School Counseling Simplified Podcast: Recent Episodes

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Hey there, counselor friend. This is episode 300, and I truly can't believe we've reached 300 episodes of this podcast.

Today marks the final episode, and I'm feeling a lot of emotions—but more than anything, I feel content. This podcast has served its purpose, and there are now hours of episodes you can listen to that are designed to help you simplify your life as a school counselor, while also empowering you to feel more confident and prepared in your role.

My goal has always been to share the experiences and strategies I've learned along the way—so you can make your day-to-day easier, support more students, and advocate for the important work you do.

Whether you've been listening since day one or you're just discovering the podcast, thank you. Truly. Your kind words, emails, and testimonials have shaped this space and made it what it is.

I started School Counseling Simplified in October of 2020. At the time, I was a new mom to my first baby, living in San Diego. Now, I have three beautiful children, and we've spent the past few years living in Costa Rica. It's been such an incredible journey, both personally and professionally.

When I first started, I didn't even have my IMPACT membership or courses. Watching how those have grown, and the impact they've had over the years, has been so meaningful.

I'm going to link some of my favorite episodes below so you can dive in and revisit a few highlights.

And if you've found this podcast helpful, I think you would absolutely love my IMPACT membership. It's a supportive community of counselors, with monthly professional development and access to hundreds of resources—all designed to help you feel confident and supported in your role.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• https://brightfutures-counseling.com/pages/podcast
• 1. Best of SCS: How to Teach Conflict Resolution in Each Tier
• 1. Best of SCS: Mindset Shifts for School Counselors with Chrissy Nichols
• 1. Best of SCS: How to Be a Trauma Informed Counselor with Joyce Harduvel
• 1. Best of SCS: How to Teach Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
• 1. Best of SCS: Supporting Title 1 Students and Families with Megan Polk
• 1. Best of SCS: 5 things I wish I knew when I first started counseling
• 1. Best of SCS: How to Design Small Group Curriculum That Works
• 1. Best of SCS: 3 Must-Have Data Tools for Individual Counseling

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Hey there, counselor friend. On today's podcast episode, I want to talk with you about the importance of building community with fellow school counselors.

I often hear counselors say they feel like they're on their own island. Many times, you may be the only counselor in your building—or even across multiple buildings. I remember when I worked at an international school, I was the only counselor for the entire district.

Sometimes, you just need a sounding board—someone you can go to and ask:

• Does anyone else feel like this?
• Is this a good idea?
• What would you do in this situation?

In one of my school districts, we had a monthly collaboration meeting for all counselors, and it was such a valuable time to connect and share ideas.

When I created IMPACT, my school counseling membership, I knew I wanted to provide that same sense of community. Each month, we host a Zoom call during lunchtime where we start with a quick feelings check-in and then open the floor for conversation. We talk through tough cases, share what's working, exchange ideas, and simply support one another.

Today, I'm sharing a recording from one of our monthly calls to give you a little sneak peek into what these community conversations look like. This one is from October, and I absolutely loved the discussions we had.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Hey there, counselor friend. Today I am sharing my must have school counseling spreadsheets to help you track the services you provide and advocate for your role with confidence. These simple systems can be used to support a data wall or an end of year report so you can clearly communicate your impact to key stakeholders.

If you know me, you know I love a good spreadsheet. I use them for everything from travel planning to recipes, and they have become one of the most powerful tools in my school counseling program.

In this episode, I am walking you through the core data sheets I recommend every school counselor use to stay organized and data driven.

Counseling Caseload Data Sheet This spreadsheet tracks your entire caseload in one place. You can include who you are seeing, when their sessions are scheduled, what type of service they are receiving, and the topic or focus of those sessions. You can also track referral forms, parent permission slips, identifying factors, and notes.

School Counseling Log Data Sheet A counseling log is one of the simplest and most effective ways to track your daily services. Using a Google Sheet, you can log each interaction by recording the student's name, the reason you saw them, and the amount of time spent together.

This allows you to track direct student service minutes and capture interactions with students who may not be on your regular caseload, such as drop ins. It also helps you maintain accuracy. For example, if you planned for a 30 minute group but only met for 15 minutes, you can log the actual time spent.

Self Assessments and Behavior Surveys Data Sheet For tracking student progress, I highly recommend using Google Forms for self assessments and behavior surveys. These forms automatically organize responses into spreadsheets, making it easy to analyze data and identify trends. With just a few clicks, you can view results and use that information to guide your instruction.

Class Lesson Sign Up Data Sheet To streamline your scheduling, consider using a Google Form or spreadsheet for teachers to sign up for class lessons. This creates a simple and efficient system that reduces back and forth communication while helping you stay in control of your schedule.

Using Data to Drive Instruction As school counselors, it is essential that our work is data driven. These data sheets allow you to collect meaningful information so you can make informed decisions about your program and better support your students.

Counseling Hub One of my favorite systems is what I call a school counseling hub, which combines your counseling log and caseload spreadsheet into one streamlined dashboard. This allows you to manage your data, track services, and view your impact all in one place.

If you are looking for a simple way to get started, you can download my template and begin using these systems with your own students right away.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Caseload and Counseling Log
• 5 Strategies for Stress Free Organization
• 5 Useful Tools to Track Progress in School Counseling
• Data Tracking Tools Bundle
• Advocate Using and End of Year Report

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am sharing how you can use data to advocate for your role at the end of the school year. Even if you are listening to this earlier in the year, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

Advocating for your role as a school counselor is something I am deeply passionate about. Data allows you to clearly communicate the impact of your work and helps others understand the value of your counseling program.

Here are two powerful ways to use data to advocate for your role.

Data wall A data wall is a simple but effective way to visually showcase your impact. This can be a bulletin board placed outside your office or in a high traffic area of your school.

Your data wall can include a snapshot of your work over a quarter, semester, or the entire school year. You might highlight the number of small groups you ran, the topics you covered, and the number of students you served. You can also include anonymous student data to demonstrate growth and progress.

A data wall helps others see both the scope of your services and the effectiveness of your work in a quick and accessible way.

End of year report An end of year report is a more formal way to present your data to key stakeholders such as administrators and school leaders.

This report can include the number of students you served, the number of small groups and individual sessions you conducted, and measurable improvements in student outcomes. You may also include data such as attendance improvements or behavioral progress.

Using data in this way allows you to make informed, data driven decisions while also clearly communicating the impact of your counseling program.

When you consistently collect and use data, you are not only supporting your students more effectively, but you are also strengthening your ability to advocate for your role.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Data Wall
• How to Conduct a Mid Year Check in Using a Data Wall
• Editable End of Year Report
• Advocate Using an End of Year Report

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today's episode is a short but powerful reminder to take your counseling outside of your office.

This was something I really struggled with during my first year. I loved my office. I had created a cozy, welcoming space with all the things that made it feel safe and calm for students. It was a place where students came for small groups and individual sessions, and it worked well for that purpose. But during my in between time, I found myself sitting at my desk handling emails, scheduling, and other tasks.

As I began shadowing veteran counselors and gained more experience, I noticed something important. Many of them were rarely in their offices. They were out in the building, supporting students in real time, observing behaviors, and making their presence known throughout the school.

Taking your counseling outside of your office allows you to connect with students in more natural and meaningful ways. It also gives you valuable insight into how students are functioning in their everyday environments.

Here are a few simple ways to do this.

Morning arrival Many counselors begin their day by helping with morning drop off. This is a great opportunity to see how students are arriving at school, observe interactions with caregivers, and make quick, informal check ins that set the tone for the day.

Lunch or recess duty These duties can feel like they are outside of your role, but they can actually be incredibly valuable. This is a perfect time to observe students you are currently working with and see if they are applying the skills you are teaching. It is also a great opportunity to connect with students who are not on your caseload and begin building relationships.

Informal connection opportunities Use unstructured time to build rapport with students. This might look like starting an impromptu lunch bunch game, walking around campus, or stepping into classrooms to observe and support. These small moments often lead to meaningful connections and help teachers feel supported as well.

When you step outside of your office, you expand your reach and impact. Students begin to see you as a consistent and approachable presence throughout their day, not just someone they visit when something is wrong.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am sharing three school counseling game changers. These are practical, actionable strategies that I have seen truly transform school counseling programs. They are simple, bite sized, and easy to implement right away to make your day to day feel more manageable.

My goal is to give you one game changer for each tier of your counseling program so you can start making improvements across the board.

Tier 1 Class Lessons One of the biggest game changers for Tier 1 is having a streamlined scheduling system for class lessons. In many schools, scheduling falls entirely on the counselor, which can quickly become overwhelming. Creating a clear sign up system removes that burden and makes the process much more efficient.

You can use either Google Sheets or Calendly to set this up.

With Google Sheets, start by looking at your own calendar and identifying when you are available to teach lessons. Be sure to block off time for planning, meetings, and lunch, and avoid scheduling during times that do not work well for you. List your available time slots in the sheet and share it with teachers. Teachers can then select a consistent time, such as Tuesdays at 1:00, which becomes their recurring lesson slot. You can then add these to your calendar for the entire year, making adjustments as needed for holidays or schedule changes. This eliminates constant back and forth communication and creates a clear, organized system.

Calendly is a more automated option. You can input your availability, send the link to teachers, and allow them to book their own time slots. Calendly will automatically sync with your calendar and send reminders, making the process seamless for both you and your teachers.

Tier 2 Small Groups The game changer for small groups is incorporating games. Student engagement and buy-in are essential, and games are a powerful way to help students feel comfortable, open up, and build rapport.

Some easy options include discussion cards, Boom Cards, playing cards, and board games. These tools make sessions interactive while still supporting skill development.

Tier 3 Individual Counseling For Tier 3, the biggest game changer is using data to guide your decisions. As school counselors, we provide short term, solution-focused support, which means it is important to track progress and measure outcomes.

This can be done through behavior surveys sent to teachers and caregivers before and after sessions, as well as student self assessments. This combination of data gives you a well-rounded view of how the student is progressing across settings.

At the end of a six to eight week cycle, this data allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions and make informed decisions about next steps for the student.

These are three simple but powerful game changers that can make a meaningful difference in your counseling program at every tier.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blogs/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling
• Data Collection Behavior Surveys
• Self-assessment Super Bundle
• School Counseling SEL Game Board Bundle

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Sonya, a school counselor and IMPACT member. In this episode, she shares practical strategies for running small groups, including how to focus on short term skill building so students can successfully return to class ready to learn.

Sonya is a 2nd year school counselor at a title I elementary school in Gresham, OR. She has been in Oregon for 13 years but was born and raised in Lexington, KY. Sonya believes that the most impactful part of school counseling is connecting with families and inspiring students through restorative conversations and teaching the power of compassion and forgiveness. In her spare time, Sonya is always working on a jigsaw puzzle (she even has a puzzle library on her front porch!), tap dancing, hanging out with her dogs Sugar Bear and Bruce Wayne, playing chess and making everyone laugh as much as possible. Sonya would like to end this with her simple motto: life is a comedy, not a tragedy. We must remember that laughter is the best medicine.

What do you love about school counseling?

Sonya shares that the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the impact she has on students, both big and small. Even a brief 10 or 30 minute check in can make a meaningful difference. Whether students are repeating something they learned in a lesson or choosing to trust her with their feelings, those moments are what make the work so meaningful.

What can you share with us about small groups?

Sonya emphasizes that small groups are not meant to be a quick fix for behavior or an overnight solution. Instead, their value lies in the ability to reach and support many students at once. She currently runs about seven groups and aims to grow to ten or twelve so she can consistently serve students on her caseload each week.

She also highlights the importance of boundaries and remembering that school is a place for learning. When students come to her room, she focuses on making the time effective by prioritizing meaningful skill building within a structured session.

Scheduling can be one of the biggest challenges with small groups. Sonya recommends identifying times that students cannot miss, such as literacy or reading blocks, and working around those priorities. She uses Google Forms to gather teacher input and collaborates with them to find times that work for everyone.

What is a day in the life for you?

Sonya shares that this year, her kindergarten and first grade students need a high level of support, so she spends a significant amount of time working with those grade levels. Her day often includes phone calls with families, teaching class lessons, providing interventions, and attending Tier 2 and attendance meetings. She also creates a weekly news video for upper grade students, adding a creative and engaging element to her role.

What advice do you have for new counselors?

Sonya reminds new counselors that it is impossible to do everything, and there will always be a never ending to do list. It is important to stay grounded in your role and remember the purpose of your work. Students are at school to learn, and school counselors are there to provide short term, solution focused skill building to support that learning.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Delana, a school counselor and IMPACT member. I left our conversation feeling inspired and refreshed by her passion, her heart for students, and her commitment to creating a supportive and connected school climate.

Delana lives with her husband Wesley and their three daughters, Salem, Caroline, and Dare, along with their two cats. She is a graduate of Calvary Christian School in King, North Carolina, where she now serves. After high school, she attended community college for two years before transferring to Lees-McRae College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She began her career teaching fourth grade in a rural public school. While teaching, she earned her master's degree in Language and Literacy from Salem College, the oldest all girls college in North Carolina.

During this time, she also taught basic skills courses at a local community college in the evenings. After marrying her husband in 2008 and starting a family, she transitioned fully into the community college setting, where she worked for 15 years. One of her most meaningful roles there was in the adult high school program, where students completed online coursework to earn a high school diploma.

In 2022, she felt called to support high school students at Calvary Christian School and shared her vision with her pastor. She went on to create the Student Success program, which has continued to grow over the past four years. Her initial goal was to improve school climate, support teacher appreciation, and help students prepare for life after high school, whether through trades or college. She later became a Youth Mental Health Coach to better support the personal needs of her students. This year, she also stepped into the role of Elementary Supervisor. In addition to her professional work, she coaches middle school girls basketball, and her family stays busy supporting their daughters' involvement in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Much of their life is centered around their family and the school community they love.

What do you love about school counseling?

One of Delana's favorite parts of school counseling is being a trusted adult that students can connect with. She works intentionally to make her office a safe and welcoming space. She uses connection cards as a way to build relationships with students, giving them an opportunity to share both positive moments and times when they need emotional support.

What does school climate mean to you?

Delana shares that school climate is not just students. It includes students, faculty, and When discussing school climate, Delana emphasizes that it is not just about students. It includes students, faculty, and families. Her goal is for every student to find at least one moment in their day that brings them joy. She believes that a strong school climate begins with supporting families. When families feel supported and trust that the school has their child's best interests at heart, they are more likely to stay engaged. Similarly, when teachers feel valued and supported in their work environment, they are better able to show up for their students. Every role within the school community contributes to the overall climate.

What is a day in the life for you?

Delana begins her day around 7:45 in the morning with car line, which she sees as an important opportunity to connect with students right away. She then spends the first hour of her morning visiting elementary classrooms to connect with teachers and offer support, whether that means providing supplies, encouragement, or simply being present.

Throughout the day, she schedules a variety of lessons, including character education, digital citizenship for middle school students, and career exploration for eighth graders. She also teaches personal finance lessons to tenth graders and college and FAFSA preparation for eleventh and twelfth graders, helping students plan for their futures after graduation.

What advice do you have for new counselors?

For new counselors, Delana encourages adaptability and a willingness to keep learning, whether through reading, collaborating with others, or gaining new experiences. She emphasizes the importance of being open, transparent, and kind when communicating with parents, as honesty helps build trust.

She also recommends the book The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace as a valuable resource for building positive relationships within a school community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Book - The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Barbara, who after 40 years in the school setting now serves as a counselor mentor. With experience in both elementary and high school counseling, Barbara brings a wealth of wisdom to the conversation. In this episode, she shares her perspective on self love, meaningful connections with students, and the powerful role of classroom lessons in building relationships and preventing behavior concerns.

After four decades of the gift of growing in her character building alongside learners of all ages and stages, Barbara Gruener now actively supports educators who are still in school doing the holy work of tenderly holding hearts and shaping the future for good.

Her latest focus on self-love steps her way out of her comfort zone, where the real learning begins. Barbara and her husband live in Friendswood, TX, where they raised their three now-adult children. Her most recent blessing is being called Grammy.

What do you love about school counseling?

One of Barbara's favorite parts of school counseling is what she calls connecting by heart. She describes it as stepping into someone's story and saying, I have you. Tell me more. What is that experience like for you? She believes counselors have the opportunity to be a steady presence for students as they navigate their journeys. Sometimes that role looks like being a lighthouse that helps guide the way, and other times it is like serving as the rudder that gently helps steer the ship. Barbara emphasizes that connection extends beyond students. It also includes parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader school community.

How do you manage class lessons at your school?

When it comes to classroom lessons, Barbara believes engagement is key to preventing behavioral challenges later on. During her years in the classroom, she loved using puppets to enhance social stories and capture students' attention. She also highlights the importance of truly knowing your students. Understanding who enjoys participating and who may feel anxious about being called on allows counselors to make thoughtful accommodations. If counselors want to equip and empower students, Barbara encourages them to remain gently curious and take the time to get to know each child.

Barbara also stresses the importance of pacing during lessons, especially when reading books with students. She believes that pausing to listen and reflect can be incredibly powerful. Sometimes the most meaningful moments in a lesson happen in the quiet spaces where students have the opportunity to process and share.

What is a day in the life for you?

Today, Barbara continues to support the counseling profession in many ways. She remains active in writing and has published three picture books, one chapter book, and one digital book. She also leads workshops, participates in author visits, writes blog content, and engages in other creative outlets. One of her recent areas of focus has been workshops centered on the Self Love Club, which she describes as a deeply meaningful and eye opening experience.

What advice do you have for new counselors?

For new counselors, Barbara offers heartfelt advice. She encourages counselors to go slow in order to ultimately go fast, recognizing that many days in the school setting can feel like triage. It is important to know when to close the door at the end of the day, go home, and replenish. She also reminds counselors to lean on teammates, community members, and the people who care about them so they can sustain their work without burning out.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• barbaragruenerauthor.com
• corneroncharacter.com

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Lacey, a school counselor and IMPACT member. In this episode, we are talking all about class lessons and the engaging formula she uses to keep students involved and excited about learning.

Lacey Dixon is an enthusiastic educator that leads with positive intention while fostering a nurturing, growth-oriented inclusive environment for her school and community. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation, a Masters in School Counseling, and a Masters in Instruction that has served her well as a seventeen-year education veteran and first-generation college student.

This school year marked a turning point as she began her new journey as a first-year school counselor. Previously, she served as a secondary agriscience educator and FFA advisor, an ag relationship manager in the private sector and instructional leader at an intermediate school. Blending her love of teaching, and intuitive ability to build strong relationships with students, Dr. Dixon strives to create a learning environment where all students feel loved and welcomed from the moment they walk through their school doors.

Cultivating social emotional intelligence and mindfulness among staff and students, continues to shape her everyday interactions and school initiatives for the promise of a better tomorrow.

What do you love about school counseling?

When asked what she loves most about school counseling, Lacey shares that she enjoys building relationships and having the opportunity to do something different every day. She works with students in grades four through six and teaches lessons within professional learning communities. She values incorporating social emotional learning into her lessons and is passionate about helping students feel loved and welcomed each day.

How do you manage class lessons at your school?

Lacey has developed a clear and engaging structure for her class lessons. She begins by gathering student input about what they enjoy, ensuring their voices are heard. Each lesson starts with a Smartboard open and includes morning movement such as dances or short videos to energize students. From there, she leads affirmations, inviting students to repeat statements like, "I belong in this classroom just as I am."

Next, she introduces an activator, which may be a short video or a definition connected to the lesson objective.

The class then moves into the main activity, often including a take home component to help students create meaning beyond the classroom.

She closes with a reflection component to reinforce learning. Her lesson framework includes a physical activity, affirmation, activation, activity, and reflection.

What does a typical day look like for you?

In a typical day, Lacey balances lunch and bus duties, small groups, individual student sessions, and teaching class lessons three days per week. Each day brings variety and opportunities to connect with students in different ways.

What advice do you have for new counselors?

For new counselors, Lacey offers thoughtful advice. She encourages counselors to extend grace to themselves and their students. She recommends focusing on immediate priorities rather than trying to do everything at once. She also emphasizes the importance of having trusted colleagues or friends to lean on, as the role can be demanding and emotionally heavy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Caitlin, a school counselor and IMPACT member, who brings incredible energy and creativity to her work. In this episode, she shares how she structures her classroom lessons, approaches classroom management, and implements unique strategies that help her build strong connections with students.

Caitlin Wagner, is currently an elementary school counselor working in a low income, culturally diverse, title 1 school in Harrisburg, PA. She has been in school counseling for about 5 years. Prior to becoming a school counselor she worked in the clinical counseling setting as a case counselor and milieu manager at a partial hospitalization program for children and adolescents. Besides being a school counselor, she is also a mother of two young children, enjoys sports, and is as creative as possible.

When asked what she loves most about school counseling, Caitlin shares that building connections with students and their families is the most meaningful part of her role. Whether in a school or clinical setting, she finds it incredibly rewarding to create a space where students feel safe, protected, and supported by a positive adult outside of their immediate family. She values being a consistent and encouraging presence in their lives.

One practical strategy Caitlin uses to strengthen relationships is a get to know you form that she first implemented during a long term substitute position. She now uses this form with every student she works with, beginning in kindergarten. The form follows students as they move through the school, allowing her to remember important details and deepen connections over time.

Caitlin also shares how she structures her classroom lessons. She has the flexibility to create her own schedule, which allows her to design a flow that best supports her student population. She is in each classroom every other week, and each class has a consistent day and time so students can rely on a predictable routine. For classroom management, she uses a simple behavior tracking system where she tallies specific behaviors and categorizes them as unexpected, expected, or super expected. She often frames expectations by asking students, how can we be our best effort givers, which encourages reflection and personal responsibility in a positive way. She emphasizes that she loves finding creative ways to connect her lessons to her students' real lives and interests.

In describing a typical day, Caitlin shares that her mornings often begin by greeting students as they arrive for breakfast. From there, she may move into a parent, student, or team meeting. Depending on the day and the week, she teaches several classroom lessons and integrates small groups into her schedule as needed. She often ends her day with check ins and check outs for students who need additional support, ensuring they leave school feeling seen, encouraged, and supported.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Colleen, a school counselor and IMPACT member, who shares her journey from nursing school to school counseling and her passion for teaching students the coping skills she did not learn growing up.

Colleen Mosley is a School Counselor in Long Island, New York. This is her fourth year at her current school. Previously, she worked as a School Counselor for four years in Northern Virginia. Before becoming a counselor, she served on the Leadership Team at a private school in Northern Virginia. Colleen is deeply passionate about equipping students with lifelong coping skills and believes that work is at the heart of why she became a School Counselor.

What does Colleen love about school counseling

Colleen shares that she loves being the person she did not have growing up. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to teach children skills they can use throughout their lifetime.

What does Colleen love about individual sessions

Because she sees all students weekly for classroom lessons, she is able to build strong rapport and positive relationships early on. When students come to her counseling room for individual support, there is already an established foundation of trust.

How does she manage the logistics of individual sessions

Colleen typically meets with students once a week for six weeks for approximately 20 minutes. She administers a pre-assessment during the first session and a post-assessment during the final session to measure growth and progress.

A day in the life Colleen works with students in grades K through 8 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. She is available on Mondays primarily for crisis response.

She teaches Social Emotional Learning lessons in 40 minute blocks for each classroom and schedules individual sessions as needed.

When she is not teaching or counseling, she supervises lunch and recess or plans future lessons and school events.

Advice for new school counselors Find a mentor you trust. Prioritize self-care. Join a cohort or a community such as IMPACT so you have support and resources readily available to make your job feel more manageable.

As Colleen says, overdose on self-care so you can do your job most effectively!

Do not forget, today and tomorrow I am hosting a free live training on how to enhance your individual counseling sessions and begin collecting meaningful data so you can feel confident and valued in your role. You will walk away with practical engagement strategies and simple data tracking tools you can start using right away.

Resources Mentioned:

• Individual Counseling LIVE Training

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Hadley, a school counselor and IMPACT member, for a special guest episode. Hadley is passionate about building rapport and meaningful relationships with students. In this conversation, she shares practical advice for new counselors and simple, effective ways to build strong connections with students.

Hadley lives in a small rural town in mid Missouri. She has been married for 10 years and has two daughters who are 8 and 4 years old. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's of Education in Counseling with a license in School Counseling. Hadley has been a school counselor for 11 years and has worked exclusively at the elementary level, serving grades PK through 5.

She is currently the 3 to 5 school counselor at her school and is in her third year in this role. Prior to becoming a school counselor, she worked with children in a behavioral health setting, which helped shape her approach to supporting students with diverse needs.

What does Hadley love about school counseling?

Hadley shares that school counseling gives her the unique opportunity to be a safe and steady presence for her students. Her goal is for every student to leave her office knowing that she is in their corner, cheering them on, and that they always have a safe place to return to when they need support. In her role, she teaches classroom lessons and facilitates both small groups and individual sessions. As she shares in the episode, she values being a consistent and supportive adult in her students' lives.

What does she love about individual sessions?

Hadley explains that individual sessions allow for deeper relationships. These one on one moments create space to truly understand what a student is walking through and to support them during difficult seasons in a more personalized way.

How does she manage the logistics of individual sessions?

When a student stops by for a quick visit, Hadley takes time to talk and assess the situation. If she recognizes that the conversation may require more time than the student can reasonably be out of class, she looks for a natural pause in the discussion and lets the student know she will follow up the next day at a specific time. For students who require more intensive support, she schedules consistent weekly sessions. She also uses games as a tool to encourage conversation and help students feel more comfortable opening up.

What does a typical day look like?

Hadley splits her day into two parts. During the first half of the day, she focuses on individual sessions and small groups. In the afternoon, she teaches classroom lessons that are built into the school's specials rotation. She teaches three 50 minute classroom sessions each day, allowing her to see every class in the building each week.

What advice does she have for new school counselors?

Hadley emphasizes the importance of building relationships before building a program. She encourages new counselors to focus first on relationships with students, staff, and families. When strong relationships are in place, the program will naturally begin to take shape.

She also highlights the importance of setting boundaries. Leave work at work when possible and remember that it is okay to say no to additional responsibilities if you do not have the capacity to take them on.

If you enjoyed this conversation, do not forget that next week I am hosting a free live training on how to enhance your individual counseling sessions and begin collecting meaningful data. You will walk away with easy to implement engagement strategies and practical data tracking tools to help you feel confident and valued in your role.

Resources Mentioned:

• Individual Counseling LIVE Training

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today we are talking about how to create a parent newsletter, something I personally send out every month to my IMPACT members and one of the resources they love the most.

I want to pull back the curtain and share exactly how I structure my parent newsletters so you can try this in your own counseling program. For the next few months, I am running a themed series, and right now the focus is on screen time, a topic I am incredibly passionate about.

Parent newsletters are a powerful way to advocate for your role, communicate proactively with families, and support students beyond the school day. Here is how I structure mine.

School Counselor Services This section highlights the services the school counselor provides and helps families understand how and when students can receive support. For February, I am breaking down the three tiers of support and explaining what each tier looks like in a school counseling program.

Monthly Topic Focus Each newsletter includes a specific social emotional learning topic. This month, the focus is screen time and smartphone use. I share research based information related to screen time and brain development so parents understand why this topic matters.

Activities to Try at Home I always include a simple, accessible activity families can do together. For example, tossing a ball back and forth while answering guided questions as the child catches the ball. These activities are designed to be low pressure and easy to implement.

Parenting Resources The final section includes an additional resource such as a video, podcast episode, or printable guide. This month, I am sharing a technology agreement PDF that families can use at home to set clear expectations around screen use.

If you would like this month's parent newsletter for free, you can grab it directly in the show notes.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/individual
• freebie ---> https://brightfutures-counseling.com/pages/free-school-counseling-parent-newsletter
• https://www.waituntil8th.org/

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I want to talk about a question that shows up in my inbox all the time. How do you stop constantly putting out fires and actually manage your limited time as a school counselor?

So many counselors find themselves stuck in a reactive state. When you are constantly responding to drop ins, crises, and last minute needs, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting. My goal is to help counselors shift into a more proactive state where they can intentionally manage tier one interventions, small groups, individual counseling, and still handle the unexpected things that pop up.

Today I am sharing a simple strategy to help you plan your time so you can get it all done.

Start by identifying your big items. These are your classroom counseling lessons, your tier two small groups, and your individual counseling sessions. These big items should form the foundation of your schedule. When these are clearly planned and protected on your calendar, everything else becomes easier to manage.

Next, think about the little items. These are random drop ins, quick check ins, and small fires that come up throughout the day or week. These will always exist, but they should not be running your schedule.

Putting consistent effort into classroom lessons is one of the most effective preventative strategies you can use. When you are proactive at the tier one level, you will often see fewer referrals and fewer random drop ins over time. One practical strategy is to create a Google Sheet with your class lesson availability and have teachers sign up at the beginning of each month.

You can use this same intentional scheduling process for your tier two small groups and individual counseling sessions. When these interventions are scheduled in advance, you have designated times to focus on them without feeling pulled in every direction.

By using a referral based system and intentionally scheduling your tiered interventions, you may find that many of the random drop ins decrease because students are already receiving the support they need.

To make this system work, there are three essential components.

First, use a referral based system so you are not responding to every request in the moment.

Second, use a sign on your door that clearly shows what you are doing and whether you are available. This helps students understand where you are and why you may not be able to meet immediately.

Third, keep a notepad or memo sheet where students can write down that they stopped by and note the urgency of their concern. This allows you to follow up without disrupting your schedule.

With a strong foundation and clear systems in place, you can move out of constant reaction mode and into a more intentional, sustainable way of running your counseling program.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Referral Forms

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Happy January! Today we are talking all about Boom Cards and answering a question I get asked often. Are Boom Cards still relevant in school counseling today?

I first started using Boom Cards in 2020 during the shift to virtual learning. Fast forward to now, and the answer is still a resounding yes. Boom Cards are absolutely relevant and incredibly useful across all tiers of support.

Boom Cards are interactive digital flashcards that help students practice skills and learn new concepts in a fun and engaging way. They are flexible, easy to use, and can be adapted for in-person or virtual settings.

Here are a few ways to use Boom Cards across all three tiers.

Tier 1 classroom lessons Boom Cards are a great addition to class lessons. They can be used as a standalone lesson, such as a Meet the Counselor activity, or as a supplement to an existing lesson. They work especially well as a review activity at the end of a lesson, such as bullying prevention or friendship skills. Boom Cards can be posted in Google Classroom or screen-shared during virtual lessons.

Tier 2 small groups Boom Cards are an excellent engagement tool for small groups. You can divide students into teams and have them work through Boom Cards together to introduce or reinforce a concept. They also work well as discussion starters. For virtual small groups, Boom Card links can be shared ahead of time as homework to help bridge the gap between home and school.

Tier 3 individual counseling Individual sessions offer the most flexibility when using Boom Cards. You can choose cards based on the specific skill or concern you are addressing. Students can play alongside you and talk through their choices and thought process, which provides great insight and encourages reflection.

Boom Cards are a simple and effective way to enhance your existing counseling curriculum while keeping students engaged and motivated.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Boom Cards Super Bundle
• 5 Ways to Use Boom Cards in the Classroom
• How to Use Boom Cards in School Counseling
• 10 Reasons to Use Boom Cards in Your School Counseling Program
• Are Boom Cards Still Relevant

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Happy January. Today I am sharing five small groups to start in January.

While I always use referrals and data to form small groups by identifying areas of need, I also like to plan groups around intentional seasonal themes. For example, January is the perfect time to offer a goal setting group as students transition into the new year.

Small groups are one of my favorite ways to support students. They allow me to serve more students at once, and students often feel more comfortable opening up in a group setting than in one-on-one sessions.

Five Small Groups to Start in January

Goal Setting This group helps students identify personal goals, explore what motivates them, and learn strategies to achieve those goals throughout the semester.

Stress Management As academic expectations increase after winter break, many students experience higher stress levels. This group focuses on coping skills, emotional regulation, and stress reduction strategies.

Growth Mindset This group teaches students how the brain works and why challenges help us grow. Students learn to reframe mistakes and develop perseverance through effort and practice.

Conflict Resolution This group supports students in navigating friendship challenges by teaching communication skills such as using I statements and practicing conflict resolution through role-play scenarios.

Self Esteem The new year is a great opportunity to focus on confidence building. This group emphasizes self-reflection, positive self-talk, communication skills, and personal goal setting.

If you are looking for meaningful and effective ways to support students as the new semester begins, these small groups are a great place to start.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Stress Free School Counseling
• Goal Setting Group
• Stress Group
• Growth Mindset Group
• Conflict Resolution Group
• Conflict Resolution Group
• Self-Esteem Groups
• https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blogs/blog/january-small-groups

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Happy January. Today I am sharing one of my favorite trainings that I regularly present called 3 Secrets to Transform Your Counseling Program. This training is full of practical strategies that can help you increase your impact and gain the recognition your counseling program deserves.

3 Secrets to Transform Your Counseling Program

Quick Organization Tip

• Assign colors to different categories on your calendar
• Color code recurring events such as lunch or recess duty and weekly meetings
• Use one color for individual student sessions
• Color code small groups based on topic
• Use a separate color for classroom lessons

Secret One: Create a Stress Free Counseling Schedule

• Establish a crisis response team protocol
• Divide responsibility among multiple staff members so you are not responding to every crisis alone
• Identify the team members who support students during crises
• Create a clear protocol that outlines who is responsible for what and when
• This system protects your time while ensuring students receive timely support

Secret Two: Use a Caseload Spreadsheet

• Create a caseload spreadsheet to track all students you serve
• Include students from classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling
• Google Sheets works well for easy updates and access
• Helps you stay organized and provide quick updates to administrators or teachers

Secret Three: Create an End of Year Report

• Begin with the end in mind when collecting data
• Track how many students you served
• Track how many lessons you taught
• Track how much time you spent providing direct services
• Use this report to clearly showcase your impact to stakeholders
• This is one of the most effective tools for advocating for your role

If you are looking for systems that bring clarity, confidence, and sustainability to your counseling program, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Stress Free School Counseling

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Happy January! Today I am sharing some of my favorite school counseling systems for success and how setting up simple systems can save you time, reduce stress, and help you better serve your students.

In this episode, I am taking you inside one of my most used systems, what I call the counseling hub. This system keeps everything organized in one place and helps ensure no student falls through the cracks.

What is the counseling hub The counseling hub is made up of two core systems that work together: a counseling caseload and a counseling log. When combined, they give you a clear snapshot of who you are serving, what services you are providing, and where students are in the counseling process.

Counseling caseload Your counseling caseload is a living document that lists students you see regularly, such as those in small groups or individual counseling. I love using Google Sheets for this, but Excel works just as well.

In this caseload, I track student names, basic information, and counseling type. I color code by group name or service type so I can quickly see who is in which group. I also include whether the student was referred and who made the referral.

Additional sections I recommend include guardian contact status, whether permission slips have been sent and returned, and any important notes. This allows you to quickly provide updates to administrators or teachers and ensures students are not overlooked.

Counseling log The counseling log is your daily record of services provided. I organize mine by month and week to make reviewing data easier.

Each entry includes the date, student name, area of need, teacher, counseling type, and session length. I also track strategies used, activities completed, and brief notes about student progress or affect. Confidentiality is always a priority, so notes should be objective and professional.

I also include a column for parent or guardian communication so I can easily see when and how I connected with families during the week.

Why the counseling hub works When your counseling caseload and counseling log work together, you have a clear and efficient system that supports data tracking, communication, and advocacy. This hub allows you to stay organized, make informed decisions, and confidently share the impact of your work.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or struggling to keep everything straight, this system can be a game changer. Small systems lead to big clarity and better outcomes for both counselors and students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Counseling Hub

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about three must-have data tools for individual counseling.

Data collection does not have to be complicated or time consuming. Having simple systems in place allows you to track student progress, guide your sessions, and advocate for your role with confidence. In this episode, I am sharing my three go-to data collection tools for individual counseling and how to use them effectively.

Self Assessments Self assessments are pre and post surveys that help you understand how students perceive their own counseling progress. Each question should align with the objective you are teaching during that session, which helps ensure your data is purposeful and meaningful. Questions should be written in age appropriate language and include clear directions at the top. Be sure to include the student's name and the date, and remind students that there are no right or wrong answers. Self assessments can be completed on paper or through a Google Form, which allows you to easily view results and identify trends. These assessments help highlight skill deficits and guide future instruction.

Student Rating Scales Student rating scales provide quick insight into how students are feeling session to session. A simple one-to-ten scale works well, allowing students to color in or mark how they are feeling that day. Using large block fonts and visual elements can make this activity more engaging for students. Rating scales are typically completed at the start of each session and provide valuable data that is fast and easy to collect.

Behavior Surveys Behavior surveys are sent to teachers and parents to gather information about student behavior across different settings. These surveys should include the topic being addressed, the student's name, the rater's name, the rater's relationship to the student, and the date. Behavior surveys are given at the start of services and again at the end to measure growth over time. Because students often behave differently at home and at school, input from both teachers and caregivers is essential. Google Forms work especially well for collecting and organizing this data.

Using Your Data Once you have collected your data, it is important to use it intentionally. Data can be showcased on a data wall displayed in a high traffic area of the school to help bring awareness to the counseling profession and the services you provide. Data can also be used to create individual end of year reports and to drive instruction as you refine and improve your counseling programs.

If you are looking for low prep, done-for-you assessments, be sure to check out my individual counseling curriculum.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Individual counseling super bundle

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about how to design a small group curriculum that actually works.

In this episode, we are getting into the meat and potatoes of small group curriculum. My goal is to make the process simple, realistic, and easy to implement so you can confidently design groups that support your students and meet your counseling goals.

When it comes to small group curriculum, you are likely doing one of two things. You may be using activities or curriculum that you have already purchased, such as hard copy books provided by your school or resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. Or you may be creating your own curriculum from scratch because one has not been provided for you.

No matter which route you choose, there are six steps you can follow to design a small group curriculum that works.

1. Identify your topic Start by identifying your small group topic using referral data or student needs. For example, you may notice a need for a self control group.
2. Outline your weeks with ASCA aligned objectives Determine the length of your group, typically six to eight weeks. Choose one clear objective for each week. Align each objective with an ASCA mindset and behavior that matches your goal. Once this is complete, type out your weekly outline so you have a clear plan to follow.
3. Select your icebreakers Icebreakers are especially important during the first session to help students feel comfortable and connected. Choose simple activities that build rapport and introduce the group structure.
4. Select your activities Activities are the core of each session. Look closely at your weekly objective and choose an activity that directly supports that skill or concept. This ensures your sessions stay focused and intentional.
5. Select a reflection piece Reflection is a powerful part of student learning. Journals work especially well for small groups. Even five minutes of reflection can help students process what they learned and apply it outside of the session.
6. Create your self assessment Data collection is essential for tailoring your sessions and tracking student progress. Create a self assessment that is based on your weekly objectives so you can measure growth throughout the group.

This framework helps you stay organized, intentional, and data driven while creating small groups that truly support your students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Group Bundle
• Group Cheat Sheet
• ASCA Mindset and behaviors

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are revisiting one of my favorite episodes as part of a best of School Counseling Simplified throwback series. This episode focuses on five things I wish I had known when I first started counseling.

In this episode, I get personal and share stories from my early days as a school counselor. As counselors, we are lifelong learners who are constantly refining our skills and practices. However, there were several pain points early in my career that I wish I had been prepared for. Knowing these lessons sooner would have saved me significant time, stress, and frustration.

Five Lessons I Wish I Knew as a New School Counselor • You do not have to check your email after hours Evenings and weekends are meant for rest, family, and personal time. If you have work email on your phone, set clear boundaries by turning off notifications. Protecting your time helps prevent burnout.

• Stay organized with your caseload Strong organizational systems support professionalism and help prevent mistakes that are easily avoidable. An organized caseload allows you to show up more confidently for students.

• Data supports your professional judgment Tracking data helps validate your instincts and demonstrates the impact of your work. Measuring student progress allows you to make informed decisions and advocate for your role.

• You are not alone Connect with other school counselors through Facebook groups, district colleagues, and professional collaboration opportunities. Community and shared experiences are invaluable, especially early in your career.

• Being new does not limit your impact You do not need years of experience to create meaningful change. If you see a need, trust yourself enough to try new approaches and implement programs that support students.

Whether you are a brand new counselor or a seasoned professional, this episode serves as a reminder that growth comes from reflection, connection, and confidence in your role.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This time of year is fast paced as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. In the last episode I briefly mentioned data walls, and today I am taking a deeper look at how to conduct a mid-year check-in using a data wall.

While end-of-year reports are valuable, data tracking should not be reserved only for the end of the school year. Ongoing data review is essential because it helps ensure that the support you provide continues to meet the changing needs of your students.

A data wall is a bulletin board that visually highlights the impact of your counseling services. It allows you to quantify student progress through tools such as self assessments and behavior surveys. This data can illustrate growth from the start to the end of your small groups and other interventions.

Your data wall can also show the volume of services you have provided. This includes the number of students you have seen, the sessions you have held, and the lessons you have taught. You can gather these numbers from your logs, scheduler, or calendar.

Creating a data wall strengthens your advocacy efforts, informs curriculum adjustments, and communicates the value of your program to students, families, and staff. Once your data is organized, use charts and graphs to present your findings clearly.

