School Counseling Simplified Podcast

Latest Episodes:

123: Self-Care Tips for the Holiday Break (And the School Year!) Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

Whether you're resting and relaxing or getting in as many social gatherings as possible, I hope you are having an AMAZING, well-deserved break! At this point in the school year, self-care is especially important. So today, I am sharing four self-care tips to help you get the most out of your holiday break!

We often get so busy with our to-do list, obligations, and feeling like we need to do everything that we forget to take care of ourselves. Whether it's at school or on a break, self-care is so important! In this episode, we're looking at four self-care tips that you can easily do to take care of yourself during winter break and when you return to school. I am sharing how to prevent yourself from over-committing, how to set clear boundaries, fun ways to practice mindfulness, and the importance of unplugging and taking a break. I hope you can use these four tips to truly enjoy your winter break and return to school with a plan to implement self-care throughout the day.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/self-care-tips

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 119: Advocating 101: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/advocate

School Counseling Data Wall: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

122: Creating Closure Before the Holiday Break Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

Holiday break will be here before you know it! As stressful as it is before break, I think it is so important and helpful to wrap things up for our students and for ourselves before we leave for break. Your future self will thank you in January when you come back and things aren't a total mess! Today, I am sharing four ways to create closure before the holiday break.

We're all ready to run out the door when the bell rings and winter break begins but a little prep now will save you unnecessary stress when you return. Creating closure before the holiday break isn't only important for you, but for your students as well. In this episode, I am sharing tips on how to wrap up small groups, the importance of supporting all students leading up to holiday break, why you should take time to organize your desk and work, and why a data check-in is so important to do before you leave for break.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/creating-closure-before-the-holiday-break

Resources Mentioned:

Counselor Chat: Terminating Group Counseling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD0xUBnqWa0

A 4 Step Guide to Successfully Terminating Individual and Group Counseling Sessions: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/a-4-step-guide-to-successfully-terminating-individual-and-group-counseling-sessions

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets - Caseload and Counseling Log: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

Episode 70: How to Conduct a Mid-Year Data Checkin: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-conduct-a-mid-year-data-checkup

School Counseling Data Wall: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

121: Holiday Resource Roundup Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

As we get closer to winter break, we know our schedules are going to get crazy with all the assemblies, concerts, and special events. As fun as this is for our students, it can make our typical schedule feel a bit more stressful and keeping students engaged can be a challenge. So today, I am sharing eight seasonal activities you can do with your students that will keep them engaged and give you a break from planning!

This time of year is super busy for everyone! The last thing we want to do with our limited time is come up with, plan, and prep seasonal activities for our students. The good news - I am sharing eight fun and easy activities for you to do with your students this holiday season! In this episode, I'm sharing how to use self-esteem ornaments, countdowns, trail mix, elf games, scavenger hunts, and presentations to keep your students engaged with little prep on your end!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/holiday-resource-roundup

Resources Mentioned:

How to Plan a Fun Elementary School Counseling Christmas Party: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/2017/12/6/how-to-plan-a-fun-counseling-christmas-party

Countdown to Winter Break - Counseling and SEL Activity Pack: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Countdown-to-Winter-Break-Winter-Themed-Counseling-and-SEL-Activity-Pack-4190664

Conflict Resolution Christmas Activity Dress an Elf with I-Statements: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-Christmas-Activity-Dress-an-Elf-with-I-Statements-3526142

sELF-Control Christmas Game + Google Slides Digital Holiday Board Game: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/sELF-Control-Christmas-Game-Google-Slides-Digital-Holiday-Board-Game-3516717

Christmas Coping Strategies Digital Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Coping-Strategies-Digital-Activity-Holiday-School-Counseling-SEL-3520988

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

120: How to Handle Push Back Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

What do you do when you receive push back from unsupportive stakeholders? Unfortunately, this may happen even when we are careful to be respectful, not step on others' toes, and maintain relationships with teachers and parents. You don't need to feel unprepared when dealing with push back because today, I am sharing four tips for handling push back.

We want teachers, admin, and parents to see all the good that we are doing for our students. But when we implement new things or switch things up, you may be met with some resistance. In this episode, I am diving into why you should share the purpose and goals behind what you are doing, how to use data to back you up, why having allies that believe in what you are doing is so important, and the importance of giving grace to others. I truly hope you don't receive much push back when you are doing such incredible things for your students, but if you do, this episode will help you be prepared!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-handle-push-back

Resources Mentioned:

School Counseling Data Wall - Counseling Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

119: Advocating 101 Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

You know I am all about advocating for your role as a school counselor and I love giving you tips and advice on how to do so. We all know that a huge part of advocating for our program is showcasing how many students we are working with and how we are using our time to help these students. So today, I am talking about two things you can do that will help you advocate for your position and program.

How can we free up some time to impact more students, keep track of all the students we are working with, and use this to advocate for our program? It may be simpler than you think! In this episode, I am sharing two things you can implement right away that will help you advocate for your role. I am talking about why you should be batching your communication and how to start doing this right away, what a counseling log is and how it's used, and how implementing these two things will help you advocate for your program.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/advocate

Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Episode 38 - How You Can Use a Counseling Log to Increase Your Impact and Advocate for Your Role: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode38

Episode 37 - How You Can Batch Communication to Increase Your Impact and Advocate for Your Role: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode37

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

118: How to Use Data to Advocate for Your Role Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

One of the most effective ways for you to advocate for your role as a school counselor is to use data to showcase your impact. Many counselors get overwhelmed or nervous about data collection. I am here to tell you that it doesn't need to be overwhelming! It is so powerful to have data to show your parents, teachers, and admin, and today, I am sharing my favorite end of the year data report to help you advocate for your role.

You may be wondering why I am talking about end of the year data reports in November but the tool I am talking about can be used throughout the year to showcase your work. I am so excited to help you create an amazing report that will WOW your admin, teachers, and parents.

In this episode, I am sharing why you should be using data collection and data reports, what my data report looks like section by section, tips for when you create your report, how this report helps you advocate for your position, and how you can use it throughout the year. If you're looking for more information on what data to collect and how to collect it, grab the FREEBIE that's filled with helpful data collection information!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-to-advocate-for-role

Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

School Counseling EDITABLE End of the Year Report: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-EDITABLE-End-of-the-Year-Report-3144878

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

117: How to Organize your Caseload so No Students Slip Through the Cracks Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Are you using paper organizers to keep track of your caseload? Or maybe you just don't have an effective system for keeping track of all your tier II and tier III students? We're continuing our series about areas to focus on to make a big impact in your counseling program. Today, we are covering organization and looking at one of my favorite organizational tools for keeping track of all the students on my caseload.

We, as counselors, have so much on our plates and so many students to keep track of. It's so important that we have a way to keep track of the students we are working with so that nothing and no one falls through the cracks. In this episode, I am sharing all about the spreadsheet I use to maximize my productivity. I am sharing what my spreadsheet covers, tips for effectively using a caseload spreadsheet, and how using a caseload spreadsheet helps you impact more students.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/organize-your-caseload

Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Counseling Caseload Spreadsheet: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

116: How to Use a Crisis Response Team Protocol to Make your Schedule Less Stressful Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Are you looking for tips on what to focus on in order to see big results in your counseling program? That's what we are focussing on all month long! We are taking the next five weeks to look at key areas to focus on for a big impact in your program. Today, we are taking a look at how scheduling can help you get better results in your counseling program.

You may hear scheduling and think I'm sharing a calendar or scheduling tool with you but, in this episode, we are talking about scheduling a crisis response team to help prevent you from being stretched too thin. I am covering the difference between a crisis response team and a crisis response protocol, ideas for who might be on a crisis response team, how to schedule who responds to a crisis, and how it helps both you and your students.

There are so many benefits to having a crisis response team and I truly believe it will be so helpful for you and your students! I'd love to hear who you are considering for your crisis response team so send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/crisis-response-team

Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

115: Proactive Bullying Prevention: Teaching Self-Advocacy Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

We are wrapping up our series on pre-bullying prevention ideas with a topic that is a little closer to traditional bullying prevention topics. This episode is all about self-advocacy and the importance of students knowing how to stand up for themselves in school and beyond.

Self-advocacy is an important skill that often isn't taught as much as it should be. These skills are used in every stage of life and effectively teaching them to our students will help them throughout their lives. Today we are talking about using scripts to teach self-advocacy skills, why self-esteem affirmations help build these skills, and the importance of teaching students to advocate for others. Unfortunately things are going to happen at school and in life where students will need these skills and it's important we equip them to handle these situations.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/self-advocacy

Resources Mentioned:

Free Not So Scary Small Groups Video Series: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Bullying Prevention Editable Guidance Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLYING-PREVENTION-Editable-Guidance-Lesson-Video-and-Activity-3143641

Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8292067

Be an Upstander - Prevent Bullying: A NED Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqQCyQOCPg

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

114: Proactive Bullying Prevention: Friendship Skills Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

Looking for a simple way to help prevent bullying in your school? Focus on friendship building! We are continuing to talk about bullying prevention by diving into how to promote friendship at your school.

Knowing how to include others and build and maintain friendships is key to preventing bullying. Today, I am sharing easy to implement strategies you can use to promote friendship. I am sharing three ideas for promoting friendship at a schoolwide level, ideas for class lessons on friendship, activities for friendship small groups, and how to work on friendship in individual sessions. *

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/friendship-skills

* Resources Mentioned:

Episode 113: Proactive Bullying Prevention: Conflict Resolution Strategies: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/conflict-resolution-strategies

Free Not So Scary Small Groups Video Series: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Friendship Counseling Group - Blooming Friendship Small Groups: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friendship-Counseling-Group-Blooming-Friendships-Small-Group-3211157

FRIENDSHIP Guidance Lesson, Activity, and Video - Friendship Class Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FRIENDSHIP-Guidance-Lesson-Activity-and-Video-Friendship-Class-Lesson-3400566

Friendship Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friendship-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8115034

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

* Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/