Counselor Chat Podcast

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

Do you ever feel like you and your principal are speaking two different languages? Maybe you’ve been asked to cover lunch duty, sit in on last-minute student issues, or explain (again) why your role matters. You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re talking about how to collaborate with administrators without feeling like you’re constantly on defense. You’ll learn how to reset your mindset, swap your language, and use strategy that strengthens your working relationships.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to shift your mindset from undervalued to essential leaderLanguage swaps that turn “ASCA says…” into solutions your admin wants to say yes toWhy aligning your work with schoolwide goals (attendance, achievement, behavior) is a game-changerPractical scripts for saying no without confrontationHow data makes your advocacy more compelling than feelings ever couldIf you’ve ever wondered how to stop being seen as “the other team” and start being seen as an essential member of the leadership team, this one’s for you.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

Suicide prevention isn’t easy to talk about—but it’s a conversation we can’t afford to avoid. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I share strategies, stories, and resources to help school counselors navigate this difficult but critical topic.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to have age-appropriate conversations with students about suicide and mental health.Practical steps for creating student safety plans that are clear, collaborative, and effective.The role teachers play as gatekeepers, and how training can help them recognize signs and take appropriate action.Why we need to set expectations with staff about reporting concerns immediately—not at the end of the day.How we as counselors can support not just students, but also teachers, staff, and families in this work.💡 Remember: suicide prevention isn’t only about stopping a crisis—it’s about building hope, creating systems of support, and reminding students that they matter.🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:Grades 6-7 Suicide Prevention LessonSuicide Prevention Grades 8 and up LessonGrab 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

Sometimes the smallest gestures hold the biggest power. In this episode, we’re talking about how the High Five Habit can transform your energy, your relationships, and your school year.What you’ll discover in this episode:How high fives activate your brain’s reward center and lift your mood.Simple ways to use high fives with students, colleagues, and even yourself.The importance of celebrating presence and effort—not just performance.Ideas like high five rituals and creating a school-wide high five wall.Why giving yourself a high five in the mirror can shift your confidence and outlook.Whether it’s literal, symbolic, or metaphorical, high fives are a powerful reminder that we see each other, we’re not alone, and we’re worth cheering for.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Crisis isn’t on your calendar—but it will find its way into your school year. From grief to suicide risk to behavioral outbursts, these moments change everything in an instant. In this episode, I share how to build a Crisis Toolkit so you’re ready to respond with care, structure, and sanity when the unexpected comes knocking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to approach student grief with honesty, check-ins, and healing resources.What protocols and tools to have ready when a student expresses suicidal thoughts.The must-have elements of a behavioral crisis communication and de-escalation plan.What to include in your crisis go-bag and why post-crisis support matters as much as the response itself.Motivation to Take With You:The best time to prepare for a storm is before the clouds roll in. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be prepared. Because you, counselor friend, are the calm in the chaos, the heartbeat in the hard stuff, and the soft landing for students who need it most.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

Episode Summary:What does ice cream have to do with school counseling? More than you might think. In this episode, I share the famous Blueberry Story—a tale that perfectly captures the heart of what we do as counselors. While businesses can send back “bad batches,” schools take every child who walks through the doors—gifted, anxious, angry, brilliant, frightened, and everything in between.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The surprising connection between ice cream and education.Why schools can’t—and shouldn’t—be run like businesses.How school counselors act as cultivators of every “blueberry” who enters their care.Why small, messy, and unmeasurable moments with students matter more than any spreadsheet.Motivation to Take With You:You don’t need perfect ingredients to create transformation. Every day, you’re doing life-changing work—not with butterfat percentages or flawless blueberries, but with patience, empathy, and heart. You’re cultivating growth in a patch that’s sometimes messy, sometimes wild, but always worth it.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

If you’ve ever felt like your day is one giant interruption, this episode is for you.In this week’s Counselor Chat, I'm sharing my go-to strategies for using time-blocking to create structure, reduce chaos, and make room for what matters most in your school counseling program.Inside this episode, you’ll discover:What time-blocking is really about (hint: it’s not rigid—it’s freeing!)The 5 key “Counselor Buckets” to organize your time effectivelyHow to plan for flexibility with daily crisis buffers and walk-in timeThe tools Carol uses (Google Calendar, a printed planner, and color-coding)How to communicate your availability and reduce unnecessary interruptionsTips for reviewing, adjusting, and staying consistent—without guiltWhether you’re a sticky-note scheduler or a digital calendar pro, this episode will help you manage your time with intention—and protect your peace in the process.Links Mentioned:Perfect Counselor Planner-Printed VersionPrint Your Own VersionGrab 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

