School Counseling Simplified Podcast

Rachel Davis
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  • EDUCATION
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School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

  1. 6D AGO

    298. Must Have Counseling Spreadsheets

    Hey there, counselor friend. Today I am sharing my must have school counseling spreadsheets to help you track the services you provide and advocate for your role with confidence. These simple systems can be used to support a data wall or an end of year report so you can clearly communicate your impact to key stakeholders. If you know me, you know I love a good spreadsheet. I use them for everything from travel planning to recipes, and they have become one of the most powerful tools in my school counseling program. In this episode, I am walking you through the core data sheets I recommend every school counselor use to stay organized and data driven. Counseling Caseload Data Sheet This spreadsheet tracks your entire caseload in one place. You can include who you are seeing, when their sessions are scheduled, what type of service they are receiving, and the topic or focus of those sessions. You can also track referral forms, parent permission slips, identifying factors, and notes. School Counseling Log Data Sheet A counseling log is one of the simplest and most effective ways to track your daily services. Using a Google Sheet, you can log each interaction by recording the student's name, the reason you saw them, and the amount of time spent together. This allows you to track direct student service minutes and capture interactions with students who may not be on your regular caseload, such as drop ins. It also helps you maintain accuracy. For example, if you planned for a 30 minute group but only met for 15 minutes, you can log the actual time spent. Self Assessments and Behavior Surveys Data Sheet For tracking student progress, I highly recommend using Google Forms for self assessments and behavior surveys. These forms automatically organize responses into spreadsheets, making it easy to analyze data and identify trends. With just a few clicks, you can view results and use that information to guide your instruction. Class Lesson Sign Up Data Sheet To streamline your scheduling, consider using a Google Form or spreadsheet for teachers to sign up for class lessons. This creates a simple and efficient system that reduces back and forth communication while helping you stay in control of your schedule. Using Data to Drive Instruction As school counselors, it is essential that our work is data driven. These data sheets allow you to collect meaningful information so you can make informed decisions about your program and better support your students. Counseling Hub One of my favorite systems is what I call a school counseling hub, which combines your counseling log and caseload spreadsheet into one streamlined dashboard. This allows you to manage your data, track services, and view your impact all in one place. If you are looking for a simple way to get started, you can download my template and begin using these systems with your own students right away. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Caseload and Counseling Log 5 Strategies for Stress Free Organization 5 Useful Tools to Track Progress in School Counseling Data Tracking Tools Bundle  Advocate Using and End of Year Report Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    11 min

  2. APR 21

    297. How to Use Data to Advocate at the End of the Year

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am sharing how you can use data to advocate for your role at the end of the school year. Even if you are listening to this earlier in the year, now is the perfect time to start preparing. Advocating for your role as a school counselor is something I am deeply passionate about. Data allows you to clearly communicate the impact of your work and helps others understand the value of your counseling program. Here are two powerful ways to use data to advocate for your role. Data wall A data wall is a simple but effective way to visually showcase your impact. This can be a bulletin board placed outside your office or in a high traffic area of your school. Your data wall can include a snapshot of your work over a quarter, semester, or the entire school year. You might highlight the number of small groups you ran, the topics you covered, and the number of students you served. You can also include anonymous student data to demonstrate growth and progress. A data wall helps others see both the scope of your services and the effectiveness of your work in a quick and accessible way. End of year report An end of year report is a more formal way to present your data to key stakeholders such as administrators and school leaders. This report can include the number of students you served, the number of small groups and individual sessions you conducted, and measurable improvements in student outcomes. You may also include data such as attendance improvements or behavioral progress. Using data in this way allows you to make informed, data driven decisions while also clearly communicating the impact of your counseling program. When you consistently collect and use data, you are not only supporting your students more effectively, but you are also strengthening your ability to advocate for your role. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Data Wall  How to Conduct a Mid Year Check in Using a Data Wall Editable End of Year Report Advocate Using an End of Year Report Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    10 min

