School for School Counselors Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should School Counselors Get Their LPC? Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

More and more school counselors are saying, “I’m getting my LPC and getting out.”
But is licensure really the answer- or just a new kind of stress?

In this episode, we take a candid look at what licensure changes, what it doesn’t, and why your next move deserves more than burnout logic.

Plus, I’ll walk you through the hidden costs, the unexpected trade-offs, and what clinical work actually involves (spoiler: it’s not school counseling in a cozier office).

We’ll talk salary.
We’ll talk supervision.
We’ll talk what it really feels like to carry clinical liability.

And most importantly, we’ll ask:
Are you chasing licensure because it aligns with your goals…
Or because you’re trying to escape something no one ever taught you how to fix?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should get your LPC, this one’s for you.

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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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.

Why School Counselors Feel Like They’re Failing (Even When They’re Not) Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Still feeling unsure- even with experience under your belt? This episode explains why doubt might be the best sign you’re doing the job well, not a reason to second-guess yourself.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what that uncertainty in school counseling really means. We’ll talk about the invisible labor of school counseling, what the research says about feedback-poor environments, and how self-doubt often shows up right when your skills are leveling up.

You’ll learn:

Why experienced counselors question themselves more, not less
How silence and lack of validation chip away at even the strongest counselors
Why messy, imperfect work is often the most effective
And how to chase credibility instead of certainty

You’re not failing; you’re growing. And you’re not alone.

Mentioned in this episode:

School for School Counselors Mastermind

Free School Counselor Planner

References:

Culbreth, J. R., Scarborough, J. L., Banks‑Johnson, S. B., & Solomon, T. (2005). Role stress among practicing school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 9(2), 106–112.

Dunning, D., & Kruger, J. (1999). Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121–1134.

Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (2010). Psychotherapy‑based supervision models in an emerging competency‑based era: A commentary. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 47(1), 45–50.

Hill, C. E., Sullivan, C., Knox, S., & Schlosser, L. Z. (2007). Therapist self‑disclosure: Research-based suggestions regarding clinical training, practices, and ethics. Psychotherapy Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 44(4), 392–407.

Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling. University of California Press.

Jennings, L., & Skovholt, T. M. (2016). In T. M. Skovholt & K. Rønnestad (Eds.), Master therapists: Exploring expertise in therapy and counseling. Routledge.

Skovholt, T. M., & Trotter‑Mathison, M. (2016). The resilient practitioner: Burnout prevention and self‑care strategies for counselors, therapists, teachers, and health professionals (3rd ed.). Taylor & Francis. (Original concept described in earlier editions as an “ambiguity‑rich, feedback‑poor environment.”)

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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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.
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Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind
The Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you I

It’s Summer! So Why Can’t School Counselors Actually Relax? Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

You turned in your keys, packed up your office, and told yourself this summer would be a reset. But instead of relaxing, you feel… off. Either you can’t sit still, or you’ve completely shut down.

Sound familiar?

In this episode, we’re talking about what’s really going on when school counselors can’t seem to rest after the school year ends.

We’ll explore the biological stress cycle, the emotional aftermath of constant crisis response, and why your body might still be on high alert... even if your calendar is empty.

You’ll learn:

Why some counselors feel antsy and others feel emotionally flatlined
What the stress cycle actually is (and why school counselors rarely complete it)
What to do instead of trying to “fix” yourself with productivity
Real strategies to help you downshift: without guilt, pressure, or a color-coded plan
How parenting, performance pressure, and public education expectations all collide in the summer

This isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about reclaiming your nervous system, your peace, and your ability to start the school year as yourself... not the burned-out version you’ve been trying to push through.

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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How School Counseling’s Best Intentions Turned Against Us Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

You followed the model. You tracked the data. You did everything “right.”

So why does it still feel wrong?

In this episode, we talk about how school counseling’s best intentions became a trap, and what to do when the map you were given stops working.