Key reminders Keep all information anonymous to maintain confidentiality Use only the data that is most helpful Update your data wall quarterly, monthly, or by semester Place it in a high traffic area to maximize visibility

This simple mid-year check-in will help you celebrate progress, identify needs, and confidently communicate the work you are doing. If you create a data wall, share it with me on Instagram. I would love to see it.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Data Wall
• Blog - How to Conduct a Mid-Year Check-in Using a Data Wall

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This is a fun but busy time of year as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. Even if you are not teaching full lessons or running small groups this month, you will likely still have drop-in students who need support. December is a great time to add a seasonal twist to your counseling activities, and today I am sharing my favorite ideas to help you stay engaged, organized, and prepared.

Countdown to Winter Break One of my favorite activities this month is a Countdown to Winter Break inspired by a childhood Advent calendar. This activity includes 20 different SEL tasks your students can complete as they count down to the holiday break. It works well for individual counseling sessions and for students who stop by unexpectedly. The variety of activities keeps students engaged and gives you structured tools to support them during an otherwise unpredictable month.

Host a Counseling Holiday Party A Counseling Holiday Party is a fun and meaningful way to wrap up your small groups. Think of it like a celebration or graduation with a seasonal theme. You can schedule an all-day event where students who have participated in counseling throughout the semester come in for games, crafts, and connection. This creates a positive and memorable experience while highlighting the progress they have made.

Data Check-Up December is also a helpful time to complete a mid-year data check-up. This allows you to review the students you have served, the lessons you have taught, and the progress that has been made so far. A mid-year check-up helps you advocate for your position, strengthens your end-of-year reporting, and gives you valuable insight as you plan for next semester. You can also display some of this information on a data wall so stakeholders can easily see the impact of your program.

Self-Care Tips for the New Year As the semester winds down, it is important to reflect on your well-being. Here are a few simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and supported heading into January:

• Conduct a time audit to see how you are spending the minutes of your workday. This helps you identify where to add buffers so you feel less rushed and overwhelmed.
• Outsource tasks when possible. If you have an intern or student ambassadors, allow them to help with responsibilities and lighten your load.
• Join IMPACT, my school counseling membership program, to access resources, professional development, and ongoing support that help reduce stress and streamline your program.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Countdown to Winter Break
• Elf-Control
• Dress an Elf
• Snowman Goals
• Blog - How to Plan a Fun Counseling Christmas Party
• Needs Assessment
• End of Year Report
• Data Wall
• Blog - Favorite December School Counseling Activities

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today we are taking a behind-the-scenes look at effective data tracking and how it can help you better support students while advocating for the role of the school counselor.

Data can feel overwhelming, but when used intentionally, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your counseling program. This episode breaks down simple, practical strategies to help you collect, interpret, and share data with confidence.

A Quick Win for Data Tracking One of the easiest ways to begin building a data-driven counseling program is through a five-minute self-assessment. - Create a quick Google Form with a few skill-based or feelings-based questions. You can either interview students and record their responses or have them complete it independently. Make sure to capture their name, their responses, and the date for easy tracking.

The Big Takeaway Every counseling session should be purposeful and aligned with a clear objective. Before each session, ask yourself what skill, strategy, or concept you are focusing on. Your data tracking should reflect this objective so that you are gathering meaningful and relevant information.

My Favorite Data Tracking Tools Self-Assessments Self-assessments allow students to report on their own experiences, skills, or emotions. Use these during the first and last sessions to monitor growth. Build your questions around the objectives of your session or group. These can be objective questions tied to specific skills or subjective questions tied to feelings. Google Forms is an excellent tool for organizing and reviewing this data quickly.

Behavior Surveys Behavior surveys provide valuable insight from teachers and caregivers. Send these forms digitally for easy completion and record keeping. This data helps identify gaps between how students view themselves and how their behavior is observed by people in their daily environments.

End-of-Year Reports This is one of the most powerful data tools for communication and advocacy. An end-of-year report summarizes how many students you served, the lessons you taught, and the time spent providing support. These reports help guide decision-making, highlight the effectiveness of your program, and advocate for your role within the school.

Data Walls A data wall is a bulletin board that displays key information and outcomes. Place this in a location with high visibility such as the front office, hallway, or multipurpose room. Update it regularly, whether monthly or quarterly, and share only the most relevant results to keep the information clear and impactful.

How to Interpret Data to Improve Your Program Data is only useful if it informs next steps. If data shows student improvement, celebrate the progress and consider transitioning students to a lower tier of support. If data indicates limited or no improvement, evaluate the situation. You may need to adjust interventions, refer students out, or move to a different tier of support. Use the information to determine short-term, solution-focused next steps.

How to Use Data to Advocate for Your Role When presented clearly and consistently, data shows the impact of your work and communicates the value of your counseling program. Data helps stakeholders understand how many students you serve, what needs are emerging within the school, and how your services contribute to positive outcomes. It is one of your strongest advocacy tools.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what really makes individual counseling sessions effective, engaging, and purposeful. If you've ever felt unsure about what to do in these sessions or overwhelmed by how to track student progress, this episode is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Individual counseling is an important Tier 3 support that allows you to provide targeted, personalized intervention. With the right tools and structure, these sessions can feel manageable and meaningful.

Why Individual Counseling Matters Individual counseling is an essential component of a layered support system. These sessions provide space to work one-on-one with students who need more intensive intervention.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to identify students through referral systems
• How group counseling can help you determine which students may benefit from individual support
• Why individual sessions allow for deeper rapport and tailored intervention

Quick Wins for Tracking Data Data collection does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This episode highlights simple tools you can implement immediately, including:

• A 30-second student rating scale
• Thumbs-up or thumbs-down check-ins
• Quick data points that help you make informed decisions and track growth

These small, consistent data practices keep you from guessing what students need and allow you to confidently measure progress.

How to Engage Students in Individual Counseling Engagement is key for successful sessions. This episode shares a variety of activities, strategies, and tools you can use to keep students motivated and open.

Feelings Check-ins * Model emotional vocabulary * Use the Zones of Regulation * Incorporate visuals

Rapport-Building Activities * Get-to-Know-You Jenga * Peak and Pit * Genograms * Discussion or interview cards

Hands-On and Creative Activities * Digging Deep activities * Personalized social stories * Crafts such as coping skills toolboxes * Board games * Task cards * Art projects

Modifications for Younger Students * Increased hands-on activities * Use of play dough * Dolls and characters for storytelling * Verbal reflections instead of written prompts

These strategies help students express themselves, stay engaged, and build meaningful connections.

Reflection Tools for Closing Sessions Reflection helps students internalize their learning and practice self-awareness. Inside the episode, we explore:

• Journaling
• Reflection sheets
• Interview-style verbal reflections
• Open-ended questions that support closure

Using Data to Track Student Progress Meaningful data guides your decisions and supports your advocacy efforts. You will learn how to use:

1. Student rating scales
2. Self-assessments
3. Behavior surveys from teachers and caregivers

This data helps you determine next steps, identify patterns, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and build year-end reports or data walls that demonstrate the impact of your counseling program.

Additional Tips * Provide clear examples for students * Prepare materials in advance * Maintain consistent session structure * Balance conversation with activities

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease.

Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence.

How to Set Up Counseling Groups

• Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments.
• Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind.
• Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling.
• Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection.
• Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers.
• Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games.
• Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress.

How to Lead Engaging Small Groups

• Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't.
• Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork.
• Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster.
• Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards.
• End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress.

By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today we are going behind the scenes to talk about how to create engaging class lessons that keep students interested and make your counseling program run smoothly all year long.

1. How to Map Out Lessons for the Year Start by looking at your school calendar and noting upcoming dates, themes, and holidays. For example, October is Bullying Prevention Month, which is a great time to plan related lessons. Review your referral data and needs assessment responses to identify key areas of focus. Check what curriculum your school already uses, such as Second Step, and build from there. You can also base lessons around books to make topics more engaging.

Planning tip: Repurpose content across multiple grade levels to save time and stay consistent.

1. How to Create Lessons Using a Simple Framework Use this five-step framework for 20–30 minute lessons:

2. Icebreaker (5 minutes): Start with a fun, short activity to grab attention.

3. Lesson (10 minutes): Teach the main concept or skill.
4. Discussion (5 minutes): Have students talk in pairs, groups, or as a class.
5. Reflect/Review: Leave time for students to write, draw, or journal about what they learned.
6. Data Collection: Use quick self-assessments to measure understanding.

Planning tip: Repurpose small group or individual activities by slightly modifying them for classroom use.

1. How to Get Creative Make lessons interactive by incorporating elements such as Scoot Games, Escape Rooms, Digital Game Shows, Breakout Groups, or PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations. These activities help reinforce learning and keep students engaged.

2. How to Engage Students with Movement Movement keeps students focused and helps with participation. Add movement to your icebreakers, activities, and discussions with ideas like:

3. Sides of the room

4. Simon Says
5. Stand up and sit down
6. Role play
7. Charades
8. Beach ball toss or jumbo discussion die

By intentionally planning, getting creative, and incorporating movement, you can design classroom lessons that are fun, effective, and memorable.

Tune in to this episode to hear how I use these strategies step-by-step to make classroom lessons engaging and stress-free!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout October, we have been exploring practical bullying prevention strategies, and today we are wrapping up the series with a focus on teaching self-advocacy. While this may seem like a more reactive approach, it is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges with confidence.

In this episode, we explore three simple ways to help students learn to advocate for themselves and others:

1. Practice Scripts Provide students with sample scripts they can use in real-life situations. Watch short videos together, then practice through role play in small groups or class lessons. This gives students a chance to apply what they learn and build communication skills in a safe environment.
2. Self-Esteem Affirmations Encourage students to use positive self-talk that supports their confidence. Have them create affirmation cards or write encouraging messages on sticky notes to remind themselves of their strengths and worth.
3. Advocating for Others Teach students to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Traditional bullying prevention lessons can be adapted to show students how to recognize when someone needs help and how to take safe, supportive action.

Tune in to learn how you can incorporate self-advocacy into your counseling lessons and empower your students to stand up for themselves and others.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! October is Bullying Prevention Month, and throughout the month I'll be sharing some replays of our best episodes focused on strategies to prevent bullying in schools.

In today's episode, we're diving into friendship skills — an essential foundation for creating a kind, connected, and inclusive school culture. I'll be sharing ideas you can use at every level: schoolwide, classroom, small group, and individual.

Schoolwide Strategies

• Buddy Bench (Elementary Level): Transform an existing bench at recess into a "Buddy Bench." When a student feels lonely or doesn't have anyone to play with, they can sit there to signal they're looking for a friend. Other students are encouraged to approach, sit with them, or invite them to join in play.
• Mix It Up at Lunch Day (Middle School Level): Help reduce lunchroom anxiety by encouraging students to sit somewhere new for a day. This activity helps them meet new peers and break out of their usual social circles.
• Assigned Recess Groups: Rotate groups of students to play or interact together, fostering connections between kids who might not usually spend time with one another.

Classroom Strategies

• Friendship Lessons: Lead a class discussion or activity around the qualities of a good friend versus the qualities of a not-so-good friend. This sets the tone for healthy peer relationships and respectful communication.

Small Group Strategies

• Friendship Discussions: Talk about what makes a good friend and how good friends act.
• Friendship Dice Game: Use discussion prompts such as "What do you love about your friends?" or "What annoys you about your friends?" to spark meaningful conversations.
• Conflict Resolution Practice: Teach students to use "I" statements to express their feelings and resolve friendship conflicts.
• Scenario Cards: Role-play different social situations to help students problem-solve and practice empathy.

Individual Counseling Strategies

• Scripts and Role Plays: Work one-on-one with students to build their social confidence. The goal is to help them gain the skills they need to transition into small group or class activities successfully.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified. Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, this episode focuses on practical conflict resolution strategies you can use at the schoolwide, classroom, and small group levels. If you have not listened to last week's episode on restorative circles, start there for helpful background on resolution circles and community-based approaches. Today we build on that foundation with tangible tools you can use right away to help students resolve, forgive, and repair relationships.

What you will learn in this episode

• How to use classroom-based activities to teach conflict resolution skills
• A simple script for I statements that students can use to express feelings and seek solutions
• Engagement strategies for role play, discussion, and practice
• Small group activities and curricula that support peer problem solving
• Steps to take when a student is referred to you after a conflict

Classroom strategies

Talk it out circle

• Use a classroom circle where two students resolve a conflict in front of their peers while the teacher or counselor facilitates a respectful discussion.
• This model teaches the whole class how to listen, reflect, and offer support.

Counselor push-ins

• Join the classroom for a lesson or mediation session, while the teacher and student exit the classroom to resolve a conflict.

I statement lessons

• Teach a simple I statement script: name the emotion, describe the incident, explain how it made you feel, and suggest a next step toward resolution.
• Use dry erase boards with fill-in-the-blank templates for practice.
• Post I statement language on classroom walls and in common areas so students have visible reminders.

Role play and scenario practice

• Break students into small groups and use scenario cards to role play common friendship conflicts.
• Incorporate charades, fishbowl exercises, or paired practice to make skills stick.

Small group ideas

• Run a conflict resolution group using discussion dice or conversation cards to guide reflection.
• Include hands-on activities or crafts that reinforce communication skills and empathy.
• Consider curricula like Kelso's Choices to teach problem-solving options for peer conflicts.

When students are referred after a conflict

• Start by identifying the source of the conflict. Ask why this keeps happening and what the underlying triggers are.
• Take time to get a full picture before deciding on a plan so you do not cycle through the same issues repeatedly.
• Use data from observations, teacher input, and student self-report to refine your intervention.

Action steps you can take today

1. Teach and practice one I statement template with a class.
2. Try a short talk it out circle during your next classroom visit.
3. Create or print an I statement poster to display in classrooms and common areas.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Conflict Resolution Small Group: Pirates to Peacekeepers
• Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson
• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure
• Check out the Kelso music video on YouTube: It's Your Choice Baby

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, I will be highlighting some of our best podcast episodes all about bullying prevention strategies. Today, we are diving into practical ways to create a culture of kindness in schools.

Promoting kindness is one of the most effective ways to reduce bullying. In this episode, I share strategies that teachers and counselors can use to set a positive tone, build empathy, and encourage collaboration.

1. Morning meetings are a simple yet powerful practice that helps students begin their day with intention. Counselors can shadow teachers and suggest SEL activities, such as discussion cards, to promote empathy and connection.
2. Restorative practices, including proactive circles that create safe spaces where every student feels heard and valued. These circles allow students to practice active listening, handle strong emotions, and respect differences. Resolution circles and talk-it-out circles provide opportunities for repair and forgiveness with counselor support.
3. School-wide kindness cards can be passed out to students to recognize and encourage positive behaviors, building a stronger culture of kindness across the campus.

By focusing on these strategies, we can create school environments where kindness thrives and bullying is less likely to take root.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• BULLYING PREVENTION Editable Guidance Lesson
• Morning Meeting Discussion Cards
• Feelings Check
• Bullying Prevention School Wide Activities - Fall and Halloween Activities
• Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling
• Ep. 61. Non-Boring Bullying Prevention Month Ideas
• Ep. 112 Creating a Culture of Kindness
• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we have been diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as tier 1 interventions, and so far we have talked about how to plan, schedule, teach, and manage behaviors during lessons. Today, we are shifting the focus to data and exploring how to measure the success of your classroom counseling lessons.

Often, counselors rely on self-assessments or individual assessments during small group or one-on-one sessions, which is a fantastic approach. But did you know you can also track data in your classroom lessons without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I am sharing two simple and practical ways to measure effectiveness.

• Collecting new data

  • This includes surveying parents and teachers throughout the year to gather feedback on the effectiveness of your lessons.
  • By asking questions such as which topics have been most helpful or what improvements they have noticed, you can continue to modify and strengthen your lessons.
  • Surveys can be kept short and simple with just a few questions to ensure people complete them.
  • You can also share results in newsletters or with your administration to advocate for your role.

  • Instant student feedback

  • A brief half-sheet with three simple questions at the end of a lesson can provide valuable insights into what students are learning and how they are engaging with the material.

• How to use this data

• The purpose of gathering information is not just to collect it but to use it to improve future lessons and demonstrate the impact of your program. All data is good data because it allows you to revise, reflect, and show the power of school counseling.

Your action step for this week is to create a parent feedback survey and send it out. This simple tool can make a big difference in helping you measure effectiveness and advocate for your work.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are handed lessons to deliver, there are plenty of situations where you have to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These insights come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program that equips you with tools and strategies to feel prepared and confident.

In today’s episode, we are focusing on behavior management during counseling lessons. When I first started, this was one of my biggest struggles. I often had lessons I was excited to teach, but behavior challenges quickly left me feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I discovered that consistency is the key to creating a well-managed classroom. When you are consistent, you build trust with your students. They know what to expect and that you will follow through.

Here are a few strategies we will cover in this episode:

• At the beginning of lessons: Review expectations or rules. You can display them on Google Slides or on an anchor chart. Model each expectation with your students, either as a group or with selected volunteers.
• When students don’t follow expectations: Take a pause rather than pushing through. Stop the lesson, revisit the expectation, and reset. Sometimes you need to go slow in order to go fast.
• Reinforcing positive behavior: Use behavior-specific praise. Instead of offering tangible rewards, tell students exactly what they are doing right and why it matters.

The key is to create expectations that can be applied across every classroom you visit and to consistently reinforce them. Behavior management does not have to feel overwhelming when you have clear, practical strategies in place.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are given lessons to teach, there are also plenty of situations where you are expected to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing strategies on how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These ideas come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program designed to help you feel confident and prepared.

In today’s episode, we are focusing on the teaching piece and specifically on strategies to keep counseling lessons engaging and fun. The more engaged students are, the less likely they are to act out, which makes your time in the classroom much more effective.

You will learn how to add movement and interactive activities into your lessons, including:

• Icebreakers: Sides of the room, Simon Says, Stand up/Sit down
• Activities: Role play, charades, escape rooms, scoot games
• Discussions: Beach ball toss, jumbo discussion die

These simple strategies can transform the energy in your classroom and keep students focused while learning.

Here are three action steps you can take right away:

1. Find an engaging icebreaker for each topic you plan to teach.
2. Decide which engagement activity strategy you want to try.
3. Create a discussion beach ball to spark interactive conversations.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! All throughout September, we’re diving into classroom lessons, one of my favorite tier 1 interventions. While some schools provide ready-made lessons, there are many times you’ll need to design and plan them yourself. That’s why I’m excited to share tips on how to schedule, plan, and teach effective lessons. These strategies come straight from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module resource designed to help you feel confident and prepared.

In today’s episode, we’re continuing the conversation by focusing on planning your counseling lessons—deciding what to teach and how to teach it. This is a sneak peek into Module 2 of my course.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Planning lessons for the year: how to select topics, incorporate seasonal and school-wide themes, and repurpose content across grade levels.
• Using the calendar: align lessons with holidays, seasons, or events (for example, starting the year with a “Meet the Counselor” lesson, or teaching about kindness and friendship around Valentine’s Day).
• Referencing data and needs: review referrals, attendance data, and input from administrators to identify student challenges and plan preventative lessons.
• Combining curriculum resources: integrate any curriculum your school provides with your own lessons to fill in gaps.
• Book-based lessons: choose books with strong themes and build lessons around them, while ensuring teachers have access to reinforce concepts.

We’ll also talk about offering “as-needed” lessons when extra support is required, such as teaching a cybersafety lesson to a class that needed immediate guidance beyond their regular schedule.

And here’s a planning tip: Don’t reinvent the wheel. You can easily adapt lessons to make them developmentally appropriate across different grade levels.

Your action steps:

• Write down monthly events you’d like to align lessons with
• Review discipline referrals and student data
• Prepare your needs assessment
• Find out if your school provides a curriculum
• Research books you might want to use in future lessons

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we’re diving deep into classroom lessons, one of my favorite Tier 1 interventions. Sometimes we’re given lesson plans, but other times we’re left to create everything from scratch. That’s why this month I’m sharing practical strategies for scheduling, planning, and teaching lessons with confidence. These tips are pulled directly from my Stress-Free Classroom Lessons course, a five-module training designed to help you feel prepared and supported when delivering class lessons.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through three game-changing scheduling tools that make the process seamless and manageable:

1. Google Sheets

2. Create a simple form that lists your available times.

3. Share it with teachers so they can sign up directly, avoiding endless back-and-forth emails.
4. Teachers take ownership of choosing times, while you stay in control of your availability.

5. Set it up at the beginning of the year so teachers can reserve their slots for months ahead.

6. Calendly

7. Use this free, user-friendly website for scheduling.

8. Teachers can easily reserve lesson times for the entire school year.
9. Add important details like location, duration, and virtual links.

10. Customize hours, set time limits, and color-code events to keep everything organized.

11. Google Calendar

12. Pair with Google Sheets or Calendly for maximum efficiency.

13. Create recurring calendar invites that include lesson details, virtual links, and reminders.
14. Invite teachers directly so lessons appear on their calendars.
15. Color-code lessons, groups, and individual sessions for quick organization at a glance.
16. While it takes time to set up initially, the payoff is a smooth, structured year.

Pro Scheduling Tip: Be practical and remember that you’re in control. For instance, if Mondays are difficult due to travel or frequent holidays, avoid scheduling lessons on that day.

I personally recommend having teachers sign up for the entire year in advance. This approach allows you to balance your time across class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. At the same time, remain flexible, because your schedule will naturally shift to accommodate your needs and the evolving needs of teachers throughout the school year.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I hope your school year is off to a wonderful start. Today I’m excited to bring you a very special guest, Joyce Harduvel.

Joyce is a passionate advocate for youth and the school counselors and social workers that support them. She worked in Chicago Public Schools for seven years where she specialized in evidence-based and trauma-informed behavior intervention for students with chronic challenging behaviors. Joyce is an advocate for proactive professional self care that allows school-based professionals to build that sustainable careers of their dreams so that they can do what is really important: support their students! She now works with school counselors and social workers as a coach and clinical supervisor while pursuing a law degree to further her skills in championing youth.

In this episode, Joyce shares her expertise on how to create positive change for students by using data. She breaks down practical steps you can take to make data meaningful and actionable in your counseling practice.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Assessing the Situation * Avoid going in with predetermined views.
2. Begin with a holistic assessment that provides a well-rounded perspective of where a student is at.
3. Gather information from multiple sources: families, teachers, and the students themselves.

4. Use observations, records, and assessments to inform your starting point.

5. Developing Goals and Tracking Data * Identify a lagging social-emotional skill and create a targeted goal.

6. Explore resources like CASEL, which breaks SEL skills into five domains and offers free research and tools.
7. Start small—choose one specific area to focus on.
8. Establish a baseline using student records (assignments, attendance, GPA, behavior data).
9. Incorporate tracking methods such as antecedent-behavior forms, duration or interval data, mood tracking, or SEL pre/post tests.
10. Refine your goal to ensure it is SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound).

11. Break goals into smaller benchmarks for clarity and progress monitoring.

12. Using Data to Drive Interventions * Collect ongoing data through screeners, classroom input, or case notes.

13. Remember—the point of collecting data is to actually use it.
14. If progress isn’t happening, adjust your goals and strategies.
15. Use data to guide your interventions, advocate for student needs, and identify trends that may inform Tier 1 or Tier 2 supports.
16. Most importantly, use data to celebrate student growth and successes along the way.

This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you see data not as a burden, but as a powerful tool to create meaningful, positive change for your students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• CASEL
• Woodcock-Johnson Testing

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Joyce:

• www.joyce-lcsw.com
• Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I hope your school year is off to a fantastic start. In this episode, I’m sharing four creative, hands-on ways to freshen up your Meet the Counselor lesson.

I truly believe that every counselor should include a Meet the Counselor lesson at the beginning of the year. My personal favorite is a Meet the Counselor Game Show. It’s competitive, fun, and requires very little prep. Most importantly, it’s an excellent advocacy tool. It gives students clarity on who you are, what you do, and how they can access your services.

But if you’re looking to add something new this year, I’ve got four simple ideas you can incorporate:

1. Emotions Charades Turn learning into a game by having students act out emotions from a card while their classmates guess. This helps students practice reading facial expressions and body language, while also developing empathy and emotional recognition.
2. Counseling Treasure Hunt Set up a scavenger hunt in your space with counseling-related items like a mandala coloring sheet, fidgets, or SEL books. As students find each object, engage them in discussion about how these items are used in counseling.
3. Mindfulness Moments Introduce mindfulness by leading a guided meditation or creating a mindfulness jar. Both activities provide practical examples of self-regulation strategies that students can use throughout the year.
4. Vision Collages Encourage self-expression by having students create collages that represent their goals, likes, dreams, and hopes. They can cut out images from magazines or design a digital version online. This is a creative way for students to reflect on their identities while you get to know them better.

These activities are easy, engaging, and perfect for adding variety to your traditional Meet the Counselor lesson. Not only do they make your role more accessible to students, but they also set the tone for a supportive and engaging school year.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Meet The Counselor Game Show
• 4 Ways to Spruce Up Your Meet The Counselor Lesson - Blog

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! As we dive into the back-to-school season, many of us are seeing students who are struggling with separation anxiety and school refusal. In this episode, we’re talking about how you can support not only the students experiencing anxiety, but also the teachers in your building and the parents at home.

We’ll cover a wide range of practical, school-based strategies that you can implement right away. From calming tools and classroom tips to talking points for caregivers, this episode will give you a full toolkit for addressing separation anxiety at the start of the school year.

Whether you’re working with new kindergarten students, recent transfers, or kids who are just feeling unsure after summer break, these ideas will help you build connections, reduce fear, and create a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Tips for Supporting Students * School Tours: Offering a separate tour (outside of open house or back-to-school night) can help new or anxious students become familiar with the campus and reduce fear of the unknown. * Safe Spaces: Creating a calm-down corner in your counseling office, or encouraging teachers to have one in the classroom, can give students a space to feel grounded. * Daily Check-ins: Offer brief check-ins during the first few days or weeks to help students feel supported by a trusted adult. * Safety Plans: For students still experiencing significant anxiety after rapport has been built, work together to create a personal safety plan that outlines their support system and calming strategies. * Small Groups: Run a separation anxiety small group using CBT-based activities, mindfulness tools, and games to help students feel less alone and more empowered.

Tips for Teachers * Buddy Systems: Pair students experiencing anxiety with a calm, confident peer to help them feel supported and included. * Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help students know what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety caused by uncertainty. * SEL Integration: Incorporate social-emotional learning into daily routines with a consistent morning meeting or circle time. * Read-Alouds: Use books like The Invisible String to open up conversations about separation and connection. * Classroom Jobs: Assign meaningful classroom roles to help anxious students feel a sense of purpose and belonging. * Transitional Objects: Allow students to bring a comforting object from home (such as a stuffed animal, small toy, or photo) during the first few days.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers * Validation: Encourage caregivers to acknowledge their child’s feelings without minimizing them. A simple “I see this is really hard for you” goes a long way. * Consistent Routines: Remind parents of the power of predictability. A steady sleep schedule, breakfast routine, and drop-off ritual can ease anxiety. * Practice Separations: Suggest that parents do short practice separations before school starts (e.g., playdates or time at a grandparent’s house). * Quick Goodbyes: Encourage brief, confident goodbyes at drop-off and reassure the child about who will pick them up. Lingering can unintentionally reinforce anxiety. * Positive Modeling: Remind parents that children often take cues from adults. Expressing enthusiasm and trust in the school helps children feel the same.

By supporting students, teachers, and families together, you can help reduce separation anxiety and set everyone up for success this school year. This episode offers you a well-rounded approach that’s practical, compassionate, and easy to implement.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Separation Anxiety Group
• Podcast Episode on Supporting Anxious Students

Books:

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
• A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! August is here, which means it’s officially back-to-school season and time to start planning your class lessons. While small groups and individual sessions are important, those referrals often trickle in later as teachers get to know their students. That’s why I love starting the school year with a strong foundation of proactive, Tier 1 class lessons.

In this episode, I’m walking you through 9 of my must-have class lessons that are perfect for kicking off the year. These lessons help you see every student and establish a consistent, supportive presence across campus. I’ll also share tips for staying organized and avoiding overwhelm by using a curriculum map. (You can grab a free one in the show notes below.)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why beginning the year with class lessons sets a proactive foundation
• How Tier 1 lessons help you reach every student while maximizing your time
• How to avoid overwhelm with curriculum mapping
• Creative ways to teach each essential lesson using games, stories, and activities

9 Back-to-School Class Lessons to Start the Year:

1. Meet the Counselor Introduce yourself, your role, and how students can access your services. Try using a fun format like a game show (Jeopardy style) or an escape room with missions.
2. Listening Skills Teach students what it really means to be an active listener. Activities like “Simon Says” are engaging and effective for younger students.
3. Following Directions Reinforce routines and classroom expectations early on. Simple games like “Simon Says” can double for both listening and direction-following practice.
4. Responsibility Foster independence and ownership among students. Use engaging stories, songs, or self-reflection activities to make it stick.
5. Size of the Problem + Self-Regulation Teach students to assess and regulate their reactions. Introduce tools like Zones of Regulation to build a shared school-wide language.
6. Self-Control Help students manage impulses and reactions. Use a social story like My Mouth is a Volcano or try a self-control escape room activity.
7. Friendship Guide students in what it means to be a good friend and how to build healthy connections. Role-play or use storytelling to bring these concepts to life.
8. Conflict Resolution Teach tools for resolving disagreements peacefully and respectfully. Programs like Kelso’s Choice are a great way to introduce these concepts.
9. Bullying Prevention Set expectations for kindness and respect from the beginning. Share clear definitions and strategies to prevent and report bullying.

By starting the year with these lessons, you’ll not only establish your presence as a school counselor but also build a foundation for a successful and supportive school year.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• Curriculum Map Freebie
• Blog - 9 Must-Have Counseling Lessons
• MTC Game Show
• MTC Escape Room
• Listening Skills Lesson
• Following Directions Lesson
• Responsibility Lesson - Primary
• Responsibility Lesson - Elementary
• Self-Regulation Lesson
• SOTP Activity Pack
• Self-Control Lesson - Primary
• Self-Control Lesson - Elementary
• Mission: Self-Control
• Friendship Lesson
• Mission: Tattling Vs Reporting
• Bullying Prevention Lesson
• Guidance Lessons Super Bundle
• Kelso's Choice
• My Mouth is a Volcano Book

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring guest: Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S. Dr. Collier is a therapist, educator, and author, known for her powerful work in prevention education and brain development.

She is the author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and the Know Your Neuro children’s book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and was voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association.

In this episode, Dr. Collier dives deep into:

• Risky behaviors to watch for in elementary students
• How early intervention impacts brain development
• The effects of screen time and technology on the brain
• The case for phone-free and watch-free schools
• Why it’s never too early to talk to kids about feelings, empathy, and healthy coping

She shares sobering insights, like how 50% of anxiety disorders are diagnosed by age 6, and how exposure to drugs, alcohol, and even pornography can start as early as elementary school.

But the good news? The brain can change!

We can equip kids with tools early, long before they reach their “peak” development years. The key lies in prevention, consistent brain-based education, and empowering parents and counselors with the right strategies.

Key Takeaways for School Counselors:

• Feelings education is critical: Teach students to name and express emotions to avoid avoidant coping strategies.
• Social experience matters: Lack of play and exposure can lead to higher anxiety.
• Early empathy-building can prevent bullying down the road.
• Prevention strategies must begin in early childhood and evolve as students grow.
• Teach executive functioning through brain-based praise and risk education.
• Use tools from www.knowyourneuro.org to implement evidence-based practices.

Pro tip from Dr. Collier: Encourage parents to have six 10-minute brain conversations per year with their kids—it’s a simple but powerful way to build awareness.

Birth to age 3 is foundational—more kids are sitting with screens than moving their bodies, which affects motor skill development.

Tune in to hear how you can be part of this essential work in your school and community!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Crystal: * www.knowyourneuro.org * www.drcrystalcollier.com

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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School is right around the corner, and I want to help you feel confident and prepared as you head back! I’m offering a free live training all about how to use a Meet the Counselor lesson to introduce yourself to your students and advocate for your role as a school counselor. You’ll get a free copy of my favorite lesson and a PD certificate for attending! This training is TODAY to make sure to use the link below in resources and save your seat!

In today’s episode of School Counseling Simplified, I wanted to take a break from our usual content to let you hear directly from the amazing counselors inside the IMPACT membership. We’ve been talking about the Summer Summit and IMPACT over the last few episodes, and now you get to hear real experiences from real members.

Here’s what some of them had to say about being part of IMPACT:

• Madelyn, a K–8 counselor, loves the ready-to-use resources, the opportunity to collaborate with other counselors in the community, and the empowering monthly PD. She’s saved so much time!
• Jennifer, a school social worker, finds the data tools especially helpful for gathering feedback from both students and adults.
• Lacy appreciates the small group lessons and that the plans are already aligned with ASCA standards. She feels more prepared and loves being able to print and use the resources with ease.
• Kelly is a one-counselor team across multiple buildings. She says IMPACT helps her get things done faster by cutting down on indirect hours and increasing time spent with students.
• Marybeth has saved so much time with the low-prep, research-based lessons that her students find fun and engaging.
• Angie says IMPACT has helped her grow tremendously by offering structured support, practical tools, and a strong sense of community through monthly PD and a network of nearly 1,000 school counselors.
• Lydia relies on the ASCA-aligned resources for quick support—especially on her most challenging days.
• Jamie loves that IMPACT has freed up the time she used to spend creating lessons from scratch. Now she can focus more on direct services for her students.
• Kailey, a first-year counselor, says IMPACT has helped her make a meaningful difference in her students’ lives from day one.

Ready to feel supported and confident this school year? With school creeping up now is the perfect time to check out all the hype around IMPACT and see if it’s a great fit for you at: 👉 stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT
• LIVE Free Training

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today’s episode features Summer Summit presenter Bradford, a seasoned school counselor from Chattanooga, TN. Bradford has six years of school counseling experience, teaches weekly at his church, and recently served as an adjunct professor. He’s passionate about building strong student relationships, and he’s also excited about incorporating new tech into his counseling program.

Summer Summit Replay Access

Did you miss Summer Summit? It’s not too late! When you join IMPACT, my monthly membership for school counselors, you’ll get access to all of the Summer Summit session recordings, along with PD hours. Sarah’s session is one you don’t want to miss. She shares how nervous system regulation supports executive functioning and practical tools to apply these strategies in your life and with students.

In this episode, Bradford shares how he’s been using AI tools like Canva and Gemini to enhance classroom lessons and plan more efficiently. Whether it's creating engaging visuals or generating lesson ideas, Bradford explains how AI can be a time-saving support, not a replacement, for your work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Bradford uses Canva’s AI tools to create engaging classroom visuals
• Why Gemini has become his go-to for brainstorming classroom lesson ideas
• A real-life example of when an AI lesson didn’t go to plan—and how it became a teaching moment
• The importance of specificity when using AI tools
• How AI can support 1:1 student session planning
• Bradford’s current schedule and how he prioritizes visibility and connection with students
• Advice for new counselors on building student trust through presence and relationships

Bonus: Free Live Training This July!

School is starting soon, and I’m offering a free live training on how to use a Meet-the-Counselor lesson to connect with students and advocate for your role! You’ll get a PD certificate and a ready-to-use lesson. I’ll be sharing my favorite activity, organization tips, and strategies for using the lesson to build relationships with both students and faculty. Join us July 21 or 22!

Resources Mentioned: * Join IMPACT * LIVE Free Training

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Bradford: * Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m joined by a special guest, Sarah Lovell—an executive function and ADHD coach who brings so much value for both our work with students and our own professional and personal lives.

Sarah Lovell (she/her) is an executive function & ADHD coach for college students, ambitious professionals, overthinkers, and recovering perfectionists who are tired of feeling stuck and are ready to work with their brains, not against them.

With 11 years of experience, Sarah helps clients who try tool after tool… only to burn out or blame themselves when nothing sticks. She helps you understand why it’s so hard to get started (even on things you want to do!) and make sustainable changes in a way that feels good.

Sarah’s background in social work grounds her work in compassionate practices, believing self-talk and self-care are the foundations for executive functioning. Along with 1:1 coaching, she runs a membership, Stuck to Started, that gives you extra support and accountability. She also hosts From Stuck to Started podcast, where she shares realistic, actionable strategies in 20 minutes or less.

When Sarah isn’t coaching, she enjoys trail walks with her dogs, snuggling up with tea and a good book, and paddleboarding.

Summer Summit Replay Access

Did you miss Summer Summit? It’s not too late! When you join IMPACT, my monthly membership for school counselors, you’ll get access to all of the Summer Summit session recordings, along with PD hours. Sarah’s session is one you don’t want to miss. She shares how nervous system regulation supports executive functioning and practical tools to apply these strategies in your life and with students.

Sneak Peek: Sarah’s Summer Summit Session

In her session, From Overwhelmed to Organized, Sarah discusses the connection between executive functioning and nervous system regulation:

• When our nervous system is dysregulated, it becomes hard to access our executive functioning tools.
• Self-talk is a foundation for executive function, but regulation must come first.
• She walks through tools for both hyperarousal (anxiety, fight/flight) and hypoarousal (low energy, disconnection), including:
• Breathing and grounding exercises
• Somatic movement, like balance or tapping
• Separating planning from action to reduce overwhelm

A Day in Sarah’s Life

Sarah supports a wide range of adults: college students, women with ADHD, entrepreneurs, and business owners. She holds 1:1 coaching calls, runs a supportive membership, produces podcast content, and handles the daily marketing and admin needs of her business.

Advice for Counselors

• “Self-talk is the foundation!” Whether you're feeling stuck, procrastinating, or overwhelmed, it starts with self-awareness.
• Understand the difference between procrastination and being stuck.
• Take a pause, name what you're experiencing, and give yourself credit along the way, not just when you meet the goal.

Bonus: Free Live Training This July!

School is starting soon, and I’m offering a free live training on how to use a Meet-the-Counselor lesson to connect with students and advocate for your role! You’ll get a PD certificate and a ready-to-use lesson. I’ll be sharing my favorite activity, organization tips, and strategies for using the lesson to build relationships with both students and faculty. Join us July 21 or 22!

Resources Mentioned: * Join IMPACT * LIVE Free Training

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Sarah: * Instagram * Free ADHD Action Plan Private Podcast * www.executivefunctioningfirst.com

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! This week, I’m sitting down with Elissa Hughes, a middle school counselor who shared a standout presentation during Summer Summit. If you didn’t get a chance to attend live, don’t worry—Summer Summit recordings are available inside the IMPACT membership, along with PD certificates and hundreds of other school counseling resources.

Elissa Hughes is a middle school counselor with experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She is a member of her school’s attendance committee, focusing on tiered supports, student engagement, and family communication. Elissa is passionate about creative, practical strategies that build positive habits, foster resilience, and strengthen connections between schools and families. She is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor with additional training in children’s yoga and enjoys weaving mindfulness into her work to support student well-being. She holds a Specialist degree in Professional Counseling, a Master’s in School Counseling, and a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

In today’s episode, Elissa walks us through how her team approached improving attendance this school year through a tiered, relationship-driven strategy—and saw real results.

In this episode, Elissa shares:

• Tier 1 Strategies: A fun, low-effort incentive program involving 7th period attendance tracking and Dairy Queen Blizzard rewards (yes, Dairy Queen donated them!). Teachers submitted attendance data daily, and one class per grade level was rewarded with a treat.
• Tier 2 Support: A more individualized approach focused on understanding student and family challenges around attendance. Elissa discusses the importance of genuinely getting to know students, building trust, and having honest conversations with families to problem-solve together. She walks through common barriers like anxiety, transportation, trauma, and basic needs, and how to respond with empathy and actionable support.
• Results: Their school’s chronic absenteeism rate dropped significantly within just one year. Elissa credits this to consistent team collaboration, community involvement, and a mindset focused on connection over compliance.

Elissa also shares:

• What her daily schedule looks like as a middle school counselor, including mindfulness groups, classroom lessons, and flexible student support
• Her team’s collaboration with counselors, a social worker, and a family engagement coordinator, and plans to integrate PBIS more deeply next year
• Practical tips for embedding student wellness practices throughout the school day

Advice for New School Counselors:

"Always try to see things from another person’s perspective and point of view." Elissa reminds us that the foundation of strong counseling work is empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from the lived experiences of others.

If you loved this conversation and want to explore more practical tools like these, be sure to join the IMPACT membership. You'll gain access to every Summer Summit session recording, PD certificates, monthly resource drops, and a supportive community of school counselors like you.

Don’t miss out!

Want access to this session and more? Join the IMPACT membership to get all Summer Summit replays, monthly PD trainings, downloadable resources, and a community of fellow school counselors.

Resources Mentioned: * Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Elisa: * Instagram * TikTok * Facebook - Not Your Average School Counselor

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! We’re continuing our special Summer Summit speaker series, and today I’m joined by an incredible pair: Monique and Patti, two clinical social workers and certified play therapists who specialize in attachment and child development. They recently spoke at Summer Summit about a topic that’s essential for every educator and school counselor: Attachment Theory in the Classroom.

If you missed Summer Summit, it’s not too late. When you join IMPACT, my monthly school counselor membership, you’ll gain access to all of the Summer Summit recordings and PD hours—including Monique and Patti’s impactful session.

Monique Gougeon, MSW, RSW, CPTS, CTPS has a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work and is a Certified Child Therapist and Play Therapist Supervisor with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy. Monique is certified as Theraplay Practitioner, Trainer and Supervisor with Theraplay Canada. She is also certified in Circle of Security Individual and Group models and is a Certified EMDR practitioner, specializing in Child and adolescent treatment. Monique has extensive experience working with children and families in community agencies and has worked for 20+ years in the field of children’s therapy. She is the owner of Alloway Therapy Services in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where she practices alongside her talented colleagues. Monique has special interests in supporting children who have experienced loss, developmental trauma, and attachment disruption. She regularly facilitates training and presentations for caregivers and professionals regarding child trauma and attachment disruption.

Patti has a Masters in Social Work and has been a social worker for over 30 years. She has worked with children in women's shelter's, family violence programs, schools and spent 12 years in private practice. She is a Certified Play therapist with The Canadian Association of Play Therapy. She enjoys providing training for educators in the area of developmental trauma in the classroom and is currently a school social worker in the Winnipeg School Division in Winnipeg, Canada. About a year ago Patti decided she would try her hand at creating resources for school counselors and opened a TPT shop. A major learning curve, but an exciting new adventure.

In This Episode: Monique and Patti dive into how we can apply attachment theory and the Circle of Security framework within the classroom and school counseling settings.

We talk about:

• Why attachment-based practices aren’t just for “high-need” students but benefit all kids
• How the Circle of Security model, originally created for caregivers, can be adapted for educators and school counselors
• Ways to support students as they explore their world while also providing a secure base
• Shifting from behavior-based approaches to relational ones
• How restorative practices can preserve relationships, rather than relying on punitive systems
• A framework to help counselors and teachers feel more confident and less burned out

They also share the PACE model—a mindset for working with children:

• Playful
• Accepting
• Curious
• Empathic

By embodying these qualities, educators can create safer, more nurturing environments for all students.

A Day in the Life (Patti): Patti shares a glimpse into her workweek, which includes:

• Direct client work 3 days per week, supporting children and caregivers
• Teaching play therapy curriculum through Therapy Canada Institute
• Providing supervision and training in therapeutic models: her work centers around integrating play, attachment, and trauma-informed practices to support school-aged children.

Want to Learn More? Monique and Patti are hosting a 2-day training on August 18th and 19th. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into Circle of Security and attachment-informed practices for schools. Pre-register now to save your spot!

Don’t miss out!

Want access to this session and more? Join the IMPACT membership to get all Summer Summit replays, monthly PD trainings, downloadable resources, and a community of fellow school counselors.

Resources Mentioned: * Join IMPACT * Pre-Registration for 3Rs: Attachment in the Classroom August 18 &19, 2025

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Patti: * Teachers Pay Teachers * Email Patti: ps@pattisutherland.ca * PS Counseling Matters Newsletter

Connect with Monique: * Email Monique: monique@allowaytherapy.com

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Summer Summit may be over, but the value continues. Today, I’m chatting with one of our incredible Summit speakers, Joyce Harduvel, about a topic every school counselor needs—sustainable self-care.

If you missed the Summit, it’s not too late! All the recordings and PD hours are still available when you join the IMPACT membership. You’ll get access to this session and so much more.

Joyce is a licensed clinical social worker. She is a passionate advocate for youth and the school counselors and social workers who support them. She worked in Chicago Public Schools for seven years, where she specialized in evidence-based and trauma-informed behavior intervention for students with chronic challenging behaviors. Joyce is an advocate for proactive professional self-care that allows school-based professionals to build the sustainable careers of their dreams so that they can do what is really important: support their students! She now works with school counselors and social workers as a coach and clinical supervisor while pursuing a law degree to further her skills in championing youth.

In this episode, we talk about: * How to create proactive, sustainable self-care routines * Why burnout is a systems issue, not a personal failure * Simple ways to make your workspace more peaceful for you and your students * The power of building a support system at work and at home * What it means to reconnect with your "why"

Joyce shares what a typical day looks like for her now:

• Seeing 2–3 private practice clients (individuals, couples, kids)
• Attending clinical supervision sessions with small counselor/social worker groups
• Reading (a lot!) for law school—she recommends Speechify for educators to save time
• Intentional self-care moments like unplugged lunch breaks, short naps, and reading for pleasure

Her routine emphasizes boundaries, rest, and balance, something we can all learn from.

Joyce’s biggest tip: Don’t wait to start taking care of yourself.

• Create a proactive self-care plan now, not once you hit burnout
• Give yourself grace and go slow; this work is a marathon, not a sprint
• Set boundaries around your time and energy (especially your lunch break!)
• Remember: You don't need to do everything all at once
• Connect with others who “get it” and lean on your community

As Joyce puts it, "If you want to stay in schools, I want to help you stay in schools and make it sustainable."

Don’t miss out!

Want access to this session and more? Join the IMPACT membership to get all Summer Summit replays, monthly PD trainings, downloadable resources, and a community of fellow school counselors.

Resources Mentioned: * Join IMPACT

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Joyce: * Instagram * www.joyce-lcsw.com

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! We’re just TWO days away from Summer Summit, my virtual conference for school counselors happening June 11th and 12th! This two-day event is packed with amazing topics, live Q&A sessions, and even a virtual happy hour. For just $39, you’ll get your seat at the summit plus your first month inside the IMPACT membership!

Today I’m joined by Brandon Gernux (he/they), an elementary school counselor from Santa Ana, CA, and one of our Summer Summit speakers! Brandon brings such valuable insight into making Tier 1 classroom lessons more inclusive for all brains. He’s passionate about bridging the gap between school counseling and neurodivergent disability, and today’s conversation is all about practical ways to infuse anti-ableist, inclusive practices into your everyday counseling work.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• What neurodiversity means and how to talk about it with students
• Why Tier 1 supports matter and how they can create a more inclusive school culture
• Brandon’s sensory exploration classroom lesson idea
• How to create sensory-safe spaces around your school
• Why you don’t need to do everything at once as a new counselor, and what to focus on instead

Brandon is beginning a PhD in Education with an emphasis on Disability Studies this fall, and he is truly a thoughtful and inspiring voice in the counseling space. You’ll love hearing from him today and at Summer Summit!

Don’t miss out!

Want access to hundreds of counseling resources, monthly exclusive trainings (with PD certificates), and a supportive community of school counselors? My IMPACT membership gives you all of that and your ticket to my fourth annual Summer Summit! Learn more and join today by clicking the link below!

Resources Mentioned: * Summer Summit

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Brandon: * Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! It’s June, which means Summer Summit is right around the corner. This is my virtual conference for school counselors happening June 11–12. We’re featuring an incredible lineup of speakers, live Q&A sessions, and even a happy hour! For just $39, you get your seat at the Summit and your first month of IMPACT.

To celebrate, we’re featuring podcast guests throughout June and July who will be presenting at the Summit. Today, I’m joined by Laura Filtness—also known as the PAWSitive School Counselor! Laura shares her insights on using therapy dogs in schools, working with students on executive functioning, and what her day-to-day role looks like as a school counselor.

Laura Filtness, M.Ed., is a seasoned school counselor based in Knoxville, TN, with over 15 years of experience. Known for her love of animals and her therapy dog Boss, Laura believes in the power of books and animals to support emotional growth and student connection. She has presented nationally on mindfulness, ADHD support, and classroom engagement, and holds multiple ASCA Specialist certifications. She is the author of the upcoming children’s book My Brain Is Like a Puppy, set to be released by Boys Town Press.

When she’s not counseling, Laura teaches yoga and Pilates, renovates her home, and works for a home organization business called Help You Dwell. She also enjoys staying creative through writing and speaking engagements.

In this episode, Laura shares:

• How she integrates therapy dogs into her counseling program and the thoughtful steps she takes to support students who may be afraid of dogs, including family communication, opt-out options, and classroom dog-safety lessons.
• A sneak peek into her Summer Summit session on helping students with executive functioning challenges. Laura explains the concept of “body doubling” and how it can be used in schools to help students initiate and complete tasks. She shares real-life examples, including how she supports first graders in their classrooms by modeling behaviors and reinforcing strategies.
• What a typical day looks like as a school counselor, especially in a split-school role. Laura walks us through her daily rhythm, ranging from morning announcements, classroom lessons, and small groups to drop-in sessions and time tracking at the end of the day.
• Her advice for new school counselors: Take the pressure off. Laura encourages new counselors to spend their first year observing, listening, and building relationships instead of trying to do everything at once. She also shares practical time management tips like habit stacking to create sustainable routines.
• The inspiration behind her upcoming books including how her therapy dog Boss has influenced her work and writing. Plus, how storytelling and picture books can be powerful tools for building empathy and social-emotional learning in any grade level.

Join the IMPACT Membership

Want access to hundreds of counseling resources, monthly exclusive trainings (with PD certificates), and a supportive community of school counselors? My IMPACT membership gives you all of that and your ticket to Summer Summit! Learn more and join today by clicking the link in the show notes.

Resources Mentioned: * Summer Summit

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Laura: * pawsitiveschoolcounselor.com * Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! We’re wrapping up our May series on all things data with an important conversation on the two key types of data school counselors should be collecting for their end of the year reports: sessions provided data and student progress data.

In this episode, I break down exactly what these two types of data are, how they help you advocate for your role, and how to collect and organize them simply and effectively. I’ll also share my favorite tools, from color-coded Google Calendars to self-assessments and behavior surveys, and how you can use them to show your impact and prepare for next year with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between sessions provided data and student progress data
• How to use your Google Calendar to track sessions by student or group
• Tips for setting up a simple counseling log or sign-in sheet
• Why student self-assessments and behavior surveys are essential for tracking progress
• How this data supports advocacy and strengthens your counseling program

Join the IMPACT Membership Want access to hundreds of counseling resources, monthly exclusive trainings (with PD certificates), and a supportive community of school counselors? My IMPACT membership gives you all of that—and more! Learn more and join today by clicking the link in the show notes.

Don’t Miss Out: Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes, and if you’ve enjoyed this data series, I’d love to hear from you! Tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling and share your biggest takeaway or how you're using your end-of-year report.

Resources Mentioned: * Self-Assessments Bundle

• Behavior Surveys

• IMPACT

• End of the Year Report

• Counseling Hub (Caseload and Log)

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified!

This May, we’re diving into a series all about data: simple and practical ways to collect and use it as you wrap up the school year or begin planning for the next.

So far this month, we’ve covered:

• How to collect data from Tier 1 classroom lessons
• How to gather meaningful insights from small groups and individual sessions

Today, we’re talking all about creating an end of year report: a powerful tool that not only showcases your hard work but helps you advocate for your role and make strategic decisions for the future.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

• The key components every end-of-year report should include
• How to gather and organize your data
• Why creating this report can transform the way stakeholders view your role
• How this tool helped elevate my own program (including a story about how a simple report led to a district-wide standard!)

You’ll learn how to report on:

• The number of students served (broken down by type: small group, individual, classroom, etc.)
• Average time spent with students
• Lessons taught and classroom visit frequency
• School-wide initiatives you implemented (like career fairs or fundraisers)
• Professional development hours completed
• Time spent in meetings (IEPs, planning, etc.)
• Standout data pulled from self-assessments and behavior surveys

Whether your goal is to reflect on what worked, communicate your impact to stakeholders, or simply feel more confident about your school year, you’ll leave this episode with actionable steps to get started.

Want my End-of-Year Report Template? If you attended my live training last week, you already have it! If not, grab your copy in the show notes below so you can follow along and create a polished, powerful report.

Don’t forget to share your reports with me! Tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling so I can cheer you on!

Join the IMPACT Membership Want access to hundreds of counseling resources, monthly exclusive trainings (with PD certificates), and a supportive community of school counselors? My IMPACT membership gives you all of that—and more! Learn more and join today by clicking the link in the show notes.

Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode where we’ll explore how to track measurable data!

Resources Mentioned: * Self-Assessments Bundle

• Behavior Surveys

• IMPACT

• End of the Year Report

• Counseling Hub (Caseload and Log)

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified!

This May, we’re diving into a new series all about data—simple, practical ways to collect and use it as the school year wraps up or as you begin planning for the year ahead.

Last week, we focused on Tier 1 services and how to collect data in your classroom lessons. This week, we’re shifting our attention to small groups and individual sessions. I’m walking you through my favorite ways to track meaningful data in these settings so that you can make informed, data-driven decisions and feel confident sharing progress with administrators and families.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• Self-assessments: Aligning pre- and post-assessments with your lesson objectives to measure student growth.
• Student rating scales: A 1–10 scale with visual aids to encourage honest reflection and spark meaningful conversations.
• Behavior surveys: Collecting insights from teachers and guardians to build a fuller picture of student progress and needs.

You’ll also hear tips for:

• Using paper vs. digital forms (and when each is most effective)
• Promoting confidentiality in group settings
• Ensuring your assessments are relevant to what you’ve actually taught

These strategies are easy to implement and will help you gather impactful data while keeping things simple.

Don't Miss My FREE Live Training TODAY and TOMORROW! Join me for a free, live training where I’ll teach you how to use school counseling data to strengthen your program and advocate for your role. You’ll walk away with:

• A free data collection tool
• A PD certificate
• Practical strategies you can use right away

Reserve your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of our May data series.

Resources Mentioned: * Free Training: How to Use School Counseling Data to Improve your Program and Advocate for your Role * Self-Assessments Bundle * Behavior Surveys * Individual Curriculum (includes student rating scales)

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This May, we’re diving into a series all about data—simple, practical ways to collect and use it at the end of the year or while planning for the year ahead.

In this episode, we're kicking things off with a focus on Tier 1 services: classroom lessons. As I sat down to record, I realized I’ve already shared a lot about this inside my course, Stress-Free School Counseling. So today, I’m sharing a helpful clip from the course that walks you through easy-to-use data tools that track student progress during class lessons.

Want more support with classroom data collection? Check out the full course at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

Don’t Miss My FREE Live Training on May 13 & 14! This training will be all about how to use school counseling data to improve your program and advocate for your role. I’ll be sharing practical strategies to help you confidently measure student success and communicate your results with admin. You’ll receive:

• A free data collection tool
• A PD certificate Reserve your spot now at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Quick & Easy Tier 1 Data Tools:

1. Ticket Out the Door Have students answer a quick question as they leave the classroom. This is very low prep and doesn’t take long!

2. Open-ended questions

3. Draw a shape

4. Circle a letter

5. Thumbs up / middle / down This zero-prep tool offers a quick snapshot of student understanding and lesson engagement. Remember, this isn’t for display—it’s just for your reflection and improvement.

6. Kahoot Use this interactive game-based tool to collect real-time student data.

7. Fun and competitive format You can customize your own quizzes

8. Tracks correct/incorrect answers While it’s more prep-intensive, it’s a great way to engage students and check for understanding.

9. Self-Assessments Use pre- and post-lesson questions to assess your lesson’s effectiveness.

10. Limit to 5 questions

11. Can be done on paper or digitally (Google Forms is great for this)
12. Includes timestamps and exportable data These are low- to medium-prep but incredibly helpful for tracking progress over time.

Don’t forget: Next week is the FREE live training on how to use data to strengthen your counseling program and advocate for your role. Multiple time slots are available. Save your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of our May data series.

Resources Mentioned: * Free Training: How to Use School Counseling Data to Improve your Program and Advocate for your Role * Self-Assessments Bundle * Stress Free Class Lessons Course

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! April is all about expert guest sessions, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by Patti Sutherland. Patti holds a Master of Social Work, is a Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, and has over 30 years of experience working with children and families in both community and private practice settings.

She currently works as a school social worker in Winnipeg, Canada, where she brings play therapy into schools, offers trainings, and creates valuable resources for school-based mental health professionals.

In this episode, we dive deep into sand tray therapy—how it works, why it’s effective, and how you can use it even if you don’t consider yourself a play therapist. Whether you're brand new to this tool or looking to expand your counseling toolbox, Patti breaks it all down with practical advice and encouragement.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why sand tray therapy isn’t as out-of-reach as it might seem
• How this method helps students feel more regulated, safe, and heard
• The power of metaphor and why it’s essential in child counseling
• Creative and accessible ways to introduce sand trays into 1:1 and small group sessions
• Real-world examples, like using sand tray for conflict mediation and storytelling
• What supplies to gather (hint: it's okay to collect slowly!)
• Patti’s best tips for new counselors who want to begin incorporating sand tray in their work

Bonus: Patti shares details on her upcoming 2-day online Sand Tray Training for Elementary Schools, happening June 6–7, 2025!

Get on the no-obligation waitlist here: Click here to join the waitlist

📧 Have questions? Want to connect? You can email Patti directly—she loves hearing from fellow counselors: ps@pattisutherland.ca

Whether you’re curious about the basics or looking to grow in your play therapy practice, this episode is a must-listen! Let’s get into it.

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Patti: * TpT Store * Waitlist for Sand Tray Trainings and Newsletters for more info * Email Patti

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Throughout April, we’re featuring guest sessions with experts in the field, and today’s episode is especially exciting. I’m joined by Laura Filtness, M.Ed., a seasoned school counselor with over 15 years of experience and a passion for using picture books to support young minds in elementary settings. Laura’s belief in the power of storytelling shines through her work, and she’s also the author of the upcoming book My Brain Is Like a Puppy, inspired by her beloved therapy dog, Boss. In addition to counseling, Laura teaches yoga and Pilates, assists clients in home organization through Help You Dwell, and enjoys tackling renovation projects at home. She currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her two dogs, Brooklyn and Bindu.

In this episode, Laura shares why picture books are such an effective tool in school counseling, both for proactive lesson planning and reactive student support. She talks about how a sticky note with a book title and a few theme ideas often serves as her simple yet flexible lesson plan. Having two or three potential discussion directions in mind allows her to pivot based on how students respond. This approach gives students space to take ownership of the conversation while making lessons feel natural and engaging.

Laura also opens up about the organization system in her counseling office. For years, she used topic-based book bins and included printed companion resources stored in large Ziploc bags. After relocating to a smaller portable office, she adapted by placing hardcover books on a bookshelf and keeping thinner paperbacks in bins. Her adaptable system ensures that everything is accessible and categorized by topic for ease of use during lessons.

We also dive into the logistics and philosophy behind running book clubs. While Laura prefers not to hold small groups during lunch, she makes exceptions depending on the group’s purpose. For example, a community-building group might work well during a “lunch bunch,” but more skills-based work is best saved for a designated small group time. Laura uses both chapter books and picture books and recommends series like those by Jory John, Todd Parr, Brenda Miles, Michael Ian Black, and the Way Past series. She shares that Scholastic is a great source for ordering multiple copies of books and encourages creativity, like using different titles in a picture book series.

Laura also supports teachers through book clubs at the grade level. She often gifts teachers with books, especially ones she finds at thrift stores, and partners with the school librarian to display themed books during staff meetings. Her collaborative approach promotes a school-wide culture of literacy and social-emotional learning.

When it comes to building your book collection, Laura suggests tapping into your librarian’s expertise by submitting a wishlist at the beginning of the year. She encourages the use of public libraries, which often allow you to request specific books. Other great sources include thrift stores, your counselor network, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which offers families one free book per month for a year. While YouTube read-alouds are a decent backup, she stresses that nothing beats reading a book aloud in person.

To keep track of her extensive book collection, Laura uses a cataloging system in Airtable. Inspired by Laura Driscoll, she created a searchable database of over 700 books organized by grade, topic, and type. This makes lesson planning more efficient and ensures she’s covering a wide range of student needs. You can find links to her Airtable in the show notes!

For new counselors who are just beginning to integrate books into their lessons, Laura offers encouraging advice: don’t overthink it—just bring a book into your lesson and start asking questions. Prompt students with things like, “Have you ever felt this way?” or “What do you think the character learned?” Let students guide the discussion and make personal connections. If you’ve inherited a library, take inventory so you can assess which topics are covered and where you may need to grow your collection.

Toward the end of the episode, Laura shares her journey of becoming a published author. She discusses the publishing process and the inspiration behind her new book My Brain Is Like a Puppy, a heartfelt project born from her experiences with her late therapy dog. She offers insight into what it’s like to submit to literary agencies and the steps it takes to bring a story to life. Picture books, she notes, are typically around 600 words and should be thoughtful, concise, and meaningful.

This episode is full of practical takeaways and encouragement for counselors looking to bring more creativity and connection into their lessons through books. Laura’s insights make it clear that picture books aren’t just for young children—they’re powerful tools for every age.

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Laura: * pawsitiveschoolcounselor.com * Big Book Database - Airtable * Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Throughout the month of April, I’m bringing you guest sessions with experts in the field, and today I’m excited to introduce Ashley Bell. Ashley is a dedicated school counselor with nearly ten years of experience, a curriculum writer, and the creative force behind Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor. She specializes in social-emotional learning and emotional regulation, creating engaging resources for educators, counselors, and parents that support children’s mental and emotional well-being. Through speaking engagements, webinars, workshops, and digital resources, Ashley’s mission is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and the adults who support them.

In this episode, Ashley shares practical advice specifically for new school counselors. She emphasizes the importance of observation in the early weeks of the school year. Rather than jumping in to make immediate changes, Ashley encourages new counselors to listen and learn about the school culture during the first month of school. Visiting classrooms and observing during lunch or recess can provide valuable insight into student behavior, peer dynamics, and overall school climate. These observations help counselors better understand classroom management styles, student needs, and areas of support.

After the initial observation period, Ashley recommends meeting with your principal to discuss expectations and clarify how your role can best support the school. She reassures new counselors that progress doesn’t have to happen all at once—even implementing one classroom lesson within the first nine weeks is a great start. From there, counselors can begin developing a consistent schedule and consider launching small groups based on identified needs. She also suggests avoiding scheduling groups or lessons on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, as these times can often be less effective.

Another helpful strategy Ashley recommends is conducting a staff needs assessment before pushing one out to students. Staff members are often the most aware of behavioral trends and classroom needs, making them a great starting point for gathering data. This can guide counselors in planning relevant and effective services. She also mentions that doing a mid-year needs assessment can be useful once the school year has settled into a routine.

When it comes to collaborating with parents and teachers, Ashley reminds us to be patient. It’s common for others to expect counselors to have all the answers, but it’s okay to set boundaries and be honest about what is and isn’t within your role. Simply listening and offering a supportive presence can be incredibly impactful.

For lesson planning, Ashley recommends building lessons around a character trait of the month. Thinking about the year in smaller chunks can make planning more manageable and allow for deeper focus. Rather than trying to do everything at once, she encourages counselors to prioritize high-quality, intentional lessons that reflect the needs of their students. Growth and confidence will come with experience.

One simple yet powerful tool Ashley uses with students is a quick check-in strategy. She asks students to hold up a one if they need a few minutes to breathe or a two if they’re ready to return to class. This nonverbal system gives anxious or overwhelmed students a way to communicate their needs without speaking, which can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and supported.

This episode is full of practical, encouraging advice for new and seasoned counselors alike. Ashley’s insight provides a grounded and thoughtful approach to starting the school year strong and building meaningful, lasting support for students and staff. Be sure to check the show notes for links to Ashley’s resources and where you can connect with her online.

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Ashley: * mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com * TpT Store * Book: A Chameleon's Guide to School Counseling * Instagram * Etsy

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! All April long, I’m sitting down with amazing guest experts to bring you insight, encouragement, and practical tools for your school counseling practice. Today’s guest is the incredible Patti Hoelzle from Rooted Well, and we’re talking all about something many counselors shy away from… data. But don’t worry—Patti breaks it down in a way that’s simple, empowering, and exciting!

Patti Hoelzle is the owner of Rooted WELL and a National Board Certified School Counselor with a passion for building proactive, equitable systems of student support. She trains and consults on mindfulness in schools, trauma-informed practices, tiered interventions, and PBIS, working with educators and families nationwide. A sought-after speaker, Patti has presented at local and national conferences and teaches as an adjunct professor in a school counseling graduate program. Previously, she led social-emotional learning and MTSS efforts in a school district and has spent 18 years dedicated to being a professional school counselor. Recognized as Washington’s 2021 School Counselor Advocate of the Year, Patti is dedicated to ensuring every student gets the whole-child support they deserve.

Why Data Matters in School Counseling School counselors are in a unique position—we have to do the job, prove our impact, and often justify our position for the following school year. The good news? Data can do all three.

Using data allows you to:

• Advocate for your role and time
• Communicate impact to stakeholders, families, and administration
• Support budget decisions and staffing
• Build confidence in your work

Time Tracking as a Starting Point Patti recommends starting with one of the simplest tools: a time tracker. She’s created an Excel spreadsheet workbook that allows counselors to track:

• Time spent on individual students
• Tasks completed throughout the day
• Graphs and charts that automatically populate from your entries

This is perfect for sharing with admin, staying accountable, and noticing patterns in how your time is spent. You can find this resource in Patti’s Teachers Pay Teachers store (linked in the show notes below).

Using Google Tools for Easy Data Collection Another strategy Patti loves: Google Forms + the Google Suite. These tools are powerful for:

• Progress monitoring
• Sending surveys to students, teachers, and caregivers
• Collecting ongoing data during small groups
• Tracking changes in student behavior or academic progress

And bonus—sending forms to caregivers via email often leads to higher participation rates than paper handouts.

Advice for New Counselors

Start small. Patti suggests:

• Begin with tracking your time, since it’s something you’re already doing
• Add in pre/post assessments once you’re in the groove
• Use tools that already exist—no need to reinvent the wheel

A Mindset Shift: The Slow Cooker Analogy “Our work is like a slow cooker, not a microwave.” Counselors often wish for a quick fix, but real change takes time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see growth right away.

If your data isn’t showing growth:

• Don’t take it personally—there are many factors at play
• Use it as a learning opportunity
• Be willing to adapt and try new approaches
• Track student growth over time, especially with Tier 2 or Tier 3 students

This conversation was such a great reminder that data doesn't have to be intimidating—it can actually empower us to better serve our students and advocate for ourselves.

You can connect with Patti and find her time tracker and other amazing resources linked below in the show notes.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next week on School Counseling Simplified!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Patti: * rootedwellcoaching.com * TpT Store * TikTok * Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This month, I’m excited to bring you guest sessions with experts, and today’s episode is a special one. I have with me Kriya Lendzion, a school counselor turned prevention specialist who focuses on addiction prevention.

Originally inspired by her personal journey through teen addiction, Kriya Lendzion is fiercely dedicated to helping educators prevent and intervene early in students’ addictive and self-destructive behaviors. She combines her 23 years as a School Counselor with additional expertise as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Certified Prevention Specialist, and Adolescent Therapist, providing schools across the globe with drug and alcohol education, professional development, curriculum, and consultation. Kriya splits her time between beautiful Asheville, North Carolina and Glastonbury, Connecticut.

We’re diving into how you can “addiction-proof” your students, covering everything from vaping to screens. Kriya’s work is rooted in both experience and expertise—she’s a former school counselor who has worked with diverse age groups, an addiction clinician, and now, a prevention specialist dedicated to helping schools implement effective drug education and early intervention strategies.

Why Prevention Matters Students are constantly receiving messages that counteract what we teach about addiction. From social media to peer influence, they’re often told that addiction is harmless. Our job as educators and counselors is to speak louder, more often, and in ways that truly reach them.

Kriya outlines five key categories that help schools establish effective addiction prevention programs:

1. Research-Based Information (Science-Based Education) * Information needs to be accurate, research-backed, and tailored to students’ values and realities.

2. Present information in a non-judgmental way—empowering students with knowledge and choice builds respect. Use passive reinforcement strategies like bulletin boards, signs, and classroom posters to keep prevention messaging visible.

3. Collaboration to Delay Substance Use * Work across departments to help students delay substance use as long as possible.

4. Curricular infusion: Integrate drug education into multiple subjects, making it a part of every student’s learning.
5. Foster school connectedness so that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
6. Provide parent and family resources so that parents have the right knowledge to engage in open, informed conversations with their children.

7. Involve administration and peer-led programs to create a whole-school prevention culture.

8. Teaching Resistance Skills * Equip students with practical tools to say no to addiction before they face pressure.

9. Weave prevention programming into classes and school activities.
10. Use media and storytelling to make lessons relatable.
11. Start early with age-appropriate discussions—even in kindergarten.
12. Instill strong values and goals that help students make healthier choices.

13. Encourage collaboration among teachers, counselors, and parents to reinforce these lessons.

14. Value Exploration Activities * Help students identify their own values and how addiction could impact them.

15. Use reflective activities to help students connect their goals and aspirations with their choices.

16. Addressing Adolescent Needs * Understand that addiction often stems from unmet needs.

17. Provide healthy alternatives and coping strategies to help students navigate stress, emotions, and peer pressure.

Final Thoughts Kriya’s insights highlight the importance of proactive prevention strategies in schools. By implementing these five categories, we can empower students with knowledge, skills, and support to make healthy choices.

If you’d like to learn more about Kriya’s work, be sure to check out the links in the show notes. Thank you for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week for another episode of School Counseling Simplified!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

Connect with Kriya: * Instagram * Counseling with Pizzazz * Facebook * Youtube * TikTok * LinkedIn * Drug Education Resources (including counseling tools in my "Members Only" section, and resources to share with parents * Vaping Resources For Educators

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans step by step! Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about how to use a curriculum map to organize what you’re teaching across each tier. I love using a curriculum map because it keeps everything structured and helps ensure you’re covering essential topics. My IMPACT members receive these maps so they know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to implement each lesson—complete with all the resources included! If you’re a podcast listener and want to try out a curriculum map for yourself, head to the resources section to grab your full-year lesson plans.

If you haven’t already, make sure to go back and listen to this month’s episodes on Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 resources. Today, we’re shifting our focus to data tools—specifically, self-assessments!

What Are Self-Assessments? Self-assessments are short quizzes that students complete before and after counseling sessions. These tools help measure student growth by tracking their understanding of key skills. Here’s how they work:

• Students complete a pre-assessment before the first counseling session.
• They complete a post-assessment after the final session.
• The assessments include statements with response options (Yes, Maybe, or No).

For example, if you’re running a small group on academic skills, your self-assessment might include statements like:

• I can identify several test-taking strategies.
• I am prepared for class.
• I know what it means to procrastinate.

I recommend using 7 to 10 statements and ensuring that you are actively teaching these concepts during your sessions. The goal is that students demonstrate improvement in their post-assessment, showing they’ve gained a stronger understanding of the skills you taught.

Why Use Self-Assessments? Self-assessments provide measurable data that can be shared with administrators, parents, and other stakeholders. They help determine:

• If a student is ready to graduate from counseling.
• If a group needs re-teaching as a whole.
• If individual students need additional support in specific areas.

Every decision we make as school counselors should be data-driven. Using self-assessments helps you build confidence in your role and demonstrate the impact of your counseling program.

Organizing Your Self-Assessment Data You can use paper-based self-assessments or create digital versions for easier data management. A great option is to use QR codes and Google Forms, which allow responses to autopopulate into pie charts for a clear visual representation of student progress. This makes it easy to track growth and share results with stakeholders.

Access More Resources All the strategies I’ve covered this month, including self-assessment templates, are available to IMPACT members. If you’re an IMPACT member, make sure you’re taking advantage of these resources!

If you’re not yet a member, IMPACT is my monthly membership for school counselors—designed to make your life easier by providing free access to all my TPT resources, professional development, support, and more! Learn more by checking out the links below.

And before you go, today is the LAST day to sign up for my free training! Ever wondered, “Why are my students so anxious, and how can I help them beyond just deep breathing exercises?” You’re not alone! I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress—and now I have a FREE training for you! Many counselors ask me how they can better support students with test anxiety beyond simple deep breathing exercises. I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress, which led me to create a free live training called Help Students Break the Stress Cycle: The Anxiety Management Tool You Didn't Learn in Grad School!

This training will empower you with new strategies to help students manage stress effectively. You can save your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/stresscycle.

Thank you for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week for another episode of School Counseling Simplified!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join my FREE Live Training here!
• Check out my FREE lesson plans!
• Take a look at these Self-Assessments!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. This month, I’ve been taking you through my lesson plans step by step to help you feel more organized and confident in your school counseling program. Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about using a curriculum map to plan lessons across all three tiers. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the previous episodes on Tier 1 and Tier 2 resources.

I love using a curriculum map because it keeps everything structured and organized. My IMPACT members get full access to these maps, allowing them to see exactly what to teach, when to teach it, and how to implement it, along with all the necessary resources. If you’re a podcast listener and want to try out the curriculum map for yourself, head to the resources section below to get lesson plans for the entire year.

Today, we’re diving into Tier 3 individual counseling, which is typically referral-based. A common reason for referrals is divorce or separation, which can be incredibly traumatic for children. In this episode, I’m sharing individual counseling strategies to help students process and cope with this major life change. You can spread these activities across multiple sessions or focus on them in a single session, depending on what best fits your student’s needs.

Individual Counseling Activities for Divorce * Before and After Activity: Have students illustrate what their life looked like before and after their parents' divorce, then use the drawings as a conversation starter. * Living Arrangement Calendar & Packing Checklist: Help students create a visual calendar of their new living arrangements. Discuss their feelings and help them prepare a packing checklist so they feel more secure and in control. * Banana Split Coping Activity: Either make real banana splits or craft a banana split model to introduce different coping strategies. Each topping represents a coping skill, such as exercising, listening to music, journaling, or talking to a trusted adult. * Journaling: Depending on the student’s age, you can use open-ended journaling, guided prompts, visual sorting activities, or structured lists to help them express their thoughts and emotions. * Coping Skills Toolbox: Work together to create a personalized toolbox of strategies the student can use when feeling overwhelmed. The student can label the individual tools with coping strategies such as: breathing exercises, sensory tools, or calming techniques.

Tracking Progress: Individual Counseling Data Tools It’s essential to track progress in individual counseling. Use self-assessments and gather behavioral data from parents and teachers to measure whether the intervention is effective. This data can help determine if the student is making progress or if additional support is needed.

I hope these ideas give you a solid starting point for supporting students navigating divorce or separation. If you’re looking for more structured plans and resources, check out the IMPACT membership or grab the free curriculum map in the links below. Thank you for joining me, and I’ll see you next week for another step in simplifying your school counseling program!

Ever wondered, “Why are my students so anxious, and how can I help them beyond just deep breathing exercises?” You’re not alone! I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress—and now I have a FREE training for you! Many counselors ask me how they can better support students with test anxiety beyond simple deep breathing exercises. I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress, which led me to create a free live training called Help Students Break the Stress Cycle: The Anxiety Management Tool You Didn't Learn in Grad School!

This training will empower you with new strategies to help students manage stress effectively. You can save your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/stresscycle.

If you are looking for additional resources, you can find my free curriculum map and learn more about my IMPACT membership in the links below. I hope this episode helps you plan your Tier 2 small groups with confidence. Stay tuned as we continue step-by-step lesson planning this month.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join my FREE Live Training here!
• Check out my FREE lesson plans!
• Divorce Individual Curriculum
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans STEP by STEP!

Last week, we covered Tier 1 strategies, and today, we’re diving into Tier 2 small groups!

Why Use a Curriculum Map?

I LOVE using a curriculum map to stay organized—it helps you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, plus it includes all the resources you need! My IMPACT members get full access to this, along with all my TPT resources for free. If you're a podcast listener, you can try out the curriculum map and get lesson plans for the entire year—just check the resources section below!

Since testing season is approaching, now is a great time to form an academic skills group to help students feel prepared and confident. These groups provide strategies for test-taking success and help reduce testing anxiety. My small groups typically last 8 weeks and are FULL of activities, but here are a couple that I would recommend!

Icebreakers & Activities

• Test-Taking Tips Matching Game – Review and reflect on actual test-taking strategies in a fun, interactive way.
• Prepared or Procrastinator Board Game – A game where students land on a “Prepared” or “Procrastinator” card and discuss the scenario before moving forward or backward. This helps reinforce the importance of study habits and time management.

Ever wondered, “Why are my students so anxious, and how can I help them beyond just deep breathing exercises?” You’re not alone! I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress—and now I have a FREE training for you! Many counselors ask me how they can better support students with test anxiety beyond simple deep breathing exercises. I wanted to go beyond the basics and dive into the psychological cycles of stress, which led me to create a free live training called Help Students Break the Stress Cycle: The Anxiety Management Tool You Didn't Learn in Grad School!

This training will empower you with new strategies to help students manage stress effectively. You can save your seat at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/stresscycle.

If you are looking for additional resources, you can find my free curriculum map and learn more about my IMPACT membership in the links below. I hope this episode helps you plan your Tier 2 small groups with confidence. Stay tuned as we continue step-by-step lesson planning this month.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join my FREE Live Training here!
• Check out my FREE lesson plans!
• Take a look at this Academic Skills Small Group!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans STEP by STEP!

Having a structured plan leads to less stress, less last-minute scrambling, and more time focusing on students. While every counselor’s approach will be unique, I’ve found that creating a curriculum map for the entire year and breaking down my monthly plans by tier has been incredibly helpful.

These lesson plans are based on trends I’ve noticed and what typically works during this time of year, but of course, your plans will shift depending on your students' needs. My goal is to give you ideas and inspiration for your own program!

Grab my FREE curriculum map & plans in the resource section below to help you plan the remainder of this year!

Want ready-to-go lesson plans each month? Check out my IMPACT membership—members get instant access to all my resources and step-by-step lesson plans. Learn more in the links below!

Tier 1 Lesson Plan for March: Self-Regulation The second semester is a great time to revisit emotional recognition and self-regulation strategies. One of my favorite ways to teach this is using "temperatures" to help students gauge their emotions.

Lesson Breakdown: Icebreaker: * Introduce the concept using a "temperature check" (cool = calm and ready to learn, hot = angry, overwhelmed, or high-energy). * Have students act out different temperatures/zones to engage them physically and set the tone for the lesson.

Discussion Activity:

• Conduct a gallery walk with images of kids in different emotional states.
• Students move around the room and identify which emotions/temperatures each image represents.

Main Activity:

• Introduce coping strategies and split students into small groups.
• Each group learns about a different self-regulation strategy (deep breathing, talking it out, etc.) and teaches it to the class.

Reflection:

• Wrap up with a self-reflection journal prompt to help students process what they learned.

I hope this helps you plan your March lessons with confidence! Stay tuned as I continue breaking down my step-by-step lesson plans this month.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Check out my FREE lesson plans!
• Take a look at these self-regulation class lessons
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Last week, we talked about paperless counseling resources that you can use in your individual lessons—but they weren’t digital! If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that episode, I know you’re going to love it, so go back and check it out!

Today, we’re diving into creative ways to use digital resources for student lessons. Many of us were introduced to digital tools during COVID, and now, whether we choose to use them or not varies. No matter where you stand, I want to show you how digital resources can enhance your counseling lessons and engage your students.

Benefits of Using Digital Resources: * Engaging – Tech-savvy kids feel comfortable and confident with digital resources, making lessons more interactive and helping students retain concepts. * Paperless – Low prep, making it easier on you! * Flexible – Digital tools allow you to change up your learning space. If you have tablets, take them outside for a new environment!

5 Digital Resource Ideas & How to Use Them: 1. Boom Cards – My favorite! Quick-play, interactive activities that allow students to push buttons for answers. Great for true/false or coping skill games! 2. Google Slides – Perfect for drag-and-drop activities like coping skill toolboxes or typing out responses. 3. Game Shows – Jeopardy-style games for lessons like tattling vs. reporting or a "Meet the Counselor" game. 4. Board Games – Project a digital game board on a screen and use physical manipulatives for engagement. 5. Kahoot – Quiz-style games to assess student understanding in a fun, competitive way.

How to Incorporate Digital Resources Across Learning Tiers: * Ice Breakers – Use at the start of a class lesson to engage students and deter unwanted behaviors. Example: Boom Cards on coping strategies to assess what students already know. * Core Lesson – Digital tools can serve as the main lesson, keeping students engaged while teaching a specific skill. Example: A full lesson on I-statements for conflict resolution or a digital "Meet the Counselor" game. * Review Game – Use digital tools to reinforce and assess what students have learned. Example: Empathy Boom Cards as a post-assessment.

Tips for Engaging the Whole Class: * Get students moving—have them come up and touch the game board. * Use physical dice or manipulatives alongside digital resources. * Divide students into teams for friendly competition (this works great for a "Meet the Counselor" game!).

Small Group & Individual Use: * Small Groups – Play individually or together to build connections and reinforce group lessons. * Individual Sessions – Customize activities to build rapport with students and personalize their learning. * Homework & Family Engagement – Assign digital activities as take-home tasks to involve families in the learning process.

I hope these ideas inspire you to incorporate digital tools into your counseling sessions in a way that feels engaging and effective! As always, feel free to message me on Instagram or send me an email with any questions.

Check the show notes for links to my favorite digital resources!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Check out my favorite boom card resources here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re diving into paperless individual counseling strategies—low-prep, hands-on activities that are perfect for busy counselors who need quick, engaging solutions.

Next week, I’ll be discussing digital resources, but today, I’m focusing on interactive, in-person techniques that increase student engagement. Engagement is a key factor in helping students meet their counseling goals, as it keeps them interested and actively involved in the learning process.

As counselors, our role is short-term and solution-focused, so let’s explore some creative ways to make each session both effective and memorable.

Hands-On Activities for Student Engagement 1. Role Play with Figurines

• Use toys like dolls, cars, dinosaurs, or any small objects available.
• Helps students externalize feelings and start conversations naturally.

• Provides a non-threatening way to discuss emotions.

• Role Play with Chairs

• The "Empty Chair Technique" allows students to talk to an imaginary person, which is helpful for grief counseling or conflict resolution.

• Students can rehearse conversations and gain new perspectives.

• Can also be used with two students switching seats to see different viewpoints.

• Play Dough or Modeling Clay

• Great for younger students as a hands-on way to express emotions.

• Can be used to create emotional faces or role-play scenarios.

• Simply playing with the dough can be a stress reliever.

• Ball Toss Activity

• A beach ball works well since it can be deflated when not in use.

• Add conversation starter stickers to each section of the ball.

• Toss the ball back and forth to encourage discussion.

• Lego

• Provides a distraction that encourages sharing.

• Helps ease intimidation in one-on-one sessions.

• Can be used for role-playing or as an analogy (e.g., "building blocks of friendship").

• Jenga

• Write discussion prompts on the blocks to personalize the activity.

• Can be used as an analogy for building up trust, relationships, or personal growth.

• Soda Can Anger Activity

• Shake a can of soda as students describe situations that make them angry.

• When opened, it creates a visual representation of anger exploding.

• Engaging, memorable, and effective in anger management sessions.

• Volcano Experiment

• Use clay, baking soda, and vinegar to demonstrate how anger builds and erupts.

• Great for anger management groups or individual sessions.

• Dry Erase Boards or Etch A Sketch

• Teach negative thought patterns and growth mindset.

• Have students write negative thoughts and erase them to symbolize change.

• Music Playlists

• Have students create a playlist of songs that help them with different emotions (sadness, anger, calming, motivation).

• Can be a great coping strategy or "get to know you" activity.

• Food as a Conversation Starter

• Use different colored snacks to represent emotions.

• Be mindful of allergens and sugar content.

• Plants as a Growth Analogy

• Students can care for a plant over time, learning how friendships and personal growth require nurturing.

• Can serve as an attendance motivator or a take-home gift.

I hope you found these ideas helpful and feel inspired to try them in your counseling sessions! Let me know how they work for you—reply to my emails or send me a message on Instagram. See you next week for more digital resource ideas!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m sharing some Valentine’s Day-themed activities you can use with your students. I love using seasonal themes in counseling, and February is the perfect time to focus on topics like:

• Healthy vs. unhealthy friendships and relationships
• Friendship skills
• Conflict resolution

These activities are engaging, discussion-based, and easy to implement—whether you’re working with a whole class, small group, or one-on-one sessions. Let’s dive in.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships and Relationships This is an important topic because students only know what has been modeled for them. It’s essential to be explicit in teaching these skills and help students recognize healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors.

Activity Ideas:

• Discussion Cards/Prompts: Great for small groups or one-on-one sessions
• Friendship Sort: Example—You feel happy and encouraged after spending time with a friend (healthy)
• “Talk About a Time…” Scenarios: Encourages students to share personal experiences
• True or False Statements: Helps clarify common misconceptions
• Relationship-Focused Discussions for Older Students: Ensure age-appropriate conversations

These activities serve as a starting point for deeper, more meaningful discussions.

Conflict Resolution Since friendship and conflict resolution go hand in hand, it’s helpful to teach students practical skills for managing disagreements.

Activity Ideas:

• I-Statements for Role Play: Teach students to express their feelings constructively (e.g., “I feel sad when you didn’t talk to me at lunch today…”)
• Different Conflict Resolution Strategies: Discuss how to respond using humor, compromise, or asking for help

Friendship Activities For younger students, interactive and hands-on activities make learning about friendship fun and memorable.

Activity Ideas:

• Friendship Pizza Craft: Each “slice” represents a quality of a good friend
• Friendship Soup Activity: There is a great YouTube video on this concept—bring in a pot and a salt shaker to act it out

Check the show notes for links to additional resources if you prefer ready-to-use materials. I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Curriculum Map Freebie
• Unhealthy vs Healthy Friendships and Relationships
• Conflict resolution group
• Friendship soup
• Friendship pizza
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m sharing another training clip from my IMPACT membership PD—a monthly professional development training I offer exclusively to our community of nearly 1,000 school counselors. As an IMPACT member, you get unlimited access to my TPT resources, engaging PD, and a supportive network of counselors just like you!

In this episode, we’re diving into how to source lesson topics for your tiered instruction—whether it’s class lessons, small groups, or individual sessions. You don’t have to start from scratch! By using data, needs assessments, and creative themes, you can make your lessons both impactful and engaging.

Ways to Source Lesson Topics for Each Tier 1. Use Needs Assessments & Data

• Look at referral data to identify common struggles.
• Conduct an informal teacher survey throughout the year.
• Gather feedback from your principal on key student challenges (behavior, academics, attendance).

• Utilize pre- and post-assessments to measure student growth and share progress with admin.

• Use the Calendar for Inspiration

• Holidays & Seasons: Incorporate themes like gratitude in November or kindness in February.

• Awareness Months: October (Bullying Prevention), May (Mental Health Awareness), etc.

• Review Existing Curriculum

• Modify school-provided curriculum to fit student needs.

• Supplement with engaging activities, games, and interactive lessons.

• Use Books to Anchor Lessons

• Anchoring lessons to books is a great way to introduce counseling themes!

• Laura from Pawsitive School Counselor is a fantastic resource for book recommendations.

✨ Want more strategies like this?

Join IMPACT for exclusive PD, unlimited access to my TPT resources, and a thriving counselor community!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Check out Laura from Positive School Counselor
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome to another episode of School Counseling Simplified (SCS)! Today we’re continuing our Tiers Without Tears series with practical strategies for organizing, scheduling, and delivering Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions. This episode is a special clip from a recent training I did for my membership community, IMPACT, where we dive deep into monthly professional development.

Let’s break down what EXACTLY you should be doing at each tier to streamline your work and create meaningful outcomes for your students.

Layered Interventions: Understanding the Tiers 1. Tier 1: Whole-School Support

* Audience: All students.
* Schedule: Each class gets a 30-minute lesson once a month.
* Challenges: Scheduling conflicts, time management, and communication.
* Solution: Use tools like Calendly to create a booking system for teachers to schedule their lessons for the entire year in advance. This keeps everyone accountable and eliminates last-minute stress.
* Lesson Plan Structure:

    1. Introduction
    2. Icebreaker
    3. Whole-class discussion or activity
    4. Small-group breakout activity
    5. Written reflection

1. Tier 2: Small Groups

   • Audience: Students referred for specific needs (e.g., conflict resolution, self-regulation, social skills).
   • Group Size: 4-6 students grouped by age and need.
   • Duration: Weekly 30-minute sessions for 6-8 weeks.
   • Data: Use pre- and post-assessments to measure progress and inform next steps.

   • Planning Structure:

     1. Establish rules and expectations.
     2. Feelings check (use visual aids).
     3. Icebreaker activity (e.g., bingo, Jenga, or sides of the room).
     4. Main activity (e.g., role-play, board games, cut-and-sort).
     5. Reflection (journal entry or discussion).* Scheduling Tip: Gather referrals, send home permission slips, and coordinate with teachers to find mutually ideal times.
     6. Tier 3: Individual Support

   • Audience: Students requiring one-on-one sessions for more intensive support.

   • Duration: 30-minute sessions, tailored to individual needs.
   • Focus: Build rapport, address specific challenges, and practice personalized strategies.

Tips for Success at Each Tier * Hyper-Organize: Use lesson outlines to stay on track and manage your time effectively. * Engage Students: Incorporate games, breakout activities, and reflection to keep sessions interactive and impactful. * Streamline Scheduling: Avoid overwhelm by automating processes and setting clear boundaries. * Measure Progress: Use data-driven strategies to guide your interventions and demonstrate success.

Actionable Takeaways 1. Plan ahead: Schedule Tier 1 lessons for the year to minimize chaos. 2. Stay flexible: Build buffers for travel time and transitions. 3. Engage intentionally: Keep activities interactive and age-appropriate. 4. Use data: Pre- and post-assessments are key to measuring impact.

Need more support? Check out the IMPACT membership community for exclusive trainings, resources, and tools to simplify your school counseling journey!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Check out my counseling referral form!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to the Tiers Without Tears series! Last week, we dove into Tier 1 class lessons. This week, we’re tackling Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports—referral-based interventions designed to meet more targeted student needs. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by these tiers, this episode will break them down into manageable, actionable steps!

Key Points Covered in This Episode:

Tier 2 and Tier 3 Basics * Referral Process: + Use a referral form to gather key details about the student’s needs, the referring party, and the severity of the concern. + Print and distribute forms throughout the school (teacher mailboxes, office, library) and have a digital option.

• Identifying Trends:
• Use referral data to spot patterns (e.g., multiple referrals for self-regulation in 3rd grade).
• Trends help guide the formation of Tier 2 small groups or determine when Tier 3 one-on-one support is needed.

Small Groups: Anatomy and Structure * Schedule: 1. Weekly 30-minute sessions for 6-8 weeks. 2. Use pre- and post-assessments (self-assessments, teacher/parent surveys) to measure progress.

• Session Structure:
• Icebreaker: Build rapport and create a safe space.
• Discussion: Use tools like question cards, Jenga prompts, or a beach ball activity.
• Main Activity: Focus on the group’s specific needs (e.g., sorting healthy vs. unhealthy friendships).
• Reflection: Journaling or verbal sharing to process the session.

Individual Sessions * Similar structure to small groups but more focused. * Incorporate interactive activities like board games to build connection and engagement.

Takeaways for Implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 Support: 1. Gather referrals intentionally. 2. Stay organized with data-driven planning. 3. Start small, and prioritize impact over perfection.

Free Training Announcement! Feeling overwhelmed by the semester? Join me for a free live training on how to thrive, not just survive when it comes to planning for those tiers of instruction!

• When: Tonight, January 21 at 6 PM EST, and tomorrow, January 22 at 1 PM EST.
• Where: stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/thrive
• What You’ll Get: A planning and curriculum map, plus a PD certificate of attendance.

Tune in to feel more confident and equipped to handle Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports with ease! 🎧✨

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Check out my counseling referral form!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Sign up for my FREE live training on either January 21st or 22nd here!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the three-tier system? You’re not alone! I was recently inspired by a question I got from a fellow school counselor on instagram, @counselingwithconfidence. She asked, “Do you typically do a classroom lesson monthly? With all grade levels? Or is there a specific grade level for certain months?”

This episode kicks off the Tiers Without Tears series, designed to help you navigate class lessons, small groups, and more with ease and confidence. Today, we’re focusing on class lessons—the foundation of Tier 1 support—and breaking it down into actionable steps to make this essential task feel manageable and impactful.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Understanding the basics of class lessons and how they differ from referral-based services.
• Tips for scheduling
• How to pick one topic per month and tailor it to various grade levels, from primary to high school.

• Example: A January topic like goal setting and growth mindset could range from "positive vs. negative thought monsters" for younger students to discussions on limiting beliefs for older students.

• Tools for scheduling your lessons with teachers, such as Calendly, Google Sheets, or paper sign-ups, to streamline the process and avoid email overload.

• Free live training announcement: Learn how to thrive instead of just survive this semester! Join us January 21–22 for a free training at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/thrive, and receive a free planning and curriculum map, plus a PD certificate of attendance.

Tune in to get practical strategies for mastering Tier 1 class lessons and feel confident about tackling this semester with a clear plan!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Check out my favorite growth mindset lessons here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Sign up for my FREE live training on either January 21st or 22nd here!

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into organization and productivity tips for school counselors—straight from Module 2 of the Stress-Free Counseling course! These strategies are designed to help you establish new systems, maximize your productivity, and increase your impact with students. Whether it’s tracking your caseload, color-coding your calendar, or keeping your notes organized, these practical tips will help streamline your work as a school counselor.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• How to use Google Sheets to organize your caseload with customizable features like color coding and asterisk indicators.
• Tips for color-coding your calendar to match your caseload and service types (and bonus ideas for color-coding Google Drive folders too).
• The pros and cons of handwritten notes versus digital notes for student tracking.
• Creative ways to log your sessions, including voice memos, voice-to-text tools, and Google Form sign-ins.
• Tools for task management and organization, including Trello, To-Do List apps, and Apple Notes.

These tips will help you stay on top of your workload, maintain confidentiality, and work more efficiently. Tune in to learn how to implement these strategies and create your own stress-free counseling systems!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Stress Free School Counseling Course

Connect with Rachel: * TpT Store * Blog * Instagram * Facebook Page * Facebook Group * Pinterest * Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Supporting students in Title 1 schools presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, school counselors can make a significant impact. In today’s throwback episode, we’re joined by Megan Polk, a literacy specialist with over 15 years of experience working in Title 1 schools. Megan shares her valuable insights on what Title 1 is, the different types of funding, and effective strategies school counselors can use to support low-income students. She also discusses how to build strong relationships with parents and caregivers, offering tips for better communication and collaboration.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Megan’s background and experience in Title 1 schools.
• The role of teachers and staff in creating a supportive learning environment for low-income students.
• An overview of Title 1 and the various types of services it provides.
• Strategies school counselors can use to support students from low-income backgrounds.
• How to build strong relationships with families and caregivers, and things to consider when collaborating with them.

For more tips and resources, don’t forget to check out the IMPACT 2.0 membership! It’s packed with tools to support all students across all three tiers and offers a community of school counselors to collaborate with.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Episode 95: How to Incorporate Journaling into Your Counseling Sessions with Literacy Specialist Megan Polk

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes all about different ways we can teach unhealthy vs. healthy relationships.

The new year is coming sooner than we think and then soon after it will be February! February is full of exciting opportunities for school counselors, from National School Counseling Week to Valentine’s Day! It’s also the perfect time to teach students about healthy relationships and friendships. Many students may not have examples of positive relationships in their lives, making it essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills to build healthy connections. In this episode, I share Valentine’s-themed activities that make teaching this topic both fun and impactful. You’ll hear why it’s important to address healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, creative activity ideas, and tips for implementing them without added stress.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Why teaching healthy relationships and friendships is critical for students.
• Examples of Valentine’s-themed activities to make lessons engaging.
• Simple strategies to implement these activities with ease.

Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to help your students build positive connections!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with Joyce Harduvel, a licensed clinical social worker and certified school social work specialist. Joyce brings her wealth of experience from working with students of all ages in Chicago Public Schools to share practical trauma-informed practices for school counselors. She discusses how trauma impacts students' ability to learn, provides strategies for addressing pushback from teachers and parents, and offers actionable advice for supporting students who have experienced trauma in meaningful ways.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Joyce's background as a school social worker and her work in Chicago Public Schools.
• Examples of how childhood trauma may present in students and effective ways to respond.
• Strategies for addressing resistance from teachers and parents.
• Understanding how trauma affects a student’s ability to learn and ways to provide support.

Be sure to listen for practical tips and check the show notes for additional resources to help you support your students.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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This December, we’re bringing you the best of School Counseling Simplified as a holiday treat! In today’s throwback episode, we revisit a fan-favorite conversation from 2023 with Chrissy Nichols, a life coach for educators. If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Chrissy shares simple yet powerful mindset shifts designed to help school teachers and counselors reduce stress, rediscover their passion for their work, and create more balance in their lives. Drawing from her experience as a teacher in public and international schools, Chrissy offers actionable advice to help “the helpers” prioritize their well-being and thrive in their roles.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Time Power: Strategies for reclaiming control over your schedule and to-do list.
• Body Balance: Tips for prioritizing your physical and mental health to prevent burnout.
• Relationship Work: Insights on building stronger connections to foster a supportive environment.

Be sure to check the show notes for more resources and visit Chrissy's website at https://www.thechrissyconcept.com/ .

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Check out Chrissy’s website here!
• Check out Marie’s book here!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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This December, we’re revisiting some of the most impactful episodes of School Counseling Simplified as a special holiday treat! In today’s throwback to episode 132, I dive into practical strategies for helping students resolve conflicts and develop healthy mediation skills. From whole-class lessons to individual interventions, this episode provides valuable tools for equipping students with effective communication techniques and fostering a more peaceful school environment.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Tier 1 Strategies: Teaching "I" statements during class lessons, role-playing conflict scenarios, and displaying "I" statement posters in common areas.
• Tier 2 Strategies: Implementing Kelso’s Choices curriculum for small groups, identifying conflict starters, and discussing qualities of peacekeepers.
• Tier 3 Strategies: Using hands-on activities like the "Pause it and Resolve it" board game to support individual students in conflict resolution.

Read below for resources and links to support your school counseling practice!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Check out the Kelso’s Choice Youtube video here!
• Grab the Pirates and Peacekeepers lesson!
• Link to my middle school conflict resolution activity!
• Grab the Pause it and Resolve it boardgame!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Can you believe it is almost December? The countdown to winter break is on. I absolutely love this time of year. Everything is so fun and festive, especially at the elementary level. I’m always trying to think of ways that I can put a seasonal twist on counseling activities to keep your students (and you) engaged.

At the same time, I always had the problem of “frequent flyers” popping up. You know the ones. The kids who are always stopping by wanting to chat instead of going to their classroom. I used to think I just needed to rush them back to their classroom as quickly as possible. However, I realized over time they were stopping by to see me for a reason. They wanted to build a relationship with me and I didn’t want to dismiss that.

While I wanted them to feel welcome in my office and comfortable with me, I also wanted to make our time together purposeful...especially if they were missing class. Over time, I thought of some fun ways that I could accomplish this. Since it’s the winter season, I created my “Countdown to Winter Break Interactive Calendar”.

In this episode, I’ll explain exactly how this calendar works and even how you can DIY one. If you create a countdown calendar of your own, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling so that I can see the final product!

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Purposeful bonding activities leading up to the Winter season
• Interactive calendar activities to countdown to Winter break
• Winter themed counseling activities to do with drop-in students
• Supplemental activities leading up to Winter break

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Check out this Winter Themed Counseling SEL Activity Pack
• Countdown to Winter Break Activities

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, I explore ways school counselors can help parents implement practical Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies at home. By building rapport with families and providing simple, screen-free activities, parents can support their children's emotional growth outside of school. I discuss using SEL choice boards, which offer a variety of activities for students to choose from, giving them ownership and encouraging skill development in a fun, engaging way. Plus, I share a variety of mindfulness, gratitude, stress relief, self-esteem, and self-regulation techniques that parents can easily integrate into their daily routines.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Mindfulness Activities: Deep belly breaths, butterfly breaths, 5 senses check-in, and guided meditations.
• Gratitude Practices: Scavenger hunts, letter writing, and creating gratitude lists.
• Stress Relief Ideas: Making stress balls, visualizing favorite places, and going for walks or runs.
• Boosting Self-Esteem: Collage-making with affirmations, writing songs, and painting future self-portraits.
• Self-Regulation Techniques: Acting out emotions, creating coping strategy toolboxes, and practicing deep breaths with a balloon.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Check out this blog post on learning without screen time!
• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!
• Grab the choice board, as mentioned in this episode, here!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode of School Counseling Simplified, I am sharing practical strategies for supporting and building rapport with school administrators. As a key stakeholder group, administrators play a crucial role in the success of a school counseling program. I am outlinging four (plus one bonus) strategies that counselors can use to effectively collaborate with their administrative team, including conducting needs assessments, utilizing data-driven check-ins, discussing school-wide initiatives, and engaging in big picture planning. By implementing these approaches, school counselors can strengthen their relationships with administrators and ensure their programs are aligned with the school's overall goals and priorities.

Here are some highlights from this episode: - Strategies for building rapport and working effectively with school administrators

• Conducting needs assessments with administrators to identify high-need areas
• Using data-driven check-ins to address achievement gaps, attendance issues, academic problems, and behavior concerns
• Discussing school-wide initiatives like career fairs and parent workshops with administrators
• Engaging in big picture planning to align on counseling program goals for the year
• Advocating for the school counselor's role and communicating the impact of their work

Listen in to the full episode and learn more.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Grab My free Curriculum Map
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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This episode of School Counseling Simplified is all about building strong relationships with teachers. I am sharing four practical strategies that school counselors can use to collaborate more effectively with the teachers in their building. From conducting needs assessments to offering supplemental lessons and organizing fun staff activities, I'm providing you with a roadmap for strengthening those crucial counselor-teacher partnerships.

Some highlights from this episode:

• The Importance of a needs assessment to understand what teachers are struggling with and how you can best support them.
• Offering "as-needed" counseling lessons on specific topics is a great way to provide just-in-time support for teachers and students.
• Building rapport through self-care activities and simply being present in the teacher's lounge can go a long way in showing teachers you're on their team.
• Pro Tip: Counselors get out of your office and be more visible around campus to strengthen relationships with teachers.

Listen in to hear the full episode!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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October is Bullying prevention month. I couldn't let the month get past without touching on the importance of teaching students to be "upstanders" as a key bullying prevention strategy. I am introducing the concept of an upstander as someone who witnesses bullying and intervenes to stop it, in contrast to a bystander who does nothing.We will discuss the benefits of empowering students to be upstanders, including preventing future bullying, supporting targets, and reducing bullying-related anxiety and depression. I will also touch on several teaching strategies for introducing the upstander concept, such as traditional lessons, interactive games, and digital resources.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Learning the importance of teaching students the different roles in bullying (bully, target, bystander) and avoiding stigmatizing language like "victim."
• Diving deeper on the concept of an upstander is defined as someone who witnesses bullying and intervenes to stop it, in contrast to a bystander.
• Highlighting the numerous benefits of teaching upstanders as a highly empowering bullying prevention
• Teaching methods, including lessons, games, Boom Cards, and videos, to introduce and reinforce the upstander concept.

Listen in and see what you can implement before the month is over!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Check out this Upstander blog

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Halloween is just around the corner, and I know you are looking for fun and engaging ways to incorporate the season into your lessons and activities.

In this episode, I'm sharing 5 creative ways you can use Halloween candy buckets to liven up your counseling sessions. From identifying and changing negative thoughts to practicing self-regulation, these activities are sure to get your students excited and eager to participate.

Grab your pumpkin-shaped buckets and get ready for some spooky counseling fun!

Some things covered in this episode are:

• Using candy buckets to sort negative and positive thoughts, helping students reframe their mindsets
• Sorting "tattling" vs. "reporting" scenarios to teach appropriate communication
• Exploring growth mindset vs. fixed mindset by categorizing statements into corresponding buckets
• Practicing problem-solving skills by sorting problems into "tiny," "small," "medium," "big," and "huge" buckets
• Utilizing the color-coded "zones" of self-regulation by sorting feelings and behaviors into the appropriate buckets

I'm giving you all the detailed instructions and examples for each of these engaging activities, making it easy for you to implement in your counseling sessions. I would love to see you to share your experiences on social media, and tag me @BrightFuturescounseling for a chance to inspire others.

Whether you're looking to add a seasonal twist to your lessons or simply want to try something new and interactive, these Halloween candy bucket activities are sure to be a hit with your students. Tune in to learn more and get ready to spookify your counseling sessions!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• 5 Ways to Use Halloween Buckets- Blog
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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It's Part 2 of the Small Group Planning podcast episodes. Today I am diving into the planning and implementation of small group counseling.

If you didn't catch Part I, I covered the logistics of getting small groups started, but now we will focus on the curriculum development, group structure, and data collection involved in running effective small counseling groups.

Some highlights from this episode:

1. Importance of standards-aligned small group curriculum planning
2. Using pre and post-assessments to collect data and determine student progress
3. Essential components of an engaging small group structure (feelings check, group rules, icebreakers, main activities, discussion, reflection)
4. Leveraging the Impact membership resources for small group curriculum and support
5. Transitioning students between tiers of intervention based on small group outcomes

Listen in to get a clear roadmap for planning and facilitating small counseling groups that meet the unique needs of your students.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode of School Counseling Simplified,I am diving deep into the topic of small group counseling. As a small group enthusiast, I'm sharing my expertise on the benefits of small group work and provides a step-by-step guide for school counselors on how to effectively plan and implement small groups from start to finish. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to take the stress out of small group planning. Some Highlighted from this episode:

• The two main reasons Rachel loves facilitating small groups: efficiency in seeing more students in less time, and the opportunity to watch students connect, bond, and learn from one another.
• The importance of having a referral system in place to identify students who would benefit from small group counseling.
• Tips for recruiting students for small groups, including reaching out to teachers and parents.
• The necessity of obtaining parent permission before starting a small group, and suggestions for what to include in the permission slip.
• Strategies for scheduling small groups, including navigating potential pushback from teachers and finding the best time that works for all students involved.

Don't miss out on the rest of my advice on small group planning. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about this efficient and impactful tier of school counseling services.

And don't forget to tune in next week for Small Group Planning Start to Finish Part II

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• School Counseling Referral Form
• Editable Parent Permission Slip
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I am talking on the importance of creating a classroom calming corner - a designated safe space for students to manage their emotions. I'll be discussing the benefits of calming corners for teachers, counselors, and students, as well as practical steps for setting them up effectively. I'll also touch on how to handle potential pushback from teachers and strategies for implementing a school-wide approach to this valuable tool.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Identifying Calming corners as a toolkit to help students self-regulate and manage their emotions rather than a punishment
• Highlighting the Benefits of calming corners which include happier teachers, less burdened counselors, and more regulated students.
• How to set up Calming corners so they can be distinguished from the rest of the classroom and include visuals, soft furnishings, and a calm-down toolbox.
• How to address potential teacher concerns and how taking a school-wide approach are key to successful implementation of calming corners.

Listen in and let me know what you think and what you plan to implement.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Snag my free Curriculum Map Here
• How to create a calming Corner
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, I am discussing strategies for scheduling class lessons for the entire school year. I'm breaking down the benefits of batch work and encouraging you all to plan lessons in advance to save time and reduce stress. We are going to dive into some digital tools like Google Sheets and Airtable that can be used to create checklists and track the status of scheduled lessons.

Some topics covered:

• How to schedule class lessons for the entire school year using batch work so you can significantly improve efficiency and organization.
• Using Google Sheets to create a simple checklist for monitoring the status of scheduled lessons, including teacher names, grade levels, topics, dates, and lesson planning progress.
• Looking into Airtable for a more visually appealing and feature-rich alternative to Google Sheets, allowing for customizable fields, color-coding, sorting, and filtering options to manage classroom lesson planning.
• Learning the Importance of Staying organized with digital tools like Google Sheets or Airtable so you can save time and allow you to focus more on serving students.

Listen in and tell me what you plan to incorporate this school year!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Grab my 30-60-90 Day Plan for FREE
• FREE Curriculum Map
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified.

Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for the success of our counseling programs - getting teacher buy-in and support when scheduling those all-important classroom lessons. As we all know, building strong relationships with our teaching staff is key to delivering impactful services to students. And when it comes to those classroom lessons, having the teachers on board can make all the difference.

In this episode, I am sharing some incredibly practical strategies to help you navigate this process and ensure your lessons are welcomed and valued by your teaching team.

Some highlights include:

• Learning how to share the "why" behind the counseling lessons, such as citing data or research on the benefits
• Getting teacher input by conducting a needs assessment survey to understand their perspectives on lesson topics
• Having a backup plan in case some teachers are resistant, such as leveraging administrator support or using alternative scheduling
• Offering "as needed" lessons tailored to specific teacher requests, even if they don't align perfectly with the overall lesson plan
• Emphasizing the importance of ensuring all students receive the counseling lessons, even if it requires creativity and persistence in working with teachers

Be sure to listen in, take some notes and start implementing these strategies to build stronger partnerships with your teachers. Happy listening, friends!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• 30-60-90 Day Plan- FREEBIE
• Grab my FREE Curriculum Map
• Join Stress Free School Counseling
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, host I am sharing game-changing tools for scheduling class lessons as a school counselor. I'm covering three main tech tools - Google Sheets, Calendly, and Google Calendar - that can streamline the scheduling process.

The key highlights include:

• Using Google Sheets to have teachers sign up for available class lesson times, allowing them to take ownership of the scheduling.
• Utilizing Calendly, a free scheduling app that makes it easy for teachers to book appointments for lessons.
• Leveraging Google Calendar to create recurring calendar invites with reminders once lesson times are scheduled.
• The importance of being strategic about your availability and scheduling lessons first before filling in other commitments.

By implementing these scheduling tools and strategies, school counselors can get their class lessons scheduled efficiently in advance, allowing them to better manage their overall schedule and priorities throughout the school year. Listen in and change the game for yourself!

Resources mentioned:

• Curriculum Map Freebie
• Stress Free School Counseling
• Free Training happening TODAY!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, I am sharing my 3-step process for effectively scheduling class lessons at your school. Learn how to determine the location, setup, and frequency of your classroom lessons to feel prepared and deliver engaging counseling sessions.

I know how overwhelming this can be whether you are brand new or a seasoned veteran, but I have nailed down a process so you don't have to recreate the wheel. This process will help you feel prepared and ready to deliver effective counseling lessons.

Some highlights I cover are:

• Join my FREE TRAINING Engaging Individual Counseling Sessions. Struggling with one-on-one sessions? Then this Free live training on using individual counseling curriculum is for you all Live Attendees receive free curriculum set and PD certificate!
• Breaking down the 3-step process for scheduling class lessons: which include, location, materials and frequency!
• Emphasizing the importance of feeling and being prepared to deliver effective counseling lessons.
• My biggest tip for Avoid last-minute stress and engage students better- JOIN IMPACT

Listen in for all the details. You don't want to miss out!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• 30-60-90 Day Plan - FREE
• Curriculum Map- FREE
• Join Stress Free Class Lessons!
• FREE LIVE TRAINING- How to use individual counseling curriculum to engage students and effectively track data!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube
• More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Back to school season is in full swing and I'm popping in today's episode to break down your first 90 days of school. We are going to break down my free 30-60-90 Day plan, so that we can break down that seemingly overwhelming to do list that you have. Tune in and follow along with your freebie in hand! I'm breaking down each month piece by piece so that you can be create the impact you are wanting to this school year, without the overwhlem. Some highlights from this episode:

• What to do in your first 30 days- like identifying needs through a needs assessment, meeting with new administrators, introducing yourself to students
• How to establish your counseling caseload in your first 60 days- scheduling class lessons, preparing data collection tools, planning small group curriculum, and organizing school-wide activities.
• Building Conistency in your program- By the 90 day point, you should be implementing your services.
• The 30-60-90 day plan helps break down the overwhelming back-to-school to-do list into manageable, prioritized steps to ensure you're on track in the first few months.
• Having this structured plan in place from the start of the school year will help you be more proactive, organized, and prepared to deliver effective counseling services to students.

Resources mentioned:

• 30-60-90 Day Plan
• Daily Lesson Plans
• Join my IMPACT membership here!
• School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets - Caseload and Counseling Log
• School Counseling Data Tracking Tools Bundle - Data Driven Counseling Program
• Stress Free Class Lessons
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode,I am sharing four back-to-school small group ideas to help students transition into the new school year, including groups for new students, friendship skills, self-control, and goal setting. I'll also give you the inside scoop on my IMPACT school counselor membership.

Some highlights from this episode:

• "New Students Friendship Group" to help ease the transition for students new to the school.
• "Friendship Group" for younger students (K-2) to learn essential social skills and conflict resolution.
• A "Self-Control Group" can teach impulse control strategies and help students recognize signs of anger and frustration.
• A "Goal Setting Group" can support students in setting and achieving their academic and personal goals for the new school year.
• IMPACT membership program offers school counselors access to a wealth of resources, trainings, and a collaborative community to help them thrive.

If you're a school counselor looking for practical, ready-to-use resources and a supportive community, be sure to check out IMPACT! TUNE IN FOR A SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE!

Resources mentioned:

• 30-60-90 Day Plan
• Free EDITABLE Year Long Curriculum Map!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Friendship Group for New Students - Growing Friends Counseling Group
• Friendship Counseling Group - Blooming Friendships Small Group
• Self-Control Counseling Group Wiggle Worms, Impulse Control, Behavior Management
• Self-Control School Counseling Group: Develop Self-Control Accountability Habits
• Goal Setting and Intrinsic Motivation Growth Mindset School Counseling Group
• Study Skills Small Group | Test Taking, Executive Functioning & Managing Anxiety
• https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/executive-functioning-and-study-skills-counseling-group-small-group-sel
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I am talking all about the several back-to-school activities and strategies for school counselors to implement at the start of the new school year. So many different ideas you can implement in your program.

Some highlights covered are:

• Create a caseload spreadsheet to stay organized and track students receiving counseling services
• Maintain a counseling log to document dates, duration, and activities for each student session
• Conduct needs assessments with teachers and parents to identify key areas of focus for the school year
• Make referral forms widely available to encourage staff and families to request counseling support
• Host a back-to-school night to introduce yourself, share services, and distribute referral forms

Tune in and get all of my Back to School To Dos.

Resources mentioned:

• 30 60 90 Day Plan
• Counseling Lesson Plans
• Meet the Counselor Free training
• School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets
• School Counseling Data Tracking Tools Bundle
• Meet The Counselor Game Show
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Are you ready for the new school year?? In today's episode I dive into starting the year with a "Meet the Counselor" lesson and setting up an effective school counseling office. I'll be sharing tips and resources to help you as the school counselor feel motivated and organized for the upcoming school year.

Some Highlights:

• Free live training on August 13-14 to show how to use a "Meet the Counselor" lesson to engage students and advocate for the counselor's role.
• Creating a calming "calm down corner" in the counseling office with cozy seating, fidgets, and guided meditation scripts.
• The importance of using bulletin boards, both inside and outside the office, to display counseling work and create a visual representation of the counselor's role.
• Setting up an organized and functional school counseling office, including a file cabinet, whiteboard, small group space, and signage on the office door.

Tune in to listen to the full episode.

Resources mentioned:

• 30-60-90 day plan
• Counseling Lesson Plans
• FREE TRAINING: Meet the Counselor
• Counseling Office Tour
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode of School Counseling Simplified, I sit down with my friend and fellow counselor, Leslie Capello. We talk all things on implementing advisory programs and strategies for effective counseling.

Leslie Cuprill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Brooklyn, New York who loves supporting educators and students. For two decades she has worked with court and gang-involved youth, LGBTQ+, teen mothers, special needs populations, and educators. Throughout her career, she has taught, counseled, and ensured support while conducting academic intervention services, supervised, facilitated professional development trainings, designed curriculums, and developed programs.

She started Informed Decisions to provide resources for counselors and teachers working with multicultural urban youth, teens, and young adults. She wants educators to feel confident in facilitating and engaging in interactive activities for their students. The information and resources she provides are culturally, racially, and developmentally appropriate materials used to engage, educate, guide, and inspire today’s youth. Our youth deserve to be awarded equitable opportunities to become productive contributing members of society. Together, she believes we can engage multicultural youth in making informed decisions about their lives and future successes!

some highlights include:

• The value of preparation and planning for school counselors, including color-coding, laminating, and gathering student input.
• Strategies for counselors when asked to lead a group or lesson at the last minute, such as asking key questions of administrators and involving students.
• The importance of explaining Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs to parents and educators to avoid misconceptions and gain support.
• The significance of self-care and work-life balance for school counselors to avoid burnout and show up fully for students.
• Insights into the varying school start dates and work habits across the country, with tips on how to stay productive during commutes and travel.

Don't miss out on this one, tune in and let me know what you think!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Leslie:

• Advisory and SEL Programs And Activities Facebook Group
• Informed Decisions Instagram
• Informed Decisions TpT
• Advisory and SEL Survey

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode of the School Counseling Simplified podcast I interview Brandon Gernux, a school counselor who advocates for embracing neurodiversity in schools. Brandon discusses practical strategies for creating inclusive and sensory-friendly environments to support all students, including adjusting lighting and sounds, using visual timers, and collaborating with teachers.

Brandon I. Gernux (he/they) is an Elementary School Counselor in Santa Ana and serves on the CASC Social Justice, Equity, and Anti-Racism Committee, is a leader of the ASCA Elementary School Counselor Affinity Group, and is a recipient of the 2024 Orange County School Counselor of the Year recognition.

Some Highlights:

• Defining Neurodiversity and how it refers to the idea that every brain is unique, and counselors should presume competence in all students.
• Counselors can make their spaces more sensory-friendly by adjusting lighting, sounds, and providing calming tools like headphones.
• Collaborating with teachers to create sensory-friendly classrooms is key, as students spend most of their time in those environments.
• Using visual timers can help students with executive functioning challenges manage transitions between activities.
• Brandon encourages counselors to try new inclusive practices without fear of perfection, and offers to connect on Instagram (@BigSchoolCounselor) for further support.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Brandon:

• Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I chat with Ashley Lutz. who shares strategies and advice for school counselors on working with special education students and collaborating with special education teachers.

Ashley has been working in Special Education for 12 years. She was a middle school self-contained teacher for 7 years working with students with intellectual disabilities and did 4 years as a special education inclusion teacher in an elementary setting. In 2022, she switched roles to be an Early Childhood Special Education teacher (ECSE). Outside of the classroom, Ashley is married with 3 kids; an 8 year old and 6 year old twins. When she is not running after her littles, she enjoys workouts, putting her toes in the sand, reading, and drinking lots of coffee!

Some Highlights include:

• Strategies for counselors to support special education students, such as building rapport with families, providing sensory input, and using fidget toys or puzzles to help students open up.
• Co-teaching models for counselors to work with special education teachers, including team teaching and station rotations.
• The importance of validating emotions and supporting teachers' mental health, with suggestions for counselors to offer a safe space for teachers to vent and regulate their emotions.
• The value of early intervention and open communication between educators and parents to address mental health concerns in students.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In Today's episode I chat with Bradford Goodridge,an elementary school counselor in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

He discusses his approach to comprehensive school counseling lessons, including his "paws" program that aligns with his school's lion mascot. He shares tips for creating lessons from scratch, integrating school values, and supporting students through self-referral groups.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Bradford's background in education and his transition to becoming an elementary school counselor.
• The "paws" program he developed to provide structured, instructional lessons for students to share their thoughts and feelings.
• His process for creating school counseling lessons from scratch, incorporating mandated topics and aligning with his school's core values.
• How he pitches and manages self-referral student groups, using kid-friendly terminology to engage students.
• The importance of being a visible, supportive resource for both students and parents, and the challenges he faced in a previous disciplinarian role.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Bradford:

• Instagram

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, Jocelyn Hubbard shares strategies for creating equitable learning spaces for students. Jocelyn discusses the importance of defining equity, getting to know students beyond surface-level information, and co-creating learning experiences with students.

Jocelynn Hubbard helps teachers spark joy during the learning experience by creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for ALL their students. She is the founder and managing director of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC and host of The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast.

She has 16+ years of experience in education as an educator, speaker, professional development creator and facilitator. Driven by a passion to see the diverse people of our world feel welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated, she provides training on becoming and remaining culturally competent. As a wife and mother of five, her goals include squeezing in time for exercise, finding moments of joy each day, and parenting each of her children as unique individuals. Some Highlights covered:

• How to Define equity for your counseling space and share it with stakeholders
• Going beyond surface-level information to understand students' goals, characteristics, and future aspirations
• Using the "Student Data Dive" form to gather insights on students' preferences, behaviors, and communication styles
• Leveraging the arts (music, art, etc.) to connect with younger students or those with diverse learning needs
• Embracing your power and agency as a counselor to inspire parents and educators to support students' social-emotional needs

Tune into the whole episode and let us know what you think!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Jocelynn:

• Instagram
• Website
• Grab The Checklist

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode I welcome Lindsay Jannaman, Director of SEL Content at Quaver Ed, discussing strategies for embedding social-emotional learning school-wide with the support of teachers, parents, and administrators.

Lindsey has 12 years of experience as a school counselor and teaching vocal/general music at the elementary and middle school levels. Lindsey has been with QuaverEd for 6 years and has been foundational in the development and writing of QuaverReady’s elementary school program.

Lindsey holds a B.M. in Vocal/General Music Education, M.Ed. in Professional School Counseling, and her Ed.S. in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health in Schools and Multicultural Education. Lindsey has focused her work as a school counselor on equipping students with appropriate coping skills and strategies to navigate varied emotions, teaching and modeling appropriate social skills, and preparing students to become kind and contributing citizens of their homes, schools, and communities.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Lindsay's transition from music teacher to school counselor to her current role developing SEL curriculum
• Ideas for embedding SEL into daily interactions like passing out papers or group time
• The importance of modeling inclusive behaviors and emotional intelligence
• Strategies for "outsourcing" SEL lessons to teachers and reinforcing concepts at home
• Creating buy-in for comprehensive SEL implementation through newsletters, calendars, and community involvement

Listen in and tell me what you think!

Resources mentioned:

• Try QuaverEd
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I chat with Patti Sutherland and discuss the benefits of incorporating play therapy in school counseling programs, emphasizing its accessibility and effectiveness in addressing trauma and loss in children.

Patti has a Masters in Social Work and has been a social worker for over 30 years. She has worked with children in women's shelter's, family violence programs, schools and spent 12 years in private practice.

She is a Certified Play therapist with The Canadian Association of Play Therapy. She enjoys providing training for educators in the area of developmental trauma in the classroom and is currently a school social worker in the Winnipeg School Division in Winnipeg, Canada.

About a year ago Patti decided she would try her hand at creating resources for school counselors and opened a TPT shop. A major learning curve, but an exciting new adventure. Some highlights from this episode are:

• How to incorporate play therapy into individual, small group, and whole-class sessions.
• Using Collage-making and cooperative games for easy play therapy implementation.
• How to use genogram miniatures to help students make unconscious conclusions about their families
• a Sneak Peak at Patti's session at the IMPACT Summer Summit

Listen in for the whole inside scoop!

Resources mentioned:

• IMPACT Summer Summit
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Patti:

• TpT Store

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode I am chatting with Executive Function and ADHD coach Sarah Lovell about practical strategies school counselors can use to improve their own executive functioning skills and help students.

Sarah Lovell (she/her) is an executive function & ADHD coach for ambitious professionals, college students, creatives, and perfectionists. With a background as a Master’s level social worker, Sarah believes self-care & self-talk are the foundation of everything we do (including executive functioning!).

She’s spent 10 years helping clients overcome procrastination, burnout, time blindness, and overwhelm. She loves helping clients notice their self-talk, shift their mindset, and build a toolbox of realistic strategies through 1:1 coaching and her membership, The Stuck to Started Society.

When Sarah isn't working, she's taking her rescue pitbull Georgia on a trail hike, paddle boarding, or snuggling up with a good book. Some highlights from this episode are:

• The importance of addressing negative self-talk around executive functioning challenges.
• Using an organized external system to manage tasks and thoughts to avoid mental overload.
• Distinguishing between procrastination and being "stuck" when facing tasks.
• Separating planning from taking action to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Time management strategies that will be covered in Sarah's Summer Summit session, including intuitive scheduling and prioritizing questions.

Tune in and let me know what you think!

Resources mentioned:

• IMPACT Summer Summit
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram
• Website More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In Today's episode I am welcoming back Joyce Harduvel, (who will also be at this year's IMPACT Summer Summit), to give her insight on supporting students in Crisis.

Joyce is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school social work specialist. After seven years in the field of school social work working with students from preschool to high school, she is pivoting to provide school-based clinicians with the resources, community, and training that they need to support their students. Recognizing that most of what she used on a daily basis as a school social worker she had to learn through experience and create herself, Joyce is committed to sharing her expertise to make the lives of school-based clinicians easier so that they can focus on the important part: the students!

Listen In for some of these highlights!:

• The importance of acknowledging how schools can contribute to student trauma through both major incidents and more subtle interactions.
• Recommendations for establishing crisis response protocols and teams to avoid one counselor being overwhelmed.
• Examples of concrete tools like flowcharts counselors can use to map out contingency plans for different crisis situations.
• A Preview of Joyce's IMPACT Summer Summit session covering her "secret sauce" for comprehensive crisis response strategies.
• Joyce's venture back into school and her plans to focus on special education law to better advocate for students' rights.

It's truly a do not miss! Listen in now!

Resources mentioned:

• IMPACT Summer Summit
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Joyce:

• http://www.joyce-lcsw.com/

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode, I'm covering all things counselor interviews. Remember when you were interviewing for counseling physicians or maybe you're interviewing right now? I know that it was an emotional roller coaster preparing, interviewing and dealing with rejection. It took me quite a few interviews before landing my dream job. That's why I love to talk about this! AND I decided to tag in some help! Thank you to everyone who submitted their advice!

Listen in to hear us eloborate on these pieces of advice:

• Research the school - Look up demographics, mission, goals and relate how you can contribute.
• Don't sell yourself short - Be confident in your skills and experiences.
• Embrace your individuality - Admin want to see your genuine personality and fit with school culture.
• Prioritize students - Give examples of how you make students a top priority.
• Thank you notes - Writing thank you notes that stand out and are appreciated by interviewers.

Seriously, this is a DO NOT MISS!

Resources mentioned:

• Coffee with the Counselor
• Stress Free School Counselor Bootcamp
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I am sharing all my strategies to help school counselors to tie up loose ends at the end of the school year and support students' mental health over the summer months. Some Highlights:

• Implementing Termination strategies for school counseling groups
• Creating an End-of-year report and data wall for advocating counselor role
• Getting summer support plans in place with community resources
• How to make Summer SEL toolkits for parents to support students
• Some fun ideas for summer SEL toolkit with activities for families

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee
• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In Today's episode I chat with Lauren Tingle. We are diving into all things school counselor interviews. The do's don'ts, interview preparation and our experiences, we will be sharing advice and tips for common scenarios we have seen!

Lauren is a former high school counselor turned content creator and curriculum writer. She is the high school counseling hype girl behind Counselor Clique helping other high school counselors energize and breathe life into their programs through creative and engaging counseling resources. She’s also the host of the podcast “High School Counseling Conversations” and also runs a membership for high school counselors called the Clique Collaborative where she brings value and fun into high school counseling.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Creating summer SEL toolkits for busy school counselors.
• Returning to work after maternity leave in the school counseling field.
• How to approach job interviews and bring enthusiasm to a new role.
• Job interviews, storytelling, and overcoming insecurities.
• Selling one's unique experiences and skills as a school counselor candidate.

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp
• Create a Summer SEL Toolkit - Thrive Instead of Survive at the End of the Year
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

Connect with Lauren:

• Website
• TpT Store
• Instagram
• High School Counseling Conversations-

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode I chat with Malisa Hepner, an elementary school counselor and published children's book author. She discusses her background and strategies for building relationships with students and staff. She also shares tips for wrapping up the school year. Here are some things we covered:

• How Malisa supports students and staff through intentional relationship-building and acts of kindness to boost morale.
• Malisa emphasizes the importance of proactive tier 1 instruction and teaching common SEL skills to teachers.
• Advocating for her role while maintaining boundaries and providing summer crisis resources for students.
• New counselor advice to build relationships and focus on serving students effectively.
• Malisa's self-published children's books related to her counseling lessons on topics like bullying prevention. Listen in to hear it all!

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp
• Create a Summer SEL Toolkit - Thrive Instead of Survive at the End of the Year
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode we discuss anxiety strategies for school counselors with expert Courtney Bennett.

Courtney is a passionate school counselor and mom of three. She loves to learn, so you will most often find her with a book in hand. She has spent the last several years studying about anxiety, trauma, and executive functioning and enjoys the challenge of putting this expertise to the test with real kids.. Courtney shares personal experience with anxiety and strategies for managing it with students. Strategies include externalizing worries, naming emotions, and reframing mindsets about stress. Listen in for more highlights including:

• Externalizing techniques to help students distance from overwhelming feelings
• Educating the whole school community using consistent language and care plans
• Teaching positive mindset interventions about stress responses
• Considering bottom-up or top-down anxiety interventions for each student
• Learning clinical approaches to anxiety from experts like Lynn Lyons Resources mentioned:
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Connect with Rachel:
• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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On today's episode, we explored a variety of strategies for managing student anxiety with special guest Casey O’Brien Martin. Casey shared her wealth of experience working as both an art therapist and school counselor.

Casey O’Brien Martin is a Mom of two boys and a mini schnuazer named Hurley. She is the author of the book Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques. She works as a school adjustment counselor in Massachusetts and runs Whole Child Counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, a registered nurse, and a registered expressive arts therapist.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Origami box activity helps MS students express themselves
• Teaching all students coping skills through universal prevention strategies
• Addressing anxiety and avoidance behaviors in students
• Casey's Book "Skills for Big Feelings" offers 12-week curriculum for coping techniques
• Somatic techniques like "shake, wiggle, shake" to help kids manage anxiety

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT_6Lvkhxvo
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In this episode of School Counseling Simplified, your host, Rachel, shares powerful mindfulness strategies for managing student anxiety and executive functioning. Here are some highlights:

• Mindfulness activates the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex, areas of the brain linked to attention, executive functions, and learning.
• A study found students who practiced mindfulness improved their executive functioning skills like behavioral regulation.
• Rachel demonstrated mindful breathing exercises like dragon breath and flower breath for elementary students.
• Guided meditations can help students become aware of sounds in mindfulness session two.
• Increasing sensory awareness through 5-4-3-2-1 grounding

Listen In to hear more!

Resources mentioned:

• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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In today's episode, I chat with Laura Filtness about anxiety strategies. Laura talks through the importance of setting professional boundaries and using therapy dogs in counseling programs. We discuss practical applications for managing anxiety in students and school counselors, including mindful moments, expanding the window of tolerance, and using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Laura also shares her passion for using picture books in counseling and her involvement in mentoring new counselors.

Laura is a school counselor with more than 15 years of experience. In 2017, she was honored with the title of Elementary Tennessee School Counselor of the Year. Her passion is to foster empathy among children through the use of picture books. Her therapy dog, Boss, has inspired her to continue his legacy and promote empathy through picture books.

Some Highlights:

• Monthly counselor community circles and calls for sharing wins, troubleshooting tough cases, and discussing counselor experiences.
• Laura's expertise in using picture books in counseling programs, including her upcoming presentation at ASCO on the topic.
• Strategies for managing anxiety, including setting professional boundaries, using therapy dogs, and practicing mindfulness.
• Practical applications for supporting students with anxiety, such as identifying physical signs of stress, expanding the window of tolerance, and using CBT techniques.
• Laura's passion for mentoring new counselors and helping them navigate challenges such as paperwork, time management, organization, and setting boundaries.

Resources mentioned:

• Ep 147 with Laura https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/picture-books-to-enhance-counseling-sessions
• https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Anxiety remains our focus this week as we have gotten such an overwhleming response and need to continue to cover this topic. Today, Jessica, from Counseling Adventures, joins the conversation to share valuable insights and practical strategies for addressing anxiety among students. Drawing from her 10 years of experience, Jessica offers tips for parents, teachers, and fellow counselors, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing different types of anxiety in the school setting. Gain a deeper understanding of common anxiety triggers among middle schoolers and learn effective techniques, including cognitive-behavioral approaches and relaxation exercises, to support students in coping with their emotions.

Tune in to discover actionable steps for creating a supportive environment for students dealing with anxiety.

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Strategies for teaching anxiety to students
• Understanding how anxiety shows up for individual students
• Practical techniques for addressing anxiety in middle school students
• Preventive measures for anxiety, including emotional identification and coping skills
• Advice for new school counselors, emphasizing self-care and experimentation with new approaches

Resources mentioned:

• Check out Jessica https://counselingadventures.com/
• Middle school resources https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Counselingadventures
• Save your spot for this month's Coffee with the Counselor: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

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Separation anxiety has always impacted kids but it seems to be much more prevalent in the past few years since the pandemic. We see it in students crying as they are exiting their cars in the morning, refusing to come to school, and feeling sick in the nurse’s office. We all want to help these students cope with this anxiety as best as possible so Ashley Bartley is joining us to share practical tips and strategies to help our students who struggle with separation anxiety.

Ashley Bartley, M.Ed., NCC, is a school counselor, author, and curriculum writer. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from the College of William & Mary. She has five social emotional learning children's books published with Boys Town Press and is the creator of Counselor Station, where she develops curriculum and resources for busy school counselors. Ashley lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband and three young boys. She enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling.

Ashley has so much knowledge when it comes to helping students with separation anxiety. In this episode, Ashley shares signs that a student is experiencing separation anxiety, some strategies she has found helpful when working with students, and her favorite preventative strategies for separation anxiety.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/support-anxious-students-1

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for this month's Coffee with the Counselor: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Episode 80: Anxiety Counseling Crash Course: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-crash-course

Episode 81: Anxiety Strategies for Class Counseling Lessons: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-strategies

Episode 82: Anxiety Strategies for Small Group Counseling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/small-group-counseling

Episode 83: Anxiety Strategies for Individual Counseling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/strategies-for-individual-counseling

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Anxiety does not just impact older students and adults. There are many elementary students who struggle with anxiety as well! As a school counselor, it can be challenging to determine the root of that anxiety and figure out what strategies may be beneficial for your student. I know we all want to support our students as best as possible so I am so excited to have Sophia from School Psych Finds on to share some knowledge and insights about helping our students with anxiety!

Sophia is trained as a school psychologist and has worked with families & children of all ages. She received her B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and her M.A. & Ed.S. degrees in Educational & School Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. She runs the social media accounts & podcasts: School Psych Mom & School Psych Finds. She recently became a new mom to a baby boy and cares for him full time. She enjoys sharing information and creating resources targeted towards mental health, parenting, and school psychology.

Sophia has such a wealth of knowledge about anxiety in students! In this episode, she is sharing anxiety strategies she loves to use with kids, the steps to take when working with students with anxiety, insight into CBT and selective mutism, and preventative strategies for anxiety.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-deep-dive

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for this month's Coffee with the Counselor: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Check out TherapistAid.com: http://TherapistAid.com

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I think all of us can agree that kids are more anxious now than ever. And as school counselors, trying to find effective tools and strategies to figure out why our students are so anxious and help our students calm down can be challenging. So how can we help these students?

I completely understand how difficult it can be to come up with strategies when you have a student in your office whose anxiety is high. Having practical, easy to implement strategies handy for when your student needs them is helpful to both you and your students. If you’ve found yourself struggling to come up with a calming strategy on the spot, this episode is for you! I am sharing 3 of my favorite grounding strategies (plus a bonus strategy!) you can use with your students right away! I’m also sharing one of my favorite preventative strategies you can use with your students before they are in the midst of high anxiety.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/strategies-to-help-anxious-students

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for the FREE live training, Help Studnets Break the Stress Cycle: The Anxiety Management Tool You Didn't Learn in Grad School!: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Grab your Anxiety Poster FREEBIE: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/anxiety-poster

Anxiety & Worry Individual Counseling Curriculum | Coping Skills and Strategies: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/anxiety-and-worry-activities-games-and-lesson-plan-for-individual-counseling

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Students of all ages can suffer from anxiety or feel anxious about certain situations. Teaching them effective coping strategies for managing their anxiety is so empowering for them and can help them feel more calm in stressful situations. I always love to hear tips and strategies from other school counselors and I am so excited to have Mallory Zolinas join me to share some coping strategies for anxiety that she teaches her students.

Mallory is a 5th year Elementary School Counselor working with students in grades Pre-k through 4. She has been an IMPACT member for almost 2 years and loves having ready to use school counseling resources available any time I need them for individual sessions, group sessions, or class lessons.

In this episode, Mallory is sharing what she finds frustrating and what she loves about her job, what a day in her role looks like, and her favorite coping strategies for anxiety. Mallory has some incredible, easy to implement strategies she has found success with for her Pre-K through 4th grade students and I know you will walk away with new ideas to help make an even bigger impact on your students!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-strategies-2

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the next Coffee with the Counselor: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Grab the Brain Dump FREEBIE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Brain-Dump-Worksheets-5340086

Check out the Breathing Stick Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mindfulness-Freebie-Mindful-Breathing-3840837

Mini Paper Shredder: https://a.co/d/6gvgzvl

Worry Shredder Label: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Worry-Shredder-Mini-Paper-Shredder-Labels-9835703

Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm Book: https://a.co/d/aSQeacz

Follow Mallory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolcounselormsz

Get the Hot Cocoa Breathing Handout: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Hot-Chocolate-Deep-Breathing-Prompt-anxiety-and-calm-down-tool-5079451

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We are wrapping up our series on school counselor competencies with my favorite topics: assessing and data! Showcasing assessments and data is such an incredible way to advocate for your role and show your program’s progress to stakeholders. In addition to it being an amazing way to advocate for your role, assessing and reporting program results is an ASCA school counselor competency!

Sharing your program’s progress and impact doesn’t need to be incredibly complicated and now is a great time to start thinking about how you want to share your data with stakeholders. Two of my favorite ways to showcase the benefits of school counseling is by creating an end of the year report and displaying a data wall. Both are amazing ways to share important data with parents, teachers, admin, and others! In this episode, I am sharing how I like to use both these options as ways to present the impact school counselors make.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/assessing-counseling-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for February's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

ASCA Professional Competencies: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf

How to Create a School Counseling End of the Year Report: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/how-to-create-a-school-counseling-end-of-the-year-report

Get the School Counseling EDITABLE End of the Year Report: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/school-counseling-editable-end-of-the-year-report

Check out the School Counseling Data Wall: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/school-counseling-data-wall-counseling-bulletin-board

Episode 184: Planning Counseling Lessons...Simplified!: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/planning-counseling-lessons

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Have you looked at the ASCA school counselor competencies and been totally overwhelmed? This whole month, I am focusing on simplifying these standards and making them easy to understand and easy to implement. We’ve previously covered direct and indirect student services and now it’s time for one of my absolute favorite topics, planning. If you’re a planner like me, you are going to love this, too!

Planning doesn’t need to be complicated! There is a lot of jargon in the ASCA school counselor competencies but planning really comes down to three simple steps. In this episode, I am breaking down the three steps of planning: identifying the gap, developing goals, and implementing action steps. I am also giving practical examples of what this may look like so you can better understand each step and implement them without confusion!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/planning-counseling-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for February's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

ASCA Professional Competencies: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf

ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

Episode 183: Direct Student Services 101: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/direct-student-services

Episode 182: Indirect Student Services 101: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/indirect-student-services

Episode 161: How to Plan Data Driven Small Groups: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-driven-small-groups

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Direct student services may not sound super interesting but this is the good stuff! It’s the things we all enjoy doing and the reasons we became school counselors. Direct student services are when we are working with students in one on one settings, small groups, and class lessons. We all know that providing these services are the key parts of our role but how can we be sure we are delivering the best services possible to your students?

The ASCA professional competencies can be a bit challenging to read, understand, and implement, and as busy school counselors, it can be hard to find time to sort through them and figure out how they would look in an actual school counseling setting. That is why I dove into them, split them down into direct and indirect services, and broke down each behavior listed so you can get the info you need without the added stress. So in this episode, I am sharing the importance of each behavior and giving you some ideas and tangible things you can do to make sure that you're providing the best services possible.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/direct-student-services

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for February's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

ASCA Professional Competencies: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf

Grab the Social Emotional Learning Boom Cards Super Bundle: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/social-emotional-learning-boom-cards-super-bundle

Episode 182: Indirect Student Services 101: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/indirect-student-services

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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What are indirect student services? We all know there is so much that goes into school counseling besides just the class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes. These indirect student services are so important to making the biggest impact possible on all of our students.

If you’re looking through the ASCA website, it may seem wordy, formal, and confusing making it challenging to determine what you should consider direct or indirect student services. So I went through and broke down the standards and competencies into easier to understand language, giving you the info you need without all the confusion! In this episode, I am sharing the ASCA standards and competencies that are considered indirect student services and explaining what each one means so you can better understand how to log the time you are spending doing these tasks.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/indirect-student-services

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for January's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

ASCA Student Standards: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

ASCA Professional Competencies: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf

Episode 161: How to Plan Data Driven Small Groups: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-driven-small-groups

Episode 142: Data Deep Dive: Measuring Services Provided: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/measuring-services-provided?rq=data

Episode 47: How You Can Use Your Small Group Data to Form Your Groups and Determine Their Effectiveness: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode47?rq=data

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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If you’re like me, you’re always looking for new ways to increase your productivity. As busy school counselors, we need to save every minute we can by finding more efficient ways to do things that work for our personalities and busy schedules. As we wrap up our productivity series, I want to share some of my favorite ways to more efficiently document services provided and ideas for how to make your to do list a little more effective.

You know I love sharing tips, tricks, and tools I have found that make your job as a school counselor a little easier. So in today’s episode, I am sharing 3 efficient options for documenting services provided so you can find the best fit for you. Plus, I am sharing my favorite tools for digitizing my to do list to make it a little more manageable!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/document-services

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for January's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Check out my Counseling Log Template: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/school-counseling-data-collection-spreadsheets-caseload-and-counseling-log

4 Systems for Implementing an Intentional Counseling Program: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/4-systems-for-implementing-an-intentional-counseling-program?rq=log%20

School Counselor Questions: How Do I Collect Data During the School Year: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/school-counselor-questions-how-do-i-collect-data-during-the-school-year?rq=counseling%20log

5 Strategies for Stress Free Data Collection: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-data-collection?rq=counseling%20log

Trello: https://trello.com/

To Do List: https://todoist.com/

Due App: https://www.dueapp.com/

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We are all about productivity this month because I love helping school counselors make the most of their time to make the biggest impact they can! We talked last week about using a time audit to figure out where you are spending your time and how to cut out things that you don’t need to be doing, but how else can you make the most of your time? Batching!

We have so many things to accomplish each day and it’s amazing how much time we spend switching between these tasks. That’s why I highly recommend batching where you can! In this episode, I am sharing how I love to batch my communication so that emails, phone calls, and meetings aren’t taking up all your free time.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/productivity-with-batching

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for January's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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It’s January, the start of a new year and what better way to kick off your year than with a time audit! You know I love time audits because they are so incredibly helpful for making the most of your time and helping you make the biggest impact you can. I know, you might be thinking that adding another thing to your to-do list just isn’t possible. But believe me, you can regain so much time just by doing a quick time audit of what you’re doing each day!

As school counselors, we have so much on our plate so finding ways to maximize our time and eliminate things where we can is key to fitting it all in. I have found the best way to truly see where my time goes is by completing a time audit and today, I am breaking down how you can easily do a time audit of your school day to ensure you are making the most of your time!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-perform-a-time-audit

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Resources Mentioned:

Save your spot for January's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee

Toggl: https://toggl.com/

Rescue Time: https://www.rescuetime.com/

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I absolutely love hearing from other school counselors and getting an inside look at what their role looks like. Every counselor’s position is unique based on so many different factors - their background, their caseload size, if there are other counselors on their team, etc. That’s why I am so excited to chat with our guest today! Sheyenne Hernandez has a social work background, has a caseload of about 400 students, and has some great ideas for how to build relationships with her students!

All American small town farm princess. Sheyenne is a momma, wife, auntie, social worker and school counselor. She has dreamt of becoming an "art therapist" who worked with kids since she was ten. Fast forward to today, at 36, she has completed her masters in Social Work in 2022 and landed her current dream job of working in the same elementary as her kiddos. She loves the students at her school! The elementary kids are her favorite! She has enjoyed learning how to be a good school counselor and has been so grateful for all of the help from IMPACT. She dreams to continue her counseling career in play therapy/ecotherapy and working with youth and families in need.

In this episode, Sheyenne is sharing how she builds rapport with her students, tips for connecting parents with community resources, why each day for her looks different, and what advice she would give to new school counselors.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselor-sheyenne-hernandez

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Resources Mentioned:

Stree Free School Counseling Bootcamp: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp

Email Sheyenne: shernandez@bcclc.com

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Happy New Year! We made it to 2024 and I am so excited to kick off a new year with you and see what 2024 holds for us! I always love to kick off the year with some new goals, selecting a word of the year, and a fresh start and I thought it would be perfect to share that with you!

I think we all like to go into a new year with a fresh perspective and ideas of things we’d like to accomplish, I know I do at least! So to kick off the year, I thought it would be fun to share some goals I have for you in your counseling programs and what my word of the year is with you.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/new-counseling-goals

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Resources Mentioned:

How I Became a School Counselor in Costa Rica: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/costa-rica-counselor

Laura Tremaine's Top 10 Things to Tell Your Podcast: https://www.10thingstotellyou.com/podcast

The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs by Laura Tremaine: https://amzn.to/40FbWLq

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: https://amzn.to/46d8hG5

Episode 95: How to Incorporate Journaling Into Your School Counseling Sessions with Literacy Specialist Megan Polk: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/journaling-into-counseling-sessions

Grab the School Counseling Self-Assessments Super Bundle with Digital Data Tracking Forms: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/school-counseling-self-assessments-super-bundle-with-digital-data-tracking-forms?_pos=3&_fid=1009c56fc&_ss=c

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I hope you are enjoying your much needed and well deserved break! We are wrapping up 2023 with a look back at some of the best episodes from School Counseling Simplified this year to help you easily find what you may want to go back and listen to. This year has been so fun and I am so grateful for each and every one of you for tuning in and sharing the podcast!

As I looked back on what we covered this year, there were four main topics we spent several episodes covering and I thought those would be great ones to revisit. I’m sharing which episodes to check out if you are looking for a refresh on data tracking, scheduling hacks, class lessons, or supporting teachers.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/best-of-school-counseling-simplified

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Resources Mentioned:

For all episodes mentioned on supporting teachers, data tracking, scheduling hacks, and a day in my life as a school counselor and IMPACT membership, visit the show notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/best-of-school-counseling-simplified

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you currently using a calendar to keep track of what students you are seeing, what you are seeing them for, and what tasks you are spending your time on? Let me tell you, if you are not, hearing from our guest, Lauren Tingle, is going to make you realize how helpful collecting data using a calendar truly is!

Lauren is a former high school counselor turned content creator and curriculum writer. She is the high school counseling hype girl behind Counselor Clique helping other high school counselors energize and breathe life into their programs through creative and engaging counseling resources. She’s also the host of the podcast “High School Counseling Conversations” and also runs a membership for high school counselors called the Clique Collaborative where she brings value and fun into high school counseling.

In this episode, Lauren is walking through how she shifted her team’s services from responsive to proactive by looking at data they collected from their calendars. She shares how they utilized a simple check in system, what to do when you feel like you’re losing control of your calendar, and how you can use data to advocate for your role to your administrators.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/collecting-calendar-data

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Resources Mentioned:

Episode 86, Mock Interview Questions with Lauren Tingle from Counselor Clique: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/mock-interview-questions

High School Counseling Conversations Episode 71, An Administrator's Perception of School Counselors and the Role They Play: https://counselorclique.com/mr-eric-williams/

High School Counseling Conversations Episode 44, Owning Your Time Management By Using Your Calendar: https://counselorclique.com/time-management/

Taking Back Your Calendar: 3 Helpful Tips to Prioritize Your Job and Advocate for Your Role: https://counselorclique.com/3-tips-for-taking-back-your-calendar/

Sign Up for Calendly: https://calendly.com/

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Have you seen some of your kiddos really struggling with stress, worry, or other challenging emotions? Teaching these students some helpful coping skills they can do at school when these emotions come up can be a game changer for them! But how can we as school counselors help them and what types of strategies can we teach them to help them manage their emotions both at school and at home? Janine Halloran is joining us today to share some great tips for helping our students with coping skills!

Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. She has been helping children and teens build their coping skills throughout her career in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics and in her private practice. She founded Coping Skills for Kids to help children and teens learn healthy and safe ways to manage big feelings. She has written several books, including the bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook and the Social Skills for Kids Workbook. She is also the host of the Calm & Connected Podcast and the founder of the Coping Skills Community Hub. Her work has been featured in the Boston Globe, CNN, Huffington Post, and The Skimm® Newsletter. Janine lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.

In this episode, Janine is sharing her favorite school based coping strategies, how she likes to teach social skills, and ways for school counselors to help students use coping skills at home. Janine has so much incredible information to share and I know you will walk away from this episode with new ideas and strategies to help your kiddos with coping strategies!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/learn-coping-skills

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Resources Mentioned:

Check out the Coping Skills for Kids Resource Library: http://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Happy December! Holiday season is in full swing which means it’s a great time to pull some holiday and winter themed activities into your counseling sessions. This is a great opportunity to mix things up a bit, keep students excited to see you, and practice some important skills your students need!

One winter activity idea I absolutely love is a seasonal countdown calendar. With winter break quickly approaching, this is a fun way to keep the students engaged during the last few weeks. If you’re not sure where to start with creating a countdown calendar, don’t worry! In this episode, I am sharing a few different ways you can use a countdown calendar for school counseling, ideas for activities to include on the calendar, and how to adjust the activities to fit your students’ needs.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/seasonal-countdown-calendar

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Resources Mentioned:

Check out the Countdown to Winter Break Activity Pack: https://shop.brightfutures-counseling.com/products/countdown-to-winter-break-winter-themed-counseling-and-sel-activity-pack

Read the Countdown to Winter Break with School Counseling Activities Blog Post: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/countdown-to-winter-break-with-school-counseling-activities

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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As a school counselor, you’ve likely worked with a student who needed a little sensory support. But how can we help to support these students with sensory issues? Today I am joined by therapist and brain science expert Jessica Sinarski, who is giving us some wonderful insight into the eight senses and helping our students who benefit from various types of sensory input.

Jessica Sinarski is a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create the resource and training platform–BraveBrains. She makes trauma-sensitive brain science practical, helping parents and professionals unlock resilience in themselves and their students. She is also the author of the award-winning Riley the Brave series, Light Up the Learning Brain, Hello Anger, and more.

Jessica is a wealth of knowledge about supporting our students' sensory needs! In this episode, she is sharing what the eight senses are, signs that a student may need sensory support, and how to add sensory input into the school day. This episode is packed with incredibly helpful information and tips that I know you’ll be able to use with your students who need a little extra support.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/supporting-student-sensory-needs

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Resources Mentioned:

Episode 107, How School Counselor Can Help Kids Feel and Deal with Anger with Jessica Sinarski: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/help-kids-with-anger

Check out Jessica's website for parents and helping professionals: http://www.JessicaSinarski.com

Visit the Brave Brains website for counselor toolkits and instructions for purchase orders: https://jessicasinarski.com/edu

Read the "Understanding the Brain-->Senses-->Behavior Connection" blog: https://bravebrains.com/blog/senses-schools/

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I am all about showcasing your work and impact as a school counselor! And midyear is the perfect time to do just that. One way I love to show the impact that school counselors make is by including student progress data on a data wall that shows how much students have improved because of counseling services.

Now, this may sound a little intimidating especially as you’re thinking of everything that you need to do midyear, but it can be completely manageable and totally worthwhile! In this episode, I am sharing my two favorite ways to collect student progress data, how to showcase this data on your data wall, and how this data can help you advocate for your role as a school counselor.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/student-progress-using-data-wall

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab the School Counseling Data Wall Template: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Check out the Editable School Counseling End of the Year Report: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-EDITABLE-End-of-the-Year-Report-3144878

Episode 169, How to Showcase Your Counseling Services Using a Data Wall: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/services-using-a-data-wall

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I love having other school counselors join me to share their experiences and insight with you! And I thought it would be fun to share my experiences as a school counselor so you can hear a little more about my background and how I got started. Today, I am giving you a glimpse into my path to becoming a school counselor and what my role looked like in my schools.

No two school counselors have the exact same background, experience, or journey school counseling. From not finding a job after graduation to being the school counselor at an international school in Costa Rica and starting Bright Futures Counseling, I have had a unique and amazing journey to where I am now! In this episode, I am sharing my background and roles I had before becoming a school counselor, what I love about being a school counselor, what my days looked like at my previous school, and my best advice for new school counselors.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/my-life-as-a-school-counselor

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

*

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Can you believe we are getting close to the end of the semester already? As we approach the midpoint of the school year, this is the perfect time to showcase your amazing work! I absolutely love creating a data wall to show parents, admin, and other stakeholders just how much of an impact school counselors have on the students.

Putting a school counseling data wall up in a high traffic area is a great way to ensure that as many eyes as possible see the impact of your work. One of the things I love to put on the data wall is services provided data. In this episode, I’m diving into what services provided data is, how you can easily gather this data, and why a midyear data checkpoint is beneficial.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/services-using-a-data-wall

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab the School Counseling Data Wall Template: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Check out the Editable School Counseling End of the Year Report: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-EDITABLE-End-of-the-Year-Report-3144878

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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When it comes to supporting our kiddos with special needs, there are some things to consider that you may not have thought about. We know these students may need extra support and working collaboratively with the special education teachers can help us understand how to provide this support and ways we can help our students get the most out of our lessons. I am so excited to have Michelle Vazquez joining me to share some insight into how we can work with our special education teachers to best serve our students.

Michelle is a resource specialist & special education teacher that has been working in public schools for almost 14 years in Southern California. She is the host of a top 1.5% ranked podcast called ‘Stepping Into Special Education’. Michelle’s mission is to help special education teachers with strategies & support. In her free time she loves going to Disneyland with her husband & two young boys.

Michelle is sharing some amazing knowledge, insight, and tips on ways we can support our special education students and teachers. In this episode, we are discussing how school counselors can support special education students in whole class, small group, and individual sessions, a simple tool that can help you prepare to best serve your students, and how she likes to communicate with school counselors.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/support-special-education-students

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Sign up for the FREE Not So Scary Social Skills training: http://stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/scary

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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At this point in the school year, you are likely seeing lots of referrals coming in for social skills. But, teaching social skills can be beneficial for all students, not just the ones being referred to you. I actually LOVE teaching social skills preventatively as a class lesson and then as needed in small group and individual lessons.

Now, you may be a little nervous about coming up with ideas for teaching social skills. That’s okay! I have a whole training for you focused completely on teaching social skills across all 3 tiers so you can teach the skills your students need without the stress of doing it on your own! In this episode, I am sharing a glimpse inside one of the videos from the training where I am covering how to use board games and sorting games to teach social skills in your individual sessions in a fun and meaningful way!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Not So Scary Social Skills training: http://stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/scary

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Teaching small groups doesn’t have to be scary! When you have a consistent routine and amazing activities planned, small groups can be super fun to teach. But don’t worry, you don’t need to figure it all out on your own. In today’s episode, I am explaining how you can spice up your group counseling sessions so you can engage your students and make your small group lessons effective and fun!

Small groups can be so much fun for you and the students if you do them correctly. The good news is there is a simple group session outline you can follow to make each session impactful and engaging! I know how challenging it can be to come up with ideas for lessons so I am sharing my favorite ways to teach group lessons, ideas for each part of the session, and tips to make your groups engaging and fun for both you and the students!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/small-group-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Not So Scary Social Skills training: http://stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/scary

Grab the Feelings Check Freebie: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feelings-Check-2827761

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Grab your FREE Vision Guide: https://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/vision

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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October is Bully Prevention Month and unfortunately we all know that bullying is everywhere. Regardless of the socio economic status of the school, population, or even the country of the school, there is likely bullying happening. The good news is that we, as school counselors, can address this issue with our students and help to bring awareness to the harm of bullying and hopefully prevent it from happening.

Now, you don’t always need to teach the same general bullying prevention lesson to every class or every group. There are topics you can narrow in on to make a bigger impact on your students byu addressing the issues they are actually dealing with. In this episode, I am breaking down ways you can teach about cyberbullying, lesson ideas to address relational aggression bullying, and activity ideas for how to put a fun Halloween twist on your school wide bullying prevention lessons.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/bullying-prevention-ideas

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Not So Scary Social Skills training: http://stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/scary

Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

ASCA Awareness Calendar: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/dd5fdee1-e207-4178-ab42-0c8cfaae9f31/awareness-calendar.pdf?sso=

Stop Bullying Website: https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Relational Aggression Activity Pack: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Relational-Aggression-and-Bullying-Counseling-Activities-Girls-Guide-to-Bullying-2921915

Relational Aggression Small Group Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Relational-Aggression-Small-Group-ASCA-CASEL-Aligned-fallcounselingfaves-9052192

Bullying Prevention School Wide Activities: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-School-Wide-Activities-fallcounselingfaves-3411872

Bullying Prevention Halloween Board Game: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Halloween-Board-Game-School-Counseling-Fall-Game-3411845

National Bullying Prevention Center: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/

Bullying Prevention Charades Game: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Game-Salad-Bowl-Charades-School-Counseling-Game-4410301

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Grab your FREE Vision Guide: https://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/vision

School Counseling Referral Form: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Referral-Form-2759148

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

School Counseling Self-Assessments Super Bundle with Digital Data Tracking Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Self-Assessments-Super-Bundle-with-Digital-Data-Tracking-Forms-7615254

Data Collection Behavior Surveys: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Data-Collection-Behavior-Surveys-School-Counseling-Data-Tracking-Forms-5221301

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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It’s spooky season which means it’s the perfect time to bring some Halloween and fall fun into your counseling lessons! Our kiddos absolutely love when we bring in props and tie the seasons into our lessons. Plus, it makes our lessons more memorable and engaging. And the best part is it doesn’t need to be complicated or take lots of time to prepare!

There are super simple and fun ways you can incorporate fall fun into your counseling lessons. Whether you are looking to mix up your class, small group, or even one-on-one lessons, I have some engaging, low prep ways to bring a little fall flair into your counseling lessons. In this episode, I am sharing my favorite ways of incorporating spooky season into my lessons with minimal props and very little prep!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/fall-fun-in-school-counseling

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Not So Scary Social Skills training: http://stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/scary

5 Ways to Use Halloween Candy Buckets in School Counseling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/2018/10/3/5-ways-to-use-halloween-candy-buckets-in-school-counseling

Grab the Self-Regulation and Size of the Problem Fall Games, Activities, and Worksheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Self-Regulation-and-Size-of-the-Problem-Fall-Games-Activities-and-Worksheets-4085458

Episode 63, Create Counseling Games with Halloween Candy Buckets: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/halloween-candy-buckets

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Grab your FREE Vision Guide: https://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/vision

School Counseling Referral Form: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Referral-Form-2759148

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

School Counseling Self-Assessments Super Bundle with Digital Data Tracking Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Self-Assessments-Super-Bundle-with-Digital-Data-Tracking-Forms-7615254

Data Collection Behavior Surveys: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Data-Collection-Behavior-Surveys-School-Counseling-Data-Tracking-Forms-5221301

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We’ve all heard about how important it is for educators to practice self-care, especially in the past few years. But oftentimes when we hear “self-care” we think of it as indulgent or selfish. What we as school counselors really need is true, radical self-care that will help us prevent burnout. Brittany Blackwell is joining me today to share some incredible insight on the importance of practicing radical self-care.

Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. is an award-winning special educator, podcast host of "The Resilient Teacher Podcast", and teacher resilience strategist from South Carolina with over ten years of experience working with elementary and middle school classrooms. Brittany is no stranger to teacher burnout and has a passion for empowering teachers and educational leaders to prioritize their mental health and develop individualized sustainable resilience & recovery plans to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and create the life you’ve been dreaming about!

Brittany's digital approach to self-care and resilience through digital planning, vision planning, and sustainable strategies has reached the homes of thousands of educators across the world. Also known as "MsPrincessTeach" on Tiktok, Brittany's social media following grew through her fast-paced, lighthearted tutorials and humorous real life experiences. Brittany helps teachers create their own Individualized Resilience Plan by providing sustainable strategies, personalized coaching, mindset shifting, and digital resources to reduce stress, automate the mundane tasks of teaching, and prevent overall teacher burnout. Her approach gives support so that educators can maximize fulfillment and effectiveness in their personal and professional lives.

If you’ve experienced burnout or overwhelmed, you are absolutely not alone but there are things you can do to help take care of your wellbeing and mental health. In this episode, Brittany is sharing what the stress cycle is and how to complete it, why we should automate our systems, and the importance of setting boundaries in both your personal and work life. You’ll walk away from this episode feeling validated and encouraged plus have some great tips to help you practice radical self-care!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/radical-self-care

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Grab your FREE Vision Guide: https://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/vision

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Is it really possible to meet with EVERY student in your school? We know it’s important to check in with students to see how they are doing but how could you possibly sit down and talk with every single student? Our guest today, Dr. Heidi MacDonald is a school psychologist who uses “minute meetings” to talk to every student in her school and is sharing how you can implement this in your school as well!

Dr. Heidi MacDonald is in her 25th year of being a school psychologist. She resides in Connecticut but was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She is a proud graduate of Penn State University's School Psychology Program. She is married to a school psychologist and they have one daughter, who is a Junior at Penn State. Heidi loves her job! She enjoys supervising interns from and teaching in the School Psychology Program at the University of Hartford. In her spare time, Heidi loves working out, thrift shopping, crafting, and batching everything that she can in order to make life more efficient. She and her family have 4 cats and 1 guinea pig, Marcel, who goes to school with her.

We want to make sure that no student falls through cracks and that every student is getting the services they need. Getting the student’s perspective and input on how things are going not only gives us valuable data but also gives us insight into how we can best support our students. In this episode, Heidi is sharing about her role as a school psychologist, how she implements minute meetings, and what the benefits of implementing these meetings are.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/minute-meetings

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Check out Heidi's Website: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Sr8SQs4KrLD-Lw1R7_kqImCGEhr_zpF-mEfChr6uHhQ/edit#slide=id.g8a30f011fe_0_0

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I absolutely LOVE using data as a school counselor! But why is having a data driven school counseling program so important? Well, first it allows us to see if what we are doing is actually working and helps us tweak things when needed. Second, it’s an amazing way to advocate for our role as school counselors.

And I know it’s early in the school year and you might be wondering why I’m talking about data already but it’s so important to start using and tracking data right from the start! Plus, there are great ways to use data from the previous year to help your students as soon as possible.

So, this week, I want to focus on how to plan data driven small groups to make the biggest impact on your kiddos! In this episode, I am sharing the 3 types of data we should use in our programs and how we can use data to determine who is in our groups, document the interventions, and measure progress.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-driven-small-groups

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

School Counseling Referral Form: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Referral-Form-2759148

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

School Counseling Self-Assessments Super Bundle with Digital Data Tracking Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Self-Assessments-Super-Bundle-with-Digital-Data-Tracking-Forms-7615254

Data Collection Behavior Surveys: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Data-Collection-Behavior-Surveys-School-Counseling-Data-Tracking-Forms-5221301

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to teaching class lessons? You are not alone! One of the things I hear most often is that school counselors want to feel more prepared and competent when it comes to teaching class lessons. I want to help you to love teaching class lessons so I am sharing how I became obsessed with teaching class lessons!

You may not have any classroom teaching experience before teaching class counseling lessons and that is totally okay! There are some things you can do to make your class lessons amazing, effective, and stress-free! In this episode, I am diving into some of the most common concerns I hear from counselors about class lessons. I am sharing my favorite ways to feel more prepared going into class lessons, how to stop last minute planning, why data is key to recognizing the impact you are making, and how to get teachers on board.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/shift-your-mindset-with-class-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Masterclass: 3 Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/mistakes

Episode 100: How to Teach When You're Not a Teacher!: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teach-when-not-a-teacher

Episode 98: How to Teach Counseling Lessons When You Have a Huge Caseload: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/lessons-with-huge-caseload

Grab Your FREE Class Lesson Cheat Sheet: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/class-lesson-cheat-sheet

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I made a lot of mistakes when I first began as a school counselor. But, everyone makes mistakes and mistakes are amazing learning opportunities. Obviously, if mistakes can be avoided, we’d all prefer to avoid them, right? So to help you avoid the same mistakes I made, I am sharing four mistakes I made when teaching classroom lessons and what I learned from them.

