113. Dear Future Me: An End-of-the-Year Letter from Your School Counselor Self

This week on Counselor Chat, we’re taking a break from the heavy stuff and diving into a little mid-summer magic. It’s a personal episode full of recommendations, reflections, and fun finds that are keeping me grounded, growing, and even a little more organized during these sunny months.Here’s what I’m sharing:📚 What I’m Reading🎧 What I’m Listening To📺 What I’m Watching🥗 What I’m Cooking✨ What’s Coming Up:I’ll be at the ASCA Conference in Long Beach! Stop by the Perks booth and say hi!Registration is open for the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference — where I’ll be presenting “Putting Out Fires All Day” to help you shift from reactive to proactive in your school counseling practice.💛 Inspiration to close your day with:"Whether it’s a new book to read, a show to chill with, or a way to get back into your groove before August creeps in—remember to rest without guilt, learn with joy, and always, always take care of you."Links Mentioned:Atomic HabitsThe Anxious GenerationMealBoard App Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this candid solo episode, I get real about mid-summer counselor burnout. If you’ve been feeling tired, guilty for not “doing more,” or wondering why you’re not excited for back-to-school season—this conversation is your permission slip to hit pause and actually recharge. I'm sharing personal stories, actionable reflection questions, and why summer isn’t a competition for productivity—it’s a chance to reconnect with who you are and why you started this work in the first place.🔍 What You’ll Learn:Sneaky signs of burnout you may not recognizeHow to know whether your "recharging" is really workingA new lens to view your summer: the 8 dimensions of wellnessHow to reflect on what fills your cup outside of schoolWhen to say no, when to lean in, and when to restHow connecting with other counselors can reignite your passion💬 Quote to Remember:“We are making a difference—even if we don’t always see it. Sometimes we’re just planting the seeds.”👟 Whether you're reorganizing your spice cabinet or wondering if you should go back to school just to “check in” on things… this episode will remind you that rest is a requirement, not a reward.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this inspiring guest takeover, Kansas-based counselor Cassie Good shares how starting an Advisory Council changed everything—from how her role was viewed to how she spent her time.What You’ll Learn:Why advisory councils aren’t optional—they’re transformationalReal-world examples of using data to advocate for your time and impactHow Cassie reduced non-counseling tasks with support from adminWays to create buy-in from teachers, parents, and district leadersPractical steps to start your own council (yes, even with limited time!)Cassie’s advice: You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.🌞 Inspired? Be sure to check out the 2025 Summer Counselor Conference to keep learning, growing, and connecting with counselors who get it.💛 Because we’re better together.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

🎙️ Episode Title: That One Student – Ending the Year with ImpactIn this powerful episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the emotional story of “that one student” — or in her case, an entire family — who made a lasting impact during the school year. From crisis to resilience, you'll hear how four siblings reminded her why school counselors do this work, even when it’s messy, hard, and uncertain.You'll walk away with:A reminder of the life-changing power of your presenceAn invitation to reflect on your own “one student” storyA renewed sense of hope and connection💌 Carol encourages you to write about the student who impacted you this year—and maybe even share it with her!🖇️ Links + Resources:Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupVisit counselingessentials.org/podcast for more.📲 Connect with Carol on Instagram or Facebook @counselingessentialsMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

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

In this heartfelt episode, I'm sharing a mix of laughter, encouragement, and reflection for school counselors wrapping up the year. Drawing from letters written by real counselors, this episode offers wisdom to tuck away for the tough days ahead—and a reminder that your work truly matters.Highlights:💌 “Dear Future Me…” letters full of humor, heart, and hard-earned advice📢 The importance of advocating for your role (and inviting yourself to the meeting)🧠 What to remember when you're overwhelmed next fall👀 Why checking work emails at home is a big nope✨ A challenge to write your own end-of-year letterWords of Wisdom from the Episode:“You’ve walked through hard things and you’re still standing. Your value isn’t determined by someone else’s words.” – Michelle F.“You are the right person for this job—even when the to-do list says otherwise.” – Darcy C.Challenge of the Week: Write your own "Dear Future Me" letter. Include a reminder of your growth, the wins worth celebrating, and advice for when things get heavy again. Then, save it somewhere to reopen next fall. 💛Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

What happens when grief becomes your unexpected companion—but also your teacher?In this heartfelt Podcast Takeover, guest host Carol Colao opens up about guiding children through grief in her school counseling role, sharing signs, stories, and a reminder that children grieve differently--and deeply. She’s joined by Julie Riga, a leadership coach and author, who turned her grief into purpose by completing her late father’s memoir and discovering “authentic grieving” in the process.This episode is a touching blend of personal story and professional wisdom—and a reminder that hope can grow even in the hardest seasons.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:How grief manifests in children vs. adultsSigns of “sad attacks” and how to support students through themWhy grief extends beyond death: divorce, incarceration, and moreWhat it means to “authentically grieve” and set your own paceHow storytelling and honoring “the firsts” after loss can lead to healingWhy it’s okay to cry, celebrate, and remember—in your own way💛 Encouragement from this episode: You don’t need to have all the answers to start healing. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. There is hope in the hurt—and healing in remembering.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook...

As school counselors, we tend to spotlight the big moments—graduations, awards, and final grades. But what about the small wins? The quiet growth, the subtle progress, and the unseen impact?In this uplifting episode, I'm sharing why those “little things” might just be the most important part of our work—and how you can start recognizing and celebrating them today.You'll hear:Why small wins matter (backed by behavioral science!)Simple celebration strategies for students, staff, and yourselfHow creating a culture of gratitude fuels connection and morale“Those tiny victories build momentum, boost morale, and create a positive environment for everyone… You are making an impact every single day.”Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Surviving school counseling? Sure, it’s doable. But thriving in it? That takes intention. In this episode, Carol shares the 5 non-negotiables that help counselors stay grounded, confident, and impactful—no matter what time of year it is.Whether you're wrapping up the school year or planning ahead, these five foundational pillars will support your work (and your wellness).What You’ll Learn:How building relationships—yes, even the tough ones—is the key to everythingWhat setting strong boundaries really looks like in a school settingHow to use data to fuel your advocacy and prove your impactWhy learning never stops (and where to find support that actually fits your schedule)Ways to confidently advocate for yourself and your program🎓 Bonus Spotlight: The 2025 Summer Counselor ConferenceVirtual, on-demand, and designed for real school counselors40 sessions + 2 keynote speakersGraduate credit availableZoom meetups, giveaways, and easy access Registration opens May 15—grab your spot early!Resources Mentioned:www.summercounselorconference.comGrab 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

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"...