School Counseling Simplified Podcast

Rachel Davis
School Counseling Simplified Podcast

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. HACE 1 DÍA

    232. Tiers without Tears: Small Groups and Individual Sessions

    Welcome back to the Tiers Without Tears series! Last week, we dove into Tier 1 class lessons. This week, we’re tackling Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports—referral-based interventions designed to meet more targeted student needs. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by these tiers, this episode will break them down into manageable, actionable steps! Key Points Covered in This Episode: Tier 2 and Tier 3 Basics Referral Process: Use a referral form to gather key details about the student’s needs, the referring party, and the severity of the concern. Print and distribute forms throughout the school (teacher mailboxes, office, library) and have a digital option. Identifying Trends: Use referral data to spot patterns (e.g., multiple referrals for self-regulation in 3rd grade). Trends help guide the formation of Tier 2 small groups or determine when Tier 3 one-on-one support is needed. Small Groups: Anatomy and Structure Schedule: Weekly 30-minute sessions for 6-8 weeks. Use pre- and post-assessments (self-assessments, teacher/parent surveys) to measure progress. Session Structure: Icebreaker: Build rapport and create a safe space. Discussion: Use tools like question cards, Jenga prompts, or a beach ball activity. Main Activity: Focus on the group’s specific needs (e.g., sorting healthy vs. unhealthy friendships). Reflection: Journaling or verbal sharing to process the session. Individual Sessions Similar structure to small groups but more focused. Incorporate interactive activities like board games to build connection and engagement. Takeaways for Implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 Support: Gather referrals intentionally. Stay organized with data-driven planning. Start small, and prioritize impact over perfection. Free Training Announcement! Feeling overwhelmed by the semester? Join me for a free live training on how to thrive, not just survive when it comes to planning for those tiers of instruction! When: Tonight, January 21 at 6 PM EST, and tomorrow, January 22 at 1 PM EST. Where: stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/thrive What You’ll Get: A planning and curriculum map, plus a PD certificate of attendance. Tune in to feel more confident and equipped to handle Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports with ease! 🎧✨ Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Check out my counseling referral form! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Sign up for my FREE live training on either January 21st or 22nd here! 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!

    12 min
  2. 14 ENE

    231. Tiers without Tears: Class Lessons

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the three-tier system? You’re not alone! I was recently inspired by a question I got from a fellow school counselor on instagram, @counselingwithconfidence. She asked, “Do you typically do a classroom lesson monthly? With all grade levels? Or is there a specific grade level for certain months?” This episode kicks off the Tiers Without Tears series, designed to help you navigate class lessons, small groups, and more with ease and confidence. Today, we’re focusing on class lessons—the foundation of Tier 1 support—and breaking it down into actionable steps to make this essential task feel manageable and impactful. Some topics covered in this episode are: Understanding the basics of class lessons and how they differ from referral-based services. Tips for scheduling How to pick one topic per month and tailor it to various grade levels, from primary to high school. Example: A January topic like goal setting and growth mindset could range from "positive vs. negative thought monsters" for younger students to discussions on limiting beliefs for older students. Tools for scheduling your lessons with teachers, such as Calendly, Google Sheets, or paper sign-ups, to streamline the process and avoid email overload. Free live training announcement: Learn how to thrive instead of just survive this semester! Join us January 21–22 for a free training at stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/thrive, and receive a free planning and curriculum map, plus a PD certificate of attendance. Tune in to get practical strategies for mastering Tier 1 class lessons and feel confident about tackling this semester with a clear plan! Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Check out my favorite growth mindset lessons here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Sign up for my FREE live training on either January 21st or 22nd here! 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. 7 ENE

    230. Start the New Year Off Organized!

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into organization and productivity tips for school counselors—straight from Module 2 of the Stress-Free Counseling course! These strategies are designed to help you establish new systems, maximize your productivity, and increase your impact with students. Whether it’s tracking your caseload, color-coding your calendar, or keeping your notes organized, these practical tips will help streamline your work as a school counselor. Some topics covered in this episode are: How to use Google Sheets to organize your caseload with customizable features like color coding and asterisk indicators. Tips for color-coding your calendar to match your caseload and service types (and bonus ideas for color-coding Google Drive folders too). The pros and cons of handwritten notes versus digital notes for student tracking. Creative ways to log your sessions, including voice memos, voice-to-text tools, and Google Form sign-ins. Tools for task management and organization, including Trello, To-Do List apps, and Apple Notes. These tips will help you stay on top of your workload, maintain confidentiality, and work more efficiently. Tune in to learn how to implement these strategies and create your own stress-free counseling systems! Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Stress Free School Counseling Course 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!

