Counselor Chat Podcast

January can feel especially tough in schools. Big emotions, increased anxiety, mood changes, and shutdown behaviors often show up as students transition back from break. In this episode, I’m breaking down why January feels so hard, and what school counselors can do to support students in ways that are compassionate, practical, and sustainable. In this episode, I discuss: Why January creates emotio...

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 s...

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 e...

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 counsel...

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 re...

Episode 140: Finding Calm in the Counselor Chaos December 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 ...

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 gratit...

Right before Thanksgiving, in the middle of progress reports, last-minute meetings, and all the pumpkin spice in the world, it can be easy to miss the small moments that actually fuel us. This episode is a gentle pause....

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 takeaways Behavior = communication. Shift from “wha...

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 values Ways to move from “teaching right and wrong” to helping k...

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 — a...

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, a...

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 ta...

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 it Simple schoolwide projects that create a culture of kindness: Classroom extensions like kindness tickets, secret kindness a...

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 yo...

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 withdr...

“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 i...

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’...

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 stude...

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...

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 ho...

Episode Summary: What does ice cream have to do with school counseling? More than you might think. In this episode, I share the famous Blueberry Story —a tale that perfectly captures the heart of what we do as counselors. While businesses can send back “bad batches,” schools take every child who walks through the doors—gifted, anxious, angry, brilliant, frightened, and everything in between. What...

If you’ve ever felt like your day is one giant interruption, this episode is for you. In this week’s Counselor Chat , I'm sharing my go-to strategies for using time-blocking to create structure, reduce chaos, and make room for what matters most in your school counseling program. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: What time-blocking is really about (hint: it’s not rigid—it’s freeing!) The 5 key...

Let’s be honest—back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind. But there’s one move that can make the whole year smoother: teaming up with teachers from the start. In this episode of Counselor Chat , I'm walking you through simple and creative ways to build trust and connection with your teaching staff—without adding more stress to your plate. You’ll learn: Why visibility and approachability are...

In this inspiring guest episode of Counselor Chat , Carey Hughes and Rachel Haglin take the mic to share how a simple shift in mindset — and one powerful administrative conference — led to real advocacy and real results . They didn’t just talk about change. They led it. And it’s already transforming their district. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “It’s a program, not a position” is more than...