132. Empathy in Action: Kindness Lessons for October

October is packed—Red Ribbon Week, conferences, spirit days, and of course, Bullying Prevention Month. But if we really want to create schools where students feel safe, seen, and supported, our work has to go deeper than themed t-shirts and hashtag campaigns.In this episode, I’m sharing how to build an anti-bullying culture that lasts long after October ends — one rooted in empathy, connection, and consistency.Here’s what I’ll walk you through:🌱 What a real anti-bullying culture looks like🧭 How to weave kindness and empathy into Tier 1 classroom lessons💬 Creative Tier 2 ideas like Kindness Clubs and leadership groups🏫 Whole-school strategies that make kindness part of your school’s DNA📊 Why data matters—and how to show that kindness work truly changes climateBecause awareness is great, but awareness alone doesn’t change behavior. Culture does.My favorite reminder from this episode:“Awareness is just the spark. But culture change? That’s the flame that keeps you burning all year long.”So grab your coffee (and maybe a donut if you have one), and let’s talk about how to make kindness stick all year long.Links Mentioned:Building Champions Small GroupTop Secret Kindness Club Small GroupGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing one of my favorite fall-inspired lessons — what I like to call The Candy Corn Principle.You know how people either love or hate candy corn? Well, the same goes for our work as school counselors. No matter how much heart, effort, or intention we pour into our programs, not everyone is going to love what we do — and that’s okay.In this episode, I’m talking about why trying to please everyone can leave you burned out and how to stay focused on what truly matters: making a difference for your students.Here’s what I’ll walk you through:🎯 The real reason people-pleasing feels so natural (and so exhausting)🧭 How to protect your time and purpose with healthy boundaries💬 Calm, professional ways to say “no” without guilt💡 Why consistency earns respect faster than trying to please everyone❤️ How to shift from seeking approval to staying aligned with your missionMy favorite reminder from this episode:“You’re not here to make everyone happy. You’re here to make a difference. And those two things are not the same.”So grab your coffee (and maybe a handful of candy corn), and join me for a sweet little reminder that your value isn’t defined by how many people approve — it’s measured by the difference you make every single day.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, I'm exploring how counselors can help students move beyond “Don’t be a bully” to living empathy through meaningful, collaborative kindness projects.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The difference between teaching empathy and practicing itSimple schoolwide projects that create a culture of kindness:Classroom extensions like kindness tickets, secret kindness agents, and gratitude postcards Lead with empathy — not just awareness. Don’t just define kindness. Show it. Celebrate it. Let it grow.Resources mentioned:Where Oliver Fits LessonBooks Mentioned:The Kindness QuiltKindness GrowsWhere Oliver FitsGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

The first few weeks of school are often a blur of class schedules, new faces, and back-to-school energy—but they’re also the time when every referral seems to come in at once.In this episode, I'm breaking down how to handle that wave of requests without losing your mind (or your lunch break). You’ll learn how to triage like a pro, set healthy boundaries with staff, and create systems that save your future self a ton of time and stress.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why referral overload is actually a good sign (and how to manage it)Carol’s 3-T Triage System: Time-Sensitive, Tiered, and TransparentHow to streamline referrals with a Google FormWhat to say instead of “That’s not my job” (without burning bridges)Why your language matters when setting boundariesA simple way to track referrals for data and advocacyEncouragement for Counselors:You don’t have to do it all at once. You just need a system, a plan, and permission to pause. Triage your time. Lead with heart. And remember—you’re not behind, you’re building something sustainable.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

The first few weeks of school aren’t just about bulletin boards and icebreakers. They’re the perfect time to notice the small shifts in our students that tell us something deeper might be going on.In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to recognize red flags early, along with strategies to check in without making students feel called out.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to spot withdrawal in a student who used to be engagedWhy perfectionism may really be anxiety in disguiseWhen humor turns from fun to a red flagThe patterns behind frequent nurse visitsHow to check in with “everything’s fine” studentsThe top “early warning radar” signs to watch for weeks 1–4Encouragement for Counselors: Your instincts matter. Be curious, not judgmental. A small check-in today can redirect the entire course of a student’s year, and sometimes, their life.Links Mentioned:Forced Choice Behavioral SurveysGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

“What do you do again?” If you’ve ever heard this question, you already know why visibility matters. In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re diving into how a simple monthly newsletter can help you advocate for your role, connect with staff and families, and showcase the true impact of school counseling.What you’ll learn in this episode:The 5 essential pieces every counselor newsletter should includePractical ways to share updates, events, and tips without overwhelming yourselfHow newsletters shift the perception of counselors from “crisis response” to essential leadershipWhy visibility = value when it comes to your programA shortcut resource if you’re too busy to design from scratchLinks & Resources:Counselor Newsletter TemplatesMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Do you ever feel like you and your principal are speaking two different languages? Maybe you’ve been asked to cover lunch duty, sit in on last-minute student issues, or explain (again) why your role matters. You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.In this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re talking about how to collaborate with administrators without feeling like you’re constantly on defense. You’ll learn how to reset your mindset, swap your language, and use strategy that strengthens your working relationships.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to shift your mindset from undervalued to essential leaderLanguage swaps that turn “ASCA says…” into solutions your admin wants to say yes toWhy aligning your work with schoolwide goals (attendance, achievement, behavior) is a game-changerPractical scripts for saying no without confrontationHow data makes your advocacy more compelling than feelings ever couldIf you’ve ever wondered how to stop being seen as “the other team” and start being seen as an essential member of the leadership team, this one’s for you.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Suicide prevention isn’t easy to talk about—but it’s a conversation we can’t afford to avoid. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I share strategies, stories, and resources to help school counselors navigate this difficult but critical topic.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to have age-appropriate conversations with students about suicide and mental health.Practical steps for creating student safety plans that are clear, collaborative, and effective.The role teachers play as gatekeepers, and how training can help them recognize signs and take appropriate action.Why we need to set expectations with staff about reporting concerns immediately—not at the end of the day.How we as counselors can support not just students, but also teachers, staff, and families in this work.💡 Remember: suicide prevention isn’t only about stopping a crisis—it’s about building hope, creating systems of support, and reminding students that they matter.🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:Grades 6-7 Suicide Prevention LessonSuicide Prevention Grades 8 and up LessonGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Sometimes the smallest gestures hold the biggest power. In this episode, we’re talking about how the High Five Habit can transform your energy, your relationships, and your school year.What you’ll discover in this episode:How high fives activate your brain’s reward center and lift your mood.Simple ways to use high fives with students, colleagues, and even yourself.The importance of celebrating presence and effort—not just performance.Ideas like high five rituals and creating a school-wide high five wall.Why giving yourself a high five in the mirror can shift your confidence and outlook.Whether it’s literal, symbolic, or metaphorical, high fives are a powerful reminder that we see each other, we’re not alone, and we’re worth cheering for.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Crisis isn’t on your calendar—but it will find its way into your school year. From grief to suicide risk to behavioral outbursts, these moments change everything in an instant. In this episode, I share how to build a Crisis Toolkit so you’re ready to respond with care, structure, and sanity when the unexpected comes knocking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to approach student grief with honesty, check-ins, and healing resources.What protocols and tools to have ready when a student expresses suicidal thoughts.The must-have elements of a behavioral crisis communication and de-escalation plan.What to include in your crisis go-bag and why post-crisis support matters as much as the response itself.Motivation to Take With You:The best time to prepare for a storm is before the clouds roll in. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be prepared. Because you, counselor friend, are the calm in the chaos, the heartbeat in the hard stuff, and the soft landing for students who need it most.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership