School for School Counselors Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Surprising Secret Weapon Against Chronic School Counselor Stress Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out as a school counselor? Discover game-changing strategies to not only manage- but also thrive- amidst the unique stressors you face daily. Join me, Steph Johnson, on the School for School Counselors Podcast as we navigate the complexities of stress management, especially with the new school year kicking off. We'll discuss the escalating mental health demands post-COVID-19 and how traditional self-care practices may not be cutting it anymore. Learn how to balance your high caseloads with sustainable, actionable measures that protect your well-being and professional effectiveness.
In this episode, we tackle the mismatch between your rising responsibilities and outdated frameworks, highlighting the importance of setting professional boundaries and seeking support. A groundbreaking journal article reshapes our understanding of chronic stress and offers fresh insights into maintaining mental health. This is not just about surviving but thriving in your role as a school counselor—equipped, confident, and ready to meet each day with renewed energy and purpose.
00:00 Welcome Back to the School for School Counselors Podcast

00:25 Exciting Updates and New Beginnings

01:06 Addressing Stress in School Counseling

02:40 Behavior Interventions and Mastermind Group

04:53 Understanding Chronic Stress

07:47 The Impact of Chronic Stress on School Counselors

16:17 Strategies to Mitigate Chronic Stress

23:25 The Importance of Professional Consultation

29:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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References/Resources:
Agyapong, B., Obuobi-Donkor, G., Burback, L., & Wei, Y. (2022). Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among teachers: a scoping review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(17), 10706.

Liu, Y. Z., Wang, Y. X., & Jiang, C. L. (2017). Inflammation: the common pathway of stress-related diseases. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 11, 273283.

Niles, J. K., Mullen, P. R., Kitching, E., & Schofield, K. (2024). School Counselors’ Hope, Stress, and Job Satisfaction. Professional School Counseling, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X241259487

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Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the wonderful world of school counseling.
Hang out in our Facebook group
Jump in, ask questions, share your ideas and become a part of the most empowering school counseling group on the planet! (Join us to see if we're right.)
Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind
The Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you IN ADDITION TO unparalleled support and consultation. No more feeling alone, invisible, unappreciated, or like you just don't know what to do next. We've got you!
Did someone share this podcast with you? Be sure to subscribe for all the new episodes!!

This work is part of the School for School Counselors body of work developed by Steph Johnson, LPC, CSC, which centers role authority over role drift, consultative practice over fix-it culture, adult-designed systems and environments as primary drivers of student behavior, clinical judgment over compliance, and school counselor identity as leadership within complex systems.

[Bonus Ep.] Are Yours Legit? The Uncomfortable Truth About School Counseling Resources Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In the 114th episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the critical issue of subpar materials flooding the market, especially with the rise of AI-generated resources. She differentiates between "evidence-based" and "evidence-aligned" materials, emphasizing the importance of using thoroughly vetted, peer-reviewed resources, particularly in high-stakes situations. Steph also offers guidance on where to find reliable, evidence-backed resources and advises on how to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of counseling tools.

00:00 Welcome and Podcast Celebration

00:50 The Epidemic of Subpar Counseling Materials

03:47 Understanding Evidence-Based vs. Evidence-Aligned

08:56 High Stakes and Tier Two Interventions

11:48 Becoming a Discerning Consumer

18:26 Finding Reliable Resources

24:09 Conclusion and Invitation

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References/Resources:
American School Counselor Association. (n.d.). Professional School Counseling Journal. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Publications-Research/Professional-School-Counseling-Journal
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (n.d.). SEL programs. CASEL. Retrieved from https://casel.org/
Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). (n.d.). ERIC - Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/
U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). What Works Clearinghouse. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/

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[Bonus Ep.] Unlock the Secrets to Sustainable School Counseling Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses ways to make school counseling more sustainable and enjoyable. Steph explores the importance of understanding your 'why', the benefits of tracking your time, the necessity of delegation, the value of effective systems, and the role of building strong relationships with staff. She emphasizes the need to maintain realistic expectations and provides insights on how school counselors can manage their demanding roles without burning out. Join the conversation and learn practical tips to thrive in your school counseling career.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 The Importance of Sustainable School Counseling

04:34 Understanding Your 'Why'

08:13 The Role of Data in School Counseling

14:20 The Power of Delegation

16:44 Building Effective Systems

18:45 Fostering Relationships with Staff

20:55 Setting Realistic Expectations

22:38 Conclusion and Support Resources
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Mentioned in This Episode:
SMART School Counseling Assessment: smartschoolcounseling.com
School for School Counselors Mastermind

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[Bonus Ep.] From Burnout to Brilliance: SMART Secrets for Overwhelmed School Counselors Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the challenges of adhering to the ASCA National Model in imperfect circumstances and introduces the SMART School Counseling Framework. This five-part framework aims to provide actionable steps for school counselors navigating the complexities of real-world school environments.
Additionally, she introduces the free SMART School Counseling Assessment (smartschoolcounseling.com) designed to help counselors identify their next best steps for growth and development. Steph emphasizes the importance of not internalizing program shortfalls and instead endeavoring to do what's best for students within the context of the campus.

