School for School Counselors

This work is part of the School for School Counselors body of work developed by Steph Johnson, LPC, CSC, which centers role authority over role drift, consultative practice over fix-it culture, adult-designed systems and environments as primary drivers of student behavior, clinical judgment over compliance, and school… Read more

How in the world can a student demonstrate every executive functioning skill you practice in a counseling group perfectly... and still fail their classes because they don’t turn anything in? Happens all the time. Because knowing how to do something is not the same as actually being able to do it when it counts. In… Read more

“Executive function” has become one of those phrases we use ALL THE TIME in schools. Kid’s disorganized = Executive function. Missing assignments = Executive function. Can’t get started = Executive function. Impulsive = Executive function. ADHD... Well, obviously, executive function... right? Maybe. But what the heck… Read more

Whodunit? It's time to open the case file, y'all. We’ve got a student who keeps leaving class, a behavior plan that is NOT working, and a school counselor whose fingerprints are all over it. So... who’s actually responsible for the mayhem? Because when campuses start talking about behavior plans, the details get… Read more

When a student is struggling, school counselors often hear, “Can you talk to them?” But in determining if a student needs counseling, we tend to skip some very important steps. In this episode, I'm talking about a common jump everyone on campus tends to make (and nobody ever questions)- and why it's such a big deal.… Read more

It doesn’t work. And if you’ve tried it, you know it's true. The school counseling advocacy model most of us were taught was supposed to be simple: explain your role, show your data, cite the standards, make the case. THEN we were supposed to be able to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. The problem is- information isn’t influence.… Read more

School counselor advocacy is supposed to create change. But what if some of what we’ve been taught to call advocacy is actually doing something else? You can explain your role, bring the data, cite the standards, and make a compelling case... And still walk out with the same testing assignment, MTSS responsibility,… Read more

You’ve explained your role. You’ve shown the data. You’ve pulled out the appropriate and inappropriate duties list. You’ve advocated . But... nothing changes. So- what are you supposed to do now? Just advocate harder? ( Spoiler: Nope. ) In this episode, I’m questioning one of the biggest assumptions driving school… Read more

Everything difficult or weird on a school campus somehow gets shuffled to the school counselor. And nobody is likely to stop you from taking it all on. In fact, sometimes the whole campus seems perfectly happy to let you do ALL the things. So before the school year really gets rolling, there are four decisions worth… Read more

School counseling on paper and school counseling in real life are not the same job. You were trained to support students, build relationships, and run a comprehensive program. Then you walked onto a campus with an impossible caseload, unclear expectations, constant interruptions, and demands coming from every… Read more

The educational system doesn't need to plot to keep you quiet. It just needs to keep you tired. And after that, the silence takes care of itself. A few nights ago, I watched over a hundred school counselors simultaneously go quiet. It was weird. They'd been engaged in my presentation. They were animated and alive. The… Read more

Most school counselors plan their programs in the same order they were taught: start with the data, identify the need, choose the intervention, and try to make the model fit. But that's exactly why so many carefully built plans fall apart by October. In this episode, Steph explains why school counselors may be… Read more

Most school counselors can describe what they do all day. Crisis response. Small groups. Student check-ins. Parent calls. Schedule changes. Behavior support. Data meetings. The fifty small things that happen before 9:00 a.m. But ask a school counselor what makes them remarkable, and things can get quiet fast. In this… Read more

Last week, we looked at what happens when schools finally put a price tag on the mental health fallout of social media. This week, we're looking at the strange second half of that story. If technology is part of the problem... why are some schools turning to even more technology as the solution? Across the country,… Read more

Social media drama has a price tag now. A Kentucky school district recently settled a lawsuit against social media companies for approximately $27 million, arguing that the platforms helped create a student mental health burden schools have been forced to absorb. But school counselors didn’t need a lawsuit to know… Read more

I don’t buy printable counseling resources anymore. Haven’t for years. But to test a theory on the air, I broke that rule. I bought a popular, well-reviewed anxiety resource from one of the big teacher marketplaces and ran my paper test on it live. I expected to find junk. I didn’t. It was polished. Thoughtful.… Read more

If somebody else could do exactly what you're doing after reading the same slide deck- Why did you go to grad school? That's the question that hit me after I reviewed a state-sponsored training that handed school counselors a watered-down counseling model and called it evidence-based. And once I saw it, I couldn't… Read more

On the last day of school, the district sent an email about spreadsheets. But not one person asked what you needed to do your job better next year. Not what you were seeing. Not what students needed. Not what kept support from reaching kids faster. Just the spreadsheet. There’s a name for that kind of silence. This… Read more

A school administrator once told me the reason I couldn't finish a single classroom lesson was because the kids just liked me too much. She meant it as a compliment. It took me years to understand what it actually revealed. This episode is about the gap between the job we were trained to do and the job we're actually… Read more

Most school counselors think the new school year starts in August. I don’t think it does. I think a huge part of your August gets decided right now… in May… while you’re mentally saturated, emotionally exhausted, and trying to crawl to the finish line. Because the things you leave unresolved this time of year have a… Read more