    13 min
  4. 31/12/2024

    229. Best of SCS: Supporting Title 1 Students and Families with Megan Polk

    Supporting students in Title 1 schools presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, school counselors can make a significant impact. In today’s throwback episode, we’re joined by Megan Polk, a literacy specialist with over 15 years of experience working in Title 1 schools. Megan shares her valuable insights on what Title 1 is, the different types of funding, and effective strategies school counselors can use to support low-income students. She also discusses how to build strong relationships with parents and caregivers, offering tips for better communication and collaboration. Some topics covered in this episode are: Megan’s background and experience in Title 1 schools. The role of teachers and staff in creating a supportive learning environment for low-income students. An overview of Title 1 and the various types of services it provides. Strategies school counselors can use to support students from low-income backgrounds. How to build strong relationships with families and caregivers, and things to consider when collaborating with them. For more tips and resources, don’t forget to check out the IMPACT 2.0 membership! It’s packed with tools to support all students across all three tiers and offers a community of school counselors to collaborate with.   Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Episode 95: How to Incorporate Journaling into Your Counseling Sessions with Literacy Specialist Megan Polk 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!

    34 min
  5. 24/12/2024

    228. Best of SCS: How to Teach Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships

    This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes all about different ways we can teach unhealthy vs. healthy relationships.  The new year is coming sooner than we think and then soon after it will be February! February is full of exciting opportunities for school counselors, from National School Counseling Week to Valentine’s Day! It’s also the perfect time to teach students about healthy relationships and friendships. Many students may not have examples of positive relationships in their lives, making it essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills to build healthy connections. In this episode, I share Valentine’s-themed activities that make teaching this topic both fun and impactful. You’ll hear why it’s important to address healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, creative activity ideas, and tips for implementing them without added stress. Some topics covered in this episode are: Why teaching healthy relationships and friendships is critical for students. Examples of Valentine’s-themed activities to make lessons engaging. Simple strategies to implement these activities with ease. Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to help your students build positive connections!   Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 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
  6. 17/12/2024

    227. Best of SCS: How to Be a Trauma Informed Counselor with Joyce Harduvel

    This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with Joyce Harduvel, a licensed clinical social worker and certified school social work specialist. Joyce brings her wealth of experience from working with students of all ages in Chicago Public Schools to share practical trauma-informed practices for school counselors. She discusses how trauma impacts students' ability to learn, provides strategies for addressing pushback from teachers and parents, and offers actionable advice for supporting students who have experienced trauma in meaningful ways. Some topics covered in this episode are: Joyce's background as a school social worker and her work in Chicago Public Schools. Examples of how childhood trauma may present in students and effective ways to respond. Strategies for addressing resistance from teachers and parents. Understanding how trauma affects a student’s ability to learn and ways to provide support. Be sure to listen for practical tips and check the show notes for additional resources to help you support your students.    Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 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!

    41 min
  7. 10/12/2024

    226. Best of SCS: Mindset Shifts for School Counselors with Chrissy Nichols

    This December, we’re bringing you the best of School Counseling Simplified as a holiday treat! In today’s throwback episode, we revisit a fan-favorite conversation from 2023 with Chrissy Nichols, a life coach for educators. If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Chrissy shares simple yet powerful mindset shifts designed to help school teachers and counselors reduce stress, rediscover their passion for their work, and create more balance in their lives. Drawing from her experience as a teacher in public and international schools, Chrissy offers actionable advice to help “the helpers” prioritize their well-being and thrive in their roles. Some topics covered in this episode are: Time Power: Strategies for reclaiming control over your schedule and to-do list. Body Balance: Tips for prioritizing your physical and mental health to prevent burnout. Relationship Work: Insights on building stronger connections to foster a supportive environment. Be sure to check the show notes for more resources and visit Chrissy's website at https://www.thechrissyconcept.com/ .    Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Check out Chrissy’s website here! Check out Marie’s book here! 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!

    38 min
  8. 03/12/2024

    225. Best of SCS: How to Teach Conflict Resolution in Each Tier

    This December, we’re revisiting some of the most impactful episodes of School Counseling Simplified as a special holiday treat! In today’s throwback to episode 132, I dive into practical strategies for helping students resolve conflicts and develop healthy mediation skills. From whole-class lessons to individual interventions, this episode provides valuable tools for equipping students with effective communication techniques and fostering a more peaceful school environment. Some topics covered in this episode are: Tier 1 Strategies: Teaching "I" statements during class lessons, role-playing conflict scenarios, and displaying "I" statement posters in common areas. Tier 2 Strategies: Implementing Kelso’s Choices curriculum for small groups, identifying conflict starters, and discussing qualities of peacekeepers. Tier 3 Strategies: Using hands-on activities like the "Pause it and Resolve it" board game to support individual students in conflict resolution. Read below for resources and links to support your school counseling practice! Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Check out the Kelso’s Choice Youtube video here! Grab the Pirates and Peacekeepers lesson! Link to my middle school conflict resolution activity! Grab the Pause it and Resolve it boardgame! 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!

    13 min
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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.

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