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.
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Developing meaningful relationships can be challenging, especially with those that are closest to you. With a solution-focused mindset, you can break free from what is limiting you, and build connections that will last. This is the podcast that helps you achieve your highest hopes and learn solution-focused communication skills. Get tips on how to help your children break free from limiting beliefs and grow into the best version of themself. Take on a new approach to growth with the author o ...
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4 Small Groups to Start at the Beginning of the School Year
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In this episode,I am sharing four back-to-school small group ideas to help students transition into the new school year, including groups for new students, friendship skills, self-control, and goal setting. I'll also give you the inside scoop on my IMPACT school counselor membership. Some highlights from this episode: "New Students Friendship Group…
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How to Quiet Fear Talk and Hear Hope (episode 212)
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Fear and hope are both present within us, and it's important to acknowledge and accept them. Fear can cause anxiety and panic attacks, but we can learn to overcome it. Visualizing outcomes that you truly want and focusing on what is true can help combat fear. Breathing exercises and celebrating small wins are effective tools in managing fear. Choos…
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209. Back to School Todos for School Counselors
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In today's episode, I am talking all about the several back-to-school activities and strategies for school counselors to implement at the start of the new school year. So many different ideas you can implement in your program. Some highlights covered are: Create a caseload spreadsheet to stay organized and track students receiving counseling servic…
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Are you ready for the new school year?? In today's episode I dive into starting the year with a "Meet the Counselor" lesson and setting up an effective school counseling office. I'll be sharing tips and resources to help you as the school counselor feel motivated and organized for the upcoming school year. Some Highlights: Free live training on Aug…
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Dr. Linda Metcalf's TEDx: Is There a Link Between School Violence and Teacher Bullying? Behind the Scene (episode 211)
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Dr. Linda Medcalf discusses the issue of teacher bullying and its correlation with school violence. She emphasizes the importance of teachers treating students with compassion and understanding, and offers a solution-focused approach to address challenging behaviors. The approach involves seeing beyond negative behaviors and looking for strengths a…
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207. What you need to know about advisory with Leslie Cuprill
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In today's episode of School Counseling Simplified, I sit down with my friend and fellow counselor, Leslie Cuprill. We talk all things on implementing advisory programs and strategies for effective counseling. Leslie Cuprill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Brooklyn, New York who loves supporting educators and students. For two decades she…
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Dr. Linda Metcalf: Strong Minds, Safe Schools (episode 210)
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Sign up for the Solution Focused Schools Conference https://solutionfocusedschool.com/conference-24 In this episode, we take a moment to share all the facts about the upcoming conference that you can be a part of! Dr. Linda Metcalf is teaching, and her trainings are incredible. Don't hesitate to get your ticket so you can join me. Start your free S…
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Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, host Cher Kretz reflects on her experience at the ASCA National School Conference and shares her insights on standing up for others. She emphasizes the importance of being an advocate for stud…
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206. How to Use Neuro-Affirming Practices in School Counseling with Brandon Gernux
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In today's episode of the School Counseling Simplified podcast I interview Brandon Gernux, a school counselor who advocates for embracing neurodiversity in schools. Brandon discusses practical strategies for creating inclusive and sensory-friendly environments to support all students, including adjusting lighting and sounds, using visual timers, an…
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205. How to Collaborate with Special Ed and Gen Ed Teachers with Ashely Lutz
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In today's episode, I chat with Ashley Lutz. who shares strategies and advice for school counselors on working with special education students and collaborating with special education teachers. Ashley has been working in Special Education for 12 years. She was a middle school self-contained teacher for 7 years working with students with intellectua…
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Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge in episode 208, Cher reflects on the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and having meaningful conversations. She shares a game her family played where they discussed the advice they would give their younger selves. This exe…
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204. Getting a Plan for Your Class Lessons with Bradford Goodridge