Let’s be honest—back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind. But there’s one move that can make the whole year smoother: teaming up with teachers from the start.In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm walking you through simple and creative ways to build trust and connection with your teaching staff—without adding more stress to your plate.You’ll learn:Why visibility and approachability are your superpowersWhat to include in a 1-page Counselor Cheat Sheet 📝How to use small gestures (like hand sanitizer and chocolate 🍫) to open big doorsThe power of asking, “What do your students need right now?”Creative ways to co-create lessons and build classroom calm cornersQuick wins for consistent collaboration (hello, Coffee on a Cart ☕)Whether you’re brand new or just ready for a fresh approach, this episode will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged to be the kind of teammate teachers rely on—and students benefit from most.Links Mentioned:Counselor Brochure BundleGrab 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 inspiring guest episode of Counselor Chat, Carey Hughes and Rachel Haglin take the mic to share how a simple shift in mindset — and one powerful administrative conference — led to real advocacy and real results.They didn’t just talk about change. They led it. And it’s already transforming their district.🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “It’s a program, not a position” is more than a mantra — it’s a movementHow Carey and Rachel used the ASCA Annual Administrative Conference to align with school goalsWhat happened when they presented data and needs directly to district leadershipThe behind-the-scenes story of becoming lead counselors — and how it started with a letterWhat to do when advocacy doesn’t work right away (hint: it’s a marathon, not a sprint)This episode is your reminder that small steps — when led with heart, data, and courage — can lead to powerful, lasting change.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

August doesn’t have to feel like a whirlwind of late nights, unlaminated posters, and cold cups of coffee. I'll share the 10 intentional steps I'm taking this summer to avoid the dreaded back-to-school chaos—and how you can do the same.From organizing your counseling office (yes, both paper files and those prehistoric Google Docs) to prepping data tools, small group plans, and even your go-to “counselor tote,” Carol walks through the exact systems and routines she’s setting up now to make the start of the school year smoother and calmer.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to organize your office and digital files so everything’s easy to find in September.Why building a counseling calendar template now helps you feel grounded before the school year begins.The value of printing your most-used materials—like referral forms and coping tools—in bulk before the rush hits.How to map out small groups, classroom lessons, and SEL initiatives for the year in advance.What to pack in your Counselor Go Bag so you’re ready for anything.Why updating your bulletin boards, décor, and intro lessons early makes your life so much easier.And most importantly, how to fill your own cup first so you’re not running on empty when the students return.Plus, I'm sharing details about my upcoming session, “Putting Out Fires All Day: From Crisis Response to Proactive Programming,” at the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference—the perfect chance to fill your cup with inspiration and practical tools.Because a little prep now? It equals a lot more peace later.Links I mentioned:Perfect Counselor PlannerBehavioral Survey BundleThink SheetsMeet The Counselor Lesson PlanPerks Content ClubSummer Counselor ConferenceGrab 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...

Are you navigating a new caseload structure this year? Wondering how to divide the work with a co-counselor without splitting the heart of your program? In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies and real-life examples of caseload division that works—plus the bumps to avoid.You’ll learn:📚 The most common caseload split models (Alphabet, Grade-Level, MTSS, and more)🧠 The benefits—and drawbacks—of each🤝 Pro tips for dividing responsibilities beyond the caseload🔄 Why it’s okay to try, tweak, and test different modelsWhether you’re brand new to a team or refining what’s already in place, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible with collaboration, creativity, and a plan.Encouragement from the episode:“At the end of the day, there really is no perfect way to split a caseload. The goal isn’t just fairness—it’s functionality and support. What matters most is that students know who to go to, staff knows how to get help, and counselors support each other.”Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

This week on Counselor Chat, we’re taking a break from the heavy stuff and diving into a little mid-summer magic. It’s a personal episode full of recommendations, reflections, and fun finds that are keeping me grounded, growing, and even a little more organized during these sunny months.Here’s what I’m sharing:📚 What I’m Reading🎧 What I’m Listening To📺 What I’m Watching🥗 What I’m Cooking✨ What’s Coming Up:I’ll be at the ASCA Conference in Long Beach! Stop by the Perks booth and say hi!Registration is open for the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference — where I’ll be presenting “Putting Out Fires All Day” to help you shift from reactive to proactive in your school counseling practice.💛 Inspiration to close your day with:"Whether it’s a new book to read, a show to chill with, or a way to get back into your groove before August creeps in—remember to rest without guilt, learn with joy, and always, always take care of you."Links Mentioned:Atomic HabitsThe Anxious GenerationMealBoard App 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 this candid solo episode, I get real about mid-summer counselor burnout. If you’ve been feeling tired, guilty for not “doing more,” or wondering why you’re not excited for back-to-school season—this conversation is your permission slip to hit pause and actually recharge. I'm sharing personal stories, actionable reflection questions, and why summer isn’t a competition for productivity—it’s a chance to reconnect with who you are and why you started this work in the first place.🔍 What You’ll Learn:Sneaky signs of burnout you may not recognizeHow to know whether your "recharging" is really workingA new lens to view your summer: the 8 dimensions of wellnessHow to reflect on what fills your cup outside of schoolWhen to say no, when to lean in, and when to restHow connecting with other counselors can reignite your passion💬 Quote to Remember:“We are making a difference—even if we don’t always see it. Sometimes we’re just planting the seeds.”👟 Whether you're reorganizing your spice cabinet or wondering if you should go back to school just to “check in” on things… this episode will remind you that rest is a requirement, not a reward.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 this inspiring guest takeover, Kansas-based counselor Cassie Good shares how starting an Advisory Council changed everything—from how her role was viewed to how she spent her time.What You’ll Learn:Why advisory councils aren’t optional—they’re transformationalReal-world examples of using data to advocate for your time and impactHow Cassie reduced non-counseling tasks with support from adminWays to create buy-in from teachers, parents, and district leadersPractical steps to start your own council (yes, even with limited time!)Cassie’s advice: You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.🌞 Inspired? Be sure to check out the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference to keep learning, growing, and connecting with counselors who get it.💛 Because we’re better together.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

