144. New Year, Same Counselor

January has a way of making counselors feel like they should start over with new systems, new routines, new everything. But what if that pressure is actually working against your effectiveness?In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm offering a grounded reframe for the new year: you don’t need to become a brand-new counselor just because the calendar changed.Instead, this episode invites you to slow down, protect your energy, and focus on what already works.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why January pressure can lead to burnout instead of clarityA simple explanation of the law of diminishing returns in school counselingHow “doing more” can actually reduce your impactWhy small tweaks matter more than big overhaulsPractical ways to carry fall systems into the springThree gentle reflection prompts to guide your January planning“Sometimes less truly is more — especially when it comes to protecting your energy and sustaining your impact.”January Reflection Prompts:What is one counseling routine that felt manageable in the fall?What is one lesson, group, or system I don’t need to reinvent?What is one thing I can stop doing to protect my energy?This episode is a reminder that:You are not starting overYour relationships still matterYour systems didn’t disappearAnd sustainability is what carries you through March, April, and May✨ New year. Same counselor. Stronger boundaries. Smarter focus.Thanks for being here, counselor friend.You’re doing important work — even when it doesn’t feel loud or new.⭐ If this episode helped you, a quick review means more than you knowUntil next time — I hope you have a really great week.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Episode 83Grab 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...

As the calendar turns to a new year, many school counselors find themselves holding a mix of emotions about heading back to work. Motivation might feel low, energy might feel scattered, and that sense of readiness may not be there yet.In this New Year’s Eve re-listen, I'm revisiting Episode 41 of Counselor Chat Podcast, a conversation counselors return to again and again when break comes to an end.This episode is a reminder that feeling unmotivated, heavy, or unsure about returning to school is normal. Motivation does not magically appear on January 1st, and you do not need to have everything figured out before heading back.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why mixed emotions after a break are completely normalHow different breaks can bring different feelings from year to yearThe importance of acknowledging your emotions instead of pushing through themHow reconnecting with your “why” can ground you when motivation feels lowSimple strategies to ease back into work, including building white space into your calendarWhy prioritizing tasks and letting go of doing everything at once mattersThe power of reconnecting with colleagues for support and perspectiveGentle reminders about self care and protecting your energyYou are not alone, and you are allowed to take this transition one step at a time.Mentioned in the Episode:Energy Inventory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eXT5jXvwueU39AGvkFYq7-wvom9TiSns/view?usp=sharingGrab 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...

As the holiday season arrives, we’re revisiting one of the most meaningful episodes of Counselor Chat — a conversation filled with honest advice, encouragement, and reminders from counselors who truly understand the work.In this episode, counselors from across the country share the wisdom they wish they had when they were new to the profession — advice that’s just as powerful for seasoned counselors navigating full plates, shifting priorities, and year-end reflection.You’ll hear thoughtful insights on:The importance of visibility and relationship-buildingGiving yourself grace and letting go of perfectionAsking for help and leaning on your support systemBalancing heart work with realistic expectationsCaring for yourself while caring for othersRemembering that even the smallest moments matterThis episode feels like sitting down with colleagues who get it — the challenges, the joy, the exhaustion, and the purpose behind the work you do every day.Whether you’re listening on a walk, at the gym, or during a quiet moment of rest, my hope is that this re-listen meets you exactly where you are and reminds you that you are not alone.Ready to share your tips and advice on a upcoming episode? Just hit this link, and then press record on your phone or device. Easy peasy! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/325646/26/h0ldegvcaj9roa3kGrab 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

December in schools hits different.The schedules are off. The kids are buzzing. The teachers are exhausted. And counselors are somehow expected to be part Santa, part therapist, and part crisis manager… all before lunch.If your December feels especially full, you are not imagining it.In this week’s episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing The School Counselor’s Holiday Survival Guide. It’s a realistic, no-pressure conversation about how to get through this season without losing your sanity or your joy.In this episode, we talk about:Why December feels so intense for school counselorsHow to simplify lessons and expectations without guiltWhat to do when plans constantly changeSetting boundaries that protect your energy and still support your schoolSupporting students who struggle emotionally during the holidaysFinding small moments of calm and joy for yourselfOne of my favorite reminders from this episode is this:“Your goal right now is not to win Counselor of the Season. Your goal is to get to winter break in one piece.”If you’ve been feeling tired, stretched thin, or like you’re barely keeping up, this episode is your permission slip to simplify and take care of yourself, too.Mentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