It’s easy to share all the amazing things we do as school counselors but getting vulnerable and sharing our mistakes can be a bit more challenging but, I know how important it is to share what I’ve learned to help make your job as a school counselor stress-free! In this episode, I am sharing what happened when I stretched myself too thin, what I’ve learned about classroom management, and how I stopped scrambling to plan lessons.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/mistakes-with-class-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Masterclass: 3 Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/mistakes

Episode 100: How to Teach When You're Not a Teacher!: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teach-when-not-a-teacher

Episode 98: How to Teach Counseling Lessons When You Have a Huge Caseload: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/lessons-with-huge-caseload

Grab Your FREE Class Lesson Cheat Sheet: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/class-lesson-cheat-sheet

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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How can you easily gather data during class lessons? We know how important it is to collect data during our small group and individual sessions, but it is also important that we gather data from our class lessons as well. The good news is, collecting data from a whole class doesn’t need to be time consuming or complicated!

An easy way to collect data from your class lessons is by using a ticket out the door. Whether you are teaching young students or older students, a ticket out the door helps you gather data to determine if you need to modify your lesson or provide additional resources on the subject you covered. In this episode, I am sharing the pros and cons of using a ticket out the door, examples of this type of data collection, and how you can use the data you collect.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/ticket-out-the-door

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the FREE Masterclass: 3 Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/mistakes

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Teaching class lessons can be nerve wracking and stressful if you aren’t confident in your ability to teach a whole class. But, just because you may not have been a teacher before, doesn’t mean that you need to dread teaching classroom lessons! I am sharing my favorite tips for feeling more confident when teaching class lessons.

When you have a better understanding of how to teach classroom lessons, you become more confident in teaching them. I know I struggled with feeling confident at first and I want to help you thrive in your classroom lessons! I am explaining how to establish classroom management strategies, have developmentally appropriate lessons, and know you have great content so you can feel more confident teaching classroom lessons.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/confident-teaching-classroom-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab your Class Lesson Cheat Sheet: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/class-lesson-cheat-sheet

Episode 94: Classroom Management Mistakes You May Not Know You're Making with Kindergarten Teacher Kristina Harrill: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/classroom-management-mistakes

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Bonus annoucement! I am hosting a free back to school workshop next week and believe me you don't want to miss this!

I'll be sharing how to use a meet the counselor activity to engage students and advocate for your role!

Everyone who attends live gets a FREE meet the counselor lesson!

In this training, you'll learn: 1. The ins and outs of my favorite meet the counselor activity

• Learn how to organize, set up, and deliver a perfect meet the counselor lesson

  2. How to use a meet the counselor lesson to ensure that you impact more students

• By explaining exactly what your role is, and how students can connect utilize your services you will reach more students and have a larger impact

  1. How us a meet the counselor lesson with faculty to advocate for your position * Learn how to edit the meet the counselor activity so it can be better used with faculty and staff

Click here to save your seat!

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Have you struggled to keep students engaged during class lessons? Over the years, I have tried out many games, activities, and strategies to keep students engaged. Through this, I have found a framework for creating class lessons that are engaging and are also rich in content!

Creating engaging class lessons for your students doesn’t need to be difficult. The Lesson Builder Framework is a five step framework that takes the guesswork out of how to create a class lesson that keeps your students engaged and learning during your counseling lessons. In this episode, I am breaking down these five steps and giving you practical examples of how to use these steps in your lessons.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/lesson-builder-framework

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab your Class Lesson Cheat Sheet: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/class-lesson-cheat-sheet

Check out the Discussion Dice Cubes on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OqJGaW

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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How can we possibly meet with every class every month? I get asked this question all the time! Thinking of all the class lessons you need to teach on top of the individual and group lessons can be a bit overwhelming. I totally get it! That is why I am sharing my favorite scheduling tips to help you manage all your lessons this upcoming year.

When it comes to scheduling all your class lessons, individual sessions, and groups, it is so important to do it in an organized way. The good news is that there are simple solutions and strategies you can use to keep your busy schedule organized. In this episode, I am sharing four of my favorite tips and tools for making your scheduling more efficient and effective!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teaching-counseling-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab your Class Lesson Cheat Sheet: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/class-lesson-cheat-sheet

Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I think most of us want to get better at being culturally competent and ensuring that our students feel included, welcome, and safe in our classroom and schools. But it can definitely be a struggle if we aren’t sure how to make this happen. The truth is that we don’t know what we don’t know and when we do know, we do better. I am so excited to have inclusion expert Jocelynn Hubbard joining me today to share how we can get started creating a more inclusive school for our students.

Jocelynn Hubbard helps teachers spark joy during the learning experience by creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for ALL their students. She is the founder and managing director of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC and host of The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast. She has 16+ years of experience in education as an educator, speaker, professional development creator and facilitator. Driven by a passion to see the diverse people of our world feel welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated, she provides training on becoming and remaining culturally competent. As a wife and mother of five, her goals include squeezing in time for exercise, finding moments of joy each day, and parenting each of her children as unique individuals.

Jocelynn received a B.S. in Education from Miami University (OH) and an MA in Education from The University of North Carolina – Pembroke. She also has a graduate certificate in Gifted & Talented instruction from The University of North Carolina – Charlotte.

You are going to learn so many amazing and practical tips from Jocelynn to help make your space and school more welcoming and inclusive for all students! In today’s episode, Jocelynn is sharing what cultural competency actually is, strategies for ensuring your content and lessons are culturally inclusive, what small things counselors can do to make a bigger impact at their school, and the importance of connecting with the community and caregivers.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselors-can-affirm-culture

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Resources Mentioned:

Join IMPACT in July and get the Stress Free Counseling Course FREE: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/july

Grab your FREE Welcoming & Culturally Inclusive Checklist: https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist

5 Strategies for Stress Free Counseling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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One of my absolute favorite tools for scheduling is Google Calendar. There are so many things to keep track of as a busy school counselor and Google Calendar just makes it so easy to keep it simple and organized. Today, I am sharing some of my favorite tech hacks for maximizing your Google Calendar features to simplify your counseling calendar.

There are so many great features and tools within Google Calendar and I am slightly obsessed with how beneficial they are! Whether you are trying to automate lesson reminders, keep your information organized to help with data, or schedule out recurring lessons with ease, I got you covered! I am sharing 4 of my best hacks for helping you get the most out of Google Calendars.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/google-calendar-scheduling-hacks

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Resources Mentioned:

Join IMPACT in July and get the Stress Free Counseling Course FREE: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/july

5 Strategies for Stress Free Counseling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I know I’ve said it before but I absolutely LOVE connecting and hearing from counselors with different backgrounds. I feel like they share such an inspiring and different view on school counseling that we can all learn from! Today I am joined by Leslie Jones whose journey to school counseling included being an adult outpatient therapist, youth pastor, and spanish teacher which has helped her develop incredible relationships with her pre-k through 8th grade students.

This will be Leslie (Sanchez) Jones’ third year as the School Counselor at Annunciation Catholic School. She is a graduate of University of Oregon where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Pepperdine University where she received her Master of Arts in Psychology. She developed a love for working with families and children when she worked for a women’s homeless shelter in Los Angeles for many years. Once she moved to Mississippi, she worked for Community Counseling Services before ending up at our #unicornschool.

We all know how busy school counselors are and it is no different for Leslie! She spends her days being both the school counselor and Spanish teacher at her school but has found a way to manage the workload and meet her students’ needs. In this episode, she is sharing how her background has impacted her work as a school counselor, what her typical day looks like, what she loves about being a school counselor, and how she handles scheduling especially with her older students.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselor-leslie-jones

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Resources Mentioned:

Join MPACT in July and get the Stress Free School Counseling Course FREE: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/july

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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As busy school counselors, our time is incredibly valuable! So how can we ensure that we are making the most of it? We’ve previously discussed the importance of completing a time audit but there is another way that I have found to be incredibly helpful in finding time to get everything in during contract horse.

We set aside time on our calendars for so many things but there are some things you may not be scheduling in that can be super helpful. When we set aside time dedicated to specific tasks, it helps to keep us organized and from getting distracted when we should be doing something else. So today, I am sharing four things that you should be putting on your schedule, why it’s important to schedule them, and how this would look when implemented.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/add-to-your-schedule

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Resources Mentioned:

Stress-Free School Counseling July Summer Special: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/july

Get your ticket for the IMPACT Summer Summit: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/summit

Episode 150: How to Use a Time Audit to Streamline Your Schedule: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/time-audit

5 Strategies for Stress-Free Scheduling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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One thing that counselors always ask me is how are they possibly going to squeeze in all the things they have to do. It can be incredibly overwhelming! But I have found a way that you can look at what needs to be done, streamline your day, and make the impact we know you can make!

Summer is the perfect time to step back and take a look at how you can be most effective next school year. One of my absolute favorite ways to do this is by doing a time audit that helps you identify where your time is spent and how you can use your time in the best ways possible. In this episode, I am sharing how you can use a time audit and a crisis response protocol to ensure that you are using your time in a way that allows you to work with more students and make the biggest impact that you can!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/time-audit

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Resources Mentioned:

Get your ticket for the IMPACT Summer Summit: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/summit

5 Strategies for Stress-Free Scheduling: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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If you’ve ever had a student who struggled with separation anxiety and cried as they got out of the car, you likely wished you had some strategies you could use to help the student. As counselors (and mothers), a lot of us have experience with children who struggle with separation anxiety and could really use some practical tips to help when our kiddos are having a hard time. That is why I am so grateful that Ashley Bartley from Counselor Station is here to share some of her strategies with us!

Ashley Bartley, M.Ed., NCC, is a school counselor, author, and curriculum writer. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from the College of William & Mary. She has five social emotional learning children's books published with Boys Town Press and is the creator of Counselor Station, where she develops curriculum and resources for busy school counselors. Ashley lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband and three young boys. She enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling.

In this episode, Ashley is sharing some signs that a child might be experiencing separation anxiety, strategies she uses to help students, and preventative strategies she has found helpful. Ashley shares so many amazing and easy to implement tips and strategies that I know will help you and your students next school year!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/support-anxious-students

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Resources Mentioned:

Get your ticket for the IMPACT Summer Summit: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/summit

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Trauma affects everybody, not just certain communities. It is so incredibly important that school counselors are able to support our students who have experienced trauma in positive and impactful ways. Knowing how to best support our students who have childhood trauma can be challenging and I am so glad that Joyce Harduvel is joining me today to share some incredible insight on helping these kiddos.

Joyce is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school social work specialist. After seven years in the field of school social work working with students from preschool to high school, she is pivoting to provide school-based clinicians with the resources, community, and training that they need to support their students. Recognizing that most of what she used on a daily basis as a school social worker she had to learn through experience and create herself, Joyce is committed to sharing her expertise to make the lives of school-based clinicians easier so that they can focus on the important part: the students!

In this episode, we are discussing her background as a school social worker in the Chicago Public Schools, an example of how childhood trauma might respond to something and how she would respond to the situation, strategies for handling pushback from teachers and parents, and how trauma impacts a student’s ability to learn.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/trauma-informed-counselor

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Resources Mentioned:

Get your ticket for the IMPACT Summer Summit: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/summit

SPARCS: Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress: A Guide for Trauma-Focused Groups: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/sparcs-structured-psychotherapy-adolescents-responding-chronic-stress-guide-trauma-focused

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Books are an incredibly powerful tool, especially when it comes to counseling. They allow for students to relate to the characters, help them to find solutions to problems, and so much more! Our guest today, Laura Filtness is a self-proclaimed book nerd who has found amazing ways to incorporate books into her counseling to help students be more engaged and excited about her lessons.

Laura Filtness is a School Counselor in Knoxville, TN and was the 2017 TSCA Elementary School Counselor of the Year. She loves to creatively infuse my love of dogs and books into my counseling program. The best way to sum up her obsessions is that she proudly once won a crazy dog mom contest and her office contains over 300 books. Her dog, Boss, was a certified therapy dog.

Laura’s love of books and passion for school counseling has helped her to make a huge impact on so many students! In this episode, she is sharing how she got into books, the benefits of using books in your school counseling program, how she uses books in her program, how to choose which books to pick, and ideas for companion activities. Laura is giving us so much incredible information and you are sure to walk away from this episode feeling so inspired to incorporate more books into your program!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/picture-books-to-enhance-counseling-sessions

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Resources Mentioned:

Get your ticket to the Impact Summer Summit: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/summit

The Bad Seed Series by Jory John: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086D7JNFY?binding=hardcover&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv

Jory John's book that will be released this year: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Cheese-Food-Group/dp/0063329506/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=76URY&content-id=amzn1.sym.ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_p=ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_r=131-1838589-7953851&pd_rd_wg=F5Tk6&pd_rd_r=4c855a08-337d-4d08-9eae-64b5f52fa490&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

"I'm Bored" series by M.I. Black: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2Y7W4X?binding=hardcover&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_bs_series_rwt_thcv&qid=1684878190&sr=1-1

Trudy Ludwig - "Invisible Boy": https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Boy-Trudy-Ludwig-ebook/dp/B00CCPIKTE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y0S4EJ5NHKJO&keywords=trudy+ludwig+invisible+boy&qid=1684878227&s=digital-text&sprefix=trudy+ludgwig+invisible+boy%2Cdigital-text%2C99&sr=1-1

Trudy Ludwig - "Sorry": https://www.amazon.com/Sorry-Trudy-Ludwig/dp/1582461732/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H9W1XQF1QNBR&keywords=trudy+ludwig+sorry&qid=1684878246&s=digital-text&sprefix=trudy+ludwig+sorry%2Cdigital-text%2C107&sr=1-1

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld: https://www.amazon.com/Rabbit-Listened-Cori-Doerrfeld-ebook/dp/B072FMLCCX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JET4LPERIFAX&keywords=rabbit+listened&qid=1684878263&s=digital

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I am all about simplifying your job as a school counselor and helping you to make the best use of your time. We can all benefit from more tips and tricks to maximizing our productivity in the little amount of time we have without students. That is why I am so excited to have efficiency and productivity expert, Khristen Massic joining me today!

Khristen Massic, M.Ed., loves efficiency and productivity as much as you love leaving school at your contracted time. (Okay, so those go hand-in-hand.) She is a teacher mentor, a 10-year high school engineering teacher, a former middle school assistant principal, and mom to 4 littles. Khristen helps multi-prep teachers with time-saving tools and strategies so you don't have to choose between being effective teachers and prioritizing important relationships.

Although Khristen has not been in the school counseling role, her experience as an administrator has helped her recognize how important it is to be super productive in the short breaks we have between students, especially when we could be interrupted at any moment. In this episode, she is sharing her top three productivity tips, what she suggests doing to make the most of small windows of open time, what we can do today to get more organized, and her recommendations for getting systems in place.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/productivity-hacks

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I am super passionate about data and I LOVE a good end of the year report! There is so much data that you can put on your end of the year report to show your stakeholders just how big of an impact you are making. You know the importance of including how many students you served, time spent with students, and how many lessons you taught to the report, but today, I am sharing 5 things to add to your end of the year report to really showcase your impact.

As a school counselor, you are involved in so many things with so many different people! Because of this, you have some amazing data that you can include in your end of the year report. In this episode, I am sharing why you should include data from the meetings and trainings you’ve attended, parent and teacher feedback, attendance data, and referral data to your end of the year report to showcase just how much time and effort you are putting in to make a huge impact on your students!

If you are creating an end of the year report, I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling and show off your report (with confidential information removed, of course!). I’d love to see the work you’re doing and reshare it so others can see as well!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/end-of-the-year-report

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Resources Mentioned:

Episode 90: How This School Counselor Uses and End of the Year Report to Transform Her Program with Katherine Guerrero: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/end-of-year-reports

Episode 92: How to Create an End of the Year Report: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/end-of-year-reports

Grab the End of the Year Report Template: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-EDITABLE-End-of-the-Year-Report-3144878

Sign up for The New School Counselor Bootcamp: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp

Mastering Data Collection to get the Recognition You Deserve: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/mastering-data-collection-to-get-the-recognition-you-deserve

Essential Data Tools for School Counselors: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/essential-data-tools-for-school-counselors

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Our days as school counselors are busy! Regardless of what grades we work with, how many students are on our caseload, or how perfectly planned our schedule is, school counselors have a lot on our plates. My guest today, Laurel Whitehead, is giving us a glimpse into what her days look like as a 6-8 school counselor.

Laurel is making a huge impact on her middle school students! She starts her days by greeting students at the door and is seeing them individually and in small groups as much as her schedule allows. In this episode, Laurel is sharing her journey to her current position, why she loves making connections with her students, the frustration that comes with lack of understanding of the school counselor role, and what her typical day looks like this school year.

Laurel Whitehead lives in Hamilton, NJ and is currently the Middle School Counselor at a Charter School in Southwest Philadelphia. She is in her 2nd year at her school placement but has a background in working with students from K-12 for over 5 years. Laurel has been passionate about School Counseling since High School due to the amazing School Counselor she had and she has always wanted to give back. When she is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her adorable niece and nephew, going on adventures with her boyfriend, and working out on her peloton bike and treadmill!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/life-of-a-school-counselor-laurel

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for The New School Counselor Bootcamp: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp

Mastering Data Collection to get the Recognition You Deserve: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/mastering-data-collection-to-get-the-recognition-you-deserve

Essential Data Tools for School Counselors: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/essential-data-tools-for-school-counselors

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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How can we gather student progress data in an efficient and helpful way? We’ve talked about tracking how many students we see and how many hours we’ve served them, but an equally important piece of data is how students have progressed or not progressed after services. In today’s episode, I am sharing two ways that you can measure and track student progress data.

You know I love, love, love helping you use data to showcase your services and improve your program. A key piece of data to track is student progress. Tracking student progress doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming! In this episode, I am sharing how to use self-assessments and behavior progress monitoring surveys to get a full picture of how students are progressing with school counseling services.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/measuring-services-progress

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Resources Mentioned:

Register for the FREE training on how to use an end of the year report to improve your program and advocate for your role: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Episode 142: Data Deep Dive: Measuring Student Progress: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/measuring-services-provided

Grab the Data Collection Behavior Surveys: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Data-Collection-Behavior-Surveys-School-Counseling-Data-Tracking-Forms-5221301

Get your School Counseling Self-Assessments Super Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Self-Assessments-Super-Bundle-with-Digital-Data-Tracking-Forms-7615254

5 Strategies for Stress Free Data Collection: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-data-collection

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Where has this year gone? The school year is wrapping up shortly which means that it is a great time to dive into your data and use it to advocate for your role. If the thought of collecting and looking at data seems overwhelming to you, don’t fret! In this episode, I am sharing two tools that I recommend using to easily track services provided.

I absolutely love helping you use data to advocate for your role and improve your program so I am dedicating this month to help you dive into the data! We are breaking it down so it doesn’t seem so daunting. Today, we are covering how to track the services you provide in an effective and efficient way. We are looking at what services provided means, how to use a calendar to track your services, and why a counseling hub is helpful in tracking your services provided data.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/measuring-services-provided

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Resources Mentioned:

Register for the FREE training on how to use an end of the year report to improve your program and advocate for your role: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/data

Grab your School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets - Caseload and Counseling Log: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

5 Strategies for Stress Free Data Collection: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-data-collection

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Have you heard of an advisory program before? It’s similar to implementing a school wide SEL program and is so beneficial to our students! Leslie Cuprill of Informed Decisions is joining us today to share all about starting an advisory program in your school. Whether you’ve considered starting an advisory program at your school or you aren’t even sure what an advisory program is, Leslie has some incredible tips for you!

Leslie has a great deal of experience with implementing advisory programs in schools. In this episode, she is sharing what an advisory program is, things you should and should not do when implementing an advisory program, examples of ways to implement a program, and practical tips to get started right away. I know you are going to walk away from this episode with so many ideas for an advisory program at your school!

Leslie Cuprill is a licensed clinical social worker from Brooklyn, New York, who loves supporting educators and students! For two decades she has worked with court and gang-involved, youth LGBT+. teen mothers, special needs populations, and educators. Throughout her career, she taught, counseled, ensured support of academic intervention services, supervised, conducted professional development trainings, designed curriculum, and developed programs.

She started Informed Decisions to provide resources for counselors and teachers working with multicultural urban youth, teens, and young adults. She wants educators to feel confident in facilitating and engaging in interactive activities for their students. The information and resources are culturally, racially, and developmentally appropriate materials used to engage, educate, guide, and inspire our young people. Youth deserve to be afforded equitable opportunities to become productive contributing members of society. Together she believes we can engage multicultural youth in making informed decisions about their lives and future successes!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/sel-advisory-program

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Leslie:

Shop: https://bit.ly/3JK313r

Blog: https://informeddecisionsblog.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed.decisions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2100385153442681

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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I have some EXCITING news! We’ve recently surpassed 300,000 downloads of the School Counseling Simplified podcast! I can’t believe it!

I want to give a big thank you to YOU for listening to this show by doing a giveaway. I’m giving 30 counselors 30% off of my IMPACT school counseling membership for 3 months! The offer will expire after the first 30 people use the code ‘podcast’ at checkout. Head here to get 30% off your first 3 months of IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/offers/9KGqNB22/checkout?coupon_code=PODCAST

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Have you considered providing mini PD to your teachers? You might be thinking that there is no way you are getting in front of your colleagues and teaching something. I completely understand that! But you can still support your teachers by providing easy PD for them about SEL strategies and counseling strategies that they can do in their classrooms.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could help many students use SEL strategies even without you physically being in the room? Teaching teachers strategies to help support their students is a great way to extend yourself a little bit. There are so many practices and strategies that they can easily implement into their classrooms and a little support and help from you can be so helpful with this.

You don’t need to overcomplicate the PD you provide to teachers. Make it simple to teach them and simple for them to implement. Some counseling strategies I suggest teaching your teachers are utilizing a calm down corner, grounding techniques, guided meditation for mindfulness, and deep breathing techniques. All of these strategies will be so beneficial to your students and can be taught to your teachers with short and simple PD.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/counselors-support-teachers-with-mini-pd

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Resources Mentioned:

Grab the Feelings Check Posters Freebie: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feelings-Check-2827761

Get your Grounding Strategies Freebie: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/grounding-freebie

Guided Mindfulness Meditation Scripts: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mindfulness-Meditations-10-Classroom-Guided-Meditations-3089368

Check out the "Be the Pond" Mindfulness Video for Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf5K3pP2IUQ

Follow me on TikTok @BrightFuturesCounseling: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightfuturescounseling

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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School counselors come from all sorts of backgrounds and it is so interesting to hear how their previous roles play into their role as a school counselor! Making the transition to school counseling can be a process that takes time or, like for our guest Stephanie Hubbard, can be fairly quick. Stephanie is joining us today to talk all about how she got her job as a school counselor intern before she even graduated and what impact she is making at the school.

Regardless of how we came into our roles, as school counselors, we all want to serve our students in the best way possible. A key way to do that is to collaborate with other teachers to ensure students are getting the support they need. Stephanie is an amazing example of this! In this episode, she is sharing the importance of collaborating with other staff and teachers. We are also chatting about her background in IT, how she is transitioning into her new role, what she finds frustrating as a school counselor, what her daily schedule looks like, and advice she has for new school counselors.

Stephanie Hubbard is a first year counselor intern. She loves learning new ways she can support her school staff and students. Stephanie comes from a big family so being around children has never been an issue for her! She loves shopping and traveling to new places. Stephanie graduates in May 2023 as a school counselor and is ready to see what the world has to offer her!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counseling-intern

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Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princess_stephanie123/

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Teachers are experiencing burnout at an alarming rate but we as school counselors may be able to help. We know that our students are best served when school counselors, teachers, and parents are collaborating together and that is one of the reasons supporting our teachers is so crucial for student success. In this episode, I am sharing some ways that we as school counselors can support our teachers.

One way that we can support teachers is by providing additional class lessons. This time of year can be especially tough for stress and student behaviors so adding in as-needed class lessons can be so helpful for teachers (and students!). In this episode, I am sharing ideas for how to determine who needs additional class lessons and what topics should be covered. Plus, I am sharing something that my school counselor did when I was in school that was so fun and exciting for students and staff during state testing!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/supplemental-class-lessons

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Resources Mentioned:

Grad your Needs Assessment for School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Needs-Assessment-for-School-Counseling-Digital-Version-2759112

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you needing some motivation and inspiration from another school counselor? We are continuing our birthday celebration with another counselor interview and our guest today is sure to leave you inspired to make big impacts at your school! Carey Hughes is sharing all about her role as an elementary school counselor and giving some helpful tips along the way.

Carey has always wanted to work with elementary students and when she and her husband packed up and moved to a new city during the pandemic, she was able to land an elementary school counseling job that she LOVES and today, she is giving us a glimpse into her role. Carey is sharing her background as a middle school and high school spanish teacher, why the variety of tasks as a school counselor is both a good and bad thing, how challenging it is to see some of the struggles her students’ families face, tips for data collection, and advice she would give to new school counselors.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselor-carey-hughes

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the Ultimate Small Group Experience: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/smallgroups

Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590701787640166

Caught in the Middle School Counselors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176582632507419

The School Counselor Store Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theschoolcounselorstore

The High School Connection Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1737770729838088

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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No school counselor role looks exactly the same and I absolutely love hearing from different school counselors about how they organize their days and the impact that they are making! Plus, We all know that there are parts we love about being a school counselor and parts we find challenging and it is so reassuring to hear that we are not alone. As we continue our “Day in the Life” series , Lorilee is sharing all about what she loves and what challenges her in her role as a school counselor.

I am so excited to have Lorilee join us today as she is a longtime and very active IMPACT member! She is giving us a glimpse into how she manages her role while being in each classroom twice a month as the school counselor for 600 students. Lorilee is sharing about her background and how she got into school counseling, how she enjoys not being in a disciplinarian role, knowing when to refer out, what her daily schedule looks like, and how she uses the IMPACT membership to help in her role.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselor-role

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the Ultimate Small Group Experience : https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/smallgroups

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Every school counselor’s role is unique based on their school, on their district, and so many other factors. Sometimes, a school doesn’t have a counselor and another staff member steps up to support students who need the support of a school counselor. Dr. Natasha Tumbarello is joining us today and sharing how she wears many hats, including the school counselor hat, in her role as a school psychologist at a small elementary school.

School counselors and school psychologists can really compliment each other when supporting students. However, when a school has only one person to fill several different roles, it comes with unique challenges. Today, Natasha is sharing about her background in education, insight into how she survived her busy season of life, what the student support roles looked like in schools she has been in, what she loves and finds challenging about her role, and what her typical day looks like as a school psychologist wearing many hats. Natasha’s energy and passion is sure to leave you feeling inspired!

Natasha Tumbarello, Ph.D. is a School Psychologist at an elementary school in New York. She is also an Adjunct Professor/Lecturer at a private university in New York. Dr. Tumbarello provides assessment, counseling, and interventions to students and families, and professional development and support to the staff in her school. Her favorite part of being a School Psychologist is her daily interactions with students, especially when they share their successes and growth.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/day-in-the-life-of-a-school-psychologist

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the Ultimate Small Group Experience : https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/smallgroups

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Whether you are a new school counselor or have been one for years, it’s always great to hear from other school counselors. To celebrate 2 years of IMPACT, we will be hearing from IMPACT members every week in March. I know hearing from these school counselors will leave you feeling inspired!

Aimee Garcia is joining us today to share what her role as a school counselor looks like. She is sharing all about how she became interested in school counseling, what she loves about being a school counselor, how she collaborates with the school social worker, what struggles and frustrations she faces, and what a day in her role looks like. Aimee also shares what she loves about being an IMPACT member and how it helps her be prepared with resources for any lessons she needs to teach.

Aimee Garcia is a first year school counselor, wife, and mother of two, working at a public charter school in San Antonio, Texas. She has been in education for ten years, spending the majority of that time as a teacher at the middle school she once attended as a teenager. She taught middle school art, gifted and talented, and English classes and was named teacher of the year in 2017. Through her years teaching middle school, she found that one of her favorite parts of the day were the personal interactions she had with students and the conversations that led to both parties leaving feeling a little bit better.

As a life long learner Aimee always looked for ways to challenge herself within teaching roles, becoming an Arts Integrations Specialist, Electives department leader, and Group Travel coordinator. Eventually her path led her back to school, where she earned her Master's Degree in School Counseling. With her career in School Counseling now in full force, she continues to challenge herself as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate working to earn her full LPC license in the next few years.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/day-in-the-life-of-a-school-counselor

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the Ultimate Small Group Experience : https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/smallgroups

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Just how important is it to have healthy meals as a busy school counselor? We hear about eating healthy all the time but making sure our bodies and minds are properly nourished helps us to maximize our productivity and just feel good! If you’re not sure where to start when planning out nourishing lunches, dietician Sandra Gentleman is here to help!

Who doesn’t love a good treat in the teacher’s lounge or grabbing a coffee on the way into school? As delicious and comforting as these things are, it’s important for us to have balanced meals throughout our day to fuel our minds and our bodies.

In this episode, Sandra is sharing her background and expertise, the importance of planning lunches ahead of time, strategies to plan and prep lunches, and some guidance on what a healthy lunch consists of. We are chatting about the advantages of packing your lunches, how healthier foods impact our mental and physical health, and how to ensure you are practicing mindful eating.

After practicing as a Registered Dietitian for 24 years, Sandra is passionate about healthy eating and nutrition. Recently, She’s been taking school groups through grocery Nutrition Tours as a fun and interactive way to help improve awareness of healthy food. "My Wife The Dietitian" is a podcast that Sandra hosts with her husband, Rob to help cover diet and nutrition topics. Check out her blog and their social media, including YouTube with the podcast.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/healthy-meal-planning-tips

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Resources Mentioned:

My Wife the Dietician Podcast - Ep. 34. Back to School Food Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etkPsQ9Ij8w

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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All students are bound to have conflicts at some point or another. It is so important that our kiddos know how to resolve conflicts in a respectful manner because it’s a skill they will use while in school and carry through life.

Today, I am sharing how we can teach conflict resolution skills across all three tiers so our students are prepared when conflict arises.

Handling conflict can be challenging for children and even adults. Teaching effective conflict resolution skills to all of our students is an excellent way to ensure they know how to respectfully handle conflict whenever it comes about. In this episode, I am sharing ideas for how to teach conflict resolution skills for all three tiers, ideas for how to teach these lessons, and resources I suggest for each tier.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/conflict-resolution

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Resources Mentioned:

"I Statements" Comic Book Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Skills-Group-Social-Fluency-Social-Skills-Counseling-Group-4963094

Conflict Resolution Counseling Group - From Pirates to Peacemakers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-Counseling-Group-From-Pirates-to-Peacekeepers-3389446?utm_source=SCS%2520Podcast&utm_campaign=Pirates%2520to%2520Peacekeepers

Pause it and Resolve it Conflict Resolution Game: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-Game-Pause-it-and-Resolve-it-with-Digital-Version-3338653?utm_source=SCS%2520Podcast&utm_campaign=Pause%2520it%2520and%2520Resolve%2520it

Kelso's Choice: https://kelsoschoice.com/

Kelso - "It's Your Choice Baby" Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrpG8Tk9f8o&t=103s

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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As school counselors, it seems we never have enough time to do all the things we want to do. Meeting with students, putting on programs and activities, being in meetings, and all the other duties that are put on us spread us so thin. I am so grateful that Rhea Parks is joining us today to share about how she is managing everything on her plate as a second year counselor.

If you are feeling worn out and just tired, Rhea’s zest is sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated in the second half of this school year! She is sharing her background and her path to being a school counselor, what she loves about school counseling, what she finds frustrating in her position, a look inside her typical week, her ideas for what she wants to do in the future, and her favorite Valentine’s themed counseling activities.

Rhea Parks began as a teacher at 30 years old teaching 4th and 5th grade reading and writing in a Title 1 school. She began to realize that teaching did not prepare her for the emotional support that her students were needing. She is a huge advocate on building relationships but she quickly knew this wasn't enough. Rhea looked into taking counseling classes at a local university just to arm herself with strategies on how to deal with the ever growing emotional and behavioral needs of her current and future students. While in the program, she began to fall in love and realize her purpose. As a new mom, it took Rhea a while to finish the program while she was teaching, and now she is in her second year as a school counselor at the age of 46 at Daniel Boone Elementary in Richmond, KY.

Rhea is a mother of two beautiful girls, age 13 and 10 and a bonus mom to an amazing son, 26. Her husband is a teacher and a head football coach at a high school. She loves watching her children play sports, which is part of my self-care, believe it or not.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/life-of-a-school-counselor

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Resources Mentioned:

Have a question for Rhea? Email her at rhea.parks@madison.kyschools.us

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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February brings so many fun things for school counselors including National School Counseling Week and Valentine’s Day! One thing I love to cover in the month of February is healthy relationships and friendships and this ties in great with Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for some fun ways to combine the Valentine’s theme with healthy relationships, you’re in luck! I have so many fun ideas for you today!

We may think that teaching healthy friendships and relationships isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Many of our students may be more familiar with UNhealthy relationships than with healthy ones. We want to make sure that students know what healthy friendships and relationships look like and that they themselves are acting in a healthy manner.

In this episode, I am sharing some of my favorite Valentine’s themed activities that you can use with your students. I am sharing why you should be teaching students about healthy relationships and friendships, examples of activities to do with your students to teach about healthy relationships, and ideas for how to easily implement these activities without added stress.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/healthy-vs-unhealthy-relationships

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Resources Mentioned:

Healthy vs Unhealthy Friendships Discussion Cards - Valentine's Day Themed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Healthy-vs-Unhealthy-Friendships-Discussion-Cards-Valentines-Day-Themed-5224748 Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships Discussion Cards - Valentine's Day Themed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Healthy-Vs-Unhealthy-Relationships-Discussion-Cards-Valentines-Day-Themed-5224755 Episode 77: How to Celebrate National School Counseling Week (even if you're a solo counselor!): https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/national-school-counseling-week

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Do you work in a Title 1 school or support low income students and families? Working in a low income school can come with unique challenges and supporting these students and families may look a little different. It is so important to understand each unique student and family and find ways to best support them.

Today we are joined by Megan Polk who is sharing some amazing tips she has learned from working in Title 1 schools for 15 years. She is sharing her background and experience in Title 1 schools, what Title 1 is and what the different types of Title 1 funding are, strategies school counselors can use to support low income students, and important things to consider when communicating and collaborating with parents and caregivers.

Megan Polk is a literacy specialist living in Nashville, Tennessee. She has over a decade of teaching experience across elementary grades. She uses best practices and innovation to meet and reach students where they are. Megan is the content creator behind The Literacy Dive and Writing Made Simple where she creates reading and writing resources that are creative, rigorous, and comprehensive. She seeks to equip teachers who share similar challenges and have the same mission: to close the gap, to increase student confidence and achievement, and to develop students who will expand their true love for literacy. Megan is dedicated to supporting teachers, parents, and students everywhere! She loves connecting with educators through Instagram and enjoys diving into ALL things literacy every Monday on The Literacy Dive Podcast. Megan realizes the power of collaboration and the positive impact it holds; teachers are truly better together!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/title-1-students-and-families

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Resources Mentioned:

Episode 95: How to Incorporate Journaling into Your Counseling Sessions with Literacy Specialist Megan Polk: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/journaling-into-counseling-sessions

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you finding that you are feeling burned out or that your mindset just isn’t great right now? Our mindset and thoughts impact us more than we realize. If you aren’t loving your job or are feeling overwhelmed, a mindset shift may make a huge difference! Luckily, there are things we can do to improve our mindset which may lead to rediscovering our love for our job and reducing overwhelm.

Our guest today, Chrissy Nichols, is here to share some amazing ways to shift our mindset. She uses her experience as a teacher to help educators love their job again and avoid burnout. She is sharing what she does as a life and mindset coach for educators, the three main areas she coaches in, one strategy counselors can implement to take control of their schedule, how educators can learn to re-love their job, and how thoughts impact your life.

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Show Notes: Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/mindset-shifts

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Resources Mentioned:

Pomodoro Timer: https://pomofocus.io/

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear-audiobook/dp/B07RFSSYBH/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8aOeBhCWARIsANRFrQFSNm0u-Fq6jaFDXWYujFiu-6nWlFEBURO5f9qK4Nly6LR-7FMrer4aAocuEALw_wcB&hvadid=602222145990&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1027991&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12297735861927490533&hvtargid=kwd-1668531942405&hydadcr=22533_10353821&keywords=atomic+habits%27&qid=1674147389&sr=8-1

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Is-Figureoutable-audiobook/dp/B07RQV9QNP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HHIVGD20MXH8&keywords=everything+is+figureoutable+book&qid=1674147546&sprefix=everything+is+figureoutable+book%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Looking to feel inspired as we take on the second half of the school year? I am so excited to start having current school counselors on the podcast more often so you can hear what they are implementing at their schools. Jessica Weinberg Zeff is joining us today to talk about her role as a 3rd year school counselor and what it’s like being an IMPACT member.

I absolutely love hearing about what counselors are doing in their schools, what they’ve found works for them, and of course, any advice they have for other counselors. I am so grateful Jessica is joining us to chat about her counseling program and give us a glimpse into her days. We are chatting about what her plans are for second semester, how she’s reaching students in all three tiers even with a big caseload, what she focuses on that has had a huge impact on her program, and advice she would give first year counselors.

Ready to make an even greater impact without added stress or time? Check out the newly revamped IMPACT 2.0 membership! Get access to hundreds of resources for all three tiers right at your fingertips. PLUS, you’ll have access to our community of school counselors to collaborate and troubleshoot with and quarterly professional development training so you have everything you need to support your students.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselor

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Resources Mentioned:

Join the IMPACT 2.0 membership for ongoing support and access to 300+ resources: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Cue the confetti because I have such an exciting announcement to share with you! Impact 2.0 is here! This episode is a replay of the live launch party I held to unveil all the new features of Impact.

I know what it's like to have the heart and desire to want to help as many kiddos as possible as a school counselor. But here’s the problem. You end up overwhelmed and winging it more than you'd probably like to admit, because it takes so much time to create and implement quality curriculum. There’s only so many hours in the day!

Enter Impact 2.0! When you join, you’ll get unlimited access to all of my resources, a quick and easy resource search feature, live professional development trainings, Zoom calls, a school counselor community, and so much more. This will take the guesswork out of planning each month and make the biggest impact as possible at your school.

The best part? We’re keeping Impact 2.0 at the same low price of $29/month so we can make it as accessible as possible for school counselors everywhere. Learn more here!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/imapct-2

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Resources Mentioned:

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Join me LIVE TONIGHT, January 10, 2023 at 6:00pm EST for a huge announcement!

I cannot wait to share this with you! We are launching something BIG and I am so excited to finally give you the details. We will be giving away gift cards, door prizes, and 3 people who are there live will receive unlimited access to all of my counseling resources for 1 month!

Sign up at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/newyear to join me live TONIGHT!

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Resources Mentioned:

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Happy New Year! I hope that 2023 is off to a great start for you! I am feeling super optimistic for this year and want to help you have the best start to 2023 when you return to school. I am sharing three goals for school counselors for the new year.

We all want to make our school counseling programs the best that they can be. We want to make an impact on our students and I have some ideas for simple ways you can increase your impact in 2023. In this episode, I am sharing how to use ASCA aligned objectives to measure student progress, why you should be collaborating with stakeholders, and the importance of creating a curriculum map for all three tiers. I want you to have the best year you can in your counseling program and I know setting these goals will help with that!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/counseling-goals

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Resources Mentioned:

Sign up to join in on the HUGE announcement on Tuesday, January 10th at 6pm EST: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/newyear Grab the Curriculum Map Freebie: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/counseling-program-roadmap ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Do you set goals for yourself and your program at the start of every year or have New Year’s goals not really been your thing in the past? I know doing “New Year, New Goals” is a bit overdone but I feel like it’s a good chance to encourage ourselves to improve personally and professionally. If you aren’t sure where to start with your goals, I have five goals you can set to help improve your counseling program this year.

We’re about half way through the school year so it’s a great time to look at what we’ve done and where our program is. It’s also a great time to set some goals that will help us better our school counseling program in the new year. I’m not talking huge, lofty goals, but smaller goals that will have a big impact on your program. I am sharing professional goals on scheduling, organization, data collection, advocating, and handling push back. I made each of these goals attainable so you can celebrate the wins when you achieve them and see the impact they have on your program.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/program-goals

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Resources Mentioned:

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Whether you're resting and relaxing or getting in as many social gatherings as possible, I hope you are having an AMAZING, well-deserved break! At this point in the school year, self-care is especially important. So today, I am sharing four self-care tips to help you get the most out of your holiday break!

