))
With over 15 years of experience as a High School Counselor, I hope to share tips, ideas and resources that will help students, parents and other School Counselors successfully navigate the high school experience.
…
continue reading
The VSCA Professional Development team is excited to offer a series of podcasts to provide support and encouragement to counselors.
…
continue reading
Ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what it really means to be a school counselor today? Welcome to The School for School Counselors Podcast! Let’s be honest: this job is rewarding, but it’s also one of the toughest, most misunderstood roles out there. That’s why I'm here, offering real talk and evidence-based insights about the everyday highs and lows of the work we love. Think of this podcast as your go-to conversation with a trusted friend who just gets it. I'm here to ...
…
continue reading
Inspire Success hosts this biweekly podcast of practical resources and encouraging stories from school counselors about school counseling.
…
continue reading
⭐️ 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 redefine success in the field. By foc…
…
continue reading
⭐️ 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 actually hurt student development …
…
continue reading
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 and encouraging listeners to f…
…
continue reading
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 for school counselors to suppor…
…
continue reading
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 or homelessness. Together, we’…
…
continue reading
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 critical evaluation of widely-u…
…
continue reading
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 about your ethical and legal r…
…
continue reading
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, craving, response, and reward. …
…
continue reading
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, and problem-solving skills, ult…
…
continue reading
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 counselors. The episode delves …
…
continue reading
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 supported by robust, peer-revi…
…
continue reading
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, especially with the new school year kic…
…
continue reading
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 complexities of real-world sch…
…
continue reading
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 role of building strong relations…
…
continue reading
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 using thoroughly vetted, peer-revie…
…
continue reading
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. She discusses common challenges, …
…
continue reading
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 equating it to discipline, time con…
…
continue reading
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 intervening in student behavior. Ke…
…
continue reading
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 must navigate, stressing the imp…
…
continue reading
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, emphasizing the need for a strong founda…
…
continue reading
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 popular, Johnson emphasizes the impo…
…
continue reading
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 effective habits and practices in …
…
continue reading
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 insights on how gratitude can …
…
continue reading
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 success in the the new school year. F…
…
continue reading
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 guide you through the journey of …
…
continue reading
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 lead to burnout. We discuss how th…
…
continue reading
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 for its soothing qualities. Anoth…
…
continue reading
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 within the school environment. S…
…
continue reading
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 you the confidence to adhere to F…
…
continue reading
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, despite the setbacks, the lessons…
…
continue reading
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 to the present, where she work…
…
continue reading
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 heartwarming stories, like how …
…
continue reading
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 how to craft success stories fr…
…
continue reading
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 do to reset our mindset, and the…
…
continue reading
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 and adaptability as she guides…
…
continue reading
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 often leave us feeling like we'…
…
continue reading
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, and the profound impact counselor…
…
continue reading
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 and student-centered school couns…
…
continue reading
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 social skills – rather than pointin…
…
continue reading
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, build a fulfilling career in scho…
…
continue reading
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 show, host Steph Johnson takes a…
…
continue reading
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 these conversations without causi…
…
continue reading
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 of Behavioral Techniques *****…
…
continue reading
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 rather than "fixing"- guiding h…
…
continue reading
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 wisdom of Bowers, Lemberger-Truelov…
…
continue reading
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 staff can thrive. Reference: Bowe…
…
continue reading
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 few people talk about: the emotio…
…
continue reading
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 that embracing the slow and stead…
…
continue reading
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 sneaky blind spots in school coun…
…
continue reading
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 things that jump up and bite you in…
…
continue reading