You’re about to get a referral that says: “It’s been happening all year.” And somehow… now it’s urgent. This episode is about why that happens, and why treating May referrals like October problems will burn you out fast . Because most of what’s hitting your desk right now isn’t new. It’s late. We’re talking about: The… Read more

You’re doing meaningful work. You’re supporting students. You’re handling things no one else on campus is equipped to handle. But somehow, when big decisions get made, it’s like none of that exists. This episode looks at why that happens... and why it keeps happening. The school counseling profession has made its… Read more

You know the feeling. The one that says: If you were better at this, it wouldn't be this hard. If you had advocated more effectively, the caseload would be manageable. If you were really cut out for this work, you wouldn't be sitting in your car wondering if you can walk through the doors. That feeling has a name. And… Read more

You’re not overwhelmed because there’s too much work; You’re overwhelmed because too much of it is not your job . You're not saying yes because you "lack boundaries". You're saying yes because, in that moment, saying yes made sense. And that’s the problem. ******** Join our new Skool for School Counselors community… Read more

You sat in the circle. You heard the apology. And you knew… nothing actually changed. Restorative justice can work in schools- the research supports that. But the versions most campuses are implementing... Are something else entirely. Research describes restorative practices as structured, resourced, and… Read more

There’s a reason the same explanation keeps showing up in every staff meeting, every training, every conversation about struggling students. It feels good. Problem is- It wasn’t built on evidence. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs became one of the most widely accepted frameworks in education without ever being meaningfully… Read more

At some point, someone has probably told you to “find your why.” I gave that advice last week. I wish I hadn't. In this episode, I’m getting more personal than I ever have on this podcast. I’m sharing what one of the hardest years of my career has done to me physically… what happened when I defaulted to the weakest… Read more

You said yes… then suddenly it was your job. At some point in your career, something changed. You stopped being the person students came to see and started being the person students got sent to. Behavior referrals. Classroom removals. Crisis containment. The emotional labor nobody else knew how to handle. And it… Read more

"The research supports trauma-informed schools..." You've probably heard it in a staff meeting, read it in a district memo, or repeated it yourself. But when you go looking for the studies, something becomes clear: most people are citing a sentence, not a source. This episode is for the school counselor who's been… Read more

Is managing student behavior actually school counseling? If you’re spending most of your week handling behavior referrals, putting out fires, and decoding defiance before you’ve even opened your calendar… this episode draws a line most schools never clearly defined. Because somewhere along the way, behavior didn’t… Read more

In this episode, I’m challenging a common habit in school counseling: labeling student distress as “anxiety” before it actually meets clinical criteria. You’ll hear the research behind "prevalence inflation," how DSM standards separate normal worry from clinical anxiety, and the four-question test that will change how… Read more

What if the anxiety accommodations you've been writing into your 504s and IEPs are actually making your students more anxious? In this episode, I'm sharing a section from a recent masterclass inside the School for School Counselors Mastermind- one that had members circling accommodations on their plans before it was… Read more

You hold a master’s degree. You studied crisis intervention, psychopathology, and therapeutic technique. So why is your profession still fighting to be seen as essential? It doesn’t have to stay this way- but the window is closing. In this episode, I lay out two possible futures for school counseling: one that ends in… Read more

Most school counselors aren’t ineffective. They’re mis-measured. In this episode, Steph challenges one of the profession’s most sacred assumptions and names something about her own work that most counselors wouldn’t dare say out loud. This conversation explores what it means to do catalytic work in a system obsessed… Read more

Caring is what makes you good at this job. It’s also what puts you in the most danger. If you’re a school counselor who still cares deeply about students, but you’ve noticed yourself feeling flatter, heavier, or more guarded than you used to- this episode is for you. You’re still showing up. Still doing the work. But… Read more

If you’re exhausted in a way that rest doesn’t fix, this episode is for you. School counselors are often told they’re burned out, so they’re handed self-care tips, boundary advice, and mindset shifts that never quite work. There’s a reason for that. In this episode, I unpack the research that shows what school… Read more

School counselors are told to: Be flexible Make it work Advocate harder And somehow still be accountable for everything. But what if the real problem isn’t your mindset- or your effort? In this episode, Steph Johnson revisits an early message from the podcast and names what was missing. She explains why reassurance… Read more

Why does everything at school seem to turn into a competition... and why does it so often become a school counseling issue? In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast , we explore what’s really happening when students compete over small moments and why school counselors are frequently asked to… Read more

Everyone was laughing... until suddenly someone wasn’t. Learn how "burns" work, why it’s usually mutual until it isn’t, and how to know when it’s time to shift from counseling to consequences. Burn culture shows up in those fast, sarcastic exchanges where students trade “jokes” for laughs, status, and social… Read more

Why do some students wait until school counselors are walking out the door before they finally open up? It’s not randomness, and it’s definitely not manipulation. It’s nervous system timing , and understanding it will change the way you interpret those 3:24 p.m. confessions forever. In this episode, Steph Johnson… Read more

The hoodie isn’t the problem. It’s the messages we’re missing. In this episode, Steph Johnson takes you inside one of the most misunderstood behaviors on a school campus: the kids who cover up, layer up, or hide inside hoodies no matter the temperature. Using research from adolescent psychology, sensory science,… Read more

Those hallway TikTok routines are saying something, school counselor- and it’s not what you think. In this episode, we decode what those repeated dance loops reveal about belonging, status, and the adolescent brain. You’ll learn how synchronized movement functions as a social signal and why these micro-performances… Read more

“Rizz.” “Bet.” “Six-Seven.” Sounds like noise... but it’s not. In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast , Steph Johnson breaks down what teen slang really means, and how it maps your campus culture in ways most adults never notice. You’ll hear the neuroscience behind why slang sticks, the social… Read more

Some counselors never have to fight for their role- or explain their worth. That’s not luck. It’s skill. In this episode, you’ll learn how the most respected school counselors earn trust, keep influence, and make their programs untouchable, no “advocacy” required. ********************************** Want support with… Read more

Students refusing school isn’t new... but what’s happening now is different. Across the country, nearly one in three students is missing ten percent or more of the school year. And while everyone’s blaming “attendance apathy” or “bad parenting,” the truth is a lot more complicated. In this episode, I talk about what… Read more

October hits different, doesn’t it? One week you’re flying high after a student breakthrough, and the next- you’re wondering if you can even make it to Friday. In this episode, I’m talking about the rollercoaster of school counseling: why it feels impossible to stay grounded this time of year, what’s really fueling… Read more

The radio call comes in. A student’s refusing to move, and suddenly, everyone’s looking at you to fix it. Here’s what nobody ever told us in grad school: defiance and dysregulation can look the same from the outside, but they require completely different responses. This episode gives you a clear, evidence-based way to… Read more

⭐️ 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’re not a behavior specialist. You’re not a Tier 2 team of one. And you’re definitely not the defiance… Read more

⭐️ 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! ⭐️ ********************************** PBIS is implemented in over 25,000 schools. Your district swears by it. But does it actually help kids- or just… Read more

Are calm corners helping students regulate... or just giving them a softer way to opt out? In this episode of Graded , I take a hard look at one of the most popular SEL approaches in schools today: calm corners. You’ll hear what the research says, what most campuses are getting wrong, and what grade calm corners… Read more

Ever walked out of an “advocacy meeting” with your admin and thought, Is anything ever going to change? You brought the data. You showed the charts. You quoted the position statements. And still, you walked away with the same ridiculous caseload, or worse- another responsibility placed on your shoulders. All that… Read more

What if the tools you’ve been told to use as a school counselor are actually working against you? In this highlights reel, I’m recapping eight of the field’s most popular practices and giving you the real verdict on each. You’ll hear the truths nobody disputes, the traps that keep counselors spinning their wheels, and… Read more

"What you say in here, stays in here…” We’ve all said it, but it’s a promise that never came from schools, and it’s costing us trust with students, parents, and administrators. In this Graded episode, I examine how near-absolute confidentiality has been implemented in school counseling, the fallout it’s created, and… Read more

Minute meetings look great on a spreadsheet. But do they actually help kids? In this episode of Graded , I dig into where this practice really came from, the myths we’ve built around it, and the risks nobody’s talking about, and I’ll share what to do instead. Minute meetings have taken on near-folklore status in… Read more

What if the behavior approach everyone swears by is actually making some kids worse? Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is one of the most common Tier 2 interventions in school counseling, but most trainings leave out the detail that decides whether it works or fails. In this episode, I share the research, the hidden… Read more

Small group counseling gets pushed as the fix for everything. But what if we’re getting it wrong? In this episode: Why “ASCA-aligned” doesn’t mean effective The real reason group work is overused How to spot a pretty curriculum with zero impact Plus, a student story that stopped me in my tracks. If you’ve ever run a… Read more

You know that feeling when it’s Friday, and you can’t even explain what you did all week? Use-of-time tracking is supposed to help- but too often, it feels like just another way to keep school counselors in check. This week on Graded , we’re pulling apart one of the most pushed- but least supported- tools in school… Read more

Needs assessments are everywhere in school counseling, and they're especially enticing when you’re just starting out. They feel like the smart, strategic thing to do. But what if they’re just giving you more to carry? In this episode, we’re taking a hard look at needs assessments: who’s pushing them, why they’ve… Read more

We’ve all been told school counseling should be short-term and goal-focused, and most of us have tried to follow that rule: running six-week groups, setting goals, and wrapping things up quickly. But when those same students show up in your office again weeks later- or their behavior backslides the moment your group… Read more

In this first episode of the Graded series, we put the ASCA National Model to the test. What was promised? What’s actually happening? And what grade does it really deserve? If you’ve ever felt like the model was built for someone else’s school, you are NOT alone! For over two decades, the ASCA Model has served as the… Read more

You’ve got the heart. You’ve got the training. So why does it still feel like no one’s listening? This episode is about the invisible skill no one taught you, but everyone responds to. The one that separates the school counselors who get looped in… from the ones who get left out. It’s not confidence. It’s not… Read more

More and more school counselors are saying, “I’m getting my LPC and getting out.” But is licensure really the answer- or just a new kind of stress? In this episode, we take a candid look at what licensure changes, what it doesn’t, and why your next move deserves more than burnout logic. Plus, I’ll walk you through the… Read more

