Skip to content
Artwork for Counselor Chat Podcast
EducationHow ToKids & FamilyEducation for Kids

Counselor Chat Podcast

Carol Miller, School Counselor

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.

Play
  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 22 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #182
    Wednesday · 12 min

    182. What is the little wooden ball in School Counseling?

    Even Busy Bees Make Time to Play Feeling burned out—and it’s only October? In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares a surprising discovery about playful bumblebees and a reminder that counselors deserve time for enjoyment, too. In this episode: How the pressure to stay productive can crowd out joy. Why wellness includes addressing workload and asking for support. Simple ways to make room for something you enjoy without creating another obligation. Your quick win: Find your “little wooden ball”—one activity you enjoy simply for yourself—and give it a small place in your week. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

  • #181
    October 7 · 18 min

    181. The One Question That Makes a Think Sheet Work

    The One Question That Makes a Think Sheet Work When “Why did you do that?” leads to a shrug or “I don’t know,” where do you go next? In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares how rewinding the situation and asking “What were you hoping would happen?” can help students reflect and practice a more helpful response. In this episode: How to explore what a student was thinking and feeling before a conflict. Ways to respond when students struggle to explain their actions. How to turn vague promises into specific, practiced next steps. Using think sheets to support accountability, repair, and learning. Your quick win: Try the question with one student this week, then practice one realistic next step together. Resources mentioned: Think Sheets PowerPoint (Grab this free!) Think Sheets Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #180
    September 30 · 18 min

    180. Four Teambuilding Class Lessons For School Counselors

    Four Team-Building Lessons Students Will Actually Enjoy Team building doesn’t have to require complicated materials or hours of preparation. In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares four engaging lessons that get students moving, communicating, and working together. You’ll hear how to use: Pass the Pencil to build connections Human Taco to strengthen communication and inclusion Shipwrecked to practice problem-solving and respectful disagreement 4 Corners to discover common ground and appreciate different perspectives Want the lessonsI use? Here are the links: Pass The Pencil Human Taco Shipwrecked Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #179
    September 23 · 26 min

    179. Your First Counseling Small Group Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

    Your First Counseling Small Group Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect Starting your first counseling group can feel overwhelming. Are the right students selected? What should the permission form include? What if students don’t participate—or the lesson falls flat? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re taking the pressure off and focusing on what you truly need to launch a purposeful, safe, and effective small group. You’ll learn how to: Select students thoughtfully Handle family permission and student assent Create clear group expectations Use a simple, repeatable session structure Measure student progress without complicated data Adjust your curriculum as student needs emerge Your students don’t need a perfect group counselor. They need someone who is prepared, present, and willing to learn alongside them. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #178
    September 16 · 34 min

    178. Small Groups: Who Should You Start With First?

    Small Groups: Who Should You Start With First? You have time to run only a few counseling groups—but your referral list keeps growing. How do you decide which group should come first? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we explore how to choose small groups based on your school’s current data and student needs instead of automatically repeating the groups you ran last year. You’ll learn: Which school data sources can help identify group needs How to distinguish patterns from isolated incidents Three important filters: need, fit, and feasibility Why the most requested group may not be the highest priority What to consider when selecting group members How to create measurable group goals Simple ways to collect data before, during, and after a group How to support students whose groups cannot begin immediately The goal isn’t to run the most groups possible. It’s to run the right groups for the students who need them now. Links: My favorite Small Groups: K-3 Girls Friendship Group 4-8 Girls Friendship Group K-3 Impulse Control Group K-2 Coping Skills Group 1-4 Anxiety Group 4-8 Having Hope Group HS Anxiety Group Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #177
    September 9 · 35 min

    177. Creating SMART Goals for Your School Counseling Program

    A strong counseling SMART goal does more than meet a requirement—it gives your program direction, connects your work to student needs, and helps others understand the impact school counselors make. In this episode, we explore how to create a meaningful, data-informed SMART goal and use your annual administrator conference to gain support, clarify expectations, and align your counseling program with school and district priorities. You’ll learn: How to move from an activity-based goal to a student outcome goal What data to consider when identifying a program priority How to use the annual administrator conference to build administrator buy-in Ways your goal can help advocate for your role and appropriate use of time How to map your goal across the school year Why participation, student standards, and achievement data all matter How regular checkpoints help you adjust your plan before the end of the year Your SMART goal shouldn’t be a document you write and forget. It can become a roadmap for your program, a foundation for collaboration, and a powerful way to show how school counseling supports student success. ASCA National Model 5th Edition Free Download Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #176
    September 2 · 24 min

    176. 8 Counseling Office Must-Haves I Actually Use

    What counseling office supplies truly earn their shelf space? In this episode of Counselor Chat, I share eight tried-and-true favorites she uses to organize lessons, reuse counseling resources, improve classroom management, and make games and groups run more smoothly. In This Episode, You Will Learn A simple system for storing lesson pieces and reusable group materials Why a wider laminator can be worth the investment How laminating helps turn lessons, games, and worksheets into reusable tools The presentation-clicker tip that can save you from searching the classroom A quieter, easier solution to dice rolling during counseling games How Yikerz naturally supports impulse control and flexible thinking Why a familiar game like Chutes and Ladders still works with older students Shop My Counseling Office Favorites Clear project cases Scotch Pro 13-inch laminator Bulk laminating pouches Presentation clicker Sterilite clear latching bins Pop-o-matic dice poppers Yikerz magnetic game Chutes and Ladders Download the free guide Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #175
    August 26 · 18 min

    175. The Counselor Introduction Lesson Students Actually Need

    Your counselor introduction lesson is more than a back-to-school formality. It is one of the first ways you build trust, increase access, and help students understand when and how to ask for support. In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares what students actually need to hear during a counselor introduction lesson—and what you can skip. You’ll learn how to: Explain your role in student-friendly language Help students understand when they might come see you Clearly explain confidentiality Teach students exactly how to request support Reduce the stigma that counseling means “being in trouble” Make your lesson interactive and memorable Give students a few key messages they can carry with them all year The goal is not for students to memorize what a school counselor does. It is for them to know, “I know who my counselor is, I know how to reach them, and I know they can help.” Intro Lessons: Meet the School Counselor Tic-Tac-Toe School Counselor BINGO Meet the School Counselor Lesson Plan Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #174
    August 13 · 31 min

    174. The First 30 Days: What School Counselors Should Focus On

    The first month of school can make counselors feel like they need to do everything at once—but you don’t. Here's a simple roadmap for the first 30 days of school, including what to prioritize, what can wait, and how to build a strong foundation for the rest of the year. You’ll hear practical ideas for: Building relationships with students and staff Creating simple referral and counseling systems Using data and needs assessments to guide your program Strengthening Tier 1 supports Protecting your time before your calendar fills up Organizing your counseling program without starting from scratch Resources Mentioned: From TpT: Meet the Counselor Tic-Tac-Toe Meet The Counselor Lesson Plan Behavior Intervention Toolkit All these resources and more are included in Perks Counseling Content Club You do not have to have the entire year figured out in September. Focus on the foundation first. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

  • #173
    July 29 · 17 min

    173. Nice Bike: Three Small Actions That Can Change School Culture

    Nice Bike: Three Small Actions That Can Change School Culture What if changing school culture did not require a big program, a new initiative, or another committee? In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the powerful message behind Mark Scharenbroich’s “Nice Bike” story and explores three simple ways school counselors can strengthen relationships throughout their buildings: acknowledge, honor, and connect. You will hear practical examples of how small moments of recognition can help students and staff feel seen, valued, and connected—and how those moments can create ripple effects throughout an entire school community. In This Episode: Why two simple words can open the door to connection The difference between acknowledging and honoring someone How specific recognition builds trust and belonging Why connection needs to happen before a crisis Simple ways to positively influence school culture every day School culture is not built through one special event. It is built through the way people are treated, one interaction at a time. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    • Transcript
  • #172
    July 22 · 23 min

    172. Tales From A Train Station (ICYMI)

    In this second episode of our Back to School series, I’m diving into a topic that’s incredibly important for us as school counselors—how to make sure the vital work we do doesn’t go unnoticed. Too often, despite the significant impact we have, our efforts can go unseen by those around us. In this episode, I emphasize the importance of: Advocating for Our Role: Ensuring that the value of our work is communicated so it doesn’t get overlooked. Sharing Successes: Highlighting the progress of our students with colleagues and administrators to build awareness and appreciation for the counseling role. Collaboration is Key: Being seen as integral members of the school team by actively participating in and contributing to the broader educational environment. Impactful Interventions: Recognizing the power of empathy and understanding in counseling. Building a Supportive Environment: Advocating for ourselves to help create a school culture where our contributions are respected and supported. Join me as we explore how to ensure our work is visible, valued, and celebrated as we head into what I hope will be our best school year yet! Join the Summer Counselor Conference Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #171
    July 15 · 21 min

    171. Making Waves That Matter: Small Actions, Big Impact

    In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing a reminder that school counselors create impact in ways that are not always immediate, visible, or easy to measure. From a quick student check-in to a meaningful conversation with a teacher, small actions can create ripple effects that travel farther than we may ever realize. You do not have to make a huge splash to make a difference. In this episode, we talk about: Why small, consistent actions matter The ripple effects counselors create every day Why impact is not always measured by data alone How students may carry our encouragement longer than we know Why continued learning helps us make stronger waves Takeaway: You are already making waves. Every conversation, check-in, lesson, and moment of encouragement can matter more than you realize. Come Join us at the Summer Counselor Conference. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #170
    July 8 · 14 min

    170. Dear Tired Counselor: You’re Allowed to Rest From Being Tired

    Dear Tired Counselor: You’re Allowed to Rest From Being Tired In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing a summer permission slip for counselors who may be on break but still feel completely worn out. Being away from school does not automatically mean your mind and body have caught up after a demanding year. This episode is a reminder that you do not need to turn July into another to-do list, school improvement plan, or race to get ahead for August. In this episode, we talk about: Why being on break does not always mean feeling rested Letting go of the pressure to be productive all summer Trusting that your work mattered, even when you cannot see every outcome Releasing unfinished things from the school year Three gentle reflection questions for a summer reset Takeaway: You do not have to earn rest by being exhausted enough. You are allowed to let summer be summer. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #169
    July 1 · 37 min

    169. The Game-Changer I Wish I Had Found Sooner: Restorative Practices

    The Game-Changer I Wish I Had Found Sooner: Restorative Practices In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing why restorative practices became one of the most meaningful shifts in my school counseling work. Restorative practices are not about avoiding accountability or forcing students to say sorry. They are about helping students understand impact, repair harm, build skills, and remain connected to their school community. In this episode, we talk about: Why consequences alone do not always teach the skills students need Moving from “What rule was broken?” to “Who was affected?” Why repair is bigger than a forced apology How circles can build connection before conflict happens Simple restorative questions counselors can begin using right away Takeaway: Students can take responsibility for their actions and still know they belong. Restorative practices help us hold accountability and humanity at the same time. Resources Mentioned: Think Sheets Community Circles Starter Bundle Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

  • #168
    June 24 · 40 min

    168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier

    Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m continuing the series on things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career — and this one is all about boundaries. For a long time, I thought staying late, saying yes, and being endlessly available meant I was dedicated. But looking back, I can see that being the last car in the parking lot didn’t make me a better counselor. It just made me tired. In this episode, I’m sharing the boundaries I wish I had set earlier, including time boundaries, emotional boundaries, role boundaries, communication boundaries, and personal life boundaries. I also reflect on why school counselors often feel guilty setting limits — and why boundaries are actually what help us stay effective, compassionate, and sustainable in this work. In this episode, we talk about: Why overworking is not the same as being effective The difference between being dependable and being endlessly available Why school counselors need role clarity How guilt shows up when we start setting boundaries Simple scripts for saying no or pausing before saying yes Why leaving on time does not mean you care less How boundaries protect your energy, family, and long-term career Takeaway: You can care deeply about students and still have limits. Being a good counselor does not require burning yourself out. Reflection question: What would change if you believed you could be a good counselor without being endlessly available? Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #167
    June 17 · 30 min

    167. I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling Practice

    I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling Practice In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing why professional development and conferences became such a turning point in my school counseling career. Early on, I didn’t fully realize how much I could learn outside of my own building — or how much my perspective was limited by only knowing my own experiences. I’ll talk about finally attending my first conference, creating a small local conference for counselors, and how trainings in restorative practices and trauma, illness, and grief have deeply changed the way I support students, staff, and school communities. In this episode, we talk about: Why professional development is not “extra” How conferences expand your perspective The power of learning from other counselors Why asking to attend training matters How restorative practices and crisis-response training changed my work Takeaway: You don’t know what you don’t know — and sometimes one conference, one training, or one new idea can change your entire practice. Check out the: Summer Counselor Conference Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
  • #166
    June 10 · 41 min

    166. Summer Series-What I Wish I Had Done Earlier: Invest in My Future

    What I Wish I Had Done Earlier: Invest in My Future In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re kicking off a new reflective series about the things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career. First up: investing in my future. This episode is not financial advice, but it is a gentle reminder that school counselors spend so much time helping students plan their futures that we sometimes forget to plan for our own. I’m sharing why I wish I had started asking questions about retirement, savings, and long-term planning earlier — and why taking even one small step now can make a difference for future you. In this episode, we talk about: Why future planning matters for school counselors The importance of asking questions about retirement and benefits How small steps can add up over time Why confusion should not keep you from starting Caring for your future self without guilt or shame Takeaway: You are allowed to care deeply about your students and still care about your own future. Future you is worth planning for. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Counselor Conference! Early Bird registration ends June 15th!

