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 her students toward resilience and self-reliance. Carissa shares her strategies that keep her grounded and effective while balancing a demanding workload and unrelenting needs with the realities of too little time. Our conversation brings to light an overlooked aspect of school counseling: Are we being as kind to ourselves as we are teaching our students to be? She also shares a SUPER-SUCCESSFUL initiative that would be PERFECT for Random Acts of Kindness Week or anytime your campus & community could use a little extra encouragement. It's easy to dream big, but Carissa reminds us that starting small and gradually building up while being kind and remembering to care for ourselves is the key to sustainable and impactful programs. ***************** And for a bit of excitement, we've got a giveaway that's all about celebrating the hard work of school counselors—without adding to their plate. Tune in to find out how to win a treasure trove of resources tailor-made for YOU: the school counseling heroes that guide our students each and every day. ***************** 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 wonderful world of school counseling. Hang out in our Facebook group Jump in, ask questions, share your ideas and become a part of the most empowering school counseling group on the planet! (Join us to see if we're right.) Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind The Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you IN ADDITION TO unparalleled support and consultation. No more feeling alone, invisible, unappreciated, or like you just don't know what to do next. We've got you! Did someone share this podcast with you? Be sure to subscribe for all the new episodes!! Support the show