Counselor Chat Podcast

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I celebrate the powerful connection between National School Counseling Week and World Read Aloud Day, and why stories play such a meaningful role in student success.I share how read-alouds create emotional safety, help students name their feelings, and open doors for conversations that might otherwise feel too hard to start. I also read an excerpt from my children’s book, Sammy’s Sad Day, and walked through simple, practical ways counselors can use storytelling as a Tier 1 support in classrooms, small groups, and beyond.This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just measured in data — it’s felt in connection.In This Episode, I Talk About:Why student success starts with emotional safety, not just academicsHow stories create shared emotional language for studentsWhy read-alouds work so well as low-pressure counseling toolsUsing books as Tier 1 support for whole-class and school-wide impactSimple reflection questions that build emotional literacyHow connection changes behavior and learning outcomes“You amplify student success when a student feels seen, a teacher uses language you modeled, and a child realizes they’re not alone.Links MentionedSammy's Sad DayPerks National School Counseling Week Free Month DealMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

January has a way of sneaking up on me—and usually bringing one big question with it: How’s your data looking?In this episode, I’m sharing a realistic, no-pressure approach to doing a midyear data check, without the guilt, the overwhelm, or the unrealistic expectation of having “perfect” charts and reports. This conversation is all about using what you already have to guide meaningful next steps for your students, instead of stressing over what you didn’t collect.In This Episode, I Talk About:Why “real data” doesn’t always live in spreadsheets and graphsWhat actually counts as meaningful data in a real school settingSimple reflection questions I use to spot trends and changing needsHow I know when it’s time to adjust groups, lessons, or interventionsWhy January is more about course correction than evaluationHow my own energy and workload often point to important patternsReflection Questions I Share:What feels heavier than it did in the fall?What feels lighter?Who am I seeing more often—and who am I seeing less?What has surprised me so far this year?“You don’t need more data to prove you’re doing meaningful work. You just need enough information to guide your next steps.”Key Takeaway:Midyear data isn’t about proving everything worked—it’s about asking one powerful question: What do students need now?If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps other counselors find support, ideas, and practical strategies too.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors...

January is often when attendance challenges start to feel impossible (for students and for counselors). In this episode, I break down why attendance dips during the winter months, how to reframe attendance as a support issue rather than a compliance issue, and what counselors can realistically do to help students re-engage with school.This episode focuses on compassion, collaboration, and practical strategies that honor what students are really experiencing.You’ll Learn:Common reasons attendance declines in January (illness, anxiety, routine changes, weather, and more)Why framing attendance as a symptom changes how students respondLanguage counselors can use to talk about attendance without blameLayered counseling supports for students with chronic absencesHow small wins (fewer tardies, staying longer, asking for help) matter more than perfect dataEngagement strategies that increase motivation and belongingQuote from the Episode“Students don’t avoid school because they don’t care. They avoid school because something feels really hard.”Resources Mentioned:Attendance Small GroupMiddle School Attendance Lesson (grades 6-7)Barriers To Attendance Lesson (grades K-1)Academic Success Attendance Lesson (grades 2-3)Barriers to Attendance (grades 4-5)Chronic Attendance Intervention Lesson (grade 8)Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials Websitea...

January can feel especially tough in schools. Big emotions, increased anxiety, mood changes, and shutdown behaviors often show up as students transition back from break. In this episode, I’m breaking down why January feels so hard, and what school counselors can do to support students in ways that are compassionate, practical, and sustainable.In this episode, I discuss:Why January creates emotional and behavioral shifts for studentsHow anxiety shows up differently across age groupsThe difference between behavior problems and regulation problemsWhy predictability is essential for reducing anxietyCounselor strategies to restore safety and routineLow-pressure Tier 1 lesson ideas for JanuarySmall group supports for anxiety, coping skills, and transitionsTrauma-informed practices that prioritize connection before correctionKey Quote from the Episode“Anxiety increases when predictability decreases.”Counselor TakeawayJanuary isn’t about fixing feelings or pushing through. It’s about regrounding, rebuilding routines, and helping students feel safe enough to learn again. Small supports matter—and they add up.Thank you for showing up for your students and for yourself. Your work matters more than you know.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Groupa...

January has a way of making counselors feel like they should start over with new systems, new routines, new everything. But what if that pressure is actually working against your effectiveness?In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm offering a grounded reframe for the new year: you don’t need to become a brand-new counselor just because the calendar changed.Instead, this episode invites you to slow down, protect your energy, and focus on what already works.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why January pressure can lead to burnout instead of clarityA simple explanation of the law of diminishing returns in school counselingHow “doing more” can actually reduce your impactWhy small tweaks matter more than big overhaulsPractical ways to carry fall systems into the springThree gentle reflection prompts to guide your January planning“Sometimes less truly is more — especially when it comes to protecting your energy and sustaining your impact.”January Reflection Prompts:What is one counseling routine that felt manageable in the fall?What is one lesson, group, or system I don’t need to reinvent?What is one thing I can stop doing to protect my energy?This episode is a reminder that:You are not starting overYour relationships still matterYour systems didn’t disappearAnd sustainability is what carries you through March, April, and May✨ New year. Same counselor. Stronger boundaries. Smarter focus.Thanks for being here, counselor friend.You’re doing important work — even when it doesn’t feel loud or new.⭐ If this episode helped you, a quick review means more than you knowUntil next time — I hope you have a really great week.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Episode 83Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials...

As the calendar turns to a new year, many school counselors find themselves holding a mix of emotions about heading back to work. Motivation might feel low, energy might feel scattered, and that sense of readiness may not be there yet.In this New Year’s Eve re-listen, I'm revisiting Episode 41 of Counselor Chat Podcast, a conversation counselors return to again and again when break comes to an end.This episode is a reminder that feeling unmotivated, heavy, or unsure about returning to school is normal. Motivation does not magically appear on January 1st, and you do not need to have everything figured out before heading back.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why mixed emotions after a break are completely normalHow different breaks can bring different feelings from year to yearThe importance of acknowledging your emotions instead of pushing through themHow reconnecting with your “why” can ground you when motivation feels lowSimple strategies to ease back into work, including building white space into your calendarWhy prioritizing tasks and letting go of doing everything at once mattersThe power of reconnecting with colleagues for support and perspectiveGentle reminders about self care and protecting your energyYou are not alone, and you are allowed to take this transition one step at a time.Mentioned in the Episode:Energy Inventory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eXT5jXvwueU39AGvkFYq7-wvom9TiSns/view?usp=sharingGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this...

As the holiday season arrives, we’re revisiting one of the most meaningful episodes of Counselor Chat — a conversation filled with honest advice, encouragement, and reminders from counselors who truly understand the work.In this episode, counselors from across the country share the wisdom they wish they had when they were new to the profession — advice that’s just as powerful for seasoned counselors navigating full plates, shifting priorities, and year-end reflection.You’ll hear thoughtful insights on:The importance of visibility and relationship-buildingGiving yourself grace and letting go of perfectionAsking for help and leaning on your support systemBalancing heart work with realistic expectationsCaring for yourself while caring for othersRemembering that even the smallest moments matterThis episode feels like sitting down with colleagues who get it — the challenges, the joy, the exhaustion, and the purpose behind the work you do every day.Whether you’re listening on a walk, at the gym, or during a quiet moment of rest, my hope is that this re-listen meets you exactly where you are and reminds you that you are not alone.Ready to share your tips and advice on a upcoming episode? Just hit this link, and then press record on your phone or device. Easy peasy! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/325646/26/h0ldegvcaj9roa3kGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

December in schools hits different.The schedules are off. The kids are buzzing. The teachers are exhausted. And counselors are somehow expected to be part Santa, part therapist, and part crisis manager… all before lunch.If your December feels especially full, you are not imagining it.In this week’s episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing The School Counselor’s Holiday Survival Guide. It’s a realistic, no-pressure conversation about how to get through this season without losing your sanity or your joy.In this episode, we talk about:Why December feels so intense for school counselorsHow to simplify lessons and expectations without guiltWhat to do when plans constantly changeSetting boundaries that protect your energy and still support your schoolSupporting students who struggle emotionally during the holidaysFinding small moments of calm and joy for yourselfOne of my favorite reminders from this episode is this:“Your goal right now is not to win Counselor of the Season. Your goal is to get to winter break in one piece.”If you’ve been feeling tired, stretched thin, or like you’re barely keeping up, this episode is your permission slip to simplify and take care of yourself, too.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Episode 140: Finding Calm in the Counselor ChaosDecember brings a special kind of school chaos. Schedules shift. Energy skyrockets. Teachers and students feel stretched. And counselors often find themselves trying to hold it all together.In this episode, I am sharing simple ways to stay grounded, centered, and calm during one of the busiest months of the school year.In This Episode You’ll Learn:• Common early signs of counselor burnout • Why noticing burnout is an act of wisdom, not weakness • Easy micro practices that take 30 seconds to 2 minutes • A guided one-minute breathing reset you can use anytime • How to let go of perfection and choose simplicity • Ways to weave calm moments into your day without adding tasksQuote From the Episode"You are doing enough. You are enough, and you are allowed to rest."Encouragement for the WeekDecember may be busy, but you do not have to absorb all the chaos around you. Take a pause, take a breath, and give yourself permission to rest. You are doing more good than you know.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

December can feel like a whirlwind in schools, which makes it the perfect time to slow down and center students in one of the most grounding SEL themes we have: gratitude.In this episode, I am sharing simple, meaningful ways to introduce gratitude to students of all ages, plus ideas for weaving it into your counseling program throughout the whole month.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• Why gratitude boosts mood, relationships, and academic outcomes • How gratitude connects to all five CASEL competencies • How I use the book Last Stop on Market Street to introduce perspective and meaning • Reflection questions that help deepen student understanding • My daily Witness Moment practice and how students can create gratitude snapshots • A gratitude acorn activity that helps younger students understand growth • A powerful gratitude cross the line lesson for older students • Schoolwide ideas: gratitude walls, gratitude grams, morning announcements • How to track simple Tier 1 data when implementing gratitude centered lessonsQuote From the Episode"It can start off tiny, just like an acorn, but gratitude has a way of growing into something great."Encouragement for the WeekAs we close out the year, gratitude becomes a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. Whether it is an acorn on the wall, a hallway display, or a quiet moment in your office, I hope you always find ways to grow gratitude in your school this season.Resources Mentioned:Last Stop On Market StreetGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Right before Thanksgiving, in the middle of progress reports, last-minute meetings, and all the pumpkin spice in the world, it can be easy to miss the small moments that actually fuel us.This episode is a gentle pause. A breath. A circle of gratitude created for you.I asked counselors in my Facebook groups what they are most grateful for, and their answers were pure joy, connection, and heart. Today I am sharing their stories, along with a few of my own, as a reminder that even in the chaos, the work you do every day truly matters.✨ What You Will Hear in This Episode:Why the weeks before Thanksgiving feel especially heavyThe power of stopping to notice the goodA collective gratitude circle filled with counselor shared momentsStudents choosing time with their counselor as their rewardKids using calm down strategies and repeating your words back to youWhen a student calls you their trusted adultWhy small wins often matter the mostReal stories of connection from counselors across the countryA quick 30 second gratitude practice you can do anytimeSimple ideas to keep the gratitude going at school💬 Quote from the Episode“Emotional safety is such a quiet form of love, and when kids choose to show up in your space, that is gratitude in motion.”💛 Encouragement for the WeekTake a moment today to name one thing you are grateful for in your work, with no posting or documenting, just a quiet acknowledgment of a meaningful moment.You are the safe space. You are the trusted adult. You are the calm in the storm.And that is something to be profoundly grateful for.Happy Thanksgiving, counselor friends. I appreciate you more than you know. 💛Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:a...

In this week's podcast we look at pre-holiday behavior spikes through a problem-solving lens. Instead of “How do we punish this?” we ask, “What skill is missing?” She models restorative conversations, shares reflection tools that build self-awareness, and walks through calm-down strategies that help students regulate before you problem-solve.Key takeawaysBehavior = communication. Shift from “what’s wrong with the student?” to “what’s happening for the student?”Use restorative approaches: understand harm, take responsibility, repair relationships, restore trust.Reflection > reaction: guided behavior reflection sheets connect thoughts, feelings, needs, and next steps.Regulation first: you can’t consequence a child into calm; teach calming tools, then problem-solve.Mindset shift: connection before correction; growth over guilt.Try-it-now toolsRestorative questions:What happened? • What were you thinking/feeling? • Who was affected & how? • What makes it right? • What will you do next time?Behavior Reflection prompts:Trigger • Feeling • Need • Better choice next time • Who to repair with & how (what a real apology looks/sounds like).Calm-down strategies:Square/5-finger breathing, grounding (5–4–3–2–1), movement/water break, sensory tools (rings, stress balls), feelings check-ins/thermometers.Scenario highlight“Jayden in the line”: Instead of office + lecture, Carol uses a brief restorative chat/circle + reflection sheet to move from guilt to growth and repair.Counselor moves to start this weekModel restorative conversations (skip “Why did you do that?”).Teach emotion language (feeling wheels, visuals, daily check-ins).Build a Behavior Reflection Toolkit for you and teachers.Quote to remember“Punishment might stop the behavior, but it doesn’t heal what’s underneath. Problem-solving does.”ConnectFollow Carol on IG: @counselingessentialsShare what’s in your calm-down kit and tag the show!Think SheetsGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor...

How do we help students stand by their values even when doing so might cost them friends? In this week’s episode, I'm sharing how a simple story—The Fall Festival Dilemma—sparked powerful conversations about honesty, belonging, and integrity.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to use moral dilemmas to help students reflect on their valuesWays to move from “teaching right and wrong” to helping kids live their beliefsDiscussion prompts that build empathy, courage, and critical thinkingHow to connect values lessons to ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors and CASEL’s Responsible Decision-Making competencyWhy standing up for what’s right helps students develop confidence and character💡 Quote of the Episode:“Values aren’t just beliefs—they’re actions. Real values show up when they cost you something.”Resources Mentioned:The Fall Festival DilemmaPerks Content ClubGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

October might be over, but kindness shouldn’t be. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how restorative practices can take your school from reactive to relational — and how simple daily routines can build a culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported.Restorative practices aren’t about punishment; they’re about connection. When we focus on building relationships first, we prevent harm — and when harm does happen, we know how to repair it with empathy and understanding.I’ll walk you through what this looks like at each tier — from morning greetings and check-ins to community circles and peer mediation programs — so you can start building a stronger sense of belonging right where you are.✨ In this episode, I share:Simple ways to weave restorative practices into your daily routinesHow to use greetings, check-ins, and circles to strengthen relationshipsWhat each tier of restorative practice looks like in actionWhy reflection, not punishment, leads to lasting behavior changeHow connection and accountability go hand in handIf you’ve been looking for a way to take your anti-bullying work beyond October, this episode will help you do just that — one greeting, one circle, one conversation at a time.Because when we build connection into every day, kindness becomes who we are, not just what we do. 💛Links Mentioned:Community Circles Beginning BundleCommunity Circles Self-Awareness BundleCommunity Circles Self-Management BundleCommunity Circles Social-Awareness BundleThink SheetsGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group

October is packed—Red Ribbon Week, conferences, spirit days, and of course, Bullying Prevention Month. But if we really want to create schools where students feel safe, seen, and supported, our work has to go deeper than themed t-shirts and hashtag campaigns.In this episode, I’m sharing how to build an anti-bullying culture that lasts long after October ends — one rooted in empathy, connection, and consistency.Here’s what I’ll walk you through:🌱 What a real anti-bullying culture looks like🧭 How to weave kindness and empathy into Tier 1 classroom lessons💬 Creative Tier 2 ideas like Kindness Clubs and leadership groups🏫 Whole-school strategies that make kindness part of your school’s DNA📊 Why data matters—and how to show that kindness work truly changes climateBecause awareness is great, but awareness alone doesn’t change behavior. Culture does.My favorite reminder from this episode:“Awareness is just the spark. But culture change? That’s the flame that keeps you burning all year long.”So grab your coffee (and maybe a donut if you have one), and let’s talk about how to make kindness stick all year long.Links Mentioned:Building Champions Small GroupTop Secret Kindness Club Small GroupGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing one of my favorite fall-inspired lessons — what I like to call The Candy Corn Principle.You know how people either love or hate candy corn? Well, the same goes for our work as school counselors. No matter how much heart, effort, or intention we pour into our programs, not everyone is going to love what we do — and that’s okay.In this episode, I’m talking about why trying to please everyone can leave you burned out and how to stay focused on what truly matters: making a difference for your students.Here’s what I’ll walk you through:🎯 The real reason people-pleasing feels so natural (and so exhausting)🧭 How to protect your time and purpose with healthy boundaries💬 Calm, professional ways to say “no” without guilt💡 Why consistency earns respect faster than trying to please everyone❤️ How to shift from seeking approval to staying aligned with your missionMy favorite reminder from this episode:“You’re not here to make everyone happy. You’re here to make a difference. And those two things are not the same.”So grab your coffee (and maybe a handful of candy corn), and join me for a sweet little reminder that your value isn’t defined by how many people approve — it’s measured by the difference you make every single day.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, I'm exploring how counselors can help students move beyond “Don’t be a bully” to living empathy through meaningful, collaborative kindness projects.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The difference between teaching empathy and practicing itSimple schoolwide projects that create a culture of kindness:Classroom extensions like kindness tickets, secret kindness agents, and gratitude postcards Lead with empathy — not just awareness. Don’t just define kindness. Show it. Celebrate it. Let it grow.Resources mentioned:Where Oliver Fits LessonBooks Mentioned:The Kindness QuiltKindness GrowsWhere Oliver FitsGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

The first few weeks of school are often a blur of class schedules, new faces, and back-to-school energy—but they’re also the time when every referral seems to come in at once.In this episode, I'm breaking down how to handle that wave of requests without losing your mind (or your lunch break). You’ll learn how to triage like a pro, set healthy boundaries with staff, and create systems that save your future self a ton of time and stress.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why referral overload is actually a good sign (and how to manage it)Carol’s 3-T Triage System: Time-Sensitive, Tiered, and TransparentHow to streamline referrals with a Google FormWhat to say instead of “That’s not my job” (without burning bridges)Why your language matters when setting boundariesA simple way to track referrals for data and advocacyEncouragement for Counselors:You don’t have to do it all at once. You just need a system, a plan, and permission to pause. Triage your time. Lead with heart. And remember—you’re not behind, you’re building something sustainable.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

The first few weeks of school aren’t just about bulletin boards and icebreakers. They’re the perfect time to notice the small shifts in our students that tell us something deeper might be going on.In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to recognize red flags early, along with strategies to check in without making students feel called out.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to spot withdrawal in a student who used to be engagedWhy perfectionism may really be anxiety in disguiseWhen humor turns from fun to a red flagThe patterns behind frequent nurse visitsHow to check in with “everything’s fine” studentsThe top “early warning radar” signs to watch for weeks 1–4Encouragement for Counselors: Your instincts matter. Be curious, not judgmental. A small check-in today can redirect the entire course of a student’s year, and sometimes, their life.Links Mentioned:Forced Choice Behavioral SurveysGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

“What do you do again?” If you’ve ever heard this question, you already know why visibility matters. In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into how a simple monthly newsletter can help you advocate for your role, connect with staff and families, and showcase the true impact of school counseling.What you’ll learn in this episode:The 5 essential pieces every counselor newsletter should includePractical ways to share updates, events, and tips without overwhelming yourselfHow newsletters shift the perception of counselors from “crisis response” to essential leadershipWhy visibility = value when it comes to your programA shortcut resource if you’re too busy to design from scratchLinks & Resources:Counselor Newsletter TemplatesMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership