⭐️ Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind to build a "stress-less" careerIn 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 triaging student concerns. Drawing on research by Ryan and Deci on self-determination theory, she emphasizes the...

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 perfection. Steph highlights the significance of becoming an expert in areas that create real im...

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" segment as well as insights into the goings-on in her own school counsel...

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 gift trees, and how we can avoid the common pitfalls that sometimes rei...

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 culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices, and aligning interv...

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 how to lighten the load. Whether you're supporting students in...

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 habits (without chasing perfection) and shows how small wins can lead to big changes....

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 while lightening your workload.We'll also challenge the unrealistic standards set by th...

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 stress mindset and falling into the trap of toxic positivity. Steph shares st...

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-reviewed research. Discover how your mindset about stress can radically alter your health outcomes, boost resilience, and promote professional growth. ...

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 kicking off. We'll discuss the escalating mental health demands post-COVID-19 and how traditional self-care practices may not be cutting it anymore. L...

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 school environments. Additionally, she introduces the free SMART School Counseling Assessment (smartschoolcounseling.com) designed to help ...

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 relationships with staff. She emphasizes the need to maintain realistic expectations and provides insights on how school counselors can manage their demandi...

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-reviewed resources, particularly in high-stakes situations. Steph also offers guidance on where to find reliable, evidence-backed resources and advises ...

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, such as teacher dysregulation and its impact on students, and provides actionable strategies for counselors to model emotional regulation, train st...

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 constraints, and the fear of being misutilized. Steph urges counselors to rethink their approach by identifying the origins of problematic behavior an...

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. Key points include the importance of self-regulation, the benefits of limited involvement, and the necessity of focusing on student strengths. J...

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 importance of clear communication with students about the limits of confidentiality. Plus, the episode delves into the ethical pitfalls and voyeuristi...

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 foundation rather than more tactics.Too often, school counselors are bombarded with the ideal of achieving a "perfect" or "comprehensive" program, feelin...

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 importance of moving beyond these kinds of resources commonly found online. She discusses the insufficiency of peer-reviewed research in current school...

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 your school counseling program. Inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits," we break down sustainable habits into four essential components: cue, cr...

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 be your secret weapon to maintaining positivity during challenging times.Mentioned in This Episode:BEST YEAR EVER!!!Modern School Counselor Planner...

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. From the must-have supplies every counselor should keep on hand to smart tips for curating your materials, you'll learn how to create a welcoming ye...

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 setting up an environment that will not only support your students but also help you stay focused and calm. Whether you are a new counselor setting...