  3. APR 14

    296. Counseling Outside of Your Office

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today's episode is a short but powerful reminder to take your counseling outside of your office. This was something I really struggled with during my first year. I loved my office. I had created a cozy, welcoming space with all the things that made it feel safe and calm for students. It was a place where students came for small groups and individual sessions, and it worked well for that purpose. But during my in between time, I found myself sitting at my desk handling emails, scheduling, and other tasks. As I began shadowing veteran counselors and gained more experience, I noticed something important. Many of them were rarely in their offices. They were out in the building, supporting students in real time, observing behaviors, and making their presence known throughout the school. Taking your counseling outside of your office allows you to connect with students in more natural and meaningful ways. It also gives you valuable insight into how students are functioning in their everyday environments. Here are a few simple ways to do this. Morning arrival Many counselors begin their day by helping with morning drop off. This is a great opportunity to see how students are arriving at school, observe interactions with caregivers, and make quick, informal check ins that set the tone for the day. Lunch or recess duty These duties can feel like they are outside of your role, but they can actually be incredibly valuable. This is a perfect time to observe students you are currently working with and see if they are applying the skills you are teaching. It is also a great opportunity to connect with students who are not on your caseload and begin building relationships. Informal connection opportunities Use unstructured time to build rapport with students. This might look like starting an impromptu lunch bunch game, walking around campus, or stepping into classrooms to observe and support. These small moments often lead to meaningful connections and help teachers feel supported as well. When you step outside of your office, you expand your reach and impact. Students begin to see you as a consistent and approachable presence throughout their day, not just someone they visit when something is wrong. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    10 min

  4. APR 7

    295. 3 School Counseling Game Changers

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am sharing three school counseling game changers. These are practical, actionable strategies that I have seen truly transform school counseling programs. They are simple, bite sized, and easy to implement right away to make your day to day feel more manageable. My goal is to give you one game changer for each tier of your counseling program so you can start making improvements across the board. Tier 1 Class Lessons One of the biggest game changers for Tier 1 is having a streamlined scheduling system for class lessons. In many schools, scheduling falls entirely on the counselor, which can quickly become overwhelming. Creating a clear sign up system removes that burden and makes the process much more efficient. You can use either Google Sheets or Calendly to set this up. With Google Sheets, start by looking at your own calendar and identifying when you are available to teach lessons. Be sure to block off time for planning, meetings, and lunch, and avoid scheduling during times that do not work well for you. List your available time slots in the sheet and share it with teachers. Teachers can then select a consistent time, such as Tuesdays at 1:00, which becomes their recurring lesson slot. You can then add these to your calendar for the entire year, making adjustments as needed for holidays or schedule changes. This eliminates constant back and forth communication and creates a clear, organized system. Calendly is a more automated option. You can input your availability, send the link to teachers, and allow them to book their own time slots. Calendly will automatically sync with your calendar and send reminders, making the process seamless for both you and your teachers. Tier 2 Small Groups The game changer for small groups is incorporating games. Student engagement and buy-in are essential, and games are a powerful way to help students feel comfortable, open up, and build rapport. Some easy options include discussion cards, Boom Cards, playing cards, and board games. These tools make sessions interactive while still supporting skill development. Tier 3 Individual Counseling For Tier 3, the biggest game changer is using data to guide your decisions. As school counselors, we provide short term, solution-focused support, which means it is important to track progress and measure outcomes. This can be done through behavior surveys sent to teachers and caregivers before and after sessions, as well as student self assessments. This combination of data gives you a well-rounded view of how the student is progressing across settings. At the end of a six to eight week cycle, this data allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions and make informed decisions about next steps for the student. These are three simple but powerful game changers that can make a meaningful difference in your counseling program at every tier.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT https://brightfutures-counseling.com/blogs/blog/5-strategies-for-stress-free-scheduling Data Collection Behavior Surveys  Self-assessment Super Bundle School Counseling SEL Game Board Bundle  Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    14 min

  5. MAR 31

    294. Skill-Building Strategies for Small Groups with Sonya Kaidanov

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Sonya, a school counselor and IMPACT member. In this episode, she shares practical strategies for running small groups, including how to focus on short term skill building so students can successfully return to class ready to learn. Sonya is a 2nd year school counselor at a title I elementary school in Gresham, OR. She has been in Oregon for 13 years but was born and raised in Lexington, KY. Sonya believes that the most impactful part of school counseling is connecting with families and inspiring students through restorative conversations and teaching the power of compassion and forgiveness. In her spare time, Sonya is always working on a jigsaw puzzle (she even has a puzzle library on her front porch!), tap dancing, hanging out with her dogs Sugar Bear and Bruce Wayne, playing chess and making everyone laugh as much as possible. Sonya would like to end this with her simple motto: life is a comedy, not a tragedy. We must remember that laughter is the best medicine. What do you love about school counseling? Sonya shares that the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the impact she has on students, both big and small. Even a brief 10 or 30 minute check in can make a meaningful difference. Whether students are repeating something they learned in a lesson or choosing to trust her with their feelings, those moments are what make the work so meaningful. What can you share with us about small groups? Sonya emphasizes that small groups are not meant to be a quick fix for behavior or an overnight solution. Instead, their value lies in the ability to reach and support many students at once. She currently runs about seven groups and aims to grow to ten or twelve so she can consistently serve students on her caseload each week. She also highlights the importance of boundaries and remembering that school is a place for learning. When students come to her room, she focuses on making the time effective by prioritizing meaningful skill building within a structured session. Scheduling can be one of the biggest challenges with small groups. Sonya recommends identifying times that students cannot miss, such as literacy or reading blocks, and working around those priorities. She uses Google Forms to gather teacher input and collaborates with them to find times that work for everyone. What is a day in the life for you? Sonya shares that this year, her kindergarten and first grade students need a high level of support, so she spends a significant amount of time working with those grade levels. Her day often includes phone calls with families, teaching class lessons, providing interventions, and attending Tier 2 and attendance meetings. She also creates a weekly news video for upper grade students, adding a creative and engaging element to her role. What advice do you have for new counselors? Sonya reminds new counselors that it is impossible to do everything, and there will always be a never ending to do list. It is important to stay grounded in your role and remember the purpose of your work. Students are at school to learn, and school counselors are there to provide short term, solution focused skill building to support that learning.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    21 min