    • Transcript
  • #165
    June 3 · 14 min

    165. Celebrating Growth (Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like Enough)

    Celebrating Growth (Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like Enough) As the school year comes to a close, it's easy to focus on the students we didn't quite reach, the goals that aren't fully accomplished, and the work that still feels unfinished. But what if success isn't always found in the big moments? In this episode of Counselor Chat, we'll explore how school counselors can reframe success by recognizing the quiet growth that often goes unnoticed. From students who finally ask for help to those who simply know they have a safe adult at school, these small wins matter more than we sometimes realize. In This Episode: Why growth is often messy, slow, and easy to overlook The small victories counselors should be celebrating A touching story about a former student whose life was changed by a simple belief in his potential Why students often remember the little things we do How counselors amplify student success every day The importance of recognizing your own growth as a counselor Key Takeaway Success doesn't always arrive as a dramatic transformation. Sometimes it sounds like: "Can I see my emotional support person?" "Thanks for always listening." "You made me think I could actually do this." The relationships, encouragement, and consistency you provide matter more than you may ever know. As you wrap up the school year, take a moment to celebrate the quiet victories—both your students' growth and your own. 💛 Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Get Your Ticket to the Summer Counselor Conference!

    • Transcript
  • #164
    May 29 · 17 min

    164. The Students You’re Still Worried About

    The Students You’re Still Worried About As the school year winds down, most people are focused on celebrations, graduations, and summer plans. But school counselors know there’s another side to this season—the students we're still thinking about. In this heartfelt episode of Counselor Chat, we'll talk about the students who stay on our minds long after the final bell rings. The students who still struggle with friendships, attendance, anxiety, family challenges, or simply finding their place in the world. You'll learn: Why it's normal to worry about certain students as summer approaches What you can realistically do before the school year ends Simple ways to help students identify supports and prepare for summer How to effectively hand off information to next year's team Why counselors need to remember they are only one chapter—not the entire story In This Episode: ✔️ Supporting vulnerable students before summer break ✔️ Creating meaningful final check-ins ✔️ Helping students identify trusted adults and support systems ✔️ Transition planning and counselor-to-counselor handoffs ✔️ Letting go of the pressure to "fix everything" before June ✔️ Trusting that the seeds you've planted will continue to grow Key Takeaway You don't have to solve every problem before summer. Sometimes the greatest gift we give students is consistency, connection, and the reminder that they matter. The fact that you're still worried about certain students doesn't mean you haven't done enough—it means you cared deeply. Connect with Carol 🌐 CounselingEssentials.org 📸 Instagram: @counselingessentials If this episode resonated with you, share it with another school counselor who may be carrying the weight of unfinished stories as the school year comes to a close. Until next time, remember: the relationships matter, the small moments matter, and you matter too. 💛 Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group www.summercounselorconference.com

    • Transcript
  • #163
    May 20 · 17 min

    163. Helping Students Transition Well (Without Adding One More Thing to Your Plate)

    163. Helping Students Transition Well As school counselors, we spend so much time managing schedules, testing, field trips, celebrations, and end-of-year chaos that it’s easy to forget what many students are experiencing underneath it all: transition. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m talking about how transitions affect students emotionally and how we can support them in simple, meaningful ways without adding one more giant project to our already busy season. From elementary students moving to middle school, to seniors preparing to graduate, students often carry fears, uncertainty, excitement, grief, and anxiety all at the same time. The good news? Supporting them doesn’t have to involve complicated lessons, elaborate crafts, or Pinterest-perfect projects. In this episode, I share realistic and manageable ideas that help students process change, reflect on growth, and move forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Why transitions can feel emotionally overwhelming for students Common fears students have when moving to middle school and high school The importance of normalizing emotions during times of change Easy reflection and closure activities for different grade levels How simple conversations can create lasting impact Ways to support graduating seniors emotionally Why counselors don’t need giant productions to create meaningful moments Favorite Quote from the Episode: “Simple is often better because it’s realistic and repeatable, and students remember how they felt, who listened, and who helped them feel seen.” Resources Mentioned: Year End Review Discussion Questions Summer Counselor Conference Remember, meaningful does not have to mean complicated. You are making a bigger difference than you realize. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 27 episodes