エピソード

  • 282. School Counseling Systems for Success

    282. School Counseling Systems for Success
    2026/01/06

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Happy January! Today I am sharing some of my favorite school counseling systems for success and how setting up simple systems can save you time, reduce stress, and help you better serve your students.

    In this episode, I am taking you inside one of my most used systems, what I call the counseling hub. This system keeps everything organized in one place and helps ensure no student falls through the cracks.

    What is the counseling hub
    The counseling hub is made up of two core systems that work together: a counseling caseload and a counseling log. When combined, they give you a clear snapshot of who you are serving, what services you are providing, and where students are in the counseling process.

    Counseling caseload
    Your counseling caseload is a living document that lists students you see regularly, such as those in small groups or individual counseling. I love using Google Sheets for this, but Excel works just as well.

    In this caseload, I track student names, basic information, and counseling type. I color code by group name or service type so I can quickly see who is in which group. I also include whether the student was referred and who made the referral.

    Additional sections I recommend include guardian contact status, whether permission slips have been sent and returned, and any important notes. This allows you to quickly provide updates to administrators or teachers and ensures students are not overlooked.

    Counseling log
    The counseling log is your daily record of services provided. I organize mine by month and week to make reviewing data easier.

    Each entry includes the date, student name, area of need, teacher, counseling type, and session length. I also track strategies used, activities completed, and brief notes about student progress or affect. Confidentiality is always a priority, so notes should be objective and professional.

    I also include a column for parent or guardian communication so I can easily see when and how I connected with families during the week.

    Why the counseling hub works
    When your counseling caseload and counseling log work together, you have a clear and efficient system that supports data tracking, communication, and advocacy. This hub allows you to stay organized, make informed decisions, and confidently share the impact of your work.

    If you are feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or struggling to keep everything straight, this system can be a game changer. Small systems lead to big clarity and better outcomes for both counselors and students.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Join IMPACT

    • Counseling Hub

    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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    13 分
  • 281. Best of SCS: 3 Must-Have Data Tools for Individual Counseling

    281. Best of SCS: 3 Must-Have Data Tools for Individual Counseling
    2025/12/30
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about three must-have data tools for individual counseling. Data collection does not have to be complicated or time consuming. Having simple systems in place allows you to track student progress, guide your sessions, and advocate for your role with confidence. In this episode, I am sharing my three go-to data collection tools for individual counseling and how to use them effectively. Self Assessments Self assessments are pre and post surveys that help you understand how students perceive their own counseling progress. Each question should align with the objective you are teaching during that session, which helps ensure your data is purposeful and meaningful. Questions should be written in age appropriate language and include clear directions at the top. Be sure to include the student's name and the date, and remind students that there are no right or wrong answers. Self assessments can be completed on paper or through a Google Form, which allows you to easily view results and identify trends. These assessments help highlight skill deficits and guide future instruction. Student Rating Scales Student rating scales provide quick insight into how students are feeling session to session. A simple one-to-ten scale works well, allowing students to color in or mark how they are feeling that day. Using large block fonts and visual elements can make this activity more engaging for students. Rating scales are typically completed at the start of each session and provide valuable data that is fast and easy to collect. Behavior Surveys Behavior surveys are sent to teachers and parents to gather information about student behavior across different settings. These surveys should include the topic being addressed, the student's name, the rater's name, the rater's relationship to the student, and the date. Behavior surveys are given at the start of services and again at the end to measure growth over time. Because students often behave differently at home and at school, input from both teachers and caregivers is essential. Google Forms work especially well for collecting and organizing this data. Using Your Data Once you have collected your data, it is important to use it intentionally. Data can be showcased on a data wall displayed in a high traffic area of the school to help bring awareness to the counseling profession and the services you provide. Data can also be used to create individual end of year reports and to drive instruction as you refine and improve your counseling programs. If you are looking for low prep, done-for-you assessments, be sure to check out my individual counseling curriculum. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Individual counseling super bundle 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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    19 分
  • 280. Best of SCS: How to Design Small Group Curriculum That Works