  6. MAR 24

    293. Fostering a Positive School Climate with Delana Carter

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Delana, a school counselor and IMPACT member. I left our conversation feeling inspired and refreshed by her passion, her heart for students, and her commitment to creating a supportive and connected school climate. Delana lives with her husband Wesley and their three daughters, Salem, Caroline, and Dare, along with their two cats. She is a graduate of Calvary Christian School in King, North Carolina, where she now serves. After high school, she attended community college for two years before transferring to Lees-McRae College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She began her career teaching fourth grade in a rural public school. While teaching, she earned her master's degree in Language and Literacy from Salem College, the oldest all girls college in North Carolina. During this time, she also taught basic skills courses at a local community college in the evenings. After marrying her husband in 2008 and starting a family, she transitioned fully into the community college setting, where she worked for 15 years. One of her most meaningful roles there was in the adult high school program, where students completed online coursework to earn a high school diploma.  In 2022, she felt called to support high school students at Calvary Christian School and shared her vision with her pastor. She went on to create the Student Success program, which has continued to grow over the past four years. Her initial goal was to improve school climate, support teacher appreciation, and help students prepare for life after high school, whether through trades or college. She later became a Youth Mental Health Coach to better support the personal needs of her students. This year, she also stepped into the role of Elementary Supervisor. In addition to her professional work, she coaches middle school girls basketball, and her family stays busy supporting their daughters' involvement in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Much of their life is centered around their family and the school community they love. What do you love about school counseling? One of Delana's favorite parts of school counseling is being a trusted adult that students can connect with. She works intentionally to make her office a safe and welcoming space. She uses connection cards as a way to build relationships with students, giving them an opportunity to share both positive moments and times when they need emotional support. What does school climate mean to you? Delana shares that school climate is not just students. It includes students, faculty, and When discussing school climate, Delana emphasizes that it is not just about students. It includes students, faculty, and families. Her goal is for every student to find at least one moment in their day that brings them joy. She believes that a strong school climate begins with supporting families. When families feel supported and trust that the school has their child's best interests at heart, they are more likely to stay engaged. Similarly, when teachers feel valued and supported in their work environment, they are better able to show up for their students. Every role within the school community contributes to the overall climate. What is a day in the life for you? Delana begins her day around 7:45 in the morning with car line, which she sees as an important opportunity to connect with students right away. She then spends the first hour of her morning visiting elementary classrooms to connect with teachers and offer support, whether that means providing supplies, encouragement, or simply being present.  Throughout the day, she schedules a variety of lessons, including character education, digital citizenship for middle school students, and career exploration for eighth graders. She also teaches personal finance lessons to tenth graders and college and FAFSA preparation for eleventh and twelfth graders, helping students plan for their futures after graduation. What advice do you have for new counselors? For new counselors, Delana encourages adaptability and a willingness to keep learning, whether through reading, collaborating with others, or gaining new experiences. She emphasizes the importance of being open, transparent, and kind when communicating with parents, as honesty helps build trust.  She also recommends the book The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace as a valuable resource for building positive relationships within a school community.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Book - The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    30 min

