Counselor Chat Podcast

Carol Miller, School Counselor
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Counselor Chat is a podcast for School Counselors. If you're looking for inspiration, collaboration, easy to implement strategies and a bit of joy, you'll want to listen along with your host, Carol Miller from Counseling Essentials. Share in some real talk and get tips, tricks and learn about tools of the trade with Carol and listen in as she interviews other school counselors who are experts in the field as they share their advice and enjoy a few laughs.

  1. 163. Helping Students Transition Well (Without Adding One More Thing to Your Plate)

    3 DAYS AGO

    163. Helping Students Transition Well (Without Adding One More Thing to Your Plate)

    163. Helping Students Transition WellAs school counselors, we spend so much time managing schedules, testing, field trips, celebrations, and end-of-year chaos that it’s easy to forget what many students are experiencing underneath it all: transition. In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m talking about how transitions affect students emotionally and how we can support them in simple, meaningful ways without adding one more giant project to our already busy season. From elementary students moving to middle school, to seniors preparing to graduate, students often carry fears, uncertainty, excitement, grief, and anxiety all at the same time. The good news? Supporting them doesn’t have to involve complicated lessons, elaborate crafts, or Pinterest-perfect projects. In this episode, I share realistic and manageable ideas that help students process change, reflect on growth, and move forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss:Why transitions can feel emotionally overwhelming for studentsCommon fears students have when moving to middle school and high schoolThe importance of normalizing emotions during times of changeEasy reflection and closure activities for different grade levelsHow simple conversations can create lasting impactWays to support graduating seniors emotionallyWhy counselors don’t need giant productions to create meaningful moments Favorite Quote from the Episode:“Simple is often better because it’s realistic and repeatable, and students remember how they felt, who listened, and who helped them feel seen.”Resources Mentioned:Year End Review Discussion QuestionsSummer Counselor Conference Remember, meaningful does not have to mean complicated. You are making a bigger difference than you realize. 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    17 min
  2. 162. The 3 Pieces of Data School Counselors Should Grab Right Now

    13 MAY

    162. The 3 Pieces of Data School Counselors Should Grab Right Now

    Don’t Wait Until June: The 3 Pieces of Data You Should Grab Right NowIn this episode of Counselor Chat, we're talking about one of the biggest end-of-year stressors for school counselors: DATA. But instead of overcomplicating things with giant spreadsheets and impossible tracking systems, this episode focuses on the simple, meaningful information that actually matters. If you’ve ever found yourself in May wondering: “Where did this year go?”“Did I track enough?”“How am I supposed to summarize my counseling program?” …this episode is for you. Carol shares: The 3 pieces of data every school counselor should gather before the year endsWhy simple data is still powerfulEasy ways to use the information you already haveHow stories and student growth make your impact visibleWhy presentation matters when sharing your counseling program with administrators and stakeholders She also shares practical examples from her own district counseling program and explains how data can help guide next year’s counseling priorities—not just “prove” what you did this year. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✔️ Why more data does NOT always mean better data ✔️ The importance of tracking the scope of your counseling work ✔️ Simple ways to show student growth and outcomes ✔️ Why stories and student quotes matter ✔️ What NOT to do during May survival season 😅 ✔️ How to create visuals that make your counseling program shine ✔️ How data can help shape next year’s counseling goals and supports The 3 Types of Data to Collect Right Now1. What You DidClassroom lessonsSmall groupsIndividual sessionsCrisis responseParent meetingsAttendance and behavior interventionsCommunity circlesCareer activities 2. What ChangedPre/post surveysAttendance improvementsCoping skills growthTeacher observationsStudent reflectionsBehavior changes 3. StoriesStudent quotesTeacher feedbackParent commentsSuccess momentsImpact stories that bring your work to life Free Resource Mentioned in This Episode🎁 Free End of Year Counseling Report This free counseling report template helps school counselors summarize the highlights of their school counseling program into an eye-catching, professional format that is perfect for: AdministratorsAdvisory councilsStaff meetingsProgram advocacyEnd-of-year reflection It’s designed to help you showcase: Lessons taughtGroups facilitatedStudent impactProgram highlightsCounseling outcomes …without spending hours creating reports from scratch. Connect with Carol🌐 Counseling Essentials 📸 Instagram @counselingessentials If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another school counselor who’s trying to survive the end of the school year one spreadsheet at a time. 💛 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    19 min
  3. 161. How to Choose an SEL Curriculum

    6 MAY

    161. How to Choose an SEL Curriculum

    Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    13 min

  4. 29 APR

    160. Simple Mental Health Supports Every School Can Use Right Now

    Episode 160: Simple Mental Health Supports Every School Can Use Right Now Mental Health Awareness Month is coming up, and I know how easy it is to feel like you need to do more. Add another lesson. Try something new. Fit one more thing into an already full schedule. In this episode, I share a different perspective. Supporting student mental health is not about adding something big. It is about what is already happening in your day and how you show up in those moments. I walk through simple, realistic ways I support student mental health that do not require extra time or complicated planning. These are things you can start using right away. In this episode: Why mental health support is not limited to a lesson, a week, or a specific monthHow everyday interactions shape how students feel and respondSimple ways to support students without overwhelming your scheduleThe role consistency plays in helping students feel safeHow to support your own mental health while supporting others Practical Ways to Support Mental Health: Checking in with students in small, informal moments throughout the dayHelping students understand that all feelings are valid and worth sharingTeaching a few coping strategies and practicing them regularlyCreating predictable routines so students know what to expectMaking space for connection through simple conversationsUsing tools like calm down kits to support regulation when needed "You are not responsible for doing everything. You are responsible for doing what you can with intention." Resources Mentioned: Calm Down Kit Freebie! High School Mental Health Lesson Feelings Check Ins 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    18 min
  5. 159. You Don’t Have to Do It All: Letting Go This Time of Year

    22 APR

    159. You Don’t Have to Do It All: Letting Go This Time of Year

    Episode Title:Rocks, Sand, and the Pressure to Do It All (Especially in April) Episode Summary:April can feel like a breaking point for school counselors. Between testing, behavior challenges, end-of-year responsibilities, and ongoing student needs, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. In this episode, I'm sharing a powerful perspective shift using the classic “jar of rocks” story to help you refocus your time, energy, and expectations. This is your reminder that you were never meant to do it all—and that doing less of what doesn’t matter can actually help you do more of what does. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why April feels especially overwhelming for school counselorsThe hidden “invisible checklist” many counselors carryHow to identify your “rocks” (what matters most right now)The difference between rocks, pebbles, and sand in your daily workWhy letting go is a strategic decision, not a failureA simple mindset shift to reduce overwhelm immediately Key Takeaway:“You were never meant to do it all.”Reflection Questions:What are your rocks right now?Where are you spending time on sand instead of what matters most?What is one thing you can let go of this week?Where are you already making a difference (even if it doesn’t feel like it)? You don’t have to do everything to make a difference. You just have to focus on what matters most. And right now… that’s enough. 💛 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    11 min
  6. 158. Test Anxiety Isn’t Just Nerves—Here’s What Students Really Need

    15 APR

    158. Test Anxiety Isn’t Just Nerves—Here’s What Students Really Need

    Test Anxiety Isn’t Just Nerves—Here’s What Students Really NeedTest anxiety is everywhere this time of year, but it doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not just nervous students biting their nails. It’s avoidance. Shutdown. Frustration. “I don’t care.” In this episode, I’m breaking down what test anxiety really looks like, what’s happening in the brain, and how we can support students with simple, effective strategies that build confidence and calm. 💡 What You’ll LearnWhy test anxiety is often misunderstoodHow overwhelm—not defiance—is driving behaviorA simple way to explain anxiety to studentsHow confidence and identity impact test performance 🧠 What’s Really HappeningWhen students feel stressed, their brains flip into alarm mode. Heart rate increasesThinking becomes foggyFocus drops It’s not that they don’t know the material… 👉 Their brain is trying to protect them. 🎨 Easy Activities to Support StudentsColor-by-code coping activitiesConfidence statement practiceCollaborative classroom posters with calming messages Simple. Low prep. High impact. ✨ Key Takeaway“They care a lot… they just don’t feel capable.”🎁 Resources MentionedColor by Code Test Taking SKills Test Strategies Game Test Prep Motivators Test Prep Collaborative Poster 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    11 min
  7. 157. Why I Don’t Make Kids Apologize (And What I Do Instead)

    8 APR

    157. Why I Don’t Make Kids Apologize (And What I Do Instead)

    Why I Don’t Make Kids Apologize (And What I Do Instead) 💭 Episode OverviewWe’ve all said it: “Go apologize.” But what if that moment isn’t actually teaching accountability? In this episode, I’m sharing why I don’t force apologies—and what I do instead to help students take real ownership, build empathy, and repair relationships in a meaningful way. 🔑 Key TakeawaysAn apology is not the same as accountabilityForced apologies often teach compliance—not empathyStudents need understanding before they can offer a genuine repairSlowing down the process leads to better long-term behavior and relationships ✨ Key Insight“When we force an apology before a student is ready, we’re not teaching empathy… we’re teaching compliance.”🛠️ Resources MentionedThink 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

    9 min
  8. 156. Spring Fever Is Real: Managing Big Energy & Bigger Behaviors

    1 APR

    156. Spring Fever Is Real: Managing Big Energy & Bigger Behaviors

    Episode Title: 156. Spring Fever Is Real: Managing Big Energy & Bigger Behaviors 🌱 Episode OverviewApril is here—and with it comes big energy, distracted students, and behaviors that can leave teachers feeling overwhelmed. But what if those behaviors aren’t defiance… What if they’re communication? In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful reframe that will shift how you see student behavior this time of year—plus simple, practical strategies you can use immediately to support regulation, connection, and readiness to learn. 💡 What You’ll LearnWhy “spring fever” is really a perfect storm of unmet needsHow to reframe behavior from frustration to understandingThe connection between regulation, belonging, and behaviorWhy community and purpose matter for both staff and students 🛠️ Quick Tier 1 Strategies You Can Use Right Away1. Brain Breaks with Purpose Cross-body movements to support focus60-second resets for breathing + attentionIntentional movement (not just “random wiggle time”) 2. Reset Routines After Transitions Build in a 1–2 minute reset after lunch, recess, or specialsUse simple check-ins or grounding exercisesDon’t expect instant regulation—teach it 3. Calm Down Spaces That Actually Work Focus on regulation—not punishmentInclude tools students already know how to usePractice when students are calm (not just overwhelmed)Consider portable calm down kits for smaller classrooms ✨ Key Takeaway“They’re not just acting out… they’re overwhelmed.”When we shift from asking “How do I stop this behavior?” to asking “What does this student need right now?” …that’s where real change happens. Resources Mentioned Behavior Toolkit Calm Down Kit 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    17 min
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About

Counselor Chat is a podcast for School Counselors. If you're looking for inspiration, collaboration, easy to implement strategies and a bit of joy, you'll want to listen along with your host, Carol Miller from Counseling Essentials. Share in some real talk and get tips, tricks and learn about tools of the trade with Carol and listen in as she interviews other school counselors who are experts in the field as they share their advice and enjoy a few laughs.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Miller, School Counselor
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Carol Miller, School Counselor
  • Show Website
    Counselor Chat Podcast

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