We often get so busy with our to-do list, obligations, and feeling like we need to do everything that we forget to take care of ourselves. Whether it’s at school or on a break, self-care is so important! In this episode, we’re looking at four self-care tips that you can easily do to take care of yourself during winter break and when you return to school. I am sharing how to prevent yourself from over-committing, how to set clear boundaries, fun ways to practice mindfulness, and the importance of unplugging and taking a break. I hope you can use these four tips to truly enjoy your winter break and return to school with a plan to implement self-care throughout the day.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/self-care-tips

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Resources Mentioned:

Episode 119: Advocating 101: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/advocate

School Counseling Data Wall: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Holiday break will be here before you know it! As stressful as it is before break, I think it is so important and helpful to wrap things up for our students and for ourselves before we leave for break. Your future self will thank you in January when you come back and things aren’t a total mess! Today, I am sharing four ways to create closure before the holiday break.

We’re all ready to run out the door when the bell rings and winter break begins but a little prep now will save you unnecessary stress when you return. Creating closure before the holiday break isn’t only important for you, but for your students as well. In this episode, I am sharing tips on how to wrap up small groups, the importance of supporting all students leading up to holiday break, why you should take time to organize your desk and work, and why a data check-in is so important to do before you leave for break.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/creating-closure-before-the-holiday-break

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Resources Mentioned:

Counselor Chat: Terminating Group Counseling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD0xUBnqWa0

A 4 Step Guide to Successfully Terminating Individual and Group Counseling Sessions: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/a-4-step-guide-to-successfully-terminating-individual-and-group-counseling-sessions

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets - Caseload and Counseling Log: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

Episode 70: How to Conduct a Mid-Year Data Checkin: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-conduct-a-mid-year-data-checkup

School Counseling Data Wall: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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As we get closer to winter break, we know our schedules are going to get crazy with all the assemblies, concerts, and special events. As fun as this is for our students, it can make our typical schedule feel a bit more stressful and keeping students engaged can be a challenge. So today, I am sharing eight seasonal activities you can do with your students that will keep them engaged and give you a break from planning!

This time of year is super busy for everyone! The last thing we want to do with our limited time is come up with, plan, and prep seasonal activities for our students. The good news - I am sharing eight fun and easy activities for you to do with your students this holiday season! In this episode, I’m sharing how to use self-esteem ornaments, countdowns, trail mix, elf games, scavenger hunts, and presentations to keep your students engaged with little prep on your end!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/holiday-resource-roundup

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Resources Mentioned:

How to Plan a Fun Elementary School Counseling Christmas Party: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blog/2017/12/6/how-to-plan-a-fun-counseling-christmas-party

Countdown to Winter Break - Counseling and SEL Activity Pack: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Countdown-to-Winter-Break-Winter-Themed-Counseling-and-SEL-Activity-Pack-4190664

Conflict Resolution Christmas Activity Dress an Elf with I-Statements: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-Christmas-Activity-Dress-an-Elf-with-I-Statements-3526142

sELF-Control Christmas Game + Google Slides Digital Holiday Board Game: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/sELF-Control-Christmas-Game-Google-Slides-Digital-Holiday-Board-Game-3516717

Christmas Coping Strategies Digital Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Coping-Strategies-Digital-Activity-Holiday-School-Counseling-SEL-3520988

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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What do you do when you receive push back from unsupportive stakeholders? Unfortunately, this may happen even when we are careful to be respectful, not step on others’ toes, and maintain relationships with teachers and parents. You don’t need to feel unprepared when dealing with push back because today, I am sharing four tips for handling push back.

We want teachers, admin, and parents to see all the good that we are doing for our students. But when we implement new things or switch things up, you may be met with some resistance. In this episode, I am diving into why you should share the purpose and goals behind what you are doing, how to use data to back you up, why having allies that believe in what you are doing is so important, and the importance of giving grace to others. I truly hope you don’t receive much push back when you are doing such incredible things for your students, but if you do, this episode will help you be prepared!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-handle-push-back

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Resources Mentioned:

School Counseling Data Wall - Counseling Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Wall-Counseling-Bulletin-Board-8000554

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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You know I am all about advocating for your role as a school counselor and I love giving you tips and advice on how to do so. We all know that a huge part of advocating for our program is showcasing how many students we are working with and how we are using our time to help these students. So today, I am talking about two things you can do that will help you advocate for your position and program.

How can we free up some time to impact more students, keep track of all the students we are working with, and use this to advocate for our program? It may be simpler than you think! In this episode, I am sharing two things you can implement right away that will help you advocate for your role. I am talking about why you should be batching your communication and how to start doing this right away, what a counseling log is and how it’s used, and how implementing these two things will help you advocate for your program.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/advocate

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Resources Mentioned:

School Counseling Data Collection Spreadsheets - Caseload and Counseling Log: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Episode 38 - How You Can Use a Counseling Log to Increase Your Impact and Advocate for Your Role: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode38

Episode 37 - How You Can Batch Communication to Increase Your Impact and Advocate for Your Role: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode37

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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One of the most effective ways for you to advocate for your role as a school counselor is to use data to showcase your impact. Many counselors get overwhelmed or nervous about data collection. I am here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be overwhelming! It is so powerful to have data to show your parents, teachers, and admin, and today, I am sharing my favorite end of the year data report to help you advocate for your role.

You may be wondering why I am talking about end of the year data reports in November but the tool I am talking about can be used throughout the year to showcase your work. I am so excited to help you create an amazing report that will WOW your admin, teachers, and parents.

In this episode, I am sharing why you should be using data collection and data reports, what my data report looks like section by section, tips for when you create your report, how this report helps you advocate for your position, and how you can use it throughout the year. If you’re looking for more information on what data to collect and how to collect it, grab the FREEBIE that’s filled with helpful data collection information!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-to-advocate-for-role

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Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

School Counseling EDITABLE End of the Year Report: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-EDITABLE-End-of-the-Year-Report-3144878

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you using paper organizers to keep track of your caseload? Or maybe you just don’t have an effective system for keeping track of all your tier II and tier III students? We’re continuing our series about areas to focus on to make a big impact in your counseling program. Today, we are covering organization and looking at one of my favorite organizational tools for keeping track of all the students on my caseload.

We, as counselors, have so much on our plates and so many students to keep track of. It’s so important that we have a way to keep track of the students we are working with so that nothing and no one falls through the cracks. In this episode, I am sharing all about the spreadsheet I use to maximize my productivity. I am sharing what my spreadsheet covers, tips for effectively using a caseload spreadsheet, and how using a caseload spreadsheet helps you impact more students.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/organize-your-caseload

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Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Organization Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Counseling Caseload Spreadsheet: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Counseling-Data-Collection-Spreadsheets-Caseload-and-Counseling-Log-7485732

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you looking for tips on what to focus on in order to see big results in your counseling program? That’s what we are focussing on all month long! We are taking the next five weeks to look at key areas to focus on for a big impact in your program. Today, we are taking a look at how scheduling can help you get better results in your counseling program.

You may hear scheduling and think I’m sharing a calendar or scheduling tool with you but, in this episode, we are talking about scheduling a crisis response team to help prevent you from being stretched too thin. I am covering the difference between a crisis response team and a crisis response protocol, ideas for who might be on a crisis response team, how to schedule who responds to a crisis, and how it helps both you and your students.

There are so many benefits to having a crisis response team and I truly believe it will be so helpful for you and your students! I’d love to hear who you are considering for your crisis response team so send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/crisis-response-team

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Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you looking for tips on what to focus on in order to see big results in your counseling program? That’s what we are focussing on all month long! We are taking the next five weeks to look at key areas to focus on for a big impact in your program. Today, we are taking a look at how scheduling can help you get better results in your counseling program.

You may hear scheduling and think I’m sharing a calendar or scheduling tool with you but, in this episode, we are talking about scheduling a crisis response team to help prevent you from being stretched too thin. I am covering the difference between a crisis response team and a crisis response protocol, ideas for who might be on a crisis response team, how to schedule who responds to a crisis, and how it helps both you and your students.

There are so many benefits to having a crisis response team and I truly believe it will be so helpful for you and your students! I’d love to hear who you are considering for your crisis response team so send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/crisis-response-team

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Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: Stress Free Counseling Toolkit: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/sfsc-freebie

Enroll in the Stress Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We are wrapping up our series on pre-bullying prevention ideas with a topic that is a little closer to traditional bullying prevention topics. This episode is all about self-advocacy and the importance of students knowing how to stand up for themselves in school and beyond.

Self-advocacy is an important skill that often isn’t taught as much as it should be. These skills are used in every stage of life and effectively teaching them to our students will help them throughout their lives. Today we are talking about using scripts to teach self-advocacy skills, why self-esteem affirmations help build these skills, and the importance of teaching students to advocate for others. Unfortunately things are going to happen at school and in life where students will need these skills and it’s important we equip them to handle these situations.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/self-advocacy

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Resources Mentioned:

Free Not So Scary Small Groups Video Series: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Bullying Prevention Editable Guidance Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLYING-PREVENTION-Editable-Guidance-Lesson-Video-and-Activity-3143641

Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8292067

Be an Upstander - Prevent Bullying: A NED Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqQCyQOCPg

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We are wrapping up our series on pre-bullying prevention ideas with a topic that is a little closer to traditional bullying prevention topics. This episode is all about self-advocacy and the importance of students knowing how to stand up for themselves in school and beyond.

Self-advocacy is an important skill that often isn’t taught as much as it should be. These skills are used in every stage of life and effectively teaching them to our students will help them throughout their lives. Today we are talking about using scripts to teach self-advocacy skills, why self-esteem affirmations help build these skills, and the importance of teaching students to advocate for others. Unfortunately things are going to happen at school and in life where students will need these skills and it’s important we equip them to handle these situations.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/self-advocacy

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Resources Mentioned:

Free Not So Scary Small Groups Video Series: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Bullying Prevention Editable Guidance Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLYING-PREVENTION-Editable-Guidance-Lesson-Video-and-Activity-3143641

Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8292067

Be an Upstander - Prevent Bullying: A NED Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqQCyQOCPg

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

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Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Looking for a simple way to help prevent bullying in your school? Focus on friendship building! We are continuing to talk about bullying prevention by diving into how to promote friendship at your school.

Knowing how to include others and build and maintain friendships is key to preventing bullying. Today, I am sharing easy to implement strategies you can use to promote friendship. I am sharing three ideas for promoting friendship at a schoolwide level, ideas for class lessons on friendship, activities for friendship small groups, and how to work on friendship in individual sessions.

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Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/friendship-skills

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 113: Proactive Bullying Prevention: Conflict Resolution Strategies: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/conflict-resolution-strategies

Free Not So Scary Small Groups Video Series: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/training

Friendship Counseling Group - Blooming Friendship Small Groups: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friendship-Counseling-Group-Blooming-Friendships-Small-Group-3211157

FRIENDSHIP Guidance Lesson, Activity, and Video - Friendship Class Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FRIENDSHIP-Guidance-Lesson-Activity-and-Video-Friendship-Class-Lesson-3400566

Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8292067

Friendship Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friendship-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8115034

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling

Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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We know how important it is to prevent bullying in our schools and we are continuing our focus on proactive bullying prevention topics. Last week we chatted about creating a culture of kindness and using resolution circles as bullying prevention. Today, we are talking about conflict resolution beyond resolution circles.

Being able to resolve conflicts in a respectful way is an important skill for students to learn and we’re sharing ideas for how to help teach them these skills. In this episode, we are looking at 3 ways to teach conflict resolution in a class setting, ideas for teaching these skills in a small group, and what to do when a pair is referred to you for a conflict. We know our students need to be able to respectfully resolve conflicts so issues do not escalate into bullying and finding effective ways to teach these skills is key to bullying prevention.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/conflict-resolution-strategies

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 112: Proactive Bullying Prevention: Creating a Culture of Kindness: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/culture-of-kindness
• Conflict Resolution Counseling Group - From Pirates to Peacekeepers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-Counseling-Group-From-Pirates-to-Peacekeepers-3389446
• Bullying Prevention Editable Guidance Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLYING-PREVENTION-Editable-Guidance-Lesson-Video-and-Activity-3143641
• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure: https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-restorative-practices-to-your-school-laura-mcclure
• Check out the Kelso music video on YouTube: It's Your Choice Baby: https://kelsoschoice.com/zxxy572/
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

• Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling
• Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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October is Bullying Prevention month which has been my thing since my first year as a counselor. This month, we are covering bullying prevention adjacent topics. So what does that mean? It means I’m going to be sharing topics for you to cover with students and by covering these topics, you’ll be promoting bullying prevention.

In today’s episode, we are looking at how to create a culture of kindness and how we prevent bullying by doing this. We are covering the benefits of morning meetings, how restorative practices help foster a culture of kindness, a fun school-wide activity you can do to spread kindness, and ideas and insights on how to implement these practices for counselors and teachers.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/culture-of-kindness

Resources Mentioned:

• Bullying Prevention Editable Guidance Lesson: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLYING-PREVENTION-Editable-Guidance-Lesson-Video-and-Activity-3143641
• Morning Meeting Discussion Cards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Meeting-Discussion-Cards-3326795
• Feelings Check: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feelings-Check-2827761
• Bullying Prevention School Wide Activities - Fall and Halloween Activities: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-School-Wide-Activities-Fall-and-Halloween-Activities-3411872
• Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bullying-Prevention-Classroom-Guidance-Lesson-for-Elementary-School-Counseling-8292067
• Ep. 61. Non-Boring Bullying Prevention Month Ideas: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/bullying-prevention-month-ideas
• Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure: https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-restorative-practices-to-your-school-laura-mcclure
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

• Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling
• Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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How can I teach social skills in an individual lesson? Don’t I need their peers for them to interact with? If you’ve found yourself wondering how to engage a student in individual lessons for social skills, this episode is for you!

We are wrapping up our September social skills focus with actionable ideas for teaching social skills at an individual level. We’re looking at ideas to teach engaging friendship skills, manners, and conflict resolution lessons, why individual lessons should be a collaborative effort, and the importance of observing your student in various situations.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies-for-individuals

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Skills Individual Counseling Curriculum - Primary: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Skills-Individual-Counseling-Curriculum-Primary-7853875
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

• Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling
• Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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How can I teach social skills in an individual lesson? Don’t I need their peers for them to interact with? If you’ve found yourself wondering how to engage a student in individual lessons for social skills, this episode is for you!

We are wrapping up our September social skills focus with actionable ideas for teaching social skills at an individual level. We’re looking at ideas to teach engaging friendship skills, manners, and conflict resolution lessons, why individual lessons should be a collaborative effort, and the importance of observing your student in various situations.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies-for-individuals

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Skills Individual Counseling Curriculum - Primary: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Skills-Individual-Counseling-Curriculum-Primary-7853875
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Connect with Rachel:

• Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling
• Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

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Are you looking for strategies for teaching social skills to Tier II students that you can use right away? This week, we are continuing to focus on social skills by looking at strategies that you can easily implement with your small groups!

In this episode, I am sharing some tips on how to engage your Tier II students in social skills lessons. We are covering four strategies to use when teaching social skills to younger students, four strategies for teaching social fluency to upper elementary and middle school students, and ideas and tips for implementing all of these strategies. Plus, I am sharing resources you can use to implement these strategies and more with your groups right away without tons of extra planning and prep!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies-for-small-group

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Sleuths Social Skills Counseling Group
• Social Fluency Social Skills Counseling Group
• Grumpy Monkey Book
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you looking for strategies for teaching social skills to Tier II students that you can use right away? This week, we are continuing to focus on social skills by looking at strategies that you can easily implement with your small groups!

In this episode, I am sharing some tips on how to engage your Tier II students in social skills lessons. We are covering four strategies to use when teaching social skills to younger students, four strategies for teaching social fluency to upper elementary and middle school students, and ideas and tips for implementing all of these strategies. Plus, I am sharing resources you can use to implement these strategies and more with your groups right away without tons of extra planning and prep!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies-for-small-group

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Sleuths Social Skills Counseling Group
• Social Fluency Social Skills Counseling Group
• Grumpy Monkey Book
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Class lessons can be tricky for school counselors especially when it comes to a topic, like social skills, that’s easier to teach in a smaller setting. If you’re unsure where to even begin when planning your tier one social skills lessons, don’t stress! I’m sharing 3 great activities you can easily implement to teach your whole class social skills lessons!

In this episode, we are taking a look at tier one social skills lessons and how to reach a wide range of levels of understanding. I am sharing three different actionable strategies for teaching social skills that you can implement right away, examples of each of these strategies, and resources to make using these strategies stress-free!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Skills Game - Social Filter
• Social Skills Board Game
• Expected Behaviors Social Skills Card Game
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Class lessons can be tricky for school counselors especially when it comes to a topic, like social skills, that’s easier to teach in a smaller setting. If you’re unsure where to even begin when planning your tier one social skills lessons, don’t stress! I’m sharing 3 great activities you can easily implement to teach your whole class social skills lessons!

In this episode, we are taking a look at tier one social skills lessons and how to reach a wide range of levels of understanding. I am sharing three different actionable strategies for teaching social skills that you can implement right away, examples of each of these strategies, and resources to make using these strategies stress-free!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/social-skills-strategies

Resources Mentioned:

• Social Skills Game - Social Filter
• Social Skills Board Game
• Expected Behaviors Social Skills Card Game
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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We all know how important social skills are and it is very likely that you will get a lot of referrals for social skills. That is why we are doing a mini series all about social skills this month. We are going to do a deep dive on how you can support your students with their social skills through all three tiers!

We are kicking off this mini series with an introduction to social skills. We are talking about what explicit social skills are, why you should be clear about the titles of your social skills sessions, and the role of the school counselor in helping students with social skills.

Be sure to check out the upcoming episodes where we are looking at how to deliver impactful preventative social skills class lessons, tier two small group social skills lessons, and individual counseling sessions for tier one support.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teach-social-skills

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out the social skills info from ChildDevelopment.com
• ASCA: The School Counselor and Social/Emotional Development
• Social Thinking Curriculum
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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We all know how important social skills are and it is very likely that you will get a lot of referrals for social skills. That is why we are doing a mini series all about social skills this month. We are going to do a deep dive on how you can support your students with their social skills through all three tiers!

We are kicking off this mini series with an introduction to social skills. We are talking about what explicit social skills are, why you should be clear about the titles of your social skills sessions, and the role of the school counselor in helping students with social skills.

Be sure to check out the upcoming episodes where we are looking at how to deliver impactful preventative social skills class lessons, tier two small group social skills lessons, and individual counseling sessions for tier one support.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teach-social-skills

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out the social skills info from ChildDevelopment.com
• ASCA: The School Counselor and Social/Emotional Development
• Social Thinking Curriculum
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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It is so common for school counselors to work with students who struggle with anger and wouldn’t it be amazing if you felt confident and prepared to successfully work with these students? Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is joining us today as our “resident anger expert” and is giving us so much useful information on how to best work with students who struggle with anger.

In this episode, we are chatting with Jessica Sinarski on how to help kids feel and deal with anger. She shares strategies for talking to kids about the brain science behind anger, tips for working with students with trauma, how to support parents of these students, and easily applicable anger management strategies for counselors. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge on supporting these students and is sharing so much helpful information and resources to help us better serve our students who struggle with anger.

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create the resource and training platform–BraveBrains. She makes trauma-sensitive brain science practical, helping parents and professionals unlock resilience in themselves and their students. She is also the author of the award-winning Riley the Brave series, Hello, Anger, and more.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/help-kids-with-anger

Resources Mentioned:

• Hello, Anger book
• BraveBrains Free Resources
• Finding Our Way Forward in the Aftermath of Violence – Blog Post
• Parents Corner with free webinar and book shop
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Jessica:

• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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It is so common for school counselors to work with students who struggle with anger and wouldn’t it be amazing if you felt confident and prepared to successfully work with these students? Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is joining us today as our “resident anger expert” and is giving us so much useful information on how to best work with students who struggle with anger.

In this episode, we are chatting with Jessica Sinarski on how to help kids feel and deal with anger. She shares strategies for talking to kids about the brain science behind anger, tips for working with students with trauma, how to support parents of these students, and easily applicable anger management strategies for counselors. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge on supporting these students and is sharing so much helpful information and resources to help us better serve our students who struggle with anger.

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create the resource and training platform–BraveBrains. She makes trauma-sensitive brain science practical, helping parents and professionals unlock resilience in themselves and their students. She is also the author of the award-winning Riley the Brave series, Hello, Anger, and more.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/help-kids-with-anger

Resources Mentioned:

• Hello, Anger book
• BraveBrains Free Resources
• Finding Our Way Forward in the Aftermath of Violence – Blog Post
• Parents Corner with free webinar and book shop
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Jessica:

• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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There is an increase in newcomers and ELL students all over the country. As school counselors, we of course want to serve and help them as best as we can! Today, I am joined by Beth Vaucher who has some wonderful insight into how school counselors can help new ELL students.

School counselors can play a very important role in helping newcomers adjust to a school in a new country. In this episode, Beth is sharing the importance of building a strong relationship with these students, tips for how to help them feel more comfortable, and how to support ELL and newcomer parents.

Beth Vaucher is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL-certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction, combined with her experience, has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years of teaching, living abroad, and working with ELLs from around the world. You can find out more resources to support ELLs on www.inspiringyounglearners.com or in her Teachers Pay Teachers store, Inspiring Young Learners.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/school-counselors-help-newcomers-adjust

Resources Mentioned:

• TalkingPoints
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Beth:

• Website
• TpT Store
• Instagram

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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It’s officially back to school season! That means it’s time to start planning your Meet the Counselor class lessons. Are you unsure where to start or are you looking for fresh ideas for Meet the Counselor lessons? This episode is packed full of great ideas and tips to make your first classroom lesson of the year amazing!

Your first classroom counseling lesson of the year is so important to build relationships with students and to make sure everyone knows your role and how you can help. In this episode, we are doing a deep dive into Meet the Counselor lessons. I am sharing 3 engaging activities you can do with your students, 3 tips for teaching your Meet the Counselor lessons, and how to increase your impact with these lessons. Plus, I am answering questions from counselors on how to have successful Meet the Counselor lessons.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/advocate-for-your-role

Resources Mentioned:

• Meet the Counselor Game Show
• Meet the Counselor Escape Room
• Meet the Counselor Boom Cards
• Blog: 5 Strategies for Stress Free Scheduling
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you looking for a way to break down all that needs to be done in the first few months of the school year so you feel less overwhelmed? The 30, 60, 90 day plan may be just what you are looking for! Today, I am sharing a training I did for the IMPACT members on how to utilize a 30, 60, 90 day plan to map out what you need to accomplish in the first 3 months of the school year.

In this episode, we are going over what you should be working on in the first 3 months of the school year to reduce stress and start the school year off on the right foot. We are looking at what to accomplish in month one including conducting a needs assessment and setting up your referral process, what month two will look like including establishing your caseload and planning small group curriculum, and how to implement the services you’ve been preparing and planning in month three. PLUS, I am giving you tons of tips on how to use this plan and a FREEBIE to help work your way through this 30, 60, 90 day plan.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/back-to-school-ready

Resources Mentioned:

• 30, 60, 90 Day Plan FREEBIE
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you feeling stressed with planning class lessons and want to feel competent and prepared? I am sharing how I went from being overwhelmed with planning lessons to feeling confident in my lessons and how you can get there too!

Today, I am diving into a few things that always come up when I talk to other counselors about planning class lessons. We are looking at two ways you can feel more competent and prepared, how and why we should stop last minute lesson planning, how we can tell that what we are doing is working and making a difference, and some tips to help you feel valued by your colleagues. We all have a lot on our plates and we know our work is so important. Let’s take the stress out of lesson planning so we can focus on providing quality lessons to our students and collaborating with our colleagues.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/classroom-counseling-lessons

Resources Mentioned:

• Stress Free Class Lessons course
• Episode 98: How to Teach Counseling Lessons When You Have a Huge Caseload
• Episode 100: How to Teach When You're Not a Teacher!
• FREEBIE! Class Lesson Cheat Sheet
• 15 Strategies to Engage Your Students Cheat Sheet (FREEBIE!)
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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I have exciting news! The doors to my Stress Free Class Lessons Course are now open!

Inside this bonus episode, you’ll hear more details about what this course is, who it’s for, and a breakdown of all five modules.

The doors to this course are open for a limited time. Enrollment ends on August 2, 2022 at midnight. When you join you’ll gain lifetime access to all of the lessons! Check out the course here: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons

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We’ve all made mistakes, right? Well, let me tell you, a lot of mistakes were made when I started teaching classroom lessons as a new school counselor. I want to share these mistakes with you and what I learned from each one so you don’t have to make these same mistakes!

Today, I’m being a little vulnerable and sharing some mistakes and learning experiences I had when teaching classroom counseling lessons. I am sharing what happened when I didn’t prioritize classroom lessons, why I was stressed every month trying to schedule lessons, how I would lose control of my class, and how I was scrambling to plan lessons. The good news is that I learned from these mistakes and I am sharing my solutions with you, too!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/mistakes-made-teaching-counseling-lessons

Resources Mentioned:

• FREE live masterclass: Three Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead
• Episode 98: How to Teach Counseling Lessons When You Have a Huge Caseload
• Episode 100: How to Teach When You're Not a Teacher!
• FREEBIE! Class Lesson Cheat Sheet
• 15 Strategies to Engage Your Students Cheat Sheet (FREEBIE!)
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Keeping students engaged is a great preventative classroom management strategy. But maybe you’re asking yourself, “How could I possibly keep an entire class engaged for the whole lesson?” Today, I am sharing some of my favorite engaging activities for you to do with your students!

In this episode, I am breaking down how to use 3 tools that are fun and engaging for your students. I am explaining how to effectively implement scoot games, escape rooms, and game shows into your lessons to keep your students engaged, learning, and on task. These lesson ideas take a little more prep but are so worth it to see your students interact and enjoy your lessons!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/keeping-students-engaged

Resources Mentioned:

• FREEBIE! Class Lesson Cheat Sheet
• FREE live masterclass: Three Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead
• 15 Strategies to Engage Your Students Cheat Sheet (FREEBIE!)
• Self-Regulation Scoot Game
• Mission: Meet the Counselor
• Meet the Counselor Game Show
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Does the thought of teaching class lessons overwhelm you? Maybe you don’t have classroom teaching experience or you aren’t comfortable managing an entire classroom while trying to teach a lesson. I know how you feel! Today, I am sharing a few tips I have learned that will help you in the classroom.

In this episode, we are diving into four things you can do to feel more prepared to teach classroom counseling lessons. We are talking about classroom management tips, how to get some insight on a class before you step into a classroom to teach your lessons, and how to feel more confident when teaching. I am giving you examples of how to use these tips and sharing why they are useful.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/teach-when-not-a-teacher

Resources Mentioned:

• Enter the giveaway!
• FREE live masterclass: Three Mistakes Counselors Make in the Classroom and What to do Instead
• 15 Strategies to Engage Your Students Cheat Sheet (FREEBIE!)
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you unsure what to teach during classroom lessons? Is coming up with ideas for meaningful and impactful lessons overwhelming? This episode is for you! As counselors, we have A LOT on our plates and coming up with lesson ideas for each grade for the entire year can seem daunting and stressful.

Today, we are diving into ways to come up with lesson ideas stress free and simple! Gone are the days of wondering how you will think of topics for all of your classroom lessons! I am giving you seven places you can get ideas for lessons from, tips to implement lessons from these sources, and my favorite ways to utilize these lesson idea sources.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/classroom-lesson-topics

Resources Mentioned:

• 15 Strategies to Engage your Students During Class Lessons
• Second Step - FREE cheat sheet!
• My Mouth is a Volcano
• Inch and Miles
• Needs Assessment
• Meet the Counselor Lessons
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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How am I supposed to find time to plan and teach classroom lessons on top of individual and small group lessons? Have you asked yourself this question before? Doing it ALL can be overwhelming! But the good news is that there are ways to make it all less stressful.

In today’s episode, we are doing a deep dive on classroom counseling lessons. We are looking at small, actionable steps that you can take to meet your goal of seeing all the students on your caseload with as little stress as possible. I am giving you 3 simple steps to help with scheduling and teaching lessons, tips on how to easily complete these tasks, and a way to outsource some of your workload! We all want things to be less complicated and more efficient, especially when we have a huge caseload, and this episode is loaded with tips to help!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/lessons-with-huge-caseload

Resources Mentioned:

• Freebie: 15 engagement strategies cheat sheet
• ASCA conference
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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We all want to use the summer to spend time with our family and friends, rest, and prepare for the upcoming school year. I know that preparing for the school year is so important and I love giving you tips to help make the school year easier, but today, we are focusing on taking time for self-care this summer.

So many people talk about the importance of self care but what does self care even look like? Today, I am giving you my 3 favorite summer self care tips to help you relax, rejuvenate, and refresh so you are ready to take on the school year come fall. I’d love to hear about some of your favorite self care practices and activities! Send me a message on Instagram and share your self care go-tos.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/summer-self-care

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 84: Spring Resource Roundup
• The Paper Palace
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body Healing of Trauma
• InsightTimer App
• Oak App
• Headspace App
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Have you ever gotten to the end of the school year and panicked because you don’t have enough data for your reports? Today we are doing a deep dive into data collection sources! Don’t worry, these are likely things you are already doing in some way that you can adjust to use for data collection!

In this episode, I am giving you an inside look at one of the quarterly training sessions we had inside the IMPACT program. We are looking at ways to collect data starting at the beginning of the year so you aren’t stressing when summer is near! We dive into 9 ways to collect a variety of data in a less intimidating and overwhelming way. I give you tips on how to easily record data using Google Calendar, spreadsheets, counseling logs, observations, and more in a way that is easy to refer back to at the end of the year.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/collect-school-counseling-data

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 95: How to Incorporate Journaling into your Counseling Sessions with Literacy Specialist Megan Polk
• Episode 94: Classroom Management Mistakes You May Not Know You're Making with Kindergarten Teacher Kristina Harrill
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you looking for a way to incorporate journaling into your classroom and group activities or give your current journaling practices a revamp but aren’t sure what that could look like? We are diving into all things journaling today! I have a special guest who is here to share some of her great tips and insight on journaling.

Megan Polk of The Literacy Dive is here to share with us how she has used journals in her classroom. She gives us tips for journaling and talks about the benefits that come along with journaling for students. She explains how to use journaling for both academics and as a safe space to get personal things out for students so they are better able to focus. Megan also spills how she gets students who don’t want to write, excited about journal time. Good news - It’s easy to implement! You don’t want to miss her insight on the best time to journal, illustrating during journal time, different prompts, honoring student privacy, and how to improve journaling with your students!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/journaling-into-counseling-sessions

Resources Mentioned:

• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Megan:

• TpT - The Literacy Dive
• The Literacy Dive Podcast
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Everybody loves tips and tricks for making classroom management easier, especially when you’re working with a range of grades. Kindergarten classrooms are a completely different world than upper elementary classrooms. Oftentimes, these students are in a formal school setting for the first time. This brings unique challenges to specialists, like school counselors, who may only be in these classrooms one or two times a month. Today, I have a special guest sharing her best advice on how to have successful lessons when you’re going into early elementary classrooms.

In this episode, I am talking with Kristina Harrill. Kristina is a former kindergarten teacher with wonderful insight into classroom management. She has seen what works and what doesn’t when teaching little learners. Kristina shares what is important for specialists to consider when going into these classrooms the first few times and gives some great tips on how to build rapport and be successful when teaching lessons in kindergarten classrooms.

I hope you’ll take the easy-to-implement tips she gives and use them next school year to make your lessons with little learners be the best they can be!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/classroom-management-mistakes

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit the ASCA website
• Sign up for the IMPACT Summer Summit here
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Kristina:

• Sweet For Kindergarten Website
• Instagram
• Sweet For Kindergarten TPT Store

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Data is a powerful tool. The more data we can collect on our counseling programs, the more effective our programs will be and the more students we will be able to serve and impact. All month, I’ve been sharing my favorite data tools that I’ve found super helpful in my own program, and I’ve been joined by guests who have shared how they have used these tools in their own programs. In episode 89, I interviewed Jessica Weinberg about how she uses Behavior Surveys to transform her program. Katherine Guerrero joined me in episode 90 to discuss how she uses the End of the Year report, and in Episode 92, I shared how to create an End of the Year Report. Episode 91 was all about how to use attendance data to form school counseling groups. I hope you’ve had a chance to try out some of these data tools and see how you can use them to help you in your school counseling program. I have one more data tool I want to share with you as you’re wrapping up your program this year and starting to look toward next school year.

In this episode, I discuss how you can use Parent/Teacher Feedback Survey data to modify your school counseling program. The feedback survey provides valuable information about how parents and teachers feel about the counseling program in general and if it has been beneficial to their child/student’s life now. I hope you’ll be inspired to create a simple yet effective feedback survey for your program that will help you make your counseling program even better next year.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/parent-teacher-feedback

Resources Mentioned:

• Get the School Counseling Editable End of the Year Report
• Read my blog post: How to Create a School Counseling End of the Year Report
• Visit the ASCA website
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Clarity brings purpose. A lot of times people don’t really know what a school counselor does, and there’s a lot of confusion around the role of the counselor. The more clear we can be about who we are, what we offer, and how we help students, the more purposeful our school counseling programs can be. One of the ways we bring clarity to our role is by sharing data that we’ve collected about the services we’ve provided and the progress our students have made. Data can help us modify our school counseling programs so we are more effective. We can also use data to show teachers, administrators, parents, and the community the important work we do. No one can argue with the cold, hard data.

Today, I’m sharing with you my all-time favorite school counseling data tracking tool…the End of the Year Report. I’ll do a deep dive on what the End of the Year Report is, what to include in your report, and how to use it to help you transform your counseling program so you can better serve your students and advocate for your role. I also have an editable template you can use to make creating your End of the Year Report super simple and will give you a way to share all of your hard work and data-driven results with a year-long reflection of your comprehensive school counseling program. Be sure to grab your copy of the School Counseling Editable End of the Year Report here.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/end-of-year-report

Resources Mentioned:

• Get the School Counseling Editable End of the Year Report
• Read my blog post: How to Create a School Counseling End of the Year Report
• Visit the ASCA website
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Attendance is important. You may be surprised to learn that even a small number of days missed can put students at risk of struggling academically. Even though we know it’s important, sometimes it can feel like we’re fighting an uphill battle when it comes to improving attendance for students who struggle. Beyond offering incentives, what more can we as counselors do to help?

In today’s episode, we are talking about how to use attendance data to support students. As counselors, we need to do a little work to uncover why students are missing school and then intentionally address those issues. This crucial information helps us form groups and create individualized programs that can improve attendance and give our students a better chance for academic success. When you’re able to show parents, teachers, and administrators how your counseling program is impacting student attendance, they will become some of your biggest fans.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/attendance-data

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit the ASCA website
• Read the article: Types of Data to Measure School Counseling Program Success by Eric C. Dafoe
• Get the School Counseling Data Wall Bulletin Board Kit
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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What if you had a simple, easy-to-use data tool that would help you make improvements to your program and give you a visual display you can show to your administrators and teachers so they can actually see the impact your program is having because of the work you do? This month, we are talking about data tools, and I have a special guest with me today to talk about one of my favorites.

In this episode, I interview Katherine Guerrero. Katherine will share her experiences as a school counselor. She also shares how she uses the End of the Year report to analyze her program’s progress as well as how she shares those results with her teachers and administrators. As a member of my school counseling membership IMPACT, Katherine shares how being a part of the community has helped her as a school counselor.

Katherine is a 3rd-year elementary school counselor in Southern California. She loves to see her students light up when they have that “ah-ha” moment and she can tell that they understand the concepts they’re working on.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/end-of-year-reports

Resources Mentioned:

• Save your seat at the FREE training: How to Use School Counseling Data to Improve Your Program and Advocate for Your Role
• Get the School Counseling Editable End of the Year Report
• Read Violeta by Isabel Allende
• Find books by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Learn more about ASCA

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Data collection is key to making improvements to your counseling program and advocating for your role. This month on the podcast we’re talking about data tools that I love to use. Today, we’re kicking it off with one of my all-time favorites, the behavior surveys.

Joining us for this episode is a special guest, Jessica Weinberg. Jessica is a member of IMPACT, my membership for school counselors. Today she shares about her journey as a school counselor and how she uses data tools in her own school counseling program. I love hearing about how she is using the behavior surveys in her program. She will also share how being an IMPACT member has helped her as a school counselor. We would love to have you join us in the program. Learn more about it here.

Jessica has been an Elementary School Counselor for just over 2 years. Prior to that, she was a Special Education Instructional Aide and a Preschool teacher. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, she now lives in Salinas, California. In her free time, she likes to read, cook and exercise.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/behavior-surveys

Resources Mentioned:

• Save your seat at the FREE training: How to Use School Counseling Data to Improve Your Program and Advocate for Your Role
• Join my FREE bootcamp for new school counselors
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Learn more about ASCA
• Read The School Counselor’s Guide to Surviving the First Year: Internship Through Professional Development by Heather Couch
• Get the School Counseling Behavior Surveys
• Read More Than Enough: Claim Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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All month we’ve been talking about the interview process. First, I shared my own interview experience as a school counselor in episode 85. In episode 86, Lauren Tingle joined me to talk through questions and we did a mock interview. Last week, in episode 87, we learned about resume must-haves from Carol Miller, the go-to resume person for school counselors. Whether you’re a new counselor looking for your first job or an experienced counselor wanting to brush up on your interviewing skills, be sure to go back and listen to all the episodes in the series.

In this episode, I’m sharing 4 tips you can use to strategically select internship experiences that will build your portfolio. To wrap up this series, I’ll help you think about yourself in the future interviews you’re going to land and guide you through things you can do during your internship to gain hands-on experience with students. When you maximize your internship, you’ll feel totally prepared and confident in the knowledge and skills you have gained, and you can stand out from the competition.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/internship-experiences

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my FREE bootcamp for new school counselors
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Learn more about ASCA
• Episode 86, Mock Interview Questions with Lauren Tingle from Counselor Clique
• Tune into Episode 87, Resume Must-Haves with Carol Miller from Counseling Essentials

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Today, I interview the go-to resume person, Carol Miller. This episode is full of advice and wisdom from someone who knows exactly what school districts look for when they are going through resumes. According to Carol, only 1-2% of resumes she has seen are what would be considered “quality” resumes. Most of the resumes she sees are “really, really awful.”

Tune in to find out exactly what you can do to make sure your resume stands out in a good way so you are chosen for interviews, getting you one step closer to landing your dream job. From resume must-haves and no-no’s to the type of paper you should use, Carol covers it all. She even goes over her best interview tips that will have you feeling confident and prepared.

Carol is currently an elementary school counselor, and she is the face behind Counseling Essentials. She has been a counselor for almost three decades and has worked as an elementary, middle, and high school counselor. She has also spent time helping other districts go through and review resumes, and she has helped people put together resumes.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/resume-tips

Resources Mentioned:

• Enroll in Boost
• Join my FREE bootcamp for new school counselors
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Tune into episode 85, What I Learned Interviewing as a School Counselor
• Episode 86, Mock Interview Questions with Lauren Tingle from Counselor Clique

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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If you’re a recent graduate who is looking for your first school counseling job or if you’re an experienced counselor who is looking for a new job and you need to brush up on your interview skills, this episode is for you!

Today I am joined by guest, Lauren Tingle. Together, we go over some of the common questions you may encounter in an interview for a school counseling position and discuss how we would answer them.

These questions come directly from the ASCA website. There are so many questions on the website, and we only had time to cover a few, so I encourage you to go check them out for yourself and find a friend to practice with! Not only does Lauren bring her perspective as an experienced high school counselor, but she has also sat on the other side of the table asking these questions to interviewees, so her insight is priceless!

Lauren is a former high school counselor turned content creator and curriculum writer. She is the high school counseling hype girl behind Counselor Clique helping other high school counselors energize and breathe life into their programs through creative and engaging counseling resources. She’s also the host of the podcast High School Counseling Conversations where she brings value and fun into high school counseling!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/mock-interview-questions

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my FREE bootcamp for new school counselors
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Listen to Episode 9, Small Groups at the HS Level and Tik Tok with Lauren
• Find all the sample questions on the ASCA website
• Tune into episode 85, What I Learned Interviewing as a School Counselor
• Get the 3-Day Video Challenge for High School Counseling Interviews

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Are you looking for a school counseling job? Whether you’re getting ready to graduate and trying to land your very first school counseling position or you’re a seasoned counselor who is looking for a new position, interviewing can be stressful. This episode comes straight out of my Stress Free School Counseling Bootcamp program. It’s totally FREE to join! If you’re an intern, just graduated, or recently hired, this bootcamp is for you! You’ll get the tools, inspiration, and support you need to transform your counseling program and hit the ground running from day one.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps that will have you feeling totally prepared to rock the interview process. I was super disappointed when I didn’t land the job of my dreams my first year out of grad school, but I didn’t let that disappointment stop me from gaining invaluable experience and preparing myself to land my dream job the next year. I want you to learn from my mistakes and experiences so you can have a stress-free and enjoyable interview process and land the job you want!

