles as a fun icebreaker. Each color represents a different question for students to answer, encouraging them to share something about themselves.
Candy Tower Challenge – Build towers with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Great for discussing teamwork, growth mindset, and creative problem-solving skills.
Candy Bar Connection – Match students with candy bars like Snickers and Twix that represent different personality traits, helping them explore their strengths and similarities with others.
Guess the Candy Flavor – Blindfolded students rely on their team to describe candy flavors without saying the names, building trust and honing communication skills.
Candy Trivia Relay – Set up a trivia relay for some friendly competition! Students race to answer questions on topics you’re covering and win candy prizes for correct answers.
Yes or No Candy Game – Encourage kids to converse and win candy by getting their partners to say “yes” in conversation, improving social skills and interaction.
Candy Sort Challenge – A sorting game with candy corn and M&Ms using only straws. This activity promotes teamwork, planning, and focus.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Get ready for actionable, easy-to-implement ideas that make good use of Halloween leftovers and add a playful touch to your counseling sessions. Whether it’s using candy to spark introductions, teamwork, or just a bit of fun competition, these activities are sure to keep students engaged and learning.

Have your own ideas of how to use your extra Halloween candies that you want to share? I’d love to hear them!

Join our groups:

High School Counselor Connection

Caught In The Middle School Counselors

Elementary School Counselor Exchange

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