    280. Best of SCS: How to Design Small Group Curriculum That Works
    2025/12/23
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about how to design a small group curriculum that actually works. In this episode, we are getting into the meat and potatoes of small group curriculum. My goal is to make the process simple, realistic, and easy to implement so you can confidently design groups that support your students and meet your counseling goals. When it comes to small group curriculum, you are likely doing one of two things. You may be using activities or curriculum that you have already purchased, such as hard copy books provided by your school or resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. Or you may be creating your own curriculum from scratch because one has not been provided for you. No matter which route you choose, there are six steps you can follow to design a small group curriculum that works. Identify your topic Start by identifying your small group topic using referral data or student needs. For example, you may notice a need for a self control group. Outline your weeks with ASCA aligned objectives Determine the length of your group, typically six to eight weeks. Choose one clear objective for each week. Align each objective with an ASCA mindset and behavior that matches your goal. Once this is complete, type out your weekly outline so you have a clear plan to follow. Select your icebreakers Icebreakers are especially important during the first session to help students feel comfortable and connected. Choose simple activities that build rapport and introduce the group structure. Select your activities Activities are the core of each session. Look closely at your weekly objective and choose an activity that directly supports that skill or concept. This ensures your sessions stay focused and intentional. Select a reflection piece Reflection is a powerful part of student learning. Journals work especially well for small groups. Even five minutes of reflection can help students process what they learned and apply it outside of the session. Create your self assessment Data collection is essential for tailoring your sessions and tracking student progress. Create a self assessment that is based on your weekly objectives so you can measure growth throughout the group. This framework helps you stay organized, intentional, and data driven while creating small groups that truly support your students. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Group Bundle Group Cheat Sheet ASCA Mindset and behaviors 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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    16 分
  • 279. Best of SCS: 5 things I wish I knew when I first started counseling

    279. Best of SCS: 5 things I wish I knew when I first started counseling
    2025/12/16

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are revisiting one of my favorite episodes as part of a best of School Counseling Simplified throwback series. This episode focuses on five things I wish I had known when I first started counseling.

    In this episode, I get personal and share stories from my early days as a school counselor. As counselors, we are lifelong learners who are constantly refining our skills and practices. However, there were several pain points early in my career that I wish I had been prepared for. Knowing these lessons sooner would have saved me significant time, stress, and frustration.

    Five Lessons I Wish I Knew as a New School Counselor

    • You do not have to check your email after hours
    Evenings and weekends are meant for rest, family, and personal time. If you have work email on your phone, set clear boundaries by turning off notifications. Protecting your time helps prevent burnout.

    • Stay organized with your caseload
    Strong organizational systems support professionalism and help prevent mistakes that are easily avoidable. An organized caseload allows you to show up more confidently for students.

    • Data supports your professional judgment
    Tracking data helps validate your instincts and demonstrates the impact of your work. Measuring student progress allows you to make informed decisions and advocate for your role.

    • You are not alone
    Connect with other school counselors through Facebook groups, district colleagues, and professional collaboration opportunities. Community and shared experiences are invaluable, especially early in your career.

    • Being new does not limit your impact
    You do not need years of experience to create meaningful change. If you see a need, trust yourself enough to try new approaches and implement programs that support students.

    Whether you are a brand new counselor or a seasoned professional, this episode serves as a reminder that growth comes from reflection, connection, and confidence in your role.



    Resources Mentioned:

    • Join IMPACT

    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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    16 分
  • 278. How to Conduct a Mid Year Check In using a Data Wall

    278. How to Conduct a Mid Year Check In using a Data Wall
    2025/12/09

    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This time of year is fast paced as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. In the last episode I briefly mentioned data walls, and today I am taking a deeper look at how to conduct a mid-year check-in using a data wall.

    While end-of-year reports are valuable, data tracking should not be reserved only for the end of the school year. Ongoing data review is essential because it helps ensure that the support you provide continues to meet the changing needs of your students.

    A data wall is a bulletin board that visually highlights the impact of your counseling services. It allows you to quantify student progress through tools such as self assessments and behavior surveys. This data can illustrate growth from the start to the end of your small groups and other interventions.