Still feeling unsure- even with experience under your belt? This episode explains why doubt might be the best sign you’re doing the job well, not a reason to second-guess yourself. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what that uncertainty in school counseling really means. We’ll talk about the invisible… Read more

You turned in your keys, packed up your office, and told yourself this summer would be a reset. But instead of relaxing, you feel… off. Either you can’t sit still, or you’ve completely shut down. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re talking about what’s really going on when school counselors can’t seem to rest after… Read more

You followed the model. You tracked the data. You did everything “right.” So why does it still feel wrong? In this episode, we talk about how school counseling’s best intentions became a trap, and what to do when the map you were given stops working. If you’re tired of measuring your worth by minutes and metrics, this… Read more

Why do some school counselors get a seat at the table while others get sidelined, no matter how qualified they are? In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually builds trust with school leaders and how to develop the on-the-fly fluency and presence that turn you into the go-to, not the afterthought. ----- Being… Read more

What 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… Read more

You’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… Read more

You 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:… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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”… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

➡️ 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… Read more

"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… Read more

You 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… Read more

As 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… Read more

Can 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… Read more

* 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,… Read more

* 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… Read more

* 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.… Read more

* 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… Read more

* 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… Read more

* 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… Read more

* 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… Read more

* 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

⭐️ 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… Read more

In 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… Read more

In 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… Read more

How 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… Read more

This 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… Read more

Ever 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… Read more

Ready 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,… Read more

Can 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,… Read more

Can 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… Read more

What 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… Read more

Are 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,… Read more

In 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… Read more

In 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… Read more

In 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… Read more

In 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.… Read more

In 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… Read more

In 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… Read more

Navigating 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… Read more

Welcome 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,… Read more

Ever 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… Read more

How 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… Read more

What 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… Read more

What 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… Read more

Can 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… Read more

So 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… Read more

In the 100th episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, we are all about the colorful and often unexpected world of school counseling with stories from school counselors who are in the trenches every day. One counselor from Kentucky shares about her handmade wooden sand tray, a favorite among her students… Read more

What if the place where students spend most of their time held the key to unlocking their potential? Meet Kristina Renn, a first-year school counselor who almost became a clinical therapist but found her true calling in school counseling. Kristina joins us to share her practical approach to creating positive changes… Read more

Are you preparing to leave your school counseling position and unsure about what documentation to leave for your successor? Navigating the complexities of student privacy and legal compliance is crucial for school counselors. In this episode, we dive into the essentials of managing student notes and records, giving… Read more

In this week’s episode, I’ll take you through my real-life experience of being compelled to overhaul my data systems due to recent legislative changes in Texas—a process that unfortunately did not go very well. It’s been quite a journey with some big adjustments I had to make in my data collection methods. However,… Read more

Nancy is an experienced and stellar school counselor whose story is as inspiring as it is instructive. Her path from art teacher to guiding light for students spans over three decades, and in this episode, we walk through the trajectory of Nancy's career, from the day her father suggested looking into a masters degree… Read more

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Ginger Bernal for a friendly chat about her fascinating 17-year journey through the world of education. Ginger started her professional life in the unexpected waters of underwater crime scene investigation before finding her true calling in school counseling. She shares… Read more

It's time to end the school year on a high note while supporting a stronger partnership with your campus principal. This week’s School for School Counselors podcast offers strategies for school counselors to navigate end-of-year conversations with precision and grace without alienating administrators. We talk through… Read more

As we near the end of the school year, it's easy to feel so, so TIRED. How do we power through the rest of the school year while maintaining our sense of purpose and joy for the work we do each day? It's a heavy topic, but an important one. In this episode, I'll share my own end-of-year challenges, the things we can… Read more

In this episode, I highlight a fascinating conversation with Elizabeth Janners, a school counselor with a super-cool blend of music and military service in her background. Listen in to hear how Elizabeth's background shapes her unique approach to mentoring the next generation, offering invaluable lessons in resilience… Read more

Ever felt like you're juggling the workloads of four people, expected to perform seamlessly in all of them? Buckle up and join me from my car's front seat where I get real about where we stand in the school counseling profession, including the unsustainable pace we're expected to maintain and the systemic issues that… Read more

Do you feel like you're running an 'unwinnable race' this time of the school year? In this episode, Steph provides an excerpt of her recent keynote speech for the Lone Star State School Counselor Association Rural Route School Counselors Conference to highlight the importance of self-care, setting achievable goals,… Read more

This is such a fun episode! Getting started on a new career path can often be a leap of faith, and this story is a shining example of where such a leap can land you. Meet Katie—a former teacher and current grad student who has discovered her true calling in the school counselors' office. Led to develop a meaningful… Read more

Today's episode considers the legendary "spring fever" in schools, where escalating tensions and stress impact both students and teachers. We unpack the collaborative problem-solving approach credited to Ross Green that seeks to strengthen students' abilities in areas often overlooked – from emotion regulation to… Read more

In this episode, I'm joined by by friend Jessica Neitsch who talks about her simple yet effective strategy for maintaining our feeling of purpose and satisfaction in our work, how to approach emotional management for educators and students alike, and the need to celebrate the small victories that, moment by moment,… Read more