🎙️ Episode Title: That One Student – Ending the Year with ImpactIn this powerful episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the emotional story of “that one student” — or in her case, an entire family — who made a lasting impact during the school year. From crisis to resilience, you'll hear how four siblings reminded her why school counselors do this work, even when it’s messy, hard, and uncertain.You'll walk away with:A reminder of the life-changing power of your presenceAn invitation to reflect on your own “one student” storyA renewed sense of hope and connection💌 Carol encourages you to write about the student who impacted you this year—and maybe even share it with her!🖇️ Links + Resources: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 GroupVisit counselingessentials.org/podcast for more.📲 Connect with Carol on Instagram or Facebook @counselingessentialsMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

This week on Counselor Chat, we’re getting personal—and a little behind-the-scenes.🎧 Episode 114: Conference Confidential – The Backstage Tour of the Summer Counselor ConferenceIn this episode, I’m sharing how the Summer Counselor Conference came to life—from the spark of an idea to a community of thousands of counselors learning together from the comfort of their homes.✨ Inside this episode:The heart behind the conference (and yes, it includes yoga in your PJs!)Sneak peeks into this year’s lineup: Robin Zorn, Jessica Sinarski, Reagan Norris, Bob Pincus, and more!Why access lasts until June 2026 (because we know life gets busy)What past attendees had to say about the impactHow to earn 45 PD hours and up to 3 graduate credits with zero extra workVIP perks, giveaways, and the early bird deadline you don’t want to miss (hint: June 16!)🎟️ Register now for the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference: www.summercounselorconference.comWhether you’re new to the profession or have years of wisdom, this conference was built to meet you where you are.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this heartfelt episode, I'm sharing a mix of laughter, encouragement, and reflection for school counselors wrapping up the year. Drawing from letters written by real counselors, this episode offers wisdom to tuck away for the tough days ahead—and a reminder that your work truly matters.Highlights:💌 “Dear Future Me…” letters full of humor, heart, and hard-earned advice📢 The importance of advocating for your role (and inviting yourself to the meeting)🧠 What to remember when you're overwhelmed next fall👀 Why checking work emails at home is a big nope✨ A challenge to write your own end-of-year letterWords of Wisdom from the Episode:“You’ve walked through hard things and you’re still standing. Your value isn’t determined by someone else’s words.” – Michelle F.“You are the right person for this job—even when the to-do list says otherwise.” – Darcy C.Challenge of the Week: Write your own "Dear Future Me" letter. Include a reminder of your growth, the wins worth celebrating, and advice for when things get heavy again. Then, save it somewhere to reopen next fall. 💛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

What happens when grief becomes your unexpected companion—but also your teacher?In this heartfelt Podcast Takeover, guest host Carol Colao opens up about guiding children through grief in her school counseling role, sharing signs, stories, and a reminder that children grieve differently--and deeply. She’s joined by Julie Riga, a leadership coach and author, who turned her grief into purpose by completing her late father’s memoir and discovering “authentic grieving” in the process.This episode is a touching blend of personal story and professional wisdom—and a reminder that hope can grow even in the hardest seasons.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:How grief manifests in children vs. adultsSigns of “sad attacks” and how to support students through themWhy grief extends beyond death: divorce, incarceration, and moreWhat it means to “authentically grieve” and set your own paceHow storytelling and honoring “the firsts” after loss can lead to healingWhy it’s okay to cry, celebrate, and remember—in your own way💛 Encouragement from this episode: You don’t need to have all the answers to start healing. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. There is hope in the hurt—and healing in remembering.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...

As school counselors, we tend to spotlight the big moments—graduations, awards, and final grades. But what about the small wins? The quiet growth, the subtle progress, and the unseen impact?In this uplifting episode, I'm sharing why those “little things” might just be the most important part of our work—and how you can start recognizing and celebrating them today.You'll hear:Why small wins matter (backed by behavioral science!)Simple celebration strategies for students, staff, and yourselfHow creating a culture of gratitude fuels connection and morale“Those tiny victories build momentum, boost morale, and create a positive environment for everyone… You are making an impact 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 MembershipPerks Membership