If you’re tired of measuring your worth by minutes and metrics, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4, "Your Data Does Not Define Your Worth as a School Counselor"

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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Why Some School Counselors Get Ignored and Others Don’t May 26, 2025

Show notes

Why do some school counselors get a seat at the table while others get sidelined, no matter how qualified they are? In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually builds trust with school leaders and how to develop the on-the-fly fluency and presence that turn you into the go-to, not the afterthought.

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Being good at your job isn’t always enough. You can have the training, the data, and a deep commitment to students... and still get left out of the decision-making process on your campus.

Why? Because influence in schools isn’t about credentials.

It’s about trust.

In this episode, we’re talking about what actually earns school counselors a seat at the table, and why the real key isn’t advocacy, a perfect program, or another use-of-time chart.

You’ll learn:

Why some school counselors get access and others don’t
The five relational traits that build real trust with administrators
How to develop on-the-fly fluency that earns instant credibility
When it’s time to stop chasing influence and pivot strategically
And how to start showing up like a trusted advisor, even without the title

If you’ve ever been passed over, second-guessed, or told to “just follow the model,” this episode is your blueprint for stepping into leadership the right way, without burning out or selling out.

Because trusted advisors aren’t appointed.

They’re revealed- one moment at a time.

Need a downloadable recap of this episode? Say no more!
Go here to get a free copy.

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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5 School Counseling Mistakes That’ll Bite You in August May 19, 2025

Show notes

What you forget in May will come back to bite you in August. In this episode, we cover 5 school counseling mistakes that cause chaos when the year starts- and how to avoid them while you still can.

You’re running on fumes. May is chaos. And the last thing you want is another “end-of-year checklist.”

But here’s the truth: what you forget now will turn into a full-on mess in August.

We’re walking through 5 school counseling mistakes that seem small in May but turn into massive headaches when the new year hits. These aren’t the obvious ones, either. We’re talking about the subtle slip-ups that leave you scrambling, frustrated, or starting from scratch… again.

You’ll learn:

What to jot down now that’ll save your sanity in the fall
Why “data reflection” doesn’t have to mean hours of spreadsheets
How to close out the year with intention (even if you’re over it)
The one thing you’re probably skipping that sets the tone for August
A smarter, simpler way to stay sharp over the summer (without burning out)

If you’re a school counselor trying to finish strong without falling apart, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this Episode:

School for School Counselors Mastermind

List of Closure Activities for Students

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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Should I Quit My School Counseling Job? May 13, 2025

Show notes

You’ve been holding it in all year.

The long hours, the invisible work, the constant pressure to stay calm while everything around you feels like it’s unraveling... And now that the school year’s winding down, one question keeps echoing louder than the rest:

“Can I really do this again next year?”

In this deeply personal episode, I’m not here to hand you a checklist or tell you what to do. I’m here as a fellow counselor, walking through the same hard questions- right alongside you.

We’ll talk about:

The quiet signs it might be time to move on (even if nothing “dramatic” has happened)
What staying with intention actually looks like
Why redesigning your role could work- and when it absolutely won’t
A gut-check framework that helps you make the call without spiraling
And what to do if you feel like you don’t even have a choice right now

If you’ve ever felt like the only one who’s wondering whether it’s time to go, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone- and you don't have to feel stuck.

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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When You Love School Counseling But Hate How It Feels May 05, 2025

Show notes

You love school counseling.

You believe in the mission.

But right now, it just isn't feeling right.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re burned out, questioning if you can make it through another year, or feeling disconnected from the work you once loved... this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why April and May hit school counselors especially hard
The difference between burnout and professional fatigue
Five evidence-based strategies to protect your energy, motivation, and heart
Why now is not the time to make big career decisions

Forget about self-care clichés. We need to talk about real tools to help you finish strong- and remind you why you started in the first place.

Whether you're tired, frustrated, or just not feeling like yourself at work...

You're not alone. And you're not broken.

