Counselor Chat Podcast

153. Shamrocks, Rainbows, and Gold: St. Patrick’s Day SEL That Actually Works March in an elementary school often comes with a little extra magic. Leprechaun footprints. Construction paper rainbows. Gold coins hidden in classrooms. But seasonal fun doesn’t have to mean fluffy lessons. In this episode, I'm sharing creative ways to turn St. Patrick’s Day excitement into meaningful social-emotional learning experiences that students will actually remember. You’ll hear simple strategies you can use right away to teach growth mindset, resilience, goal setting, impulse control, and emotional regulation — all while leaning into the fun of the season. As I remind students during one of these lessons: “Some people think leprechauns bring the gold… but what if the real gold comes from effort?”In This Episode • A Luck vs Effort growth mindset lesson students love • How to use rainbows to teach goal setting • Turning leprechaun traps into problem-solving activities • A character traits treasure hunt with gold coins • A gratitude shift from “I’m lucky because…” to “I worked hard for…” • A playful impulse control lesson: Leprechaun Trick or Think • Rainbow Regulation coping strategies for younger students These activities help students understand that success isn’t about luck. It’s about effort, perseverance, and learning along the way. Seasonal lessons can absolutely be fun. But when you add purpose, reflection, and conversation, they become something much more powerful. Because when students are laughing, engaged, and thinking… That’s when the learning sticks. And that might just be the real pot of gold. Resources MentionedLuck vs Effort Lesson Lucky Day Icebreakers Being Golden with your Cyber Smarts Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Behavior concerns often land squarely on the school counselor’s shoulders, leaving counselors feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and stretched thin. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm breaking down MTSS for Behavior (MTSSB) in a clear, practical way that centers teamwork, intentional decision-making, and counselor sustainability. This conversation moves away from compliance and paperwork and toward systems that actually work for students and the adults who support them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What MTSSB really means and why it matters The difference between reacting to behavior and responding intentionally Why behavior decisions should always be team-based How to think about Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports without overwhelm What data-informed decisions look like in real school settings How a clear intervention menu reduces emotional decision-making and burnout Key Quote“MTSSB isn’t about reacting faster. It’s about responding smarter.”Reflection Questions from the Episode:Who is currently making Tier 2 behavior decisions in your building? What data are you actually using, and is it useful? Do you have a clear intervention menu, or are you reinventing the wheel each time? Resources Mentioned:MTSS Behavior Toolkit Behavior Choice Survey Bundle Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Episode 151: The Words Matter: Small Language Shifts That Make a Big Difference The words we use as school counselors matter more than we sometimes realize. In this practical episode, I talk about everyday phrases we often say automatically and how small shifts in language can create more safety, validation, and trust for students, parents, staff, and ourselves. This isn’t about doing things wrong. It’s about becoming more intentional with our words, especially when we’re tired, rushed, or navigating emotional situations. In this episode, we explore: Why phrases like “It’s going to be okay” or “At least…” don’t always land as intended Language shifts that validate emotions without escalating them How curiosity-based phrasing changes the tone of conversations Ways to reduce defensiveness when working with parents and teachers Why scripts are a helpful support during high-emotion moments How the language we use with ourselves impacts burnout and longevity As you move through your week, I invite you to notice your language without judging it. Just notice where a small shift might help someone feel more seen, heard, and supported. You don’t need to change everything. One intentional change can make a real difference. Thank you for the heart you bring to this work every single day. Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

Episode 150: Not Every Week Is a Highlight Reel Not every National School Counseling Week looks like a highlight reel, and that’s okay. In this reflective episode, I share a personal experience from my own school where carefully made plans for National School Counseling Week were replaced by grief, crisis response, and the need to simply be present for students and staff. This episode is for counselors who felt exhausted, unseen, or overwhelmed, and for anyone who needed permission to let something go. In this episode, I cover: Why National School Counseling Week can feel complicated and emotional How unexpected events can shift even the best-laid plans What it means to truly “do enough” as a school counselor Why quiet work still matters, even when it isn’t celebrated A moment from the episode that I hope stays with you: “Sometimes doing what we can with what we have is the most realistic and compassionate choice.” If National School Counseling Week didn’t look the way you hoped, if you stayed quiet, or if you focused on crisis instead of celebration, I want you to know this: you didn’t fail. You’re human. And the work you do every day still makes a difference. Thank you for being here and for all you give to this profession. Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

Episode 148: Lives Worth Living with Steve Sharp and Perri RosenIn this episode, I’m joined by Steve Sharp (a middle school counselor in Pennsylvania) and Dr. Perri Rosen (a nationally certified school psychologist and former special educator) to talk about their new book, Lives Worth Living: Applying the Zero Suicide Approach in Schools. We have an honest, practical conversation about how suicide prevention in schools has often been treated as “crisis response only”—and why the work we do before a crisis (SEL, belonging, school climate, connection) is a critical part of prevention too. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why suicide prevention is often seen as “its own box” in schools—and how to broaden that mindset What the Zero Suicide framework is and why it can be adapted for school systems How SEL, belonging, and school climate function as real protective factors What school counselors may need to unlearn about suicide prevention Why “refer out and hope it resolves” isn’t the full picture—and how schools still play a role in recovery Why re-entry and connection matter so much after a suicide-related crisis How data and continuous improvement can strengthen a school-wide prevention system over time “You don’t have to layer on all of these other things… it’s many of the things you’re already doing. It’s just making those connections.” Key Takeaway:Suicide prevention isn’t just a training or a risk assessment—it’s the systems we build, the connections we create, and the culture of belonging we protect, so students can truly live lives worth living. If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps other school counselors find support, resources, and reminders that they’re not alone in this work. Resources Mentioned: Lives Worth Living Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I celebrate the powerful connection between National School Counseling Week and World Read Aloud Day, and why stories play such a meaningful role in student success. I share how read-alouds create emotional safety, help students name their feelings, and open doors for conversations that might otherwise feel too hard to start. I also read an excerpt from my children’s book, Sammy’s Sad Day, and walked through simple, practical ways counselors can use storytelling as a Tier 1 support in classrooms, small groups, and beyond. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just measured in data — it’s felt in connection. In This Episode, I Talk About:Why student success starts with emotional safety, not just academics How stories create shared emotional language for students Why read-alouds work so well as low-pressure counseling tools Using books as Tier 1 support for whole-class and school-wide impact Simple reflection questions that build emotional literacy How connection changes behavior and learning outcomes “You amplify student success when a student feels seen, a teacher uses language you modeled, and a child realizes they’re not alone. Links Mentioned Sammy's Sad Day Perks National School Counseling Week Free Month Deal Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

January has a way of sneaking up on me—and usually bringing one big question with it: How’s your data looking?In this episode, I’m sharing a realistic, no-pressure approach to doing a midyear data check, without the guilt, the overwhelm, or the unrealistic expectation of having “perfect” charts and reports. This conversation is all about using what you already have to guide meaningful next steps for your students, instead of stressing over what you didn’t collect. In This Episode, I Talk About:Why “real data” doesn’t always live in spreadsheets and graphs What actually counts as meaningful data in a real school setting Simple reflection questions I use to spot trends and changing needs How I know when it’s time to adjust groups, lessons, or interventions Why January is more about course correction than evaluation How my own energy and workload often point to important patterns Reflection Questions I Share:What feels heavier than it did in the fall? What feels lighter? Who am I seeing more often—and who am I seeing less? What has surprised me so far this year? “You don’t need more data to prove you’re doing meaningful work. You just need enough information to guide your next steps.” Key Takeaway:Midyear data isn’t about proving everything worked—it’s about asking one powerful question: What do students need now? If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps other counselors find support, ideas, and practical strategies too. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