00:00 Welcome to the New and Improved Podcast

00:40 Celebrating Our Success

01:38 Introducing a New Idea

03:55 Challenges in Implementing the ASCA National Model

08:59 The Smart School Counseling Framework

18:42 The Smart School Counseling Assessment

21:17 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved
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Mentioned in This Episode:
SMART School Counseling Assessment: smartschoolcounseling.com
School for School Counselors Mastermind

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Dysregulated Adults ≠ Regulated Students Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, Steph Johnson addresses the evolving role of school counselors in behavior intervention on campuses. Steph highlights the growing need for counselors to assist not only students but also staff members, who may unintentionally exacerbate student behaviors. She discusses common challenges, such as teacher dysregulation and its impact on students, and provides actionable strategies for counselors to model emotional regulation, train staff, and offer support without seeming condescending. Steph also touches on the importance of mindfulness and solution-focused conversations for promoting a healthier school environment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Behavior Intervention in Schools

01:41 Supporting Your Staff

03:57 Understanding Staff Challenges

05:03 Teacher Interaction Styles

13:35 Promoting Emotional Regulation

23:57 The Importance of Support Systems

26:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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References/Resources:
Gregoire, Simon & Lachance, Lise & Taylor, Geneviève. (2015). Mindfulness, mental health and emotion regulation among workers. International Journal of Wellbeing. 5. 96-119. 10.5502/ijw.v5i4.444.

Vollmann M, Schwieren C, Mattern M, Schnell K (2021) Let the team fix it?—Performance and mood of depressed workers and coworkers in different work contexts. PLoS ONE 16(10): e0256553. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256553

Zerillo, C., & Osterman, K. F. (2011). Teacher perceptions of teacher bullying. Improving schools, 14(3), 239-257.

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Can We Convert "Defiant" Students into Dynamic School Leaders? Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the expanding role of school counselors in behavior intervention, emphasizing the need for a trauma-informed approach. She discusses common concerns counselors have about behavior intervention, including the misconception of equating it to discipline, time constraints, and the fear of being misutilized. Steph urges counselors to rethink their approach by identifying the origins of problematic behavior and addressing systemic issues rather than relying on one-stop solutions. She also highlights the importance of mindful language use and empowering students as peer mentors to foster a supportive school environment. Finally, she introduces the upcoming topics in the podcast and the resources available in the School for School Counselors mastermind group.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

00:14 The Role of School Counselors in Behavior Intervention

01:29 Challenges and Concerns in Behavior Intervention

02:25 Rethinking Behavior Intervention Strategies

[03:00 Celebrating a Podcast Milestone]

04:02 Addressing the Root Causes of Behavior

08:55 The Power of Language in Behavior Intervention

13:03 Empowering Students as Change Agents

17:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Topics
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References/Resources:
McCormick, M. P., Cappella, E., O'Connor, E. E., & McClowry, S. G. (2015). Do Intervention Impacts on Academic Achievement Vary by School Climate? Evidence from a Randomized Trial in Urban Elementary Schools. Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED562123.pdf

Paquette, D. and Ryan, J. (2015). Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. National Dropout Prevention Center. https://dropoutprevention.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/paquetteryanwebquest_20091110.pdf

Wade, L., Leahy, A. A., Babic, M. J., Beauchamp, M. R., Smith, J. J., Kennedy, S. G., ... & Lubans, D. R. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits of school-based, peer-led interventions for leaders. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21222.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-25662-9.pdf

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Behavior Intervention Chaos: The Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the complex role school counselors play in behavior intervention. She highlights the mixed emotions and challenges that come with the start of a new school year and provides insights into common mistakes counselors make when intervening in student behavior.
Key points include the importance of self-regulation, the benefits of limited involvement, and the necessity of focusing on student strengths. Johnson also emphasizes the value of intentional follow-up and offers practical advice to avoid overwhelm and burnout.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:12 Preparing for the New School Year

00:44 The Role of School Counselors in Behavior Intervention

04:59 Common Mistakes in Behavior Intervention

05:24 Belief Fallacies in Behavior Intervention

12:15 Effective Behavior Intervention Strategies

20:07 Upcoming Mastermind Sessions

20:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the wonderful world of school counseling.
Hang out in our Facebook group
Jump in, ask questions, share your ideas and become a part of the most empowering school counseling group on the planet! (Join us to see if we're right.)
Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind
The Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you IN ADDITION TO unparalleled support and consultation. No more feeling alone, invisible, unappreciated, or like you just don't know what to do next. We've got you!
Did someone share this podcast with you? Be sure to subscribe for all the new episodes!!