Let’s talk about how to keep showing up without burning out.

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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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The Three Types of School Counselors: Which One Are You? Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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Ever meet another school counselor and realize halfway through the conversation…
you’re not doing the same job at all?

It’s not your imagination!
Right now, the title "school counselor" covers very different realities- and depending on which kind you’re seen as, your future in this profession could look very different, too.

In this episode, we’re uncovering what’s really happening inside our profession:

The three types of school counselors showing up on campuses today- and the hidden risks each one faces
The national shifts happening right now (from chaplains replacing counselors to SEL being banned in some states)
Why your professional identity matters more than ever, and what happens if you don't define it for yourself
How to start building skills that make you harder to replace, even when the system keeps changing

Because good intentions won’t protect your job.
Being the go-to for assemblies, spirit weeks, or “positive messaging” campaigns won’t protect your role either.

Only real skill, clarity, and strategic leadership will.

If you're ready to stop hoping the system fixes itself- and start protecting the work that actually matters- this episode is for you.

Sources Consulted:

Selected legislative bills related to school counseling, accessed via LegiScan (including AL HB 583, TX SB 559 and HB 1122, PA HB 249, IN SB 523, MS HB 286, HB 566, HB 371, HB 1533, WV HB 3507, and NV AB 298), April 2025
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) website, accessed April 2025
Alabama School Counselor Association (ALSCA) website, accessed April 2025

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When Behavior Intervention Just Feels... Wrong Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️

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Behavior charts. Consequence ladders. ABC data.

They’re everywhere- and school counselors are often expected to be in the middle of it.

But what happens when the behaviorist framework you're handed feels completely misaligned with your counseling instincts?

What if you’re tired of being the “behavior person” when all you want is to help kids feel safe and understood?

In this episode, I'm naming the tension between behaviorism and trauma-informed care, and why school counselors are so often stuck in the middle. We’ll explore how to hold both structure and compassion… and how to begin stepping back into the role that actually reflects your training.

If you’ve ever felt caught between compliance and connection, this one’s for you.

[00:00] Why behavior plans feel off for counselors

[03:00] Behaviorism basics (and why it still dominates)

[06:45] Trauma-informed care: the “can’t,” not “won’t” lens

[10:00] Can you hold structure and compassion?

[14:00] Real-life examples: escape and attention-seeking

[16:30] The problem isn’t just strategy—it’s your role

[17:30] Three frameworks that actually work

[20:00] How to stop being “the behavior person”

[24:00] Four ways to shift the narrative

[27:00] Final encouragement + your next step

References
Barth, R. P., Lee, B. R., Lindsey, M. A., Collins, K. S., Strieder, F. H., Chorpita, B. F., Becker, K. D., & Snowden, L. R. (2004). Evidence-based practice in mental health services for youth. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 31(2), 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287377

Berger, E., Green, S., & Dalton, L. (2019). Educator perceptions of trauma-informed care in schools: A qualitative study. School Mental Health, 11(3), 483–496. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-019-09323-z

Blaustein, M., & Kinniburgh, K. (2010). Treating traumatic stress in children and adolescents: How to foster resilience through attachment, self-regulation, and competency. Guilford Press.

Greene, R. W., Ablon, J. S., & Goring, J. C. (2003). A transactional model of oppositional behavior: Underpinnings of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 41(11), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.3928/0279-3695-20031101-08

Overstreet, S., & Chafouleas, S. M. (2016). Trauma-informed schools: Introduction to the special issue. School Mental Health, 8(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-016-9184-1

Perry, B. D. (2006). Fear and learning: Trauma-related factors in the adult education process. In S. Johnson & K. Taylor (Eds.), The Neuroscience of Learning and Development (pp. 123–142). Jossey-Bass.

Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The boy who was raised as a dog: And other stories from a child psychiatrist’s notebook (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Trauma-Informed School Strategies During COVID-19. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/trauma-informed-school-strategies-during-covid-19

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