School for School Counselors Podcast

School for School Counselors Podcast

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 deliver honest insights, share some laughs, and get real about the challenges that come with being a school counselor. Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Eager to make a significant impact? I'm here to provide practical advice, smart strategies, and plenty of support. Each week, we’ll tackle topics ranging from building a strong counseling program to effectively using data—and we won’t shy away from addressing the tough issues. If you’re ready to stop chasing impossible standards and want to connect with others who truly understand the complexities of your role, you’re in the right place. So find a quiet spot, get comfortable, and get ready to feel more confident and supported than you’ve ever felt before. For more resources and to stay connected, visit schoolforschoolcounselors.com.

Episodes

February 10, 2025 18 mins

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 school culture.

Imagine a school where stress doesn’t rule the day, burnout isn’t lurking around every corner, and job sat...

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*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, after what I’ve been seeing lately, I get it.

In this episode, I talk through the uncomfortable truths about s...

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January 27, 2025 27 mins

*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 caseloads efficiently. Using an iconic conveyer belt tv scene as an analogy, she highlights the overwhelm...

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*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. 

Steph addresses various reactions from excitement to frustration and offers simple strategies for o...

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*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 strong professional judgment to evaluate the quality and relevance of resources. Steph also dives into the ethi...

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January 6, 2025 22 mins

*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 the premature adoption of AI tools and their potential to undermine the core values and techniques of effectiv...

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*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 and New Year Goals

02:49 Preparing for the Spring Semester

05:15 Favorite Counseling Office Suppl...

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*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 schools. But instead of focusing on the label, we’re reframing the conversation to explore what’s really happening ...

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December 9, 2024 20 mins

*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 broadly from grad school or specifically day-to-day. She offers actionable tips to prepare for the new semeste...

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⭐️ 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 small, often unnoticed moments that ripple through students' lives. Steph shares personal experiences, the...

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⭐️ 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 focusing on what is within their control, embracing small victories, ...

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⭐️ 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 and introduces a framework for triag...

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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 focus on meaningful change rather than unattainable perfectio...

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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 support these students. 

She also introduces the new "Technique of the Week&q...

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October 28, 2024 25 mins

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’ll look at what works (and what doesn’t) with programs like coat drives and...

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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-used resources like those from Teachers Pay Teachers, the necessity of cultu...

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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 responsibilities under ASCA standards, IDEA, and Section 504, and I’ll share ideas on ...

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September 30, 2024 28 mins

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.

Steph’s got you covered with practical tips for mastering new hab...

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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, ultimately fostering their independence and emotional strength ...

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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 into recognizing the difference between a constructive stres...

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