January is often when attendance challenges start to feel impossible (for students and for counselors). In this episode, I break down why attendance dips during the winter months, how to reframe attendance as a support issue rather than a compliance issue, and what counselors can realistically do to help students re-engage with school. This episode focuses on compassion, collaboration, and practical strategies that honor what students are really experiencing. You’ll Learn:Common reasons attendance declines in January (illness, anxiety, routine changes, weather, and more) Why framing attendance as a symptom changes how students respond Language counselors can use to talk about attendance without blame Layered counseling supports for students with chronic absences How small wins (fewer tardies, staying longer, asking for help) matter more than perfect data Engagement strategies that increase motivation and belonging Quote from the Episode“Students don’t avoid school because they don’t care. They avoid school because something feels really hard.” Resources Mentioned:Attendance Small Group Middle School Attendance Lesson (grades 6-7) Barriers To Attendance Lesson (grades K-1) Academic Success Attendance Lesson (grades 2-3) Barriers to Attendance (grades 4-5) Chronic Attendance Intervention Lesson (grade 8) Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 emotional and behavioral shifts for students How anxiety shows up differently across age groups The difference between behavior problems and regulation problems Why predictability is essential for reducing anxiety Counselor strategies to restore safety and routine Low-pressure Tier 1 lesson ideas for January Small group supports for anxiety, coping skills, and transitions Trauma-informed practices that prioritize connection before correction Key Quote from the Episode“Anxiety increases when predictability decreases.” Counselor TakeawayJanuary isn’t about fixing feelings or pushing through. It’s about regrounding, rebuilding routines, and helping students feel safe enough to learn again. Small supports matter—and they add up. Thank you for showing up for your students and for yourself. Your work matters more than you know. Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 clarity A simple explanation of the law of diminishing returns in school counseling How “doing more” can actually reduce your impact Why small tweaks matter more than big overhauls Practical ways to carry fall systems into the spring Three 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 over Your relationships still matter Your systems didn’t disappear And 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 know Until next time — I hope you have a really great week. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Episode 83 Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 normal How different breaks can bring different feelings from year to year The importance of acknowledging your emotions instead of pushing through them How reconnecting with your “why” can ground you when motivation feels low Simple strategies to ease back into work, including building white space into your calendar Why prioritizing tasks and letting go of doing everything at once matters The power of reconnecting with colleagues for support and perspective Gentle reminders about self care and protecting your energy You 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=sharing Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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-building Giving yourself grace and letting go of perfection Asking for help and leaning on your support system Balancing heart work with realistic expectations Caring for yourself while caring for others Remembering that even the smallest moments matter This 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/h0ldegvcaj9roa3k Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned 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 counselors How to simplify lessons and expectations without guilt What to do when plans constantly change Setting boundaries that protect your energy and still support your school Supporting students who struggle emotionally during the holidays Finding small moments of calm and joy for yourself One 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 tasks Quote 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/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned 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 lessons Quote 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 Street Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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.  A breath.  A circle of gratitude created for you. I asked counselors in my Facebook groups what they are most grateful for, and their answers were pure joy, connection, and heart. Today I am sharing their stories, along with a few of my own, as a reminder that even in the chaos, the work you do every day truly matters. ✨ What You Will Hear in This Episode:Why the weeks before Thanksgiving feel especially heavy The power of stopping to notice the good A collective gratitude circle filled with counselor shared moments Students choosing time with their counselor as their reward Kids using calm down strategies and repeating your words back to you When a student calls you their trusted adult Why small wins often matter the most Real stories of connection from counselors across the country A quick 30 second gratitude practice you can do anytime Simple ideas to keep the gratitude going at school 💬 Quote from the Episode“Emotional safety is such a quiet form of love, and when kids choose to show up in your space, that is gratitude in motion.” 💛 Encouragement for the WeekTake a moment today to name one thing you are grateful for in your work, with no posting or documenting, just a quiet acknowledgment of a meaningful moment. You are the safe space.  You are the trusted adult.  You are the calm in the storm. And that is something to be profoundly grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving, counselor friends. I appreciate you more than you know. 💛 Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 “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 > 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 tools Restorative questions: What happened? • What were you thinking/feeling? • Who was affected & 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 & 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 week Model 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.” Connect Follow Carol on IG: @counselingessentials Share what’s in your calm-down kit and tag the show! Think Sheets Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 kids live their beliefs Discussion prompts that build empathy, courage, and critical thinking How to connect values lessons to ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors and CASEL’s Responsible Decision-Making competency Why 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 Dilemma Perks Content Club Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned 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 routines How to use greetings, check-ins, and circles to strengthen relationships What each tier of restorative practice looks like in action Why reflection, not punishment, leads to lasting behavior change How connection and accountability go hand in hand If 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 Bundle Community Circles Self-Awareness Bundle Community Circles Self-Management Bundle Community Circles Social-Awareness Bundle Think Sheets Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

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 climate Because 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 Group Top Secret Kindness Club Small Group Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join 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 Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership