Best Schoolcounseling Podcasts (2025)

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250. Sessions Provided Data vs Student Progress Data 11:57

4d ago11:57

11:57

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! We’re wrapping up our May series on all things data with an important conversation on the two key types of data school counselors should be collecting for their end of the year reports: sessions provided data and student progress data. In this episode, I break down exactly what these two types of data a…

1
249. Why you should create an End of the Year Report 14:33

11d ago14:33

14:33

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This May, we’re diving into a series all about data: simple and practical ways to collect and use it as you wrap up the school year or begin planning for the next. So far this month, we’ve covered: How to collect data from Tier 1 classroom lessons How to gather meaningful insights fro…

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248. How to track data in counseling small groups and individual sessions 15:46

18d ago15:46

15:46

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This May, we’re diving into a new series all about data—simple, practical ways to collect and use it as the school year wraps up or as you begin planning for the year ahead. Last week, we focused on Tier 1 services and how to collect data in your classroom lessons. This week, we’re sh…

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Relational Hope: A Social Gift (episode 233) 37:41

22d ago37:41

37:41

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day conversation training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ In …

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247. How to track data in class counseling lessons 17:52

25d ago17:52

17:52

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This May, we’re diving into a series all about data—simple, practical ways to collect and use it at the end of the year or while planning for the year ahead. In this episode, we're kicking things off with a focus on Tier 1 services: classroom lessons. As I sat down to record, I realiz…

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246. Sand tray for school counselors with Patti Sutherland 31:31

1M ago31:31

31:31

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! April is all about expert guest sessions, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by Patti Sutherland. Patti holds a Master of Social Work, is a Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, and has over 30 years of experience working with children and families in both community and private practice settings. She cu…

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245. Why you should use picture books in school counseling with Laura Filtness 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Throughout April, we’re featuring guest sessions with experts in the field, and today’s episode is especially exciting. I’m joined by Laura Filtness, M.Ed., a seasoned school counselor with over 15 years of experience and a passion for using picture books to support young minds in ele…

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244. Advice for new school counselors with Ashley Bell 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Throughout the month of April, I’m bringing you guest sessions with experts in the field, and today I’m excited to introduce Ashley Bell. Ashley is a dedicated school counselor with nearly ten years of experience, a curriculum writer, and the creative force behind Mrs. Bell The Crafty…

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Marc Cordon on Mindset, Mental Chatter and His TEDx Journey 1:11:46

2M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation http In this engaging podcast episode, Cher and Marc Cordon explore the transformative journey of preparing for TEDx talks, the mindset required for significant life even…

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243. Data strategies every counselor needs with Patti Hoelzle 26:25

2M ago26:25

26:25

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! All April long, I’m sitting down with amazing guest experts to bring you insight, encouragement, and practical tools for your school counseling practice. Today’s guest is the incredible Patti Hoelzle from Rooted Well, and we’re talking all about something many counselors shy away from…

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242. How to "addiction proof" your students with Kriya Lendzion 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This month, I’m excited to bring you guest sessions with experts, and today’s episode is a special one. I have with me Kriya Lendzion, a school counselor turned prevention specialist who focuses on addiction prevention. Originally inspired by her personal journey through teen addictio…

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The Power of Insight in Coaching Conversations (episode 231) 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher discusses the concept of solution-focused coaching, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals through insightful conversations. She highlights the distinction between coaching …

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241. One Data Tool You Should Use in March 9:39

2M ago9:39

9:39

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans step by step! Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about how to use a curriculum map to organize what you’re teaching across each tier. I love using a curriculum map because it …

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240. Facilitating Divorce Counseling Sessions with Ease 10:04

2M ago10:04

10:04

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. This month, I’ve been taking you through my lesson plans step by step to help you feel more organized and confident in your school counseling program. Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about using a curriculum map to plan lessons across all three tiers. If you haven’t already, be …

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A New Look at Giving Support: MTSS Solution-Focused Style (episode 230) 20:58

3M ago20:58

20:58

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode, Cher discusses the importance of viewing situations from