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In Today's episode I chat with Bradford Goodridge,an elementary school counselor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He discusses his approach to comprehensive school counseling lessons, including his "paws" program that aligns with his school's lion mascot. He shares tips for creating lessons from scratch, integrating school values, and supporting students…
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Managing The Conversation In Our Mind (episode 207)
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In this podcast episode, Cher Kretz discusses the importance of recognizing and managing fear and hope in our lives. She introduces her book '30 Days to Higher Hopes' and emphasizes the need to raise our level of hope to be better at conversations and communication. Cher shares that fear and hope both exist within us and we have a choice in which v…
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203. Lean Into Change and Embrace Equity with Jocelynn Hubbard
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In this episode, Jocelyn Hubbard shares strategies for creating equitable learning spaces for students. Jocelyn discusses the importance of defining equity, getting to know students beyond surface-level information, and co-creating learning experiences with students. Jocelynn Hubbard helps teachers spark joy during the learning experience by creati…
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202. A Schoolwide Approach to SEL with Lindsey Jannaman
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In this episode I welcome Lindsay Jannaman, Director of SEL Content at Quaver Ed, discussing strategies for embedding social-emotional learning school-wide with the support of teachers, parents, and administrators. Lindsey has 12 years of experience as a school counselor and teaching vocal/general music at the elementary and middle school levels. L…
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Russ Sabella: Solution Focused School Counseling, The Missing Manual and AI in Education ep 206
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In this episode, you get to listen in on a conversation Cher Kretz had with Russ Sabella, an author, school counselor, and college professor, about the solution-focused approach. Russ shares how he got into solution-focused counseling and the impact it has had on his career. They discuss the importance of focusing on strengths, resources, and oppor…
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201. Using Play Therapy in School Counseling with Patti Sutherland
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In today's episode, I chat with Patti Sutherland and discuss the benefits of incorporating play therapy in school counseling programs, emphasizing its accessibility and effectiveness in addressing trauma and loss in children. Patti has a Masters in Social Work and has been a social worker for over 30 years. She has worked with children in women's s…
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200. Executive Functioning Strategies for School Counselors with Sarah Lovell
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In today's episode I am chatting with Executive Function and ADHD coach Sarah Lovell about practical strategies school counselors can use to improve their own executive functioning skills and help students. Sarah Lovell (she/her) is an executive function & ADHD coach for ambitious professionals, college students, creatives, and perfectionists. With…
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199. Supporting Students in a Crisis with Joyce Harduvel
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In Today's episode I am welcoming back Joyce Harduvel, (who will also be at this year's IMPACT Summer Summit), to give her insight on supporting students in Crisis. Joyce is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school social work specialist. After seven years in the field of school social work working with students from preschool to hi…
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198. Rock the interview with this advice!
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In this episode, I'm covering all things counselor interviews. Remember when you were interviewing for counseling positions or maybe you're interviewing right now? I know that it was an emotional roller coaster preparing, interviewing and dealing with rejection. It took me quite a few interviews before landing my dream job. That's why I love to tal…
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Too Much Too Soon: How Overstimulation From the Internet Can Harm (episode 205)
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Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode, we explore the reasons that stress and anxiety are linked to social media and the overuse of entertainment online. You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. …
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197. Supporting Parents Using an SEL Summer Toolkit
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In today's episode, I am sharing all my strategies to help school counselors to tie up loose ends at the end of the school year and support students' mental health over the summer months. Some Highlights: Implementing Termination strategies for school counseling groups Creating an End-of-year report and data wall for advocating counselor role Getti…
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Dr. Heather Browne: Facing Fear and Speaking with the Heart Episode 204
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Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this conversation, Cher Kretz interviews Dr. Heather Browne, author of Speaking with the Heart. They discuss the importance of authentic communication and compassion in relationships. Dr. Browne shares her personal journey of growing up …
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196. Interview Dos and Don'ts with Lauren Tingle
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In Today's episode I chat with Lauren Tingle. We are diving into all things school counselor interviews. The do's don'ts, interview preparation and our experiences, we will be sharing advice and tips for common scenarios we have seen! Lauren is a former high school counselor turned content creator and curriculum writer. She is the high school couns…
