106. The Counseling Game Closet: Easy Group Games for Spring Energy25, 2:59:23 PM

Between testing, field trips, and students bouncing off the walls, May can be chaotic. But even during the busiest weeks of the school year, you can make meaningful moves for Mental Health Awareness Month—without adding more to your calendar.In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing quick, creative, and practical ways to promote mental wellness at school without burning yourself out.What You’ll Learn:How to use morning announcements to plant positive mental health messagesIdeas for a low-effort Mental Health Spirit WeekVisual strategies like “Take What You Need” walls and student-made postersFast and effective class check-ins and coping skill momentsWays to partner with teachers and engage parentsHow to model mental wellness for your school community💡 Bonus Reminders:🗓️ First round of Counselor Planners is at the printer—order now for Round 2⏰ TpT Bonus Day Sale ends at MIDNIGHT—don’t miss it!🎧 Listen now and let’s make mental health awareness doable this May.Resources Mentioned:Blog post: How Post-it Notes Can Change School ClimateAffirmation Posters Set 1Affirmation Posters Set 2Positive PostiesSpring Meditation Craft and ActivityCoping Skills Meditation and A-Z PostersGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1737770729838088" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re exploring one of the most important (and exciting!) aspects of school counseling: promoting self-discovery. Forget the "find yourself in a forest" narrative — we're talking about real, practical strategies to help students uncover who they are, what they're great at, and how to channel that into meaningful goals.What You’ll Learn:Fun and effective ways to help students spot their strengthsActivities to ignite passions and tap into hidden interestsHow to turn discovery into direction with goal setting that sticksWhy embracing the "messy middle" of self-exploration matters more than you thinkQuick wins like strengths scavenger hunts, compliment tag, perfect day activities, and counselor mini coaching sessionsFavorite Moment: "Your job isn't to hand students a roadmap — it’s to give them the tools to explore, reflect, and dream big."Resources Mentioned:Values Auction5th Grade Career LessonGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this heartfelt episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into something every school counselor faces: when a student you once saw regularly suddenly fades from view. Whether it's due to schedules, emotions, or avoidance, reconnection is possible—and often starts with something small.🧠 Here’s what we’ll explore:Common reasons students stop checking in—and why it’s not about youHow to send a low-pressure “Hey, I missed you” messageCreative ways to re-engage through lunch bunches, hallway greetings, and purposeful invitationsWhy micro-moments (like sticky notes or memes) rebuild trustWhat to say when a student isn’t ready to reconnect✨ Pro Tip: Don’t assume silence means they’re not thinking of you. Sometimes students are testing if you really meant it when you said you care.🎧 Listen now and take one small step toward reconnecting with a student who may still need you more than you know.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this episode, we’re cracking open the (possibly chaotic) game closet to help you survive and thrive this spring with low-prep, high-impact games.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Why spring is the perfect time for play-based counselingGo-to games like Feeling Charades, Coping Skills Memory Match, and Compliment CircleQuick &amp; easy activities for those zero-prep, five-minute-group days (Four Corners, Emotion Detective, Pass the Emoji)Debriefing questions that deepen student reflection and connectionHow to build a portable game kit for on-the-go counseling sessions🌟 Counselor Tip: Don’t be afraid to end early if the energy gets too wild—sometimes wrapping it up on a good note is the best counseling move of the day.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