When life throws you curveballs, it's the ones who knock them out of the park that inspire us the most. Lydia Larimore did just that, turning a disheartening remark from her own school counselor into a fire that fueled her rise as an innovative educator and a Virginia Department of Education Difference Maker. On our… Read more

So many of you feel like you are being used as firemen right now, running from one fire to the next, trying to put out the biggest flames. This week, I share the four critical questions that I ask any teacher who flags me down for behavior assistance, why these four questions are so important, and how to facilitate… Read more

Ever found yourself in the middle of behavioral chaos, wondering where it all went wrong? In this episode, we create a "cheat sheet" for initial behavior intervention with strategies to support students without pulling them away from the classroom prematurely. Mentioned in this episode: ChildMind Institute's Hierarchy… Read more

How can we effectively educate kids with mental health or basic well-being concerns? Carissa, a former teacher, current school counselor and mental health therapist, says it's not realistic. Students can't learn if they aren't regulated and works to be her best self for her students by remembering her goal of helping… Read more

Imagine a career where every interaction is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and connection. That's the vision I'm casting in this episode, as we talk through the "what-to-do's" of social emotional leadership in the world of school counseling. I'm unpacking the art of leading by example, drawing upon the… Read more

Discover how to elevate your influence on campus as we explore a leadership framework for school counselors proposed by Bowers, Lemberger-Truelove, & Brigman (2017). We'll look at the leadership dispositions that can transform school counselors into agents of change, promoting an environment where both students and… Read more

Navigating ethical pitfalls and maintaining professionalism isn't just a part of our job - it's at the heart of our mission as school counselors. This episode takes a hard look at the delicate dance between best, ethical practices and the pressures that tempt us to bend or overstep our boundaries. This is the stuff… Read more

Faster isn't always better, and "more" doesn't always hit the mark. That's what we're talking about in this episode, where the art of patience isn't just a personal virtue, it's also a very smart professional strategy. If it feels like it's taking forever to get your campus on the right track, it might help to know… Read more

Hey there! Ever thought about how your own thoughts and blind spots might be shaping how you connect with others at work? In this latest episode, we're taking a close look at some tricky stuff that can trip up even the most experienced counselors: confirmation biases. We're exploring how confirmation biases work as… Read more

Right now, people are busy talking about resolutions, goals, mindset, words of the year, etc., for the New Year. In this episode, we're not going to get into any of that! Instead, we'll walk through a very specific step by step process for making sure that you have all of the little tedious things (and the little… Read more

Feeling overwhelmed as a school counselor? Ever get the feeling that no matter how much you've accomplished, it's never enough? I get it! (I've been there, too.) In this episode, I talk about the taboo issue of productivity guilt, a common- yet unaddressed- concern that affects lots of hardworking educators like us. I… Read more

Do you feel like a first responder, constantly reacting issues as they arise, or do you feel like you have the time and space to proactively plan for student wellness? This episode is a deep dive into the realities of reactive versus responsive school counseling. You'll be able to reflect on your daily tasks and learn… Read more

Are you grappling with 80-20 expectations? Do you feel the pressure of tracking every minute of your day while managing a huge caseload? In theory, the idea of 80-20 is good, where 80% of counseling services directly impact students, with the remaining 20% of efforts supporting these services. However, a recent 80-20… Read more

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your role as a school counselor, perpetually stuck in a cycle where the better your perform, the more you're given to do? You could be caught in a cycle of role dysfunction, and you're definitely not alone. This episode is a heartfelt deep-dive discussion about these challenges, and how… Read more

You know that self-care is not about transforming you into an eternally cheerful person and erasing all life's challenges. It's high time we dismantle unrealistic expectations around self-care. In this episode's candid discussion, we delve into why self-care may sometimes feel like a burden rather than a blessing,… Read more

Ever been swayed by a viewpoint on the Internet only to discover it's not... quite right? You're not alone! In this episode, we take a critical look at how social media algorithms can channel us into echo chambers, potentially leading us astray- especially in specialized fields like school counseling. We'll share… Read more

Can you imagine waking up to a world where every school counselor felt empowered through eight collective habits? We're exploring two of those important habits in this episode (and tell you how to access the others!) to not only give you a boost of confidence and inspiration, but to also give you a taste of our live… Read more

What if the secret to success as a school counselor lies not just in your professional expertise? In this episode, I'll walk you through what I- and many experts in our field- have pegged as the Most Important Thing in school counseling. ********************************** Mentioned in this episode: School for School… Read more

Are you feeling the October pressure, school counselor? It's time to pause, breathe, and join us in a conversation that navigates all of October's school counseling stressors. We're all battling escalating behavioral issues while watching the stress levels rise on our campuses. But remember, heroes don't have to walk… Read more

Ever wondered how to navigate the labyrinth-like process of behavior intervention plans in a school setting? Buckle up as we unravel this intricate process - from gathering real-world data to conducting functional behavior assessments and setting crystal clear, attainable goals. Along the way, you'll gain valuable… Read more

Ever felt overwhelmed and feel like more of a behavior interventionist than a true school counselor? Are you unsure about your role in this critical area on campus? In this episode, we dive into the vital distinction between school counseling and behavior intervention. We talk about how as counselors, our main focus… Read more