The Giant Lie School Counselors Tell Every Day Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Navigating the delicate balance of student confidentiality is crucial but complex. In this episode, we tackle real-life scenarios where transparency becomes a necessity, especially in critical situations involving suicidal ideation, self-harm, or legal mandates. We'll discuss the ethical boundaries school counselors must navigate, stressing the importance of clear communication with students about the limits of confidentiality. Plus, the episode delves into the ethical pitfalls and voyeuristic tendencies that can arise, urging professionals to refine their skills and ensure the best interests of their students are always prioritized.
Managing confidentiality effectively is at the heart of professional school counseling. We'll explore the risks of certain practices and the importance of critically analyzing and communicating confidentiality guidelines to avoid misunderstandings.
Mentioned in this episode:
American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44b6a9a9-84ff-47e3-baa7-ccb78c9a6567/Ethical-Standards.pdf
U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
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Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the wonderful world of school counseling.
Hang out in our Facebook group
Jump in, ask questions, share your ideas and become a part of the most empowering school counseling group on the planet! (Join us to see if we're right.)
Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind
The Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you IN ADDITION TO unparalleled support and consultation. No more feeling alone, invisible, unappreciated, or like you just don't know what to do next. We've got you!
Did someone share this podcast with you? Be sure to subscribe for all the new episodes!!

Forget "Comprehensive" School Counseling Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the School for School Counselors Podcast! In this episode, Steph Johnson dives deep into the often unrealistic expectations placed on school counselors. After wrapping up the wildly successful "Best Year Ever!" event, Steph shares her heart and wisdom from the final night of the extravaganza, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation rather than more tactics.

Too often, school counselors are bombarded with the ideal of achieving a "perfect" or "comprehensive" program, feeling like failures when they can't meet all the earmarks. Steph passionately argues that this perception is unfair and unrealistic, given the diverse and challenging environments counselors work in. She highlights the importance of recognizing the true value of our work and the significant impacts we make, even without all the accolades.

Tune in to hear about the SMART School Counseling Assessment, a unique tool designed to help you assess and appreciate your progress without the pressure of meeting every benchmark. Discover how you can redefine success in your role and find satisfaction and pride in your daily efforts.

Whether you're struggling with limited resources, lack of administrative support, or just the sheer volume of work, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to navigate these challenges and feel empowered in your career. Join us as we celebrate the meaningful contributions you make every day and remind ourselves that success isn't about perfection—it's about making a difference where we are.

TPT's Dirty Truths & Why You Need an Evidence-Base Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered why some school counseling programs deliver long-lasting results while others fall flat? In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the critical need for evidence-based practices in the field of school counseling.
Though counselor-created resources are popular, Johnson emphasizes the importance of moving beyond these kinds of resources commonly found online. She discusses the insufficiency of peer-reviewed research in current school counseling interventions and offers reliable alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and established curriculums like Second Step and MindUP.
Additionally, Johnson highlights the potential harm of inadequately researched resources found on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. She provides practical advice on where to find validated interventions and underscores the value of collecting long-term data to assess their effectiveness.
If you truly want to be a better school counselor, listen in for actionable insights to elevate your school counseling practices, backed by the power of evidence-based approaches that truly make a difference in students' lives.
Mentioned in This Episode:
School for School Counselors Mastermind
Resources:
American School Counselor Association (2019). ASCA school
counselor professional standards & competencies. Alexandria,
VA: Author. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf
American School Counselor Association. (2021). ASCA student standards: Mindsets & behaviors for student success. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/mindsets-behaviors.pdf
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://casel.org/
Committee for Children. (n.d.). Second Step program. Retrieved from https://www.secondstep.org/
Gallagher, C., Swalwell, K., & Bellows, L. (2019). Editorial processes and quality control in educational materials. Educational Studies, 48(1), 112-128.
Kendall, P. C. (1990). Coping Cat program for anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 19(2), 99-107.
MacArthur, J., Harris, L., Archonbald, N., & Shelton, K. (2021). Findings on the quality of activities in educational resources. Journal of Educational Research, 54(3), 245-262.
National Association of School Psychologists. (n.d.). Professional development. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/professional-development
Sawyer, R., Dick, M., & Sutherland, J. (2020). The correlation between resource aesthetics and cognitive demand. Mathematics Education Review, 62(4), 301-318.
The Goldie Hawn Foundation. (n.d.). MindUP curriculum. Retrieved from https://mindup.org/
U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). What Works Clearinghouse. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/

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