It’s that time of year again. The sun is trying to shine, test season is in full swing, and your to-do list just grew its own to-do list. Before the end-of-year whirlwind sweeps you away, it’s time for some spring cleaning—but not just for your desk.In this episode, we’re talking about:🧹 How to declutter your calendar by identifying what truly matters📬 Strategies to clean up your email inbox without losing your mind🗂 Tips for organizing your Google Drive and files so you can actually find things🧘 How to create mental breathing room before the end-of-year chaos✍️ A simple reflection practice to help you leave breadcrumbs for next yearYou don’t need a picture-perfect system—you just need one that works for you."Even if your files are still a little messy and your calendar has more reschedules than actual sessions... you've got this." 💛Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Feeling like May and June are just a chaotic blur of testing, field trips, and students who’ve forgotten how to sit in chairs? Same. But believe it or not, it’s actually the perfect time to run small groups—and in this episode, I’m sharing exactly why.✨ In this episode, you'll learn:Why spring is secretly the best time for small groups3 small group themes that make a big impact fastQuick ideas for activities that keep students engaged (and sane!)How to keep your groups manageable, meaningful, and even funScheduling tips and tricks that actually workHow to make the most of the time you’ve got (spoiler: short-term groups = big wins!)Plus, I’ll share why Ritz crackers might just be your group’s MVP.💡 Whether it’s motivation, friendship skills, or emotional regulation, this episode will help you finish the school year strong—with less chaos and more connection.📝 Mentioned in this episode:Card Games: Coping Skills Card GameResolving Conflicts Card GameGrit and Growth Mindset Card GameFriendship Skills Card GameGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re doing a mid-year check-in to reflect, reassess, and reframe our approach so we can make the rest of the school year impactful and fulfilling.What We Cover:Reflecting on Goals: What were your original goals, and how are they holding up?Celebrating Your Wins: Why it’s essential to recognize small victories and how to celebrate them.Addressing What’s Not Working: Practical tips to clean up your calendar, data tracking, and counseling load without the guilt.Creating an Actionable Game Plan: How to make small, meaningful changes that actually stick.Mindset Shift: Understanding that adjusting your goals isn’t failure—it’s feedback.Remember Counseling Friends:“I am making a difference even when I don't see it. My work matters and I am enough.”Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, and as school counselors, we need to be prepared. In this episode, we cover how to recognize the warning signs, approach students with care, and provide them with real, effective coping strategies.This is a heavy topic—but you are not alone. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to confidently support students who self-harm, without feeling overwhelmed.What You’ll Learn:✔️ The real reason students self-harm (it’s not for attention)✔️ How to identify warning signs—even when students try to hide it✔️ The best way to start the conversation without making them shut down✔️ Healthy alternatives to self-harm (spoiler: red markers &amp; ice cubes work wonders)✔️ Why involving parents can be tricky—and how to do it right✔️ How to create a safety plan that actually helps✔️ Self-care for you—because this is heavy workGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Want to make your lessons fun and engaging without feeling like a stand-up comedian? The energy you bring into your classroom can make or break student engagement. In this episode, we dive into simple ways to bring enthusiasm, structure, and interaction to your lessons—without adding extra work to your plate.What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why your energy sets the tone for engagement✔️ The easiest way to instantly shift a classroom’s atmosphere✔️ How movement, tone, and facial expressions keep students engaged✔️ Simple, no-prep activities to make learning interactive✔️ Managing your own energy so you don’t feel drainedResources Mentioned:Kindergarten Career Lessons Community Helpers and ToolsGrade 1 Career Lesson Community Helpers and Their SkillsGrade 2 Career Lesson Careers and Training NeededGrade 3 Career Lessons Multiple IntelligencesGrade 4 Career Lessons Careers and WorkspacesGrade 5 Career Lessons Career Interest Inventory and ResearchGrade 6 Career Lessons Career ResearchThe next time you walk into a lesson, be intentional about your energy. Walk in with a smile, bring a little enthusiasm, and make it interactive. The difference? It’s huge!Until next time, keep bringing the good vibes—you’re making a difference! 💛Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/176582632507419" rel="noopener...

🎉 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This milestone is all thanks to YOU—our amazing community of school counselors who tune in, take action, and make a difference every single day. Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or just found Counselor Chat, I’m beyond grateful for your support.This podcast started as a simple idea—to create a space where school counselors could get practical strategies, feel supported, and be reminded that they’re never alone in this journey. And wow, has it grown! Along the way, we’ve had incredible conversations, deep dives into real challenges, and moments of pure inspiration.💙 YOU are the reason we’ve made it to 100 episodes. So today, we’re celebrating together!Inside This Special Episode:✅ A heartfelt reflection on the journey to 100 episodes✅ The top 5 most-loved episodes and why they’ve resonated so deeply✅ A sneak peek into the exciting topics and guests coming your wayBecause this is such a big milestone, I want to celebrate you—the amazing listeners who make this podcast possible! To say thank you, I’m doing a special giveaway. One lucky listener will win a $100 Amazon gift card!Here’s how to enter:Make sure you’re following this podcast.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.Snap a picture of your review and email it to me at [email protected]’s it! I’ll pick a winner by March 5th, 2025, and announce it on an upcoming episode.Some of the episodes you all loved the most include:🎧 Individual Counseling Like A Pro (Episode 49) – This episode dove into making the most of one-on-one time with students and structuring sessions effectively.🎧 Finding Grace in Grief: A School Counselor’s Journey (Episode 51) – A deeply moving episode where we talked about grief, loss, and supporting students through tough times.🎧 What Am I Supposed To Do For National School Counseling Week? (Episode 44) – A fan favorite that broke down how to celebrate and advocate for school counseling in a meaningful way.🎧 Using Community Circles As SEL Lessons (Episode 47) – A practical and hands-on episode that inspired so many of you to bring community circles into your schools.🎧 Go Make Some Lollipop Moments: Back To School Motivation (Episode 75) – If you need an instant boost of inspiration, this one’s for you!What’s Next? Get Ready for Even More!The best part? We’re just getting started. As we move into the next 100 episodes, expect even more of what you love:✔️ Solo episodes packed with actionable strategies✔️ Expert guests bringing fresh insights and game-changing ideas✔️ Real talk about the challenges we face as school counselors—and how to overcome them🌟 Upcoming topics include:🔹 Setting Boundaries as a School Counselor (because yes, you CAN say no!)🔹 Tier 2 Interventions That Actually Work – No fluff, just real strategies🔹...