With over 15 years of experience as a High School Counselor, I hope to share tips, ideas and resources that will help students, parents and other School Counselors successfully navigate the high school experience.
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The VSCA Professional Development team is excited to offer a series of podcasts to provide support and encouragement to counselors.
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Ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what it really means to be a school counselor today? Welcome to The School for School Counselors Podcast! Let’s be honest: this job is rewarding, but it’s also one of the toughest, most misunderstood roles out there. That’s why I'm here, offering real talk and evidence-based insights about the everyday highs and lows of the work we love. Think of this podcast as your go-to conversation with a trusted friend who just gets it. I'm here to ...
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5 School Counseling Mistakes That’ll Bite You in August
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25:32What you forget in May will come back to bite you in August. In this episode, we cover 5 school counseling mistakes that cause chaos when the year starts- and how to avoid them while you still can. You’re running on fumes. May is chaos. And the last thing you want is another “end-of-year checklist.” But here’s the truth: what you forget now will tu…
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Should I Quit My School Counseling Job?
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30:11You’ve been holding it in all year. The long hours, the invisible work, the constant pressure to stay calm while everything around you feels like it’s unraveling... And now that the school year’s winding down, one question keeps echoing louder than the rest: “Can I really do this again next year?” In this deeply personal episode, I’m not here to ha…
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When You Love School Counseling But Hate How It Feels
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30:11You love school counseling. You believe in the mission. But right now, it just isn't feeling right. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re burned out, questioning if you can make it through another year, or feeling disconnected from the work you once loved... this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Why April and May hit school cou…
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The Three Types of School Counselors: Which One Are You?
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25:57⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️ ********************************** Ever meet another school counselor and realize halfway through the conversation… you’re not doing the same job at all? It’s not your imagination!…
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When Behavior Intervention Just Feels... Wrong
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28:57⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️ ********************************** Behavior charts. Consequence ladders. ABC data. They’re everywhere- and school counselors are often expected to be in the middle of it. But what …
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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️ ********************************** You’ve been looped into a student’s behavior. The teacher wants it fixed. Admin wants a behavior plan. And now everyone’s looking at you. If you’…
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⭐️ Want support with real-world strategies that actually work on your campus? We’re doing that every day in the School for School Counselors Mastermind. Come join us! ⭐️ ********************************** We’ve got to stop calling it "defiance" when it’s actually dysregulation. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what ADHD really is-…
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⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be. ⭐️ ********************************** In the previous episode, we talked about what happens when a behavior referral isn’t really about the student- and how counselors can shift out of the “removal service” role and into real consultation.…
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The Behavior Problem School Counselors Aren't Supposed to Talk About
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24:57⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be. ⭐️ ********************************** You get the call: “Can you come get this student?” But when you walk in, it’s clear- this isn’t really about the kid. It’s about stress. Dysregulation. Maybe even burnout. For the adult. And if school …
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⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be. ⭐️ ********************************** You’ve been asked to read a Social Story to a student—again. And if you're being honest… you’re not sure it’s actually doing anything. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the research behind…
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Bullying or Just Drama? The School Counselor’s Guide to Getting It Right
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23:27➡️ JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE BEHAVIOR BREAKTHROUGH KIT! Every school counselor has been there—stuck in a conversation where the word "bullying" is thrown around, but something feels off. A parent demands action because their child was left out of a game at recess. A teacher sends a referral for a “bullying” case that turns out to be a one-time disa…
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Relational Aggression and Bullying
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21:41"It's just middle school drama." "Ignore them, and it'll stop." "You're gonna have to toughen up." Sound familiar? These are the kinds of dismissive responses students often hear when they report bullying or relational aggression—and they’re not helping. In fact, with 1 in 5 students reporting being bullied and 41% of those fearing it will happen a…
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How to Handle Student Behavior Like a Pro
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23:25You know that moment—the banshee scream echoes down the hall, and suddenly, all eyes are on you. The walkies go off, teachers are calling your name, and once again, you’re expected to drop everything and handle the latest behavior meltdown. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This time of year, behavior issues ramp up, and school counselors …
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The Fat-Free Fix That’s Failing School Counselors
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22:25As busy school counselors, we often find ourselves reaching for quick-fix solutions to help our students. But are these convenient resources truly serving our students' needs? In this episode, I challenge the effectiveness of "print and pray" materials that have become way too common in our field. Thinking back to the misguided "fat-free" diet craz…
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How to Make Your School Feel Less Toxic (No Admin Approval Needed)
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18:11Can small acts of kindness truly transform a school environment? Or is that just wishful thinking? As we dive into Random Acts of Kindness Week, I’m sharing my firsthand experiences as a school counselor navigating workplace challenges—and how I discovered that the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact on school culture. Imagine a school wh…
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School Counselors Deserve Better! The Advocacy Problem No One Admits
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26:59*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* Happy National School Counseling Week! Or maybe not? There’s a growing divide in how school counselors feel about this week—some dive in with enthusiasm, while others don't want to be bothered. And honestly, after what I’ve been seeing late…
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Mastering Caseloads in School Counseling
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27:20*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* *Leave a voicemail here for a chance to be featured in an upcoming podcast episode!* In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses managing school counseling caseloads efficiently. Using an iconic…
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A Realistic Approach to National School Counseling Week
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30:31*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* In this episode, Steph Johnson, a full-time school counselor, talks through National School Counseling Week, sharing her thoughts on its purpose and the many mixed emotions it stirs among school counselors. Steph addresses various reactions…
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Stop Using AI Like This: What Every Counselor Should Know
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31:35*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* In this episode, Steph Johnson continues exploring how artificial intelligence is influencing school counseling. She unpacks the risks of depending too much on AI-generated tools and stresses the need for strong professional judgment to eva…
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*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in school counseling. Steph shares her concerns about the premature adoption of AI tools…
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What I'm Using Most in My School Counseling Office These Days
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22:08*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* This episode surveys some of the things I'm using most in my school counseling office right now to promote connection, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:29 Holiday Reflections and New Year Goals 02:49 Preparin…
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One Big Reason Behavior Charts Fail (And What You Can Do Instead)
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32:18*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today to become the school counselor you were meant to be.* Have you ever worked with a student labeled as “ODD” and felt like nothing you tried was working? In this episode, I’m revisiting one of our most talked-about topics: oppositional defiant behaviors in schools. But instead of focusing on the…
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Prep NOW for a Stress-Less Spring Semester
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20:08*Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind today for the techniques, support, and confidence you need to handle whatever this semester throws your way.* In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the common issue of school counselors feeling unprepared, whether broadly from grad school or specif…
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A Super-Simple Challenge to COMPLETELY Change Your Year
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14:33⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind to finally feel supported in your career In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the end-of-semester doubts many counselors feel about their impact. She emphasizes that the true value of school counseling lies in small, often unnoticed moments that…
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Four-Tenths of One Percent Means You're NOT Failing
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30:24⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind to finally feel supported in your career In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the unrealistic expectations set by comprehensive school counseling programs and offers practical advice on how to find peace and redefine success in the field. By foc…
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When Less is More in Your School Counseling Program
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32:27⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind to build a "stress-less" career In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses an issue many school counselors face: the overwhelming number of "urgent" student requests. She argues that constantly "saving the day" might actually hurt student development …
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Are You Chasing the Right School Counseling Goals?
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22:33In this episode of the 'School for School Counselors' podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses a major misstep she nearly made by trying to follow someone else's advice rather than staying true to her authentic style. She explores the unrealistic expectations placed on school counselors, scrutinizing the ideal ASCA model and encouraging listeners to f…
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How Can We Truly Support Gifted & 2E Students?
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20:49In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson talks through the unique challenges faced by gifted and twice exceptional students. Despite their abilities, these students often struggle with perfectionism, social isolation, and managing dual needs. Steph discusses practical strategies for school counselors to suppor…
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Dignity-Driven Holiday Outreach Programs
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25:04How can we create holiday outreach programs that truly lift up our students, without compromising their dignity? Join me, Steph Johnson, and let's discuss the heart of compassionate holiday outreach. We'll explore practical, ethical strategies that make a real impact, especially for students facing economic challenges or homelessness. Together, we’…
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Avoid Paper-Pencil Pitfalls in Your School Counseling Office
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34:04This episode is a comprehensive guide for school counselors aiming to improve their engagement with students. Moving beyond traditional worksheets, it provides information about evidence-based, individualized strategies and innovative interventions, particularly those with special needs. The discussion emphasizes the critical evaluation of widely-u…
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School Counselors' Secret Weapons for Special Pops Success
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26:12Ever feel like juggling the needs of special populations is pushing you to the brink? It doesn’t have to be that way! Join me, Steph Johnson, as we break down the often overwhelming world of school counseling and dive into real, evidence-based strategies for advocating for your students without burning out. We’ll talk about your ethical and legal r…
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Habits for School Counselor Hustle
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28:23Ready to Tame the School Year Chaos? In this episode of School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson dives into the power of building habits that stick—even in the whirlwind of school counseling life. Discover how to manage your ever-growing to-do list using James Clear’s proven habit loop framework: cue, craving, response, and reward. …
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How to Tell If You're a "Good Enough" School Counselor
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24:10Can trying to solve every student problem actually hold them back? Join us as we explore this provocative question, inspired by Donald Winnicott's concept of the "good enough parent.” We'll dissect the instinct to "fix" and consider how stepping back can empower students, helping them build resilience, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills, ult…
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The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Positivity in School Counseling
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29:15Can adopting a positive mindset inadvertently lead to dismissing genuine struggles? How can we balance a healthy stress mindset without falling into the trap of toxic positivity? In this episode of the 'School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the complexities of stress management for school counselors. The episode delves …
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School Counseling Stress: What If We’re Wrong?
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28:35What if stress wasn't your enemy, but your secret weapon? In this enlightening episode, Steph Johnson reveals how school counselors can transform stress from a debilitating burden into a powerful strength. We tackle the overwhelming caseloads, emotional toll, and resource scarcity head-on, offering a fresh perspective supported by robust, peer-revi…
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A Surprising Secret Weapon Against Chronic School Counselor Stress
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31:00Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out as a school counselor? Discover game-changing strategies to not only manage- but also thrive- amidst the unique stressors you face daily. Join me, Steph Johnson, on the School for School Counselors Podcast as we navigate the complexities of stress management, especially with the new school year kic…
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[Bonus Ep.] From Burnout to Brilliance: SMART Secrets for Overwhelmed School Counselors
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23:12In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the challenges of adhering to the ASCA National Model in imperfect circumstances and introduces the SMART School Counseling Framework. This five-part framework aims to provide actionable steps for school counselors navigating the complexities of real-world sch…
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[Bonus Ep.] Unlock the Secrets to Sustainable School Counseling
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24:28In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses ways to make school counseling more sustainable and enjoyable. Steph explores the importance of understanding your 'why', the benefits of tracking your time, the necessity of delegation, the value of effective systems, and the role of building strong relations…
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[Bonus Ep.] Are Yours Legit? The Uncomfortable Truth About School Counseling Resources
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26:40In the 114th episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the critical issue of subpar materials flooding the market, especially with the rise of AI-generated resources. She differentiates between "evidence-based" and "evidence-aligned" materials, emphasizing the importance of using thoroughly vetted, peer-revie…
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Dysregulated Adults ≠ Regulated Students
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31:56In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, Steph Johnson addresses the evolving role of school counselors in behavior intervention on campuses. Steph highlights the growing need for counselors to assist not only students but also staff members, who may unintentionally exacerbate student behaviors. She discusses common challenges, …
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Can We Convert "Defiant" Students into Dynamic School Leaders?
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21:23In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the expanding role of school counselors in behavior intervention, emphasizing the need for a trauma-informed approach. She discusses common concerns counselors have about behavior intervention, including the misconception of equating it to discipline, time con…
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Behavior Intervention Chaos: The Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
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22:46In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson discusses the complex role school counselors play in behavior intervention. She highlights the mixed emotions and challenges that come with the start of a new school year and provides insights into common mistakes counselors make when intervening in student behavior. Ke…
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The Giant Lie School Counselors Tell Every Day
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31:59Navigating the delicate balance of student confidentiality is crucial but complex. In this episode, we tackle real-life scenarios where transparency becomes a necessity, especially in critical situations involving suicidal ideation, self-harm, or legal mandates. We'll discuss the ethical boundaries school counselors must navigate, stressing the imp…
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Forget "Comprehensive" School Counseling
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32:17Welcome back to the School for School Counselors Podcast! In this episode, Steph Johnson dives deep into the often unrealistic expectations placed on school counselors. After wrapping up the wildly successful "Best Year Ever!" event, Steph shares her heart and wisdom from the final night of the extravaganza, emphasizing the need for a strong founda…
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TPT's Dirty Truths & Why You Need an Evidence-Base
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28:23Ever wondered why some school counseling programs deliver long-lasting results while others fall flat? In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses the critical need for evidence-based practices in the field of school counseling. Though counselor-created resources are popular, Johnson emphasizes the impo…
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How to Cue Yourself for Better School Counseling
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25:49How can understanding the "why" behind your practices truly transform your school counseling program? This week, we uncover the secrets to setting yourself up for sustainable success. Steph Johnson guides us through the nuances of human nature and brain functionality, offering practical strategies for establishing effective habits and practices in …
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The Secret to Sustaining Your Passion for School Counseling
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25:31What can keep your motivation and drive burning bright all through the school year? Join us as we uncover how integrating gratitude into your daily practice can reduce stress, boost emotional resilience, and foster a collaborative, positive atmosphere on campus. As we transition into the new academic year, we'll share insights on how gratitude can …
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4 Key Components School Counselors Need for an Amazing School Year
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25:30What if you could transform your school counseling program into a haven of organization and efficiency that instantly puts students- and you- at ease? This week on the School for School Counselors Podcast, I'm sharing the four critical components you must consider in preparing your school counseling program for success in the the new school year. F…
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Research-Based School Counseling Spaces: Does Yours Make the Grade?
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25:02Can the design of your school counseling office really impact student well-being and performance? Join me, Steph Johnson, on the School for School Counselors Podcast as we unpack the essentials of creating a functional and calming counseling space. Drawing from both personal experiences and cutting-edge research, I guide you through the journey of …
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Is it Time to Eliminate Some Joy from School Counseling?
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29:18So many of us need to "eliminate some Joy" from our roles. What can this mean for school counselors who strive to build positivity, growth mindset, and can-do attitudes throughout campus? This week, we're taking a cue from the movie Inside Out and talking about how constantly being the go-to "fixers" on campus can lead to burnout. We discuss how th…
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