Counselor Chat Podcast

Carol Miller, School Counselor
  • 4.9 (64)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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. 15h ago

    173. Nice Bike: Three Small Actions That Can Change School Culture

    Nice Bike: Three Small Actions That Can Change School CultureWhat if changing school culture did not require a big program, a new initiative, or another committee? In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the powerful message behind Mark Scharenbroich’s “Nice Bike” story and explores three simple ways school counselors can strengthen relationships throughout their buildings: acknowledge, honor, and connect. You will hear practical examples of how small moments of recognition can help students and staff feel seen, valued, and connected—and how those moments can create ripple effects throughout an entire school community. In This Episode:Why two simple words can open the door to connectionThe difference between acknowledging and honoring someoneHow specific recognition builds trust and belongingWhy connection needs to happen before a crisisSimple ways to positively influence school culture every day School culture is not built through one special event. It is built through the way people are treated, one interaction 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 Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership

  2. Jul 22

    172. Tales From A Train Station (ICYMI)

    In this second episode of our Back to School series, I’m diving into a topic that’s incredibly important for us as school counselors—how to make sure the vital work we do doesn’t go unnoticed. Too often, despite the significant impact we have, our efforts can go unseen by those around us. In this episode, I emphasize the importance of: Advocating for Our Role: Ensuring that the value of our work is communicated so it doesn’t get overlooked. Sharing Successes: Highlighting the progress of our students with colleagues and administrators to build awareness and appreciation for the counseling role. Collaboration is Key: Being seen as integral members of the school team by actively participating in and contributing to the broader educational environment. Impactful Interventions: Recognizing the power of empathy and understanding in counseling. Building a Supportive Environment: Advocating for ourselves to help create a school culture where our contributions are respected and supported. Join me as we explore how to ensure our work is visible, valued, and celebrated as we head into what I hope will be our best school year yet! Join the Summer Counselor Conference 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

  3. Jul 15

    171. Making Waves That Matter: Small Actions, Big Impact

    In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing a reminder that school counselors create impact in ways that are not always immediate, visible, or easy to measure. From a quick student check-in to a meaningful conversation with a teacher, small actions can create ripple effects that travel farther than we may ever realize. You do not have to make a huge splash to make a difference. In this episode, we talk about: Why small, consistent actions matterThe ripple effects counselors create every dayWhy impact is not always measured by data aloneHow students may carry our encouragement longer than we knowWhy continued learning helps us make stronger waves Takeaway: You are already making waves. Every conversation, check-in, lesson, and moment of encouragement can matter more than you realize. Come Join us at the Summer Counselor Conference. 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

    171. Making Waves That Matter: Small Actions, Big Impact

  4. Jul 8

    170. Dear Tired Counselor: You’re Allowed to Rest From Being Tired

    Dear Tired Counselor: You’re Allowed to Rest From Being TiredIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing a summer permission slip for counselors who may be on break but still feel completely worn out. Being away from school does not automatically mean your mind and body have caught up after a demanding year. This episode is a reminder that you do not need to turn July into another to-do list, school improvement plan, or race to get ahead for August. In this episode, we talk about: Why being on break does not always mean feeling restedLetting go of the pressure to be productive all summerTrusting that your work mattered, even when you cannot see every outcomeReleasing unfinished things from the school yearThree gentle reflection questions for a summer reset Takeaway: You do not have to earn rest by being exhausted enough. You are allowed to let summer be summer. 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

    170. Dear Tired Counselor: You’re Allowed to Rest From Being Tired

  5. Jul 1

    169. The Game-Changer I Wish I Had Found Sooner: Restorative Practices

    The Game-Changer I Wish I Had Found Sooner: Restorative PracticesIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing why restorative practices became one of the most meaningful shifts in my school counseling work. Restorative practices are not about avoiding accountability or forcing students to say sorry. They are about helping students understand impact, repair harm, build skills, and remain connected to their school community. In this episode, we talk about: Why consequences alone do not always teach the skills students needMoving from “What rule was broken?” to “Who was affected?”Why repair is bigger than a forced apologyHow circles can build connection before conflict happensSimple restorative questions counselors can begin using right away Takeaway: Students can take responsibility for their actions and still know they belong. Restorative practices help us hold accountability and humanity at the same time. Resources Mentioned: Think SheetsCommunity Circles Starter 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

    169. The Game-Changer I Wish I Had Found Sooner: Restorative Practices

  6. Jun 24

    168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier

    Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set EarlierIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m continuing the series on things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career — and this one is all about boundaries. For a long time, I thought staying late, saying yes, and being endlessly available meant I was dedicated. But looking back, I can see that being the last car in the parking lot didn’t make me a better counselor. It just made me tired. In this episode, I’m sharing the boundaries I wish I had set earlier, including time boundaries, emotional boundaries, role boundaries, communication boundaries, and personal life boundaries. I also reflect on why school counselors often feel guilty setting limits — and why boundaries are actually what help us stay effective, compassionate, and sustainable in this work. In this episode, we talk about: Why overworking is not the same as being effectiveThe difference between being dependable and being endlessly availableWhy school counselors need role clarityHow guilt shows up when we start setting boundariesSimple scripts for saying no or pausing before saying yesWhy leaving on time does not mean you care lessHow boundaries protect your energy, family, and long-term career Takeaway: You can care deeply about students and still have limits. Being a good counselor does not require burning yourself out. Reflection question: What would change if you believed you could be a good counselor without being endlessly available? 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

    168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier

  7. Jun 17

    167. I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling Practice

    I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling PracticeIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing why professional development and conferences became such a turning point in my school counseling career. Early on, I didn’t fully realize how much I could learn outside of my own building — or how much my perspective was limited by only knowing my own experiences. I’ll talk about finally attending my first conference, creating a small local conference for counselors, and how trainings in restorative practices and trauma, illness, and grief have deeply changed the way I support students, staff, and school communities. In this episode, we talk about: Why professional development is not “extra”How conferences expand your perspectiveThe power of learning from other counselorsWhy asking to attend training mattersHow restorative practices and crisis-response training changed my work Takeaway: You don’t know what you don’t know — and sometimes one conference, one training, or one new idea can change your entire practice. Check out the: Summer Counselor Conference 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

    167. I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling Practice

  8. Jun 10

    166. Summer Series-What I Wish I Had Done Earlier: Invest in My Future

    What I Wish I Had Done Earlier: Invest in My FutureIn this episode of Counselor Chat, we’re kicking off a new reflective series about the things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career. First up: investing in my future. This episode is not financial advice, but it is a gentle reminder that school counselors spend so much time helping students plan their futures that we sometimes forget to plan for our own. I’m sharing why I wish I had started asking questions about retirement, savings, and long-term planning earlier — and why taking even one small step now can make a difference for future you. In this episode, we talk about: Why future planning matters for school counselorsThe importance of asking questions about retirement and benefitsHow small steps can add up over timeWhy confusion should not keep you from startingCaring for your future self without guilt or shame Takeaway: You are allowed to care deeply about your students and still care about your own future. Future you is worth planning for. 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 Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Counselor Conference! Early Bird registration ends June 15th!

    166. Summer Series-What I Wish I Had Done Earlier: Invest in My Future
See All (174)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

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
    174
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Carol Miller, School Counselor
  • Show Website
    Counselor Chat Podcast