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195. A day in the life of school counselor and author Malisa Hepner
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In today's episode I chat with Malisa Hepner, an elementary school counselor and published children's book author. She discusses her background and strategies for building relationships with students and staff. She also shares tips for wrapping up the school year. Here are some things we covered: How Malisa supports students and staff through inten…
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Meet Sarah Hainsworth and Sarah Gonzolez, Authors of Help! My Teen Didn't Come With A Manual! Episode 203
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Listen in as we have a conversation exploring the development of the teenage brain and how it affects decision-making and impulse control. The frontal lobe, responsible for reasoning and judgment, is not fully developed during adolescence, leading to impulsive behavior. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding and providing grace to t…
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194. Approaching Anxiety with a Collaborative and Trauma-Informed Lens with Courtney Bennett
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In today's episode we discuss anxiety strategies for school counselors with expert Courtney Bennett. Courtney is a passionate school counselor and mom of three. She loves to learn, so you will most often find her with a book in hand. She has spent the last several years studying about anxiety, trauma, and executive functioning and enjoys the challe…
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193. Exploring expressive arts therapy and the importance of tier one interventions with Casey O'Brien Martin
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On today's episode, we explored a variety of strategies for managing student anxiety with special guest Casey O’Brien Martin. Casey shared her wealth of experience working as both an art therapist and school counselor. Casey O’Brien Martin is a Mom of two boys and a mini schnuazer named Hurley. She is the author of the book Skills for Big Feelings:…
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Toxic Positivity and the Solutions Focused Approach Episode 202
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Level up your conversation skills with Cher's free 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher Kretz discusses the concept of toxic positivity and how it can affect our emotions and conversations. Toxic positivity is the rejection of negative emotions and the cons…
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192. Using Mindfulness As An Anxiety AND Executive Functioning Strategy
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In this episode of School Counseling Simplified, your host, Rachel, shares powerful mindfulness strategies for managing student anxiety and executive functioning. Here are some highlights: Mindfulness activates the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex, areas of the brain linked to attention, executive functions, and learning. A study found studen…
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191. Setting Boundaries, Therapy Dogs, and More Ways to Beat Anxiety with Laura Filtness
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In today's episode, I chat with Laura Filtness about anxiety strategies. Laura talks through the importance of setting professional boundaries and using therapy dogs in counseling programs. We discuss practical applications for managing anxiety in students and school counselors, including mindful moments, expanding the window of tolerance, and usin…
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Solution Focused Trifecta by Joseph R George: Embracing a Solution-Focused Mindset Episode 201
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Start your free solution-focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Joe George discusses his new book, 'Solution Focused Trifecta,' a hands-on guide to implementing solution-focused practice. In presentations and resources, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the why, what, and how. Joe shares his j…
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190. CBT Anxiety Strategies with Jessica Leinen
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Anxiety remains our focus this week as we have gotten such an overwhleming response and need to continue to cover this topic. Today, Jessica, from Counseling Adventures, joins the conversation to share valuable insights and practical strategies for addressing anxiety among students. Drawing from her 10 years of experience, Jessica offers tips for p…
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189: Anxiety Roundup: How to Support Anxious Students with Ashley Bartley
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Separation anxiety has always impacted kids but it seems to be much more prevalent in the past few years since the pandemic. We see it in students crying as they are exiting their cars in the morning, refusing to come to school, and feeling sick in the nurse’s office. We all want to help these students cope with this anxiety as best as possible so …
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40 Epic Conversations with Communication Experts (episode 200)
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Have you been able to watch my TEDx? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=HlvxDrM0vQG8OJZi For free training over three days, join the Lead Conversations With Hope 3-Day Challenge. https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Now to the episode! We are celebrating episode 200 with a peek behind the scenes of all 40 amazing …
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188: Anxiety Deep Dive with School Psych Sophia (Everything From CBT to Selective Mutism!)
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Anxiety does not just impact older students and adults. There are many elementary students who struggle with anxiety as well! As a school counselor, it can be challenging to determine the root of that anxiety and figure out what strategies may be beneficial for your student. I know we all want to support our students as best as possible so I am so …
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Louise Hajjar Diamond on Creating the Balance: Parenting Through the Middle School Years (Episode 199)
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Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Today, we are talking to Louise Hajjar Diamond, who gives us guidance about how to help kids thrive in their tween and early teen years when they are in middle school. Louise Hajjar Diamond has been a school counselor since 1990 in Florida. …
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187: 3 Grounding Strategies to Help Anxious Students
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I think all of us can agree that kids are more anxious now than ever. And as school counselors, trying to find effective tools and strategies to figure out why our students are so anxious and help our students calm down can be challenging. So how can we help these students? I completely understand how difficult it can be to come up with strategies …
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Lead Conversations With Hope Part 3 (episode 198)
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Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free …
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Lead Conversations With Hope Part 2 (episode 197)
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Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge. You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free…
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Lead Conversations With Hope: Part 1 Breakdown of the TEDx Inspired Three-Day Challenge
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Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free …
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186: Easy and Effective Anxiety Strategies with Mallory Zolinas
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Students of all ages can suffer from anxiety or feel anxious about certain situations. Teaching them effective coping strategies for managing their anxiety is so empowering for them and can help them feel more calm in stressful situations. I always love to hear tips and strategies from other school counselors and I am so excited to have Mallory Zol…
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185: Assessing Counseling Lessons...Simplified!
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We are wrapping up our series on school counselor competencies with my favorite topics: assessing and data! Showcasing assessments and data is such an incredible way to advocate for your role and show your program’s progress to stakeholders. In addition to it being an amazing way to advocate for your role, assessing and reporting program results is…
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184: Planning Counseling Lessons...Simplified!
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Have you looked at the ASCA school counselor competencies and been totally overwhelmed? This whole month, I am focusing on simplifying these standards and making them easy to understand and easy to implement. We’ve previously covered direct and indirect student services and now it’s time for one of my absolute favorite topics, planning. If you’re a…
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What is The Real Problem? Next Level Listening (Ep 195)
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Lead With Hope Conversation Navigation 3-Day Challenge is FREE: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Today I will help you avoid solving the wrong problem. This can happen if we are in a hurry to move to a solution. To be helpful in a conversation we must slow down enough to truly hear what is happening and that takes next-level …
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Direct student services may not sound super interesting but this is the good stuff! It’s the things we all enjoy doing and the reasons we became school counselors. Direct student services are when we are working with students in one on one settings, small groups, and class lessons. We all know that providing these services are the key parts of our …
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What Do You Expect? How to Live a Hope-Centered Life (episode 194)
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Take the Lead with Hope 3-day challenge free today. Based on the lessons found in Cher's TEDx How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Communication Navigation: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/ Watch the TEDx How to Lead with Hope here: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=bEnpCrdjuL2GmJSM In this episode, we will talk about how to live our dash in lif…
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What are indirect student services? We all know there is so much that goes into school counseling besides just the class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes. These indirect student services are so important to making the biggest impact possible on all of our students. If you’re looking thr…
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181: Document Services and Cross Off To-Dos
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If you’re like me, you’re always looking for new ways to increase your productivity. As busy school counselors, we need to save every minute we can by finding more efficient ways to do things that work for our personalities and busy schedules. As we wrap up our productivity series, I want to share some of my favorite ways to more efficiently docume…
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How Solution Focused Conversation can Fight Hopelessness: Training from Solution Focused Schools Unlimited (episode 193)
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Join the transformative Lead with Hope 3-Day Challenge RIGHT HERE: https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/cda3d258b2 In this week's episode, you get to listen in to a webinar that I spoke at for Dr. Linda Metcalf and her group of solution-focused counselors at Solution Focused Schools Unlimited. It was part of her monthly free webinars that teach soluti…
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