Episode 140: Finding Calm in the Counselor ChaosDecember brings a special kind of school chaos. Schedules shift. Energy skyrockets. Teachers and students feel stretched. And counselors often find themselves trying to hold it all together.In this episode, I am sharing simple ways to stay grounded, centered, and calm during one of the busiest months of the school year.In This Episode You’ll Learn:• Common early signs of counselor burnout • Why noticing burnout is an act of wisdom, not weakness • Easy micro practices that take 30 seconds to 2 minutes • A guided one-minute breathing reset you can use anytime • How to let go of perfection and choose simplicity • Ways to weave calm moments into your day without adding tasksQuote From the Episode"You are doing enough. You are enough, and you are allowed to rest."Encouragement for the WeekDecember may be busy, but you do not have to absorb all the chaos around you. Take a pause, take a breath, and give yourself permission to rest. You are doing more good 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

December can feel like a whirlwind in schools, which makes it the perfect time to slow down and center students in one of the most grounding SEL themes we have: gratitude.In this episode, I am sharing simple, meaningful ways to introduce gratitude to students of all ages, plus ideas for weaving it into your counseling program throughout the whole month.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• Why gratitude boosts mood, relationships, and academic outcomes • How gratitude connects to all five CASEL competencies • How I use the book Last Stop on Market Street to introduce perspective and meaning • Reflection questions that help deepen student understanding • My daily Witness Moment practice and how students can create gratitude snapshots • A gratitude acorn activity that helps younger students understand growth • A powerful gratitude cross the line lesson for older students • Schoolwide ideas: gratitude walls, gratitude grams, morning announcements • How to track simple Tier 1 data when implementing gratitude centered lessonsQuote From the Episode"It can start off tiny, just like an acorn, but gratitude has a way of growing into something great."Encouragement for the WeekAs we close out the year, gratitude becomes a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. Whether it is an acorn on the wall, a hallway display, or a quiet moment in your office, I hope you always find ways to grow gratitude in your school this season.Resources Mentioned:Last Stop On Market StreetGrab 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

Right&nbsp;before&nbsp;Thanksgiving,&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;of&nbsp;progress&nbsp;reports,&nbsp;last-minute&nbsp;meetings,&nbsp;and&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;pumpkin&nbsp;spice&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;world,&nbsp;it&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;easy&nbsp;to&nbsp;miss&nbsp;the&nbsp;small&nbsp;moments&nbsp;that&nbsp;actually&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;us.This&nbsp;episode&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;gentle&nbsp;pause.&nbsp;A&nbsp;breath.&nbsp;A&nbsp;circle&nbsp;of&nbsp;gratitude&nbsp;created&nbsp;for&nbsp;you.I&nbsp;asked&nbsp;counselors&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;groups&nbsp;what&nbsp;they&nbsp;are&nbsp;most&nbsp;grateful&nbsp;for,&nbsp;and&nbsp;their&nbsp;answers&nbsp;were&nbsp;pure&nbsp;joy,&nbsp;connection,&nbsp;and&nbsp;heart.&nbsp;Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;their&nbsp;stories,&nbsp;along&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;own,&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;reminder&nbsp;that&nbsp;even&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;chaos,&nbsp;the&nbsp;work&nbsp;you&nbsp;do&nbsp;every&nbsp;day&nbsp;truly&nbsp;matters.✨&nbsp;What&nbsp;You&nbsp;Will&nbsp;Hear&nbsp;in&nbsp;This&nbsp;Episode:Why&nbsp;the&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;before&nbsp;Thanksgiving&nbsp;feel&nbsp;especially&nbsp;heavyThe&nbsp;power&nbsp;of&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;to&nbsp;notice&nbsp;the&nbsp;goodA&nbsp;collective&nbsp;gratitude&nbsp;circle&nbsp;filled&nbsp;with&nbsp;counselor&nbsp;shared&nbsp;momentsStudents&nbsp;choosing&nbsp;time&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;counselor&nbsp;as&nbsp;their&nbsp;rewardKids&nbsp;using&nbsp;calm&nbsp;down&nbsp;strategies&nbsp;and&nbsp;repeating&nbsp;your&nbsp;words&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;youWhen&nbsp;a&nbsp;student&nbsp;calls&nbsp;you&nbsp;their&nbsp;trusted&nbsp;adultWhy&nbsp;small&nbsp;wins&nbsp;often&nbsp;matter&nbsp;the&nbsp;mostReal&nbsp;stories&nbsp;of&nbsp;connection&nbsp;from&nbsp;counselors&nbsp;across&nbsp;the&nbsp;countryA&nbsp;quick&nbsp;30&nbsp;second&nbsp;gratitude&nbsp;practice&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;do&nbsp;anytimeSimple&nbsp;ideas&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;the&nbsp;gratitude&nbsp;going&nbsp;at&nbsp;school💬&nbsp;Quote&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Episode“Emotional&nbsp;safety&nbsp;is&nbsp;such&nbsp;a&nbsp;quiet&nbsp;form&nbsp;of&nbsp;love,&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;kids&nbsp;choose&nbsp;to&nbsp;show&nbsp;up&nbsp;in&nbsp;your&nbsp;space,&nbsp;that&nbsp;is&nbsp;gratitude&nbsp;in&nbsp;motion.”💛&nbsp;Encouragement&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;WeekTake&nbsp;a&nbsp;moment&nbsp;today&nbsp;to&nbsp;name&nbsp;one&nbsp;thing&nbsp;you&nbsp;are&nbsp;grateful&nbsp;for&nbsp;in&nbsp;your&nbsp;work,&nbsp;with&nbsp;no&nbsp;posting&nbsp;or&nbsp;documenting,&nbsp;just&nbsp;a&nbsp;quiet&nbsp;acknowledgment&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;moment.You&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;safe&nbsp;space.&nbsp;You&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;trusted&nbsp;adult.&nbsp;You&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;calm&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;storm.And&nbsp;that&nbsp;is&nbsp;something&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;profoundly&nbsp;grateful&nbsp;for.Happy&nbsp;Thanksgiving,&nbsp;counselor&nbsp;friends.&nbsp;I&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;you&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;you&nbsp;know.&nbsp;💛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:<a...

In this week's podcast we look at pre-holiday behavior spikes through a problem-solving lens. Instead of “How do we punish this?” we ask, “What skill is missing?” She models restorative conversations, shares reflection tools that build self-awareness, and walks through calm-down strategies that help students regulate before you problem-solve.Key takeawaysBehavior = communication. Shift from “what’s wrong with the student?” to “what’s happening for the student?”Use restorative approaches: understand harm, take responsibility, repair relationships, restore trust.Reflection &gt; reaction: guided behavior reflection sheets connect thoughts, feelings, needs, and next steps.Regulation first: you can’t consequence a child into calm; teach calming tools, then problem-solve.Mindset shift: connection before correction; growth over guilt.Try-it-now toolsRestorative questions:What happened? • What were you thinking/feeling? • Who was affected &amp; how? • What makes it right? • What will you do next time?Behavior Reflection prompts:Trigger • Feeling • Need • Better choice next time • Who to repair with &amp; how (what a real apology looks/sounds like).Calm-down strategies:Square/5-finger breathing, grounding (5–4–3–2–1), movement/water break, sensory tools (rings, stress balls), feelings check-ins/thermometers.Scenario highlight“Jayden in the line”: Instead of office + lecture, Carol uses a brief restorative chat/circle + reflection sheet to move from guilt to growth and repair.Counselor moves to start this weekModel restorative conversations (skip “Why did you do that?”).Teach emotion language (feeling wheels, visuals, daily check-ins).Build a Behavior Reflection Toolkit for you and teachers.Quote to remember“Punishment might stop the behavior, but it doesn’t heal what’s underneath. Problem-solving does.”ConnectFollow Carol on IG: @counselingessentialsShare what’s in your calm-down kit and tag the show!Think SheetsGrab 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...

How do we help students stand by their values even when doing so might cost them friends? In this week’s episode, I'm sharing how a simple story—The Fall Festival Dilemma—sparked powerful conversations about honesty, belonging, and integrity.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to use moral dilemmas to help students reflect on their valuesWays to move from “teaching right and wrong” to helping kids live their beliefsDiscussion prompts that build empathy, courage, and critical thinkingHow to connect values lessons to ASCA Mindsets &amp; Behaviors and CASEL’s Responsible Decision-Making competencyWhy standing up for what’s right helps students develop confidence and character💡 Quote of the Episode:“Values aren’t just beliefs—they’re actions. Real values show up when they cost you something.”Resources Mentioned:The Fall Festival DilemmaPerks Content ClubGrab 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

October might be over, but kindness shouldn’t be. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how restorative practices can take your school from reactive to relational — and how simple daily routines can build a culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported.Restorative practices aren’t about punishment; they’re about connection. When we focus on building relationships first, we prevent harm — and when harm does happen, we know how to repair it with empathy and understanding.I’ll walk you through what this looks like at each tier — from morning greetings and check-ins to community circles and peer mediation programs — so you can start building a stronger sense of belonging right where you are.✨ In this episode, I share:Simple ways to weave restorative practices into your daily routinesHow to use greetings, check-ins, and circles to strengthen relationshipsWhat each tier of restorative practice looks like in actionWhy reflection, not punishment, leads to lasting behavior changeHow connection and accountability go hand in handIf you’ve been looking for a way to take your anti-bullying work beyond October, this episode will help you do just that — one greeting, one circle, one conversation at a time.Because when we build connection into every day, kindness becomes who we are, not just what we do. 💛Links Mentioned:Community Circles Beginning BundleCommunity Circles Self-Awareness BundleCommunity Circles Self-Management BundleCommunity Circles Social-Awareness BundleThink SheetsGrab 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...