Counselor Chat Podcast

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**Counselor Chat Podcast**

Counselor Chat is a podcast for School Counselors. If you’re looking for inspiration, collaboration, easy to implement strategies and a bit of joy, you’ll want to listen along with your host, Carol Miller from Counseling Essentials. Share in some real talk and get tips, tricks and learn about tools of the trade with Carol and listen in as she interviews other school counselors who are experts in the field as they share their advice and enjoy a few laughs.

Latest Episodes:

53. Using A Scope And Sequence In Career Lessons Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Today I am taking you on a journey into the world of teaching careers to our youngest learners.

Episode Highlights:

Kindergarten Dreams:

Discover how I introduce our littlest explorers to the heroes of our communities. From firefighters with their trusty axes to gardeners with magic green thumbs, kindergarten is a world of wonder!

First Grade Adventures:

Explore the magic of matching careers to skills. Join me as I help students uncover their own unique talents and interests, connecting the dots between dream jobs and the qualities that make them shine.

Second Grade Discoveries:

Delve into the realm of career training. I shed light on the different paths our students can take, introducing the concept of college and specialized programs that turn passions into professions.

Third Grade Insights:

It's all about multiple intelligences! Join me in uncovering the diverse smarts within each student, guiding them towards careers that align with their strengths and passions.

Fourth Grade Expeditions:

Take a tour of workplaces! From bustling town halls to the heart of a school, I paint a vivid picture of the varied careers that await our young adventurers. Who knows where their passions will lead?

Fifth Grade Discoveries:

Dive into the world of career interest inventories! I share how students take the reins, identifying their aspirations and diving into research to uncover the perfect path for their future selves.

Sixth Grade Preparations:

Get ready for the next chapter! I discuss career clusters, advanced training options, and the exciting journey towards informed decision-making as students prepare for the road ahead.

???? Free Career Lesson! ????

Dive into a treasure trove of career exploration with my specially crafted lesson! Available for download from the show notes until March 29th!!! Don't miss this chance to spark curiosity and ignite passion in your students!

Free Lesson: 4th Grade Career Lesson

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

52. Teaching Future Planning As a School Counselor Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we are chatting about something that is sure to spark joy and excitement - future planning for our incredible students!

Highlights:

Exploring Future Planning

Diving into the world of future planning for our students—empowering them to achieve their dreams.

Strategies for Engagement

Hosting a Career Fair in May at my elementary school—exciting opportunities for students to explore diverse career paths.
"Munch and Lunch" sessions with parents sharing their unique career experiences—inspiring students to think beyond the ordinary.
Eye-opening "How Long is a Lifetime?" lesson—plotting lifespans, retirement ages, and years spent working versus in school.
Teaching students about adulting—budgeting, financial responsibilities, and preparing for life beyond school.

Links for Further Exploration

Dive deeper into the discussed lessons with links provided below
Explore these activities and adapt them to suit the needs of your students and school community.

Lessons Mentioned:

Other Great Lessons for Future Planning:

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

51. Finding Grace In Grief: A School Counselor’s Journey Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

In this Episode of the Counselor Chat, we delve into the challenging terrain of grief, particularly for school counselors who are often pillars of strength for their communities.

Episode Highlights

Experience of Grief:
Reflecting on the different forms of grief, from losing loved ones to pets, colleagues, and students.
Discussing the impact of these losses and how they can affect counselors personally and professionally.
Navigating Grief While Supporting Others:
Exploring the complexity of managing personal grief while being a source of support for students, colleagues, and families.
The struggle of maintaining strength and resilience while dealing with personal loss.
Permission to Feel:
Importance of giving oneself permission to feel emotions and process grief without judgment.
Acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay and allowing time and space for healing.
Seeking Support:
Encouraging counselors to reach out for help, whether from a counselor outside the school community, trusted colleagues, or friends and family.
Reminding that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Personal Experiences Shared:
I also share personal anecdotes from my years as a counselor, showing instances of acknowledging limitations and seeking support from others.

This episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing personal grief while supporting others, emphasizing the importance of self-care, seeking help, and building a supportive community of counselors.

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

50. Structuring Your Individual Counseling Sessions Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we are heading into the art of crafting purposeful counseling sessions. Whether you're new to individual counseling or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to make your sessions effective and engaging.