As a school counselor, you are expected to be the calm amidst the chaos- but sometimes interventions and deescalation can begin to feel frustrating or overwhelming- especially if they just keep coming! This from-the-heart conversation aims to arm you with the tools and perspectives needed to manage behavior… Read more

What if the key to better school counseling was learning from parenting styles? In this episode, I peel back the layers of school counseling, discipline, and classroom management by drawing parallels with the four parenting styles - uninvolved, permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. It's an unconventional… Read more

Are you ready to uplevel your approach to school counseling? Our School for School Counselors Mastermind just completed a masterclass on Solution-Focused School Counseling, and I can't wait to share some of the invaluable insights and tools from that masterclass that can help transform your approach to working with… Read more

This episode brings some of the very best conversations from our recent New Counselor Academy, where we brought together a group of school counselors who are in their early years of practice, sharing insights on everything from managing unrealistic expectations to avoiding the savior complex. You'll hear some… Read more

What happens when we stop trying to "fix" things for our students and start showing them how to accept negative emotions? In this episode of the ​School for School Counselors Podcast​, we examine the surprisingly transformative power of acknowledging and accepting negative emotions. School counselors can serve as… Read more

What's the difference between needs assessments and climate surveys? We're diving into both the similarities and differences of these two school counseling tools in this episode. As we peel back the layers, we'll demystify their primary purposes, the kind of data they provide, and how they can be used to shape a more… Read more

Welcome to the club, new school counselors! What are the "secrets" for your first year? What are the things that everyone forgets to tell you? We'll dive into four important components of OWNING your first year. Plus, I'm thrilled to announce our upcoming New Counselor Academy—an event crafted to foster growth,… Read more

Picture this: You’re a busy school counselor, juggling a multitude of tasks, feeling like there are never enough hours in the day. A new issue presents itself, you look around at all the binders and files and books and resources in your office, and you think, "What do I do??!!?" Ever been there? You’re not alone. This… Read more

Imagine beginning your school year fully prepared, with a clear roadmap for success. That's what we're talking about in this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast. We dissect the best ways to plan for the year ahead, reduce cognitive load, and create effective boundaries that will streamline your school… Read more

Ever felt like a fraud in your own profession, plagued by the fear of being exposed as an imposter? Believe it or not, you're not alone. This episode takes a deep dive into the reality of imposter syndrome in the world of school counseling, a phenomenon surprisingly prevalent among all our colleagues. We dissect how… Read more

Does it feel like your principal isn't listening to you? Is it difficult to inspire change on campus because it seems no one understands your role? In this episode, I highlight the power of social capital and the role it plays in school counseling advocacy efforts. It’s a long game, and I talk about the value of… Read more

As school counselors, we often carry the weight of our students' problems and it's a struggle to not bring those concerns home. So how do we transition from the heavy role of school counseling to being fully present in our personal lives? This episode tackles that very question, providing you with practical strategies… Read more

***JOIN OUR FREE "BEST YEAR EVER!' EVENT!*** Check out the details at https://www.schoolforschoolcounselors.com/bestyearever Ever felt queasy at the thought of addressing a room full of people? Considered calling in sick instead of presenting to campus staff? Or does imposter syndrome have you feeling worried about… Read more

Can you believe it's been a year since the School for School Counselors podcast began? We owe our incredible success to you, our amazing school counselor colleagues. To celebrate this milestone, my right-hand and other half of my brain, Brooke, joins me for a special episode. Together, we reminisce about our journey,… Read more

Are you ready to level up your counseling room for the upcoming school year? We've got you covered with this week's episode, where we reveal the must-have items and resources recommended after polling over 8,000 members of our Facebook group! From technology tools and books to games and snacks, we dive into the… Read more

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to practice summer self-care in order to recharge and prepare for the upcoming school year. But despite taking time off and engaging in self-care activities, you still feel burnt out and emotionally drained. It's frustrating and disheartening. The good news is- there is an… Read more

Do you ever feel like your interventions for students with ADHD are just not working as you expected? Join me, Steph Johnson, as we unravel some of the complexities of ADHD and focus on the concept of positive and negative urgency—an essential factor in understanding and supporting students with ADHD. Through a… Read more

Are your students struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or impulsive behaviors? Discover the incredible benefits of integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches into school counseling! With mental health concerns on the rise in schools, DBT can provide essential life skills and support for… Read more

In this episode, I've got a little trick that's going to ensure that you next-level your school counseling game for next year. What would it be like to walk away at the end of the school year and not even think about school again until it's time to go back on duty? What would it be like to know for sure that you're… Read more

What's happening in school counseling right now? Everybody's EXHAUSTED. Right? Just absolutely exhausted. In this episode, I offer my thoughts and ways to maintain perspective in this overwhelming and busy time of year. Mentioned in this Episode: ** FREE DOWNLOAD- Student Summer/Safety Plan ** School for School… Read more

Summer plans are something that you can help students develop to help hold off any "summer slide" of social emotional skills they've built during the school year. They can also be used to support students who may be living in tenuous circumstances or for other social-emotional concerns. But how to write them? What do… Read more

School counselors often fall into a gray area on campus, not quite fitting into the "administrator" or "teacher" category. This can result in ambiguity around our job roles and expectations. With Teacher Appreciation Week approaching, it's common for school counselors to be included in celebrations despite our jobs… Read more

The debate regarding the implementation of character education versus social-emotional learning (SEL) has been reignited recently in light of Florida's new Resiliency Education Standards. Character education emphasizes the development of specific virtues, such as respect, responsibility, and citizenship. Proponents of… Read more

In this episode, I HOPE I AM WRONG about what appears to be a systematic dismantling of school counselors in Florida. Less than a month ago, the Florida First Lady announced an initiative to "reframe mental health education with a focus on resiliency" and teach students to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. As… Read more

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a term that we hear people toss around in schools all the time. It just seems to be the world we're living in right now: if you don't know what to do with "that kid," if they get persnickety, if they're argumentative, if they don't cooperate, they refuse to complete work, threaten… Read more

It seems we're always talking about, "Before COVID... Since COVID... Now that COVID has happened...." I wanted to bring you an episode about what REALLY happened for students and families during the height of the COVID pandemic. Although a lot of the research is still yet to be released, what we do have so far has… Read more

When tragedy strikes, it's hard to know what the next best steps are as school counselors. For so many people, the world feels like a disorienting mess right now. So what do we do in times like these? I'm offering some thoughts from our recent School for School Counselors open support & consultation chat. Because when… Read more

Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the… Read more

We get lots of questions from our "Get the Job!" prep program each year, and one of the most popular is, "What do I wear?" In this episode of the podcast, we'll jump into color choice: how are the colors of your interview attire perceived, and what does the research really say? We'll walk through the research about… Read more

It's time to focus on something that is really overlooked in our field and that we should be talking more about: it could be the single most important skill that you can develop to not only survive- but thrive!- in your career as a school counselor. Can you guess what it might be? Self-compassion may seem like kind of… Read more

Let's talk universal screeners. They are a huge topic of interest in school counseling right now, with lots and lots of "buzz": which are the best, which best capture particular trends on campuses, which are evidence-based... on and on and on and on. Everyone wants to talk about universal screeners. There are,… Read more

So often, finding common ground with your administrator feels difficult. You can't see eye to eye. You feel like they just don't understand where you're coming from and no matter how much you talk, no matter how much you try to convince, no matter how much you try to advocate, your efforts fall on deaf ears. In this… Read more

You don't need any tips or tricks, and you don't need any tools of the trade this week. You need something appropriate for National School Counseling Week. In this episode, I'm talking off the cuff: no outline, no preconceived thoughts, and no edits. Straight from the heart. I just want to tell you how much I… Read more

The biggest source of division in the school counseling world rears its ugly head this time of year in the form of National School Counseling Week. Why is it divisive? Why should you care? Listen to discover the real culprits and what school counselors can do to change the direction of contentious conversations.… Read more

Many of you are getting started in your spring semester internships, or you may have aspiring school counselors on your campus that could use a little bit of help and- guidance. In this episode, we'll walk through what I see as the four most IMPORTANT components to a successful school counseling internship. And what… Read more

About this time of year, you will start seeing lots of folks talking about job interview advice. It will be everywhere. There will be people popping out of the woodwork from this way and that, telling you all the best ways they think you should interview, all the things you should do with your resume... all of the… Read more

Let's start planning for Random Acts of Kindness Week! This year, RAK Week falls February 14th through the 20th, which is right on the heels of National School Counseling Week. I personally love both of those weeks: the combo is a great opportunity to show the power (or potential) of a comprehensive school counseling… Read more

*BONUS- Listen to the end for an exclusive sneak peek of an awesome upcoming addition to the School for School Counselors world!* So many school counselors love the start of the spring semester! It feels like a chance for growth, some fresh perspective, and it gives a feeling of potential coming up: that's super… Read more

Feeling completely exhausted as the semester comes to an end? We often want to attribute our feelings of exhaustion or overwhelm to things such as, "It's been a long semester," or, "December is always tough- this is no exception," or, "I'm serving an insane caseload... of course I'm tired!" But really, the roots of… Read more

Ever run across parents that you just cannot seem to figure out? Parents who are quick to blame, won't return calls, or show no follow-up at home? Parents who rarely make an appearance at school? Or how about the "helicopter" and "lawnmower parents" that just absolutely insist on paving the easy route for their… Read more

It sometimes takes one or two different ways of approaching a difficult administrator to provide a change in perspective and develop a good working relationship with that person. Or many of you may just need to figure out how to just get along with a difficult boss until you can find another campus to move to or… Read more

We spend more than half our waking lives at work. When you have to spend that time working with a difficult personality, it can make the days go by so slowly! In this episode, I outline three difficult principal personality types and how school counselors can approach each in a way that is mutually beneficial.… Read more

The longer you work in school counseling, the more you'll meet. Disgruntled parents that CANNOT be pleased or have completely unrealistic expectations about your job scope and time. It's frustrating when you're giving your all to serve your students but get told you're not doing enough, or you're not doing the right… Read more

School counselors, let's talk about how to plan ahead proactively for the holiday season. So if you've been in school counseling for any amount of time, you know that this time of year is when things really start to get interesting. Students may start experiencing more stressors than normal. Family relationships,… Read more

What's your counselor-to-student ratio? If you're like the majority of school counselors, it is nowhere near the recommended 1:250. Take a listen to this episode for a few shifts that will help you find peace with a large caseload while ensuring that you're taking care of yourself. Our goal at School for School… Read more

From the moment that you begin studying school counseling, you're told about "comprehensive school counseling" programs. They're touted as the holy grail for school counselors: the ultimate achievement. The problem is, there are many of you that are feeling defeated as you strive to meet all the qualifications of a… Read more

In this episode, I focus on the types of burnout school counselors typically experience, how to recognize them, and what to do about them even if you feel there's nothing you can do. It's so important for school counselors to be thinking about this even if you aren't feeling burnt out because remaining vigilant and… Read more

It seems everywhere we turn, school counselors are being reminded to engage in "self-care." But if you're anything like most school counselors, typical self-care suggestions may leave you angry and irritated because they're so out of touch. In this episode, we'll look at different burnout personalities to give us a… Read more

So many conversations in the school counselor world these days are about burnout, and this talk seems to really be hitting earlier in the school year than usual. In this episode, we're going to take a walk through the idea of burnout and uncover the reasons why you might be feeling that way- plus, we'll give you an… Read more

Do you have students on your campus currently that are having difficulty "remembering" to go to school? We've seen so many students struggling with attendance since the covid shutdowns- even students that we previously were not worried about! In this episode, I'll bringing the four primary reasons students refuse to… Read more

This week's podcast episode is for any school counselor that's been at their wit's end with a crying, screaming, perhaps running, student at the start of almost EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It's for school counselors who've tried all the advice they've seen elsewhere but are still shaking their head, wondering why they can't… Read more

So much noise! So many people battling to be seen as the "expert." Our school counseling world is drowning in noise and people who are desperate to be heard on social media. It's creating a very dangerous environment for school counselors. In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, I'm going to give… Read more

School counselors are constantly being instructed to advocate for our school counseling programs, but there's one big elephant in the room that no one's talking about. No one is telling you HOW to advocate. You hear lots of little one-off one liners about how to advocate for your program, but this info don't even… Read more

In this episode of the School for School Counselors Podcast, we take an unusual perspective on school counseling program data: how it's collected, what we do with it once we have it, and why it's important in the first place. Folks with a little more life experience will giggle as we walk down memory lane a bit and… Read more

So much of the feedback we hear from school counselors centers around feeling overwhelmed, particularly when we feel like's there's too much to do and no way to get it all taken care of. In this episode, we'll look into: - the common phenomenon of overscheduling - how too much planning can actually lead to overwhelm… Read more

If you've been a school counselor for a hot second, you know that the chatter at the beginning of the school year in August and September almost always centers around these two things: needs assessments and minute meetings. How do I administer a needs assessment? What questions do I ask? What do I do with the… Read more

When school counselors are encouraged to personally advocate for their programs, there is a lot of well-intentioned (yet terrible) advice tossed around! There is an art to successful advocacy and negotiation. In this episode, we'll dive into the basics of quality school counselor advocacy that can develop the… Read more

Welcome back to the School for School Counselors Podcast! In this episode, we'll talk about a lot of the things that your grad program didn't tell you and how you can feel prepared despite the surprises. This is a great episode for new and veteran school counselors alike, with lots to listen to and think about you as… Read more

I just returned from the American School Counselor Association national conference in Austin, TX, and I have some hidden gems of awesome information to share with you! If you are a school counselor who: sometimes feels like you don't know what to do when working with students (don't we all??!!?) runs small groups for… Read more

How are your classroom management skills- on point? It's no secret that any school counselor that works in classrooms would like to make sure their management skills are on point! In this episode, we'll reveal my four best tips for effective classroom management, how to effectively run a classroom without being a… Read more

If you have big dreams and goals for your school counseling program but just aren't getting there as quickly as you'd like, this episode is for you. We'll break down the factors causing you to feel stalled out or like you're not doing what "everyone else" is doing, why what you see online isn't always what you think,… Read more

We hear so much about data-driven school counseling but very little about the realities of collecting data in real-world school counseling situations. If you've tried tracking aspects of your program but ended up feeling defeated, overwhelmed, or like you're just never going to be able to meet expectations in light of… Read more

As school counselors, it's so important to have a clear understanding of what can lead us toward burnout- and how to avoid it. If you're a counselor who felt last year was the most difficult you've experienced, or if you're a new counselor that wants to avoid the possibility of ever burning out in the career you've… Read more

School counselors are so often told what we "should" be doing and to advocate for our roles on campus, but we hear very little real talk about what to do when we're tasked with tons of non-counseling-related responsibilities and our advocacy efforts fall on deaf ears. We are often made to feel as though this is… Read more

Welcome to the School for School Counselors Podcast! In this first episode, we'll talk about how School for School Counselors is working toward the elevation of our field while remaining true to the REAL-WORLD concerns of our colleagues- no Insta-perfect versions of school counseling here! Our goal is to help school… Read more

This work is part of the School for School Counselors body of work developed by Steph Johnson, LPC, CSC, which centers role authority over role drift, consultative practice over fix-it culture, adult-designed systems and environments as primary drivers of student behavior, clinical judgment over compliance, and school… Read more