  7. MAR 17

    292. Class Lessons and Self Love with Barbara Gruener

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Barbara, who after 40 years in the school setting now serves as a counselor mentor. With experience in both elementary and high school counseling, Barbara brings a wealth of wisdom to the conversation. In this episode, she shares her perspective on self love, meaningful connections with students, and the powerful role of classroom lessons in building relationships and preventing behavior concerns. After four decades of the gift of growing in her character building alongside learners of all ages and stages, Barbara Gruener now actively supports educators who are still in school doing the holy work of tenderly holding hearts and shaping the future for good. Her latest focus on self-love steps her way out of her comfort zone, where the real learning begins. Barbara and her husband live in Friendswood, TX, where they raised their three now-adult children. Her most recent blessing is being called Grammy. What do you love about school counseling? One of Barbara's favorite parts of school counseling is what she calls connecting by heart. She describes it as stepping into someone's story and saying, I have you. Tell me more. What is that experience like for you? She believes counselors have the opportunity to be a steady presence for students as they navigate their journeys. Sometimes that role looks like being a lighthouse that helps guide the way, and other times it is like serving as the rudder that gently helps steer the ship. Barbara emphasizes that connection extends beyond students. It also includes parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader school community. How do you manage class lessons at your school? When it comes to classroom lessons, Barbara believes engagement is key to preventing behavioral challenges later on. During her years in the classroom, she loved using puppets to enhance social stories and capture students' attention. She also highlights the importance of truly knowing your students. Understanding who enjoys participating and who may feel anxious about being called on allows counselors to make thoughtful accommodations. If counselors want to equip and empower students, Barbara encourages them to remain gently curious and take the time to get to know each child. Barbara also stresses the importance of pacing during lessons, especially when reading books with students. She believes that pausing to listen and reflect can be incredibly powerful. Sometimes the most meaningful moments in a lesson happen in the quiet spaces where students have the opportunity to process and share. What is a day in the life for you? Today, Barbara continues to support the counseling profession in many ways. She remains active in writing and has published three picture books, one chapter book, and one digital book. She also leads workshops, participates in author visits, writes blog content, and engages in other creative outlets. One of her recent areas of focus has been workshops centered on the Self Love Club, which she describes as a deeply meaningful and eye opening experience. What advice do you have for new counselors? For new counselors, Barbara offers heartfelt advice. She encourages counselors to go slow in order to ultimately go fast, recognizing that many days in the school setting can feel like triage. It is important to know when to close the door at the end of the day, go home, and replenish. She also reminds counselors to lean on teammates, community members, and the people who care about them so they can sustain their work without burning out. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT barbaragruenerauthor.com corneroncharacter.com Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    30 min

  8. MAR 10

    291. Engaging Students in Class Lessons with Lacey Dixon

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Lacey, a school counselor and IMPACT member. In this episode, we are talking all about class lessons and the engaging formula she uses to keep students involved and excited about learning. Lacey Dixon is an enthusiastic educator that leads with positive intention while fostering a nurturing, growth-oriented inclusive environment for her school and community. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation, a Masters in School Counseling, and a Masters in Instruction that has served her well as a seventeen-year education veteran and first-generation college student.   This school year marked a turning point as she began her new journey as a first-year school counselor.  Previously, she served as a secondary agriscience educator and FFA advisor, an ag relationship manager in the private sector and instructional leader at an intermediate school.  Blending her love of teaching, and intuitive ability to build strong relationships with students, Dr. Dixon strives to create a learning environment where all students feel loved and welcomed from the moment they walk through their school doors.  Cultivating social emotional intelligence and mindfulness among staff and students, continues to shape her everyday interactions and school initiatives for the promise of a better tomorrow.  What do you love about school counseling? When asked what she loves most about school counseling, Lacey shares that she enjoys building relationships and having the opportunity to do something different every day. She works with students in grades four through six and teaches lessons within professional learning communities. She values incorporating social emotional learning into her lessons and is passionate about helping students feel loved and welcomed each day. How do you manage class lessons at your school? Lacey has developed a clear and engaging structure for her class lessons. She begins by gathering student input about what they enjoy, ensuring their voices are heard. Each lesson starts with a Smartboard open and includes morning movement such as dances or short videos to energize students. From there, she leads affirmations, inviting students to repeat statements like, "I belong in this classroom just as I am." Next, she introduces an activator, which may be a short video or a definition connected to the lesson objective.  The class then moves into the main activity, often including a take home component to help students create meaning beyond the classroom.  She closes with a reflection component to reinforce learning. Her lesson framework includes a physical activity, affirmation, activation, activity, and reflection. What does a typical day look like for you? In a typical day, Lacey balances lunch and bus duties, small groups, individual student sessions, and teaching class lessons three days per week. Each day brings variety and opportunities to connect with students in different ways. What advice do you have for new counselors? For new counselors, Lacey offers thoughtful advice. She encourages counselors to extend grace to themselves and their students. She recommends focusing on immediate priorities rather than trying to do everything at once. She also emphasizes the importance of having trusted colleagues or friends to lean on, as the role can be demanding and emotionally heavy.  Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

    18 min
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About

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Davis
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    COPYRIGHT © 2026 · Bright Futures Counseling - www.brightfutures-counseling.com/disclosure-and-tou
  • Show Website
    School Counseling Simplified Podcast

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