    Your data wall can also show the volume of services you have provided. This includes the number of students you have seen, the sessions you have held, and the lessons you have taught. You can gather these numbers from your logs, scheduler, or calendar.

    Creating a data wall strengthens your advocacy efforts, informs curriculum adjustments, and communicates the value of your program to students, families, and staff. Once your data is organized, use charts and graphs to present your findings clearly.

    Key reminders
    Keep all information anonymous to maintain confidentiality
    Use only the data that is most helpful
    Update your data wall quarterly, monthly, or by semester
    Place it in a high traffic area to maximize visibility

    This simple mid-year check-in will help you celebrate progress, identify needs, and confidently communicate the work you are doing. If you create a data wall, share it with me on Instagram. I would love to see it.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Join IMPACT

    • Data Wall

    • Blog - How to Conduct a Mid-Year Check-in Using a Data Wall

    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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    11 分
  • 277. My Favorite December School Counseling Activities

    277. My Favorite December School Counseling Activities
    2025/12/02
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This is a fun but busy time of year as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. Even if you are not teaching full lessons or running small groups this month, you will likely still have drop-in students who need support. December is a great time to add a seasonal twist to your counseling activities, and today I am sharing my favorite ideas to help you stay engaged, organized, and prepared. Countdown to Winter Break One of my favorite activities this month is a Countdown to Winter Break inspired by a childhood Advent calendar. This activity includes 20 different SEL tasks your students can complete as they count down to the holiday break. It works well for individual counseling sessions and for students who stop by unexpectedly. The variety of activities keeps students engaged and gives you structured tools to support them during an otherwise unpredictable month. Host a Counseling Holiday Party A Counseling Holiday Party is a fun and meaningful way to wrap up your small groups. Think of it like a celebration or graduation with a seasonal theme. You can schedule an all-day event where students who have participated in counseling throughout the semester come in for games, crafts, and connection. This creates a positive and memorable experience while highlighting the progress they have made. Data Check-Up December is also a helpful time to complete a mid-year data check-up. This allows you to review the students you have served, the lessons you have taught, and the progress that has been made so far. A mid-year check-up helps you advocate for your position, strengthens your end-of-year reporting, and gives you valuable insight as you plan for next semester. You can also display some of this information on a data wall so stakeholders can easily see the impact of your program. Self-Care Tips for the New Year As the semester winds down, it is important to reflect on your well-being. Here are a few simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and supported heading into January: Conduct a time audit to see how you are spending the minutes of your workday. This helps you identify where to add buffers so you feel less rushed and overwhelmed. Outsource tasks when possible. If you have an intern or student ambassadors, allow them to help with responsibilities and lighten your load. Join IMPACT, my school counseling membership program, to access resources, professional development, and ongoing support that help reduce stress and streamline your program. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Countdown to Winter Break Elf-Control Dress an Elf Snowman Goals Blog - How to Plan a Fun Counseling Christmas Party Needs Assessment End of Year Report Data Wall Blog - Favorite December School Counseling Activities 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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    12 分
  • 276. Behind the Scenes of Successful Data Tracking

    276. Behind the Scenes of Successful Data Tracking
    2025/11/25
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today we are taking a behind-the-scenes look at effective data tracking and how it can help you better support students while advocating for the role of the school counselor. Data can feel overwhelming, but when used intentionally, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your counseling program. This episode breaks down simple, practical strategies to help you collect, interpret, and share data with confidence. A Quick Win for Data Tracking One of the easiest ways to begin building a data-driven counseling program is through a five-minute self-assessment. - Create a quick Google Form with a few skill-based or feelings-based questions. You can either interview students and record their responses or have them complete it independently. Make sure to capture their name, their responses, and the date for easy tracking. The Big Takeaway Every counseling session should be purposeful and aligned with a clear objective. Before each session, ask yourself what skill, strategy, or concept you are focusing on. Your data tracking should reflect this objective so that you are gathering meaningful and relevant information. My Favorite Data Tracking Tools Self-Assessments Self-assessments allow students to report on their own experiences, skills, or emotions. Use these during the first and last sessions to monitor growth. Build your questions around the objectives of your session or group. These can be objective questions tied to specific skills or subjective questions tied to feelings. Google Forms is an excellent tool for organizing and reviewing this data quickly. Behavior Surveys Behavior surveys provide valuable insight from teachers and caregivers. Send these forms digitally for easy completion and record keeping. This data helps identify gaps between how students view themselves and how their behavior is observed by people in their daily environments. End-of-Year Reports This is one of the most powerful data tools for communication and advocacy. An end-of-year report summarizes how many students you served, the lessons you taught, and the time spent providing support. These reports help guide decision-making, highlight the effectiveness of your program, and advocate for your role within the school. Data Walls A data wall is a bulletin board that displays key information and outcomes. Place this in a location with high visibility such as the front office, hallway, or multipurpose room. Update it regularly, whether monthly or quarterly, and share only the most relevant results to keep the information clear and impactful. How to Interpret Data to Improve Your Program Data is only useful if it informs next steps. If data shows student improvement, celebrate the progress and consider transitioning students to a lower tier of support. If data indicates limited or no improvement, evaluate the situation. You may need to adjust interventions, refer students out, or move to a different tier of support. Use the information to determine short-term, solution-focused next steps. How to Use Data to Advocate for Your Role When presented clearly and consistently, data shows the impact of your work and communicates the value of your counseling program. Data helps stakeholders understand how many students you serve, what needs are emerging within the school, and how your services contribute to positive outcomes. It is one of your strongest advocacy tools. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT 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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    41 分
  • 275. Behind the Scenes of Successful Individual Counseling Sessions

    275. Behind the Scenes of Successful Individual Counseling Sessions
    2025/11/18
    Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what really makes individual counseling sessions effective, engaging, and purposeful. If you've ever felt unsure about what to do in these sessions or overwhelmed by how to track student progress, this episode is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies. Individual counseling is an important Tier 3 support that allows you to provide targeted, personalized intervention. With the right tools and structure, these sessions can feel manageable and meaningful. Why Individual Counseling Matters Individual counseling is an essential component of a layered support system. These sessions provide space to work one-on-one with students who need more intensive intervention. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify students through referral systems How group counseling can help you determine which students may benefit from individual support Why individual sessions allow for deeper rapport and tailored intervention Quick Wins for Tracking Data Data collection does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This episode highlights simple tools you can implement immediately, including: A 30-second student rating scale Thumbs-up or thumbs-down check-ins Quick data points that help you make informed decisions and track growth These small, consistent data practices keep you from guessing what students need and allow you to confidently measure progress. How to Engage Students in Individual Counseling Engagement is key for successful sessions. This episode shares a variety of activities, strategies, and tools you can use to keep students motivated and open. Feelings Check-ins Model emotional vocabulary Use the Zones of Regulation Incorporate visuals Rapport-Building Activities Get-to-Know-You Jenga Peak and Pit Genograms Discussion or interview cards Hands-On and Creative Activities Digging Deep activities Personalized social stories Crafts such as coping skills toolboxes Board games Task cards Art projects Modifications for Younger Students Increased hands-on activities Use of play dough Dolls and characters for storytelling Verbal reflections instead of written prompts These strategies help students express themselves, stay engaged, and build meaningful connections. Reflection Tools for Closing Sessions Reflection helps students internalize their learning and practice self-awareness. Inside the episode, we explore: Journaling Reflection sheets Interview-style verbal reflections Open-ended questions that support closure Using Data to Track Student Progress Meaningful data guides your decisions and supports your advocacy efforts. You will learn how to use: Student rating scales Self-assessments Behavior surveys from teachers and caregivers This data helps you determine next steps, identify patterns, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and build year-end reports or data walls that demonstrate the impact of your counseling program. Additional Tips Provide clear examples for students Prepare materials in advance Maintain consistent session structure Balance conversation with activities Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT 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!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    40 分