Episode Highlights:

Setting Clear Objectives
Personalized Check-Ins for Connection
Focus on Grit and Growth Mindset
Engaging Activities to Reinforce Learning
Guided Discussions for Insight
Real-World Application in School
Structured Approach for Results
Homework and Follow-Up for Continuity
Empowering Students for Success

Resources Mentioned:

Self Esteem (grades 3-8)
Self Esteem (grades K-2)
Grit and Growth Mindset (grades 4-8)
Play Skills (grades K-2)
School Success Skills (grades 3-6)
Following Directions (grades K-2)
Family Changes (grades 4-8)

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

49. Individual Counseling Like A Pro Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, we are diving into the realm of individual counseling. With a focus on making each session purposeful and impactful, I am sharing practical strategies and insights drawn from my own experience in the field.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Structure: One of the main points I really want to drive home is the importance of intentionally structuring our individual counseling sessions. It's all about setting clear objectives and creating a framework that follows a psychoeducational approach. When we have a purpose for each session, we can ensure that we're effectively addressing the specific needs and challenges of our students.
Examples of Session Frameworks: I shared some real-life examples in the episode to illustrate how we can structure sessions to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether it's helping younger students develop play skills or supporting older students coping with family changes, tailoring our sessions to individual needs is key.
Setting Clear Objectives: Clear objectives are essential for guiding our sessions and fostering meaningful conversations with students. By establishing goals, we can empower our students to navigate challenges and develop essential skills that will serve them well beyond our counseling sessions.

Tune in to this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for making individual counseling purposeful and impactful. Let's empower and support students together!

Individual Counseling Links Mentioned:

Self Esteem (grades 3-8)
Self Esteem (grades K-2)
Grit and Growth Mindset (grades 4-8)
Play Skills (grades K-2)
School Success Skills (grades 3-6)
Following Directions (grades K-2)
Family Changes (grades 4-8)

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

48. When The Referrals Start Coming In–How To Decide Between Group and Individual Counseling Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, join me as we delve into the nuanced world of student counseling.

If you have been inundated by an influx of referrals for individual counseling, it's important to make informed decisions about the appropriate type of counseling for each student.

Key Points Covered:

Referral Assessment: the necessity of assessing referrals for individual counseling and highlighting the factors to consider when determining whether individual or group counseling suits a student.
Nature of the Issue: the nature and intensity of student issues is crucial in deciding whether individualized attention or group support would be more beneficial.
Level of Support Needed: the significance of evaluating the level of support required by students, considering their unique circumstances and emotional readiness.
Data Gathering: the importance of gathering comprehensive information from teachers, parents, and other professionals to inform counseling decisions is underscored.
Planning for Sessions: the importance of having a structured plan for counseling sessions, whether individual or group, to ensure that goals are set and progress is made effectively.

Join me as I guide you through the intricacies of counseling decisions and offer valuable insights to enhance counseling practices.

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

47. Using Community Circles As SEL Lessons Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to episode 47 of the Counselor Chat podcast. Today we are diving in deep and talking about how to use Community Circle as SEL lesson.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Community Circles:

Community circles trace their origins to ancient traditions, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.
The circle format ensures equal participation and promotes active listening.

2. Setting Up Community Circles:

Physical setup: Arrange seats in a circle without barriers for optimal engagement.
Establish guidelines: Co-create rules emphasizing respect, confidentiality, and active listening.
Teacher involvement: Teachers remain present to demonstrate commitment and contribute insights.

3. Implementing Community Circles:

Introduction phase: Initiate with lighthearted topics to build trust and rapport.
Progression: Transition to deeper discussions on topics like personal integrity and community contribution.
Varied approaches: Utilize storytelling, multimedia, and interactive activities within circles to engage students.

4. Benefits of Community Circles:

Transformational impact: Promotes empathy, breaks down social barriers, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Encourages active listening: Emphasizes that participation includes both speaking and listening.
SEL integration: Aligns with Social and Emotional Learning objectives, enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

5. Resources and Further Exploration:

Book recommendation: "Circle Forward" serves as a comprehensive guide to implementing community circles.
Prompts and check-ins: Access resources for engaging circle activities and check-ins to deepen student participation.
Training opportunities: Explore professional development to enhance circle facilitation skills.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Circle Forward Book
Check In Freebie

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

46. Simple Ideas You Can Do For Kindness Month Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode:

Join me as we dive into a heartwarming discussion on celebrating Kindness Month in schools. Throughout the episode, I am sharing tons of ideas, strategies, and book recommendations aimed at fostering empathy and kindness among students.

From school-wide projects to individual acts of kindness, this episode is packed with actionable tips for school counselors looking to make a significant impact on student growth and success.

Whether you're searching for new ideas or looking to refresh your kindness initiatives, this episode promises inspiration and practical advice to help you spread kindness throughout your school community.

