Discover
Counselor Chat Podcast
Counselor Chat Podcast
Author: Carol Miller, School Counselor
Subscribed: 27Played: 363Subscribe
Share
© Copyright 2025 Carol Miller, School Counselor
Description
Counselor Chat is a podcast for School Counselors. If you're looking for inspiration, collaboration, easy to implement strategies and a bit of joy, you'll want to listen along with your host, Carol Miller from Counseling Essentials. Share in some real talk and get tips, tricks and learn about tools of the trade with Carol and listen in as she interviews other school counselors who are experts in the field as they share their advice and enjoy a few laughs.
143 Episodes
Reverse
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
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























Carol Miller is amazing! I was so excited for this podcast to drop because Carol is always sharing her stories and knowledge. There are not that many podcasts for counselors so I am glad she is delivering yet another resource for us!