I decided to do this episode after a listener reached out to me and told me she and other students from her cohort were stressing out about upcoming interviews. I love to hear from my listeners, so please reach out to me on Instagram and let me know if there’s a topic you’d like me to cover.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/interviewing-as-school-counselor

Resources Mentioned:

• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Search for jobs on Edjoin.org
• Find jobs on Indeed.com
• Read the article from ASCA: Coping with Student Anxiety

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Spring is finally here, and we can get outside and enjoy the sunshine! I love springtime because it's like a fresh rebirth. Spring is one of those times of the year when we emerge from our black holes and get rejuvenated and refreshed.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my favorite spring resources and some fun and unique ideas that you can implement this month in your school counseling program. I hope you’ll find these really helpful and that you’ll feel inspired to try something today with your students.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/spring-resource

Resources Mentioned:

• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Submit your school counseling story!
• Episode 80, Anxiety Counseling Crash Course
• Episode 81, Anxiety Strategies for Class Counseling Lessons
• Episode 82, Anxiety Strategies for Group Counseling Lessons
• Episode 83, Anxiety Strategies for Individual Counseling
• Visit Wild Ideas Worth Living with Shelby Stanger
• Get the Countdown to Spring Break School Counseling Activity Pack
• Get the Positive Affirmations Easter and Springtime Self-Esteem Activity
• Read the article from ASCA: Coping with Student Anxiety

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Providing counseling in a one-on-one setting is so powerful for our students who are experiencing extreme anxiety. Today, we are wrapping up our anxiety series with 4 effective strategies you can use to help your students cope with anxiety. If you missed the last three episodes, go back and check them out. In episode 80, you’ll hear me talk about what anxiety is and how we might see it show up in students. Episode 81 is all about strategies you can use to address anxiety during class counseling lessons, and in episode 82 I share strategies you can use to address anxiety during group counseling lessons.

This series has been designed to give you quick, actionable takeaways that you can implement in your own counseling program right away to support your students who are experiencing anxiety. You can find some of my favorite strategies in my Anxiety and Worry Individual Counseling Curriculum, including student journal activities and grounding activities. This curriculum is really helpful for simplifying your counseling life and includes everything you need, even the data tools!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/strategies-for-individual-counseling

Resources Mentioned:

• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Submit your school counseling story!
• Episode 80, Anxiety Counseling Crash Course
• Episode 81, Anxiety Strategies for Class Counseling Lessons
• Episode 82, Anxiety Strategies for Group Counseling Lessons
• Journal and grounding exercises found in my Individual Counseling Curriculum
• Read the article from ASCA: Coping with Student Anxiety

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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All month we've been talking about anxiety, and today I'm going to talk specifically about how you can help students with anxiety through an anxiety small group. If you missed the last 2 episodes, be sure to check out episode 80 where I did crash course on anxiety, and episode 81 where I shared strategies for class counseling for anxiety.

Small group counseling is a great place for students to practice using the strategies they’re learning and identify situations when they may need to tap into those strategies. In this episode, I’ll give you 4 ideas you can use with an anxiety group. Let me know if you try out some of the strategies I’ve shared. Share a picture and tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling. I’d love to see them in action!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/small-group-counseling

Resources Mentioned:

• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Submit your school counseling story!
• Episode 80, Anxiety Counseling Crash Course
• Episode 81, Anxiety Strategies for Class Counseling Lessons
• Grab my Worry and Anxiety Boom Cards
• Pinterest Circles of Control visuals
• Stress Management Counseling Group Stress Busters Stress Management Group

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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I’m a big fan of doing class lessons. It’s a great way to plant seeds with students and teach them strategies they can use going forward that can empower them to be proactive instead of being reactive. In last week’s episode, we had a crash course on anxiety counseling. Today I want to give you three ideas of things that you can do in a class lesson to help teach students about anxiety and how they can manage their anxiety.

I hope you’ll find these strategies to be helpful to you in your school counseling program. I’d love to hear from you! If you try out any of the strategies I’ve shared, take some pics, tag me on Instagram, or just share with me how you’re using these strategies to teach your students about anxiety.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-strategies

Resources Mentioned:

• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Submit your school counseling story!
• Episode 80, Anxiety Counseling Crash Course
• Grab my Worry and Anxiety Boom Cards
• Episode 76, What Do I Do During Individual Counseling Sessions?
• Episode 78, How to Build Genuinte Rapport in Individual Sessions (beyond Jenga!)
• Episode 79, 3 Must-Have Data Tools for Individual Counseling

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Most students experience anxiety at some point in their lives. As school counselors, it’s important that we understand the different ways anxiety can show up in students and how to best support them. Typically, I give you counseling strategies and tools that you can use generally across topics, but I thought it would be helpful to go deeper on a specific topic and give you some quick takeaways that you can easily implement in your counseling program. So all month, I'll be talking to you about anxiety and how we can help support students who are struggling in this area.

Today’s episode is an overview of what anxiety is and how to determine which students really need support with anxiety. Sometimes students are unaware that what they’re experiencing is anxiety or they just don’t have the ability to label it. So it’s really important that we provide screenings that help us identify who those students are. Of course, it’s not our job to diagnose, but it is important for us to be aware of the signs of anxiety so we can get them the support they need.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/anxiety-crash-course

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Reserve your seat for my FREE live training: How to Use Individual Counseling Curriculum to Engage Students and Effectively Track Data
• Submit your Counselor Stories with this Google Form
• Check out the Medline Plus definition of anxiety
• Read what Mayo Clinic says about Anxiety Disorders

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Collecting data is so important for our students and our counseling programs. It helps us answer questions like:

• How can we teach this material to help the students better understand?
• How can we present this in a different way to help the student grow and to learn these coping strategies?
• How can we provide outside support or other resources to really ensure that the student is getting the support they need?

We can do all of that by looking at the data. When we have solid data, we're not just guessing or shooting in the dark. Instead, we have concrete evidence-based proof that we can use when we're trying to figure out how to best help students.

In this episode, I’m wrapping up our individual counseling series by sharing 3 data collection tools you can start using today. If you missed Episode 76, be sure to go back and listen because I talk about how to plan your individual counseling sessions.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/3-must-have-data-tools

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Grab my new Individual Counseling Super Bundle.
• Episode 76, What Do I Do During Individual Counseling Sessions

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Don’t get me wrong…playing games like Jenga can be a fun and effective way to build relationships with students. To make the greatest impact in the lives of our students, we’ve got to build rapport with them. While playing games is great, it can be easy to get stuck when it comes to finding new ways to relate to our counseling students and get to know them on a deeper level, especially since we only see them for short amounts of time.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 things you may not be doing that will help you build rapport in your individual counseling sessions. These tips I’m sharing today are simple and most require very little prep work.

My hope is that these strategies will be useful to you as you develop deeper relationships in your individual counseling and that you’ll see how simple it can be to incorporate these into your daily routine. Don’t stop playing Jenga! Just add these into what you’re already doing.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/rapport-in-individual-sessions

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join Stress Free School Counseling today!
• Grab my new Individual Counseling Super Bundle.

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Let’s celebrate! It’s National School Counseling Week! You are doing meaningful work, and you deserve to be recognized and celebrated. If you’re feeling awkward about bringing attention to yourself or you’re just not sure what to do to celebrate, I’ve got some fun ideas for you in this episode.

Instead of thinking of this week as a way to promote yourself, look at it as a way to bring awareness to the profession and to your counseling program as a whole.

This is the perfect time to spread awareness to teachers and parents about what services you offer and how those services are impacting students. Today, I’m sharing how you can spread awareness with fact sheets, shoutouts, data walls, parent letters, and even teacher training.

I would love to see how you’re celebrating National School Counseling Week. Take a picture of your cupcakes, your data walls, or whatever you decide to do, and tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/national-school-counseling-week

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• ASCA National School Counseling Week Photo Challenge and Activities

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Do you ever feel like you’re just winging it during individual counseling sessions? When I first got started in individual counseling, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what I was supposed to be doing during sessions with my students.

I felt comfortable and confident during group sessions, but when it came to one-on-one sessions with students, I always felt like I was doing it wrong. I wanted to be confident that I was meeting the needs of my students during individual sessions, but I just felt a little lost.

Fortunately over the years, through lots of trial and error, I’ve developed some systems and planning strategies that really work when it comes to individual counseling.

In this episode, I share step-by-step how you can plan out your individual counseling sessions so you can feel confident and prepared that you’re making an impact and a difference as a counselor. We’ll discuss how to create simple, yet effective, strategic plans that align with the ASCA standards.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/individual-counseling-sessions

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Grab the Individual Counseling Super Bundle
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Website
• Check out my various board game templates.

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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You guys want more data, and I am here for it! I thought I had talked about data enough, but after doing a poll to find out what your New Year’s goals are as school counselors, there were a few people who wanted to work with data more effectively and keep more data. You may be reluctant to start data tracking because you don’t really know where to start. Maybe you’re tracking data already but you could be a little better at it, or maybe you just need confirmation that you’re doing it correctly.

In today’s episode, I’ll be talking to you about how to get started with data in a way that will not make you feel overwhelmed. This is a great entry-level data teaching for you focusing mainly on two data tools that can help you easily track student progress. I’ll also be sharing some amazing tools you can use in your school counseling program

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/data-collection-without-tears

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• FREE Stress Free Counseling Toolkit.
• Watch my Video Tutorial: How to Create a School Counseling Data Hub Using Google Sheets
• Grab my School Counseling Data Tracking Tools Bundle - Data Driven Counseling Program

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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This month I’m focusing on sourcing topics based on the feedback you gave me on your goals for the year. I had one of you say that their goal was to run at least five counseling groups this spring semester. This is a wonderful goal and totally doable.

So, I want to share a few organizational strategies when it comes to small groups. Specifically, tips that will make your counseling life just a little bit easier and will make managing and running those groups more simple.

All of these solutions are practical and doable ways to simplify your group organization. However, they do take a little bit of effort. I promise they are worth it though! If you get organized with your small groups, this allows you to spend less time planning and prepping and more time counseling kiddos. That's our passion at the heart of it and why we're in it, right? We want to help as many students as possible. Getting organized allows you to do that.

Lastly, I have a freebie for you! It has three components - scheduling, organization and data collection. There's an organization toolkit inside that I think you're going to find very helpful! You can snag that freebie here.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/small-group-organization

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• FREE Stress Free Counseling Toolkit.
• Caseload Spreadsheet Template
• Feelings Check Freebie
• Episode 73, How to Create a Schedule That Doesn’t Overwhelm You

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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I recently put a poll out to find out what your counselor goals, or resolutions, are for 2022. I used your answers to plan for my podcast episodes for the month of January. One of the topics that came up a lot was creating an efficient schedule. We all know the feeling of creating a schedule and then experiencing all kinds of interruptions that completely throw us off track.

So, this week I am going to talk to you all about my favorite scheduling secrets. I’ll share some practical solutions to streamline your schedule and make your counseling life easier. Planning your schedule intentionally, and eliminating disruptions as much as possible, will allow you to meet with your students and maintain your commitment to them and your scheduled times.

Lastly, don’t forget that at the time of this recording, we are in the middle of a site-wide TpT counselor sale. We have $2 deals and products that are 50% off! We only do a discount this large twice a year, so run and check out the Counselor Deals here or search #counselordeals on TpT for the sale.

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/create-a-schedule

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Download my FREE Stress Free Counseling Toolkit.
• Grab my Self-regulation Coping Strategies Journal.
• Grab my Size of the Problem Activity Pack.

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Happy 2022, school counselors! I hope you had a restful holiday break and are ready for what the next 12 months have in store for you! Do you enjoy this time of year, or not so much? I know people have mixed feelings about what comes with a new year, such as setting resolutions. Personally, I love setting goals and planning for what’s to come. Overall, I have wild optimism at the beginning of a new year. I hope you’re feeling some excitement as well!

I’ve decided to do something different for today’s episode. It’s kind of a mash-up of two different topics. First I’m answering some questions that I received in our free Facebook group, Bright Futures School Counselors. In the second part of the episode, I’m sharing some New Year resolutions that fellow school counselors shared with me on Instagram. If you haven’t set a resolution yet, maybe these will give you some good ideas!

Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/ask-me-anything

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Join the Bright Futures Counseling free Facebook Group
• Sign up for the FREE Stress Free School Counseling Bootcamp
• Meet the Counselor Activity Bundle
• Meet the Counselor Digital Game Show
• Meet the Counselor Escape Room
• Meet the Counselor Boom Cards
• Episode 41, How a Crisis Response Team Protocol Can Transform Your Counseling Program
• Episode 23, Grief Counseling in Tier 2 & 3
• Episode 22, Grief Counseling: A Tier 1 Approach

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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What comes to mind when you hear “self-care”? We all know self-care is important, but what about self-care at work? There are actually ways to practice self-care at work that can make your life a little easier and relieve stress…and they have nothing to do with bubble baths and essential oils.

In this episode, I’m sharing unexpected self-care tips for the new year, specifically for school counselors. These tips will make your counseling life a little easier and your time spent at school more productive. These are things that you can begin to implement at the beginning of a new year, or anytime!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Episode 70, How to Conduct a Mid-Year Data Checkup
• Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/unexpected-self-care-tips

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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Tracking and collecting data throughout the school year is a must. In this episode, I’m sharing how you can conduct a mid-year data checkup so you can continually make changes to your program to better serve your counseling students.

Sending a needs assessment to students, parents, and teachers is a great way to see how things are going with your program. It’s the perfect time to make changes in your groupings and student lessons. Not only will you be better equipped to meet the needs of your students, but it’s the perfect time to advocate for your role. Being able to show your principal and administrators the impact your program is making with students at the time of year when they are making decisions about funding is crucial to showing just how valuable your role as a counselor is.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Grab my School Counseling Data Tracking Tools Bundle.
• Check out the 5 Small Groups to Start in January Blog Post
• Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-conduct-a-mid-year-data-checkup

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
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What are some of your favorite memories from elementary school? It’s important for kids to have positive experiences around school and for our counseling students to have positive counseling experiences. Holiday parties are a great way to add some fun to counseling and build relationships with your counseling students.

In this episode, we’re keeping it light hearted as I give you ideas to plan a Counseling Holiday Party that you can host even without a classroom. These ideas work great for groups of students or individuals and can be done during group time or as a drop-in system.

Break out the holiday music and festive snacks and get ready for some fun!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Episode #68: Countdown Calendar
• How to Plan a Fun Elementary School Counseling Christmas Party
• sELF-Control Christmas Games
• Dress an Elf With I-Statements
• Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/host-a-counseling-holiday-party

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Happy December! The countdown to winter break is on. I absolutely love this time of year. Everything is so fun and festive, especially at the elementary level. I’m always trying to think of ways that I can put a seasonal twist on counseling activities to keep your students (and you) engaged.

At the same time, I always had the problem of “frequent flyers” popping up. You know the ones. The kids who are always stopping by wanting to chat instead of going to their classroom. I used to think I just needed to rush them back to their classroom as quickly as possible. However, I realized over time they were stopping by to see me for a reason. They wanted to build a relationship with me and I didn’t want to dismiss that.

While I wanted them to feel welcome in my office and comfortable with me, I also wanted to make our time together purposeful...especially if they were missing class. Over time, I thought of some fun ways that I could accomplish this. Since it’s the winter season, I created my “Countdown to Winter Break Interactive Calendar”.

In this episode, I’ll explain exactly how this calendar works and even how you can DIY one. If you create a countdown calendar of your own, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling so that I can see the final product!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Grab my Countdown to Winter Break Counseling and SEL Activity and Game Pack
• Read the blog post, Countdown to Winter Break with School Counseling Activities
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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The first episode back after Thanksgiving break is the final episode of the Team Player Series, focused on students. I have spoken about how to collaborate with other stakeholders in the last few episodes and couldn’t possibly leave out the kids we work with day in and day out. The ideas I share are action items that can be done from the first session you have!

It goes without saying that it is so important to build rapport and trust with students from day one. While you may consider playing games to establish a connection with the student, I will share activities that are twofold. Not only will your students enjoy themselves and have fun, but you will also gain insight into their thoughts and feelings. And if you’ve been listening for a while, you know I love doing feelings checks!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Episode 66, Team Player Series: Admin
• Episode 65, Team Player Series: Parents
• Episode 64, Team Player Series: Teachers
• Episode 62, Ideas for School Wide Initiatives
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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All month I’ve been talking about how you can collaborate with your stakeholders, and this episode is dedicated to principals. Your administration can really dictate how your program runs, so this is a very important topic! Some principals can micromanage while others don’t want to be involved at all, hopefully your principal is somewhere in the middle.

These strategies can allow you to be in control no matter how involved, or not involved, your principal wants to be. One of the easiest ways to do this is by communicating with them that you have all your student’s needs met. This way you will be a breath of fresh air amongst the chaos! What better way to advocate for your role than to show your principal that you’ve got everything under control?

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Episode 65, Team Player Series: Parents
• Episode 64, Team Player Series: Teachers
• Episode 62, Ideas for School Wide Initiatives
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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For this week’s Team Player Series episode, I will share how to get parents on board. I’m sure each and every one of you listening right now has experienced backlash from a parent at some point in your career. If you’re like me, you probably realized if you had communicated more in the first place some of those situations never would have occurred.

Basically what I’m saying is to communicate, communicate, communicate! There is a caveat of course. The expectations, communication style, and feelings of parents are all going to be different. These tips I provide will be helpful no matter what the parent needs from you when collaborating about their child. Join me next week for another episode in the Team Player Series!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Episode 64, Team Player Series: Teachers
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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As we approach the holiday season I hope you take time to rest and reflect on how you feel about the first few months of school. I know some of you have probably felt really alone and isolated in your school building full of teachers. It’s just as bad, if not worse, if you have been getting push back from your class lessons or recommendations. Believe me, I’ve been there. That’s why I decided to create this team player series for developing a strong team in your school.

Whether the staff at your school is young or established, I will be providing you with strategies to break through any barriers and create a cohesive team amongst your staff. If you’re anything like me you likely want to share your ideas as much as possible, but you also need to consider that your suggestions may add to the laundry list of tasks teachers need to do. These strategies will allow for a fun, respectful, and collaborative environment.

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Pre-Referral Intervention Manual
• Calendly
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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To wrap up one of my favorite months, I decided to do a seasonal episode in the spirit of Halloween! I’ll be sharing some fun activities you can do with those Halloween buckets you’ve probably gotten on Amazon or in the Dollar Store. I love providing you with low-cost and simple ideas and these are no different.

If you’ve been a listener for a while, you know that I try to create simple activities that don’t require a lot of planning or materials. If you have paper and pumpkin buckets you’re all set. There are so many topics you can create sorting activities with such as problems and zones of regulation. Head over to my Instagram and let me know what grades or topics you used this activity for!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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Have you ever taught a great lesson only to have your student forget everything the next time they walk through your door? Teaching students truly takes a village, so it only makes sense we take advantage of our resources. I’m talking about peers, teachers, custodians, and more!

Think about it. When you explicitly teach a topic and then another staff member refers to it in the hallway, on the playground, or in the lunchroom then your teaching has extended far beyond your lesson. The more your students see and hear the terms and visuals you teach them, the less you’ll be reacting to a crisis. Once you put these strategies into action, I’d love to hear how you got your school community involved!

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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Did you know that October is Bullying Prevention Month? It’s truly one of my favorite topics to discuss with my students. It is so important to work on those preventative measures and teach our students skills at a young age. The earlier you teach them about bullying, the more control you’ll have as they get older.

There are so many different ways to teach your students to be kind and aware of what to do if others aren’t. These activities can range from individual to school-wide. Each of these ideas will educate your students on what bullying is and how to communicate if they experience or witness something troubling. It’s our job to make sure all of our students feel safe and bullying prevention month is the perfect time to do that!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• FREEBIE Bullying Prevention Scenario Cards
• Ideas to Spread Awareness During Bullying Prevention Month
• Bullying Prevention Salad Bowl Game
• Bullying Prevention Bundle
• Blog post on YouTube videos
• Ned Show on how to be an upstander vs. bystander
• For the Birds Pixar Film
• Stopbullying.gov
• Kidstakeonbullying.com
• Commonsensemedia.org
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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Can you believe it's already October?! What's more exciting is that we are celebrating ONE YEAR of this podcast, School Counseling Simplified! I wanted to do something special to celebrate this milestone, so this episode will be a bit different than the others. I've created a mash-up of the top 5 most popular episodes from the show!

Be sure to stay tuned in until the very end for a special announcement. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this podcast by listening, sharing with friends, and writing reviews. It truly means the world to me!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Free resource library
• Download the FREE Stress-Free School Counseling Toolkit
• YouTube Mock Small Group Session
• Coping Strategies Journal
• Episode 2: How to Form Your Caseload
• Episode 20: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started Counseling
• Episode 22: Grief Counseling: A Tier 1 Approach
• Episode 36: How to Facilitate an Individual Counseling Lesson
• Episode 44: I've Got a School Counseling Job: Now What?
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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Today is extra exciting because we have a veteran counselor on the show, Terry Foytek. Terry has been a school counselor for 25 years and is a student in my online course, Stress Free School Counseling. This goes to show that Stress Free School Counseling is not just for new counselors or for counselors with 3-5 years of experience. It’s for any school counselor because we are all constantly learning new ways to grow and transform our counseling program.

Terry’s favorite part of being a school counselor is doing whole class and small group lessons. She found that she needed some great ways to track her student data, which is one of the main reasons she joined Stress Free School Counseling. She’s sharing her experience with my course and how it has helped with several aspects of her counseling program, including advocating for her role.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Head to stressfreeschoolcounseling.com to join my course, Stress Free School Counseling!
• Stress Free School Counseling Admin Letter
• Stress Free School Counseling Bootcamp
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

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• Facebook Group
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If you have been considering joining my Stress Free School Counseling course, then this episode is for you. I don’t have guest episodes often, but I had to introduce you to one of my Stress Free School Counseling alumni, Kaylena. I hope any questions you have are answered after listening to her real-life testimonial!

Like many of you, this is Kaylena’s first year as a school counselor. She has experience in the classroom but has quickly learned how different the daily operations are of a school counselor. She will walk you through her reasons for becoming a member of Stress Free School Counseling and how it has allowed her to easily transition into this new position. Whether you’re a first year counselor or have been in the career for years, you won’t want to miss this LAST opportunity to join Stress Free School Counseling.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Head to stressfreeschoolcounseling.com to join my course, Stress Free School Counseling!
• Stress Free School Counseling Admin Letter
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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Do you constantly feel like you are putting out fires rather than preventing them? Or maybe you take work home regularly to catch up because of all the distractions throughout the day. In this episode I will give you a solution to these never-ending problems. It all starts with scheduling, and I don’t mean when you see specific students.

I want you to think about how you are organizing your time throughout the day. You are not doing yourself any favors if you don’t allocate time for bathroom breaks or traveling from one building to another. You have to be realistic about what you need to do and make sure your students and staff can rely on you to be there when you say you will. Creating these clear boundaries and time slots in your schedule will help you increase your impact and advocate for your role.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Sign up for my free live masterclass: stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/3secrets
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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There are two things I suggest you focus on first and foremost as the school year begins. The first one is data collection, which I talked about during my last episode. The second is organization, which may not come so easy to school counselors. I feel like teachers tend to have this under control with their flair pens and post-its, but after this episode they’ll be asking you for tips!

As counselors we wear so many hats and can be pulled in different directions all throughout the day. Our time is so valuable and the last thing we should be doing is sifting through notes and papers while our students need us. I promise if you take the time to create these systems now you will see the benefits all year long! Don’t forget to send me a message on Instagram to let me know if you’re on team messy or team organized!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Sign up for my free live masterclass: stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/3secrets
• Stress Free School Counseling Toolkit
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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By now, you may know how much I LOVE data collection, and there’s a good reason for it! Collecting and sharing data is the best way to measure growth and advocate for your role as a school counselor. I know what you may be thinking right now - It’s only September. Why are we already talking about data?

Here’s the thing, even if you’ve only just started the school year, it’s not too early to begin data collection! In fact, it’s the perfect time to get started. With everything else going on at the beginning of a new year, data is one of the things that often gets overlooked. Even if you’re a first year counselor, or don’t have data from the previous year, you can still collect and display data right away! In this episode, I’m sharing how to break your data down into two areas: services provided and student progress.

After listening, I hope you feel empowered, not intimidated, to begin tracking and sharing data this year! Starting at the beginning of the year truly is such a great habit to get into. It’s going to give you a wealth of information so that you can be able to see the impact you made on your students and get the recognition you deserve by displaying your data proudly!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Stress Free School Counseling Toolkit
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

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With a new year upon us, there are always changes that are made in the public schools. This can be new students, new staff or administration, a new school placement or even a new district. Not to mention new protocols or procedures that may impact the program that you intended on using.

These inevitable changes are one of the many reasons that school counselors have to be flexible. They’re also a reason that you have to be proactive about getting your school community on board with your goals. There are many ways you will do this throughout the year by helping your students, but you must remember to communicate your successes with your school community as well. You deserve the recognition for all your hard work!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Stress Free School Counseling Toolkit
• Free Facebook Group: Bright Futures School Counselors
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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As the school year is upon us, I’m sure you’ve been busy preparing your lessons and materials. You’re probably ready for your individual, group, and classroom lessons or have at least thought about what you may want to try, or not try, for this new school year. But have you thought about what you can do from day one that may make the whole year seem easier?

That question can easily be answered by knowing whether or not each teacher in your building knows who you are. Let’s actually go a little further and agree that it’s not only every teacher, but every staff member in your building that should know who you are. Once everyone knows who you are and what services you provide, the easier your job will become. In this episode I’m going to tell you how to make that happen!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources Mentioned:

• Meet the Counselor Digital Game Show
• Meet the Counselor Escape Room Lesson
• Meet the Counselor Activity Bundle
• Meet the Counselor Boom Cards
• Stree-Free School Counseling Toolkit
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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I’m sure I’m not the only one who was familiar with the ASCA National Model, but didn’t quite know what it meant to see it in action. Of course we all heard of what it meant in grad school, but like many other areas of our profession it is very different when you have to put it into practice with your own students. That’s why I will be walking you through the different steps so you can feel more confident this school year!

In this episode I will be using an example of a student and provide you with the steps you should take during the referral process. From creating goals to collecting data, you will have a clear understanding of how to ensure your program aligns with the ASCA National Model. As an added bonus I will also let you know how to use this information to share with parents and stakeholders.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• ASCA National Model
• ASCA Mindset and Behaviors
• Self Assessment Form
• Behavior Surveys
• FREE Download: Sample Year Long Curriculum Map
• Year Long Elementary Counseling Program
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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Whether you’re a new counselor or a veteran, when you think of MTSS you are likely picturing the pyramid that outlines the system previously referred to as Response to Intervention. It’s so important because it is the foundation that our program is based on. This evidence-based system may be approached by multiple positions in the school, but I’m going to outline how school counselors can support students using this framework.

If you’ve listened to my previous episodes you’ve likely heard me talk about individual, group, and classroom lessons. You’re probably feeling confident in those areas, but have you thought about how you’re interacting with families, school personnel, and the community? That may sound overwhelming to you, but I’ll walk you through how to do this very easily and you’ll probably be surprised that you’re likely doing some of these things already!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• Free Download: Sample Year Long Curriculum Map
• The School Counselor and Multitiered System of Supports
• Episode 50, How to Create a School Counseling Curriculum Map
• Show Notes: brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/episode51

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• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
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Back to school season is quickly approaching, or may already be here for many of you! When it comes to getting all your ducks in a row for a new school year, you could wing it, or you could make things a lot easier for yourself and have a curated plan. August is the perfect time to get organized while you have the time! One of the first things that I recommend you spend time preparing at the beginning of the year is a school counseling curriculum map.

With a well designed curriculum map, you can map out your class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions while being mindful of factors such as your schedule, student population, and even seasons. In this episode I’ll show you how to break your planning down into smaller manageable chunks. Don’t forget to leave white space in your planning so you can fill in timely topics that come up throughout the year!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• Free Masterclass: How to Use a Meet the Counselor Activity
• Free Download: Sample Year Long Curriculum Map
• School Counseling YouTube Video Resource Guide
• Year Long Elementary Counseling Program
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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I don’t know about you, but I have really loved this month’s Small Group Series! I am super passionate about this topic and hope you feel prepared for next school year after listening to these episodes. I can’t believe school will be starting soon, but it’s the perfect time to talk about something very important: small group curriculum.

You may be thinking that you have already purchased a curriculum for next year and it’s too late to change. Or maybe you don’t have a curriculum prepared and you are scouring the internet for ideas. Luckily, I have found that the best curriculums are actually a mix of different programs. Most importantly, if you find what works for you while focusing on the standards, you will be set!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• FREEBIE Small Group Cheat Sheet
• Group Curriculum Super Bundle
• Zones of Regulation Curriculum
• ASCA Mindset and Behaviors
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
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For today’s “small group series” episode, I’ll be talking about how to organize your small group materials to incentivize attendance. I’m sure you're thinking that those two things don’t relate at all. I promise it will make more sense once you listen to my suggestions!

I’m sure we can all agree that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for all. That is true for curriculums as well as material organization. We need to make sure students are motivated, which is especially important as students get older and while using virtual platforms. Whether you prefer folders, binders, or digital systems of organization, I will be sharing how you can increase attendance and buy-in with your students.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• Amazon stickers (affiliate link)
• FREEBIE Small Group Cheat Sheet
• Group Curriculum Super Bundle
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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I’m excited to share this episode with you this week while I’m at the ASCA Conference! Make sure to come say hello if you see me! I’m also excited because this week I’ll be talking about small groups again. The students in these groups are the ones that need more than that in class lesson but aren’t in need of that individual session.

So how do we decide who belongs in this group? Data, of course! It is so important to measure how students are reacting to the sessions for so many reasons. As school counselors our services are not meant to be long term, so it is imperative to make sure students are receiving the correct intervention and that it is being transferred to their classroom. This episode will show you how to make sure you are doing just that!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned:

• FREEBIE Small Group Cheat Sheet
• Data Collection: Behavior Surveys
• Student Self-Assessment Forms
• Blog post on how to do student observations
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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As you begin to think about going back to school, it’s the perfect time to think about how to best establish small groups. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be doing a new deep dive series on small groups so that you can feel prepared to dive right into forming effective small groups! In the following episodes I’ll discuss using small group data, organizing small group materials, and how to design a small group curriculum that works.

There's a lot to consider when it comes to forming small groups. How do I determine which students should be in which group? Is it okay to mix grade levels within the same group? How large should groups be? How long should I meet with groups and for how many weeks? I’m answering all of these questions and more in today’s episode as I share three things you need to know when it comes to establishing small groups.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Small Group Cheat Sheet
• Caseload Spreadsheet
• Caseload Spreadsheet Visual Example
• How Do I Collect Data During the School Year?
• Mock Small Group Demonstration
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Today’s episode is a great one because you get a sneak peek into my new counselor bootcamp! Now if you’re not a new counselor, believe me you’ll still want to listen. Newbie or veteran, I’m always here to support my fellow counselors no matter which stage you’re in!

This episode will help those of you in all different seasons of your counseling career. When I entered a position that didn’t have any sort of curriculum, this 30, 60, and 90 day plan allowed me to get up and running without any hesitation. You will feel prepared from the first to the last day of school when you put these strategies in place in order to maximize your ability to reach more students!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sign up for my new FREE training series, New School Counselor Boot Camp: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/bootcamp
• 30,60,90 Day Plan FREEBIE: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/30-60-90-freebie
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
• Instagram
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Pinterest
• Youtube

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I’m pretty sure every school counselor has a vision of how they want their office to be decorated. Whether it’s the organization or decorations, there is nothing quite like the moment you have your first job after graduating. That is why I was pretty surprised when I found out my first office was going to be shared with the school psychologist.

There are pros and cons to having a shared office and luckily I ended up gaining a great friend and partner for multiple projects. Over the years I have also learned some tips and tricks for saving money while meeting the needs of my students. This episode will help you determine what is necessary and what you should avoid when you are preparing for your space in the fall!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sign up for my new FREE training series, New School Counselor Boot Camp
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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On today’s episode we have two special guests that are joining me after they’ve completed the Stress Free School Counseling course. They share the specific tools that transformed their counseling programs at their schools. If you have been at all curious of what the course entails, this episode will give you all that information!

You’ll find that both counselors found the framework of the course to be easy to implement. As you know, I always share tips and strategies that are meant to improve your program with simplicity. Whether it’s the templates or the step-by-step guidance, there is truly something for every counselor that will result in more time for student support!

Resources mentioned:

-Doors to Stress Free School Counseling are open for a limited time! To join, head to stressfreeschoolcounseling.com

-Admin letter

-Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

-Show Notes: brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast

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I am SO excited to introduce you to the newest member of Bright Futures, Rebekah Murphy. I’m sure you’ll see Rebekah on social media and now that she’s a member of the team please say hello! Rebekah has been a school counselor in Kentucky for five years at the elementary level. She has a range of skills and it is easy to see that she is passionate about her career!

Rebekah has taken the Stress Free Counseling course and couldn’t be happier about the value of this program. She has learned so much and has personally put the strategies into practice. She has incorporated the many tips and tricks I have talked to you about on this podcast. I’m so excited for you to hear about how she incorporated these tools into her program!

Resources mentioned:

-Sign up for my FREE live masterclass, 3 Secrets to Transform Your Counseling Program, at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com

-Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

-Show Notes: brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast

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One of the many reasons we become school counselors is to be able to provide support to students when they’re experiencing a crisis. We are often given the infamous walkie talkie in order to be prepared for those exact situations. It’s never long, however, until that crisis intervention begins interfering with the other duties we perform throughout our day.

Can you relate? As you’re about to pick up a student for an individual session you end up canceling due to an emergency. I’m here to tell you there can be an equal balance between supporting students in crisis and fulfilling the additional roles needed to serve the school community.

Resources mentioned:

-Sign up for my FREE live masterclass, 3 Secrets to Transform Your Counseling Program, at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com

-5 Strategies for Stress Free Scheduling

-Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

-Show Notes: brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast

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This month I really focused on how to use scheduling, organization, and data collection to reach more students and advocate for your role. To end the month-long series, I’ll be sharing twelve strategies to increase your impact and get the recognition you deserve. As always, the simple changes I suggest will increase your efficacy and your time!

I know I’ve said it before, but there is truly nothing more important than using your time wisely. I mean, how many times have you been pulled away from a lesson due to a crisis or spent way too long figuring out what student to prioritize every week? I’ve compiled simple ways to prevent these situations from occurring because in the end it’s only inhibiting you from focusing on your student growth and relationships. That’s why we do what we do, after all!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Stress free counseling toolkit freebie
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Sign up for my new FREE training series, New School Counselor Boot Camp
• Data Collection: Behavior Surveys
• Self-Assessment Bundle
• Calendly.com
• Trello
• Todoist
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

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The last two weeks I went over a scheduling tool and an organizational hack to introduce my month-long series on reaching more students and advocating for your role. This week I’ll be talking about data collection and really touching upon my end of the year report. This is a great opportunity to reflect on all of the services you’ve provided!

Let’s be honest, it’s likely the case that your administration and parents in the community don’t have any idea what you do every day. That’s why an end of the year report is a great way to show that the meetings, individual sessions, and group sessions have been a valuable asset to your school community. This may not be mandatory, but I promise you won’t regret creating this report to communicate your program’s effectiveness!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Editable End of the Year Report
• How to Create a School Counseling End of Year Report
• Stress Free Counseling Toolkit Freebie
• New School Counselor Bootcamp
• Join my School Counselor Membership IMPACT Here
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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Last week we started the month-long series on reaching more students than ever before and advocating for your role. For week two, we are talking about a simple yet effective organizational tool. I started using this just last year and I could pinch myself for not using it sooner. What is it you ask? A counseling log!

This may seem pretty basic, but there are many benefits to using this system that I will share with you today. You will likely find that incorporating this tool will result in more free time for other tasks. From remembering student names to the activities that you did that week, you’ll be sure to regret not starting this sooner!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Counseling log freebie
• End of year report
• Stress free counseling toolkit freebie
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!
• Sign up for my new FREE training series, New School Counselor Boot Camp
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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Over the next four weeks I’m going to be putting the “simple” into School Counseling Simplified. With the end of the school year approaching, I am not here to add something more to your plate. In fact, some of the strategies I will be referring to you’re probably already practicing. It’s just a matter of making small changes for big impact!

This week we’re specifically talking about how to batch communication to reach more students and advocate for your role. I promise you it will save you time in the long run and increase efficiency. Your time is so important both at home and at school, so I highly recommend you use these actionable steps within your daily routine. You may even find some extra time to tackle that never ending to-do list!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sign up for my new FREE training series, New School Counselor Boot Camp
• Download the Stress-Free Scheduling Toolkit
• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
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• Facebook Group
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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As a wrap up of our month of individual sessions, today’s episode is about how to facilitate individual counseling sessions. These sessions used to be intimidating to me compared to group sessions and classroom lessons. That’s why I created a plan which has allowed me to love individual sessions.

I’m not sure about you, but I feel much more confident when I am organized and prepared. Let’s be honest, there is nothing worse than going into a session without a clear outline for how to address your student’s goals. My plan allows for greater efficacy by providing ways to start the session, the activities to incorporate, and how to address student goals. There will be no more scrambling at the beginning of sessions once you listen to this episode!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mock Small Group Session on YouTube
• Coping Strategies Journal
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

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Let me ask you this, do you have time to reinvent the wheel? If you’re a school counselor listening to this episode I can almost guarantee you do not! That’s why I’ve created these data collection strategies that can be used across the board.

Last month I talked about collecting data in small group sessions and this episode will provide some overlap with ways to collect data in individual sessions. Whether you’re working in a small group or with an individual student, it’s important to take valuable data and know what to do with it. These strategies will help you measure student growth and the best part is that I’ll be sharing some ideas for getting everyone involved!

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Data Collection: Behavior Surveys
• Self-Assessment Bundle
• Show Notes: bright-futurescounseling.com/podcast

Connect with Rachel on social media:

• TpT Store
• Blog
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If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

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Last week, I talked about how to get started with individual counseling sessions. This week we’re looking at how to collaborate with parents and teachers to best support your individual students. It’s important to remember that you only see your individual students for a small portion of time, the teachers see the student for another portion of time, and parents are with the student for the remainder of time. If you put all your resources together, you can do great things.

There are simple and effective strategies you can implement that will help the student, parent, and teacher feel more supported on a day-to-day basis. These tips will also help you save time in your busy day! Tune in to hear three strategies for collaboration when it comes to supporting our individual students for both in person or distance learning.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Should I Be Doing Student Observations?
• How to Create a Behavior Plan in a Pinch
• Weekly Counseling Log FREEBIE

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Happy April! Over the past couple months I’ve shared information on classroom lessons (tier 1) and small groups (tier 2). This month we are starting a new series all about individual counseling. Individual counseling sessions are created for tier 3 students. These are the students who need additional intervention and would benefit from a one-on-one setting. They are usually students who are also receiving class lessons and small group instruction.

Individual sessions have always been a bit intimidating to me. Even after Grad School I didn’t feel completely prepared for them. After many years of experience, I now have several tools in my toolkit that I can confidently offer to you. Today we’re diving into how you can implement individual counseling sessions in a way that will best serve your kids. These tips can be used in both in-person and virtual settings.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Referral form
• Scheduling FREEBIE
• Sign up for my freebie portal
• Amazon sticker packs
• Triangle tier graphic on @twoblondescounseling
• Episode 24, Classroom Management Strategies for School Counselors

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In today's episode, I have a special guest on! I interview Richard Capriola about adolescent substance abuse and his new book, The Addicted Child.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

https://helptheaddictedchild.com/

Get the book here.

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In today's episode I do a complete walkthrough of a mock small group. I show you step-by-step how to facilitate a group counseling session.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Watch me facilitate a mock small group on YouTube!

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In today's episode I share 2 strategies for collecting data in small group counseling.

Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

Self-Assessments

Behavior Progress Monitoring Forms

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In today's episode, I share the 5 components of an engaging small group.

>>> Download your free group session here!

Free Resource Library - Feelings Check and Confidentiality Poster

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In today's episode, I share how to start a small group including how to use a referral-based system and schedule sessions.

>>> Download your FREE small group session with video guide HERE!

Permission Slip freebie

Elementary School Counselor Exchange FB Group

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In today's episode, I share 3 tech tools to help teachers sign up for class lessons; saving your time and sanity!

Calendly

Stress Free School Counseling Freebie

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In today's episode, I share 4 steps for choosing your class lesson topics.

Needs Assessment

Guidance Lessons Workshop

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In today's episode, I share how to create an engaging class lesson by breaking it down step by step.

Free Resource Library

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In today's episode I share 5 classroom management strategies you can use during SEL lessons.

Go Noodle

Free Resource Library

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In today's episode I share strategies for addressing grief during small groups and individual sessions.

Grief Group Curriculum

Free Resource Library

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In today's episode I share strategies for addressing grief at the classroom level.

Free Resource Library

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In today's episode, I share my personal transformation and how I went from hot mess to no stress using 3 simple strategies!

Are you ready for your own transformation and to say HECK YES to a productivity system that will give you the time and freedom to focus on your passion?

The doors to Stress Free School Counseling close on 1/14/21 and will NOT reopen. Sign up now!

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In today's episode, I share 5 things I wish I knew when I first started counseling. Maybe my past mistakes will help prevent you from making the same ones!

Sign up for my MASTERCLASS here >>> 3 secrets to transform your counseling program to increase your impact and get the recognition you deserve

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Did you know it's not too late to switch up your counseling strategy? In today's episode, I share why the new year is the perfect time to make some changes to increase your productivity and decrease your stress!

Sign up for my MASTERCLASS here >>> 3 secrets to transform your counseling program to increase your impact and get the recognition you deserve

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In today's episode I share a trick for immediately freeing up time in your schedule.

Free Resource Library

Join us in the Facebook group!

Download the Stress Free School Counseling Freebie

RescueTime

Toggl

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