Topics Discussed:

Celebrating Kindness Month: February is Kindness Month and celebrating it is so important!
Empathy in Classrooms: Focusing on teaching empathy through lessons and incorporating books that highlight kindness.
Book Recommendations: Suggestions for books to use in kindness lessons, including "The Kindness Quilt" and how it can be used for a school-wide project.
Mix It Up Day: How to host a Mix It Up Day event to encourage students to cross social boundaries, available for all school levels.
Kindness Initiatives: Ideas for school-wide kindness initiatives such as assemblies, Kind Student of the Week, kindness trees, and compliment days.
Kindness and Empathy Lessons: Lesson ideas focusing on kindness and empathy, including book readings and craft activities.
Community Circles and Small Groups: Running community circles and starting kindness or friendship groups to foster kindness and improve communication skills among students.
Individual Sessions: Using kindness or gratitude journaling and mindfulness in individual counseling sessions to promote a positive mindset.
Sister Classrooms: Pairing different grade levels for joint activities, promoting kindness and cooperation.
Kindness Challenges and Projects: Suggestions for engaging students in kindness challenges, such as painting kindness rocks, journaling, and creating a kindness chain.

Resources Mentioned:

Books to Use For Lessons:

Learning For Justice Mix It Up Day Toolkit

Top Secret Kindness Club Small Group

February Kindness Calendar

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

45. Using Data In Your 2nd Semester Programming Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, we are taking a look into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of school counseling - data-driven practices.

As we head into the second semester in the chilly February of New York, I share my journey and insights on harnessing data to enhance student growth and success.

Key Topics Covered:

The Importance of Data in School Counseling: I discuss why, even though data analysis can seem daunting or tedious, it's essential for effective program planning and intervention.
Data Collection for RAMP Application: Insight into the process and significance of collecting data for the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) application, highlighting its role in program development.
Practical Strategies for Data Management: I share actionable methods and tools for collecting and analyzing data, emphasizing the need for a purposeful approach.
Time Management and Time Audits: Understanding the significance of conducting time audits to optimize counselor efficiency and program effectiveness.
Utilizing Data for Program Improvement: Strategies to leverage data for enhancing counseling programs, including examples such as initiating peer mediation programs and community circles.
Aligning Counseling Goals with School Objectives: Discussion on how data can help align counseling program goals with overall school goals for a cohesive strategy.
Real-life Applications and Success Stories: I share anecdotes and examples from my own experience, illustrating the impact of data-driven decision-making in school counseling.

Resources Mentioned:

School Counselor Time Tracker

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

44. What Am I Supposed To Do For National School Counseling Week with Mal Jacobs and Hannah Mick Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to be inspired and energized in this special edition of the Counselor Chat podcast!

This episode features a lively and insightful Zoom call recording with the vibrant Kansas elementary school counselors, Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick.

They're here to share their ingenious toolkit for celebrating National School Counseling Week. From discussing the multifaceted role of school counselors to diving into creative and practical ways to celebrate and advocate for the profession, this episode is a treasure trove of ideas, laughter, and inspiration.

Whether you’re a school counselor, educator, or simply someone passionate about the impact of counseling, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain!

Key Highlights:

???? Guest Appearances by Mallory and Hannah: Discover the passion and creativity behind the roles of Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick, elementary school counselors and board members of the Kansas School Counselor Association.
???? Celebrating National School Counseling Week: Unpack the essence of this special week with fun, innovative activities, and strategies designed to highlight and advocate for the vital role of school counselors.
????️ Toolkit Exploration: Dive into the details of the toolkit prepared by Mallory and Hannah, featuring easy-to-implement, engaging activities perfect for any school setting.
???? Advocacy Over Celebration: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on why National School Counseling Week is more about advocating the profession than just celebrating it.
???? Creative Engagement Ideas: Get inspired by a range of ideas from dress-up days to interactive games, all aimed at making the week memorable and impactful.
???? Social Media Interaction: Learn how to share your own celebration stories and connect with a broader community of school counselors and educators.

Tune in to this episode for an enriching experience combining professional insight with fun and community spirit. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us on social media! ????????????️

Mallory Jacobs and Hannah Mick are both Elementary School Counselors in Kansas and serve on the board of the Kansas School Counselor Association. They also have a podcast called Kickin' It With KSCA.

Kickin' It WIth KSCA Podcast
NSCW Toolkit-
Use the hashtag on socials during NSCW #ksde4nscw

Hanna Kemble-Mick- hkemble@ksde.org

Mallory Jacobs- mjacobs@ksde.org

Carol's NSCW resources

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

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