School Counseling Simplified Podcast Podcast Por Rachel Davis arte de portada

School Counseling Simplified Podcast

School Counseling Simplified Podcast

De: Rachel Davis
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School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.COPYRIGHT © 2020 · Bright Futures Counseling - www.brightfutures-counseling.com/disclosure-and-tou
Episodios
  • 261. Dealing with School Refusal

    261. Dealing with School Refusal
    Aug 12 2025
    Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! As we dive into the back-to-school season, many of us are seeing students who are struggling with separation anxiety and school refusal. In this episode, we’re talking about how you can support not only the students experiencing anxiety, but also the teachers in your building and the parents at home. We’ll cover a wide range of practical, school-based strategies that you can implement right away. From calming tools and classroom tips to talking points for caregivers, this episode will give you a full toolkit for addressing separation anxiety at the start of the school year. Whether you’re working with new kindergarten students, recent transfers, or kids who are just feeling unsure after summer break, these ideas will help you build connections, reduce fear, and create a strong foundation for the year ahead. Tips for Supporting Students School Tours: Offering a separate tour (outside of open house or back-to-school night) can help new or anxious students become familiar with the campus and reduce fear of the unknown. Safe Spaces: Creating a calm-down corner in your counseling office, or encouraging teachers to have one in the classroom, can give students a space to feel grounded. Daily Check-ins: Offer brief check-ins during the first few days or weeks to help students feel supported by a trusted adult. Safety Plans: For students still experiencing significant anxiety after rapport has been built, work together to create a personal safety plan that outlines their support system and calming strategies. Small Groups: Run a separation anxiety small group using CBT-based activities, mindfulness tools, and games to help students feel less alone and more empowered. Tips for Teachers Buddy Systems: Pair students experiencing anxiety with a calm, confident peer to help them feel supported and included. Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help students know what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety caused by uncertainty. SEL Integration: Incorporate social-emotional learning into daily routines with a consistent morning meeting or circle time. Read-Alouds: Use books like The Invisible String to open up conversations about separation and connection. Classroom Jobs: Assign meaningful classroom roles to help anxious students feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Transitional Objects: Allow students to bring a comforting object from home (such as a stuffed animal, small toy, or photo) during the first few days. Tips for Parents and Caregivers Validation: Encourage caregivers to acknowledge their child’s feelings without minimizing them. A simple “I see this is really hard for you” goes a long way. Consistent Routines: Remind parents of the power of predictability. A steady sleep schedule, breakfast routine, and drop-off ritual can ease anxiety. Practice Separations: Suggest that parents do short practice separations before school starts (e.g., playdates or time at a grandparent’s house). Quick Goodbyes: Encourage brief, confident goodbyes at drop-off and reassure the child about who will pick them up. Lingering can unintentionally reinforce anxiety. Positive Modeling: Remind parents that children often take cues from adults. Expressing enthusiasm and trust in the school helps children feel the same. By supporting students, teachers, and families together, you can help reduce separation anxiety and set everyone up for success this school year. This episode offers you a well-rounded approach that’s practical, compassionate, and easy to implement. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Separation Anxiety Group Podcast Episode on Supporting Anxious Students Books: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
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    17 m
  • 260. 9 Must-Have Class Lessons for Back to School Season

    260. 9 Must-Have Class Lessons for Back to School Season
    Aug 5 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! August is here, which means it’s officially back-to-school season and time to start planning your class lessons. While small groups and individual sessions are important, those referrals often trickle in later as teachers get to know their students. That’s why I love starting the school year with a strong foundation of proactive, Tier 1 class lessons. In this episode, I’m walking you through 9 of my must-have class lessons that are perfect for kicking off the year. These lessons help you see every student and establish a consistent, supportive presence across campus. I’ll also share tips for staying organized and avoiding overwhelm by using a curriculum map. (You can grab a free one in the show notes below.) What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why beginning the year with class lessons sets a proactive foundation How Tier 1 lessons help you reach every student while maximizing your time How to avoid overwhelm with curriculum mapping Creative ways to teach each essential lesson using games, stories, and activities 9 Back-to-School Class Lessons to Start the Year: Meet the Counselor Introduce yourself, your role, and how students can access your services. Try using a fun format like a game show (Jeopardy style) or an escape room with missions. Listening Skills Teach students what it really means to be an active listener. Activities like “Simon Says” are engaging and effective for younger students. Following Directions Reinforce routines and classroom expectations early on. Simple games like “Simon Says” can double for both listening and direction-following practice. Responsibility Foster independence and ownership among students. Use engaging stories, songs, or self-reflection activities to make it stick. Size of the Problem + Self-Regulation Teach students to assess and regulate their reactions. Introduce tools like Zones of Regulation to build a shared school-wide language. Self-Control Help students manage impulses and reactions. Use a social story like My Mouth is a Volcano or try a self-control escape room activity. Friendship Guide students in what it means to be a good friend and how to build healthy connections. Role-play or use storytelling to bring these concepts to life. Conflict Resolution Teach tools for resolving disagreements peacefully and respectfully. Programs like Kelso’s Choice are a great way to introduce these concepts. Bullying Prevention Set expectations for kindness and respect from the beginning. Share clear definitions and strategies to prevent and report bullying. By starting the year with these lessons, you’ll not only establish your presence as a school counselor but also build a foundation for a successful and supportive school year. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Curriculum Map Freebie Blog - 9 Must-Have Counseling Lessons MTC Game Show MTC Escape Room Listening Skills Lesson Following Directions Lesson Responsibility Lesson - Primary Responsibility Lesson - Elementary Self-Regulation Lesson SOTP Activity Pack Self-Control Lesson - Primary Self-Control Lesson - Elementary Mission: Self-Control Friendship Lesson Mission: Tattling Vs Reporting Bullying Prevention Lesson Guidance Lessons Super Bundle Kelso's Choice My Mouth is a Volcano Book Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
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    16 m
  • 259. Preventing Risky Behaviors with Dr. Crystal Collier

    259. Preventing Risky Behaviors with Dr. Crystal Collier
    Jul 29 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring guest: Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S. Dr. Collier is a therapist, educator, and author, known for her powerful work in prevention education and brain development. She is the author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and the Know Your Neuro children’s book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and was voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association. In this episode, Dr. Collier dives deep into: Risky behaviors to watch for in elementary students How early intervention impacts brain development The effects of screen time and technology on the brain The case for phone-free and watch-free schools Why it’s never too early to talk to kids about feelings, empathy, and healthy coping She shares sobering insights, like how 50% of anxiety disorders are diagnosed by age 6, and how exposure to drugs, alcohol, and even pornography can start as early as elementary school. But the good news? The brain can change! We can equip kids with tools early, long before they reach their “peak” development years. The key lies in prevention, consistent brain-based education, and empowering parents and counselors with the right strategies. Key Takeaways for School Counselors: Feelings education is critical: Teach students to name and express emotions to avoid avoidant coping strategies. Social experience matters: Lack of play and exposure can lead to higher anxiety. Early empathy-building can prevent bullying down the road. Prevention strategies must begin in early childhood and evolve as students grow. Teach executive functioning through brain-based praise and risk education. Use tools from www.knowyourneuro.org to implement evidence-based practices. Pro tip from Dr. Collier: Encourage parents to have six 10-minute brain conversations per year with their kids—it’s a simple but powerful way to build awareness. Birth to age 3 is foundational—more kids are sitting with screens than moving their bodies, which affects motor skill development. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this essential work in your school and community! Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube Connect with Crystal: www.knowyourneuro.org www.drcrystalcollier.com More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
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    36 m
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hello, I am a new Counselor in Washington. my program is a little different then most schools. Either way I am the only one in my school and my school is new, so they have never had a Counselor. This has helped me in so many ways and how to also stand out as a new Counselor. Thank you!

new Counselor

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This podcast has helped me so much as a first year school counselor. I highly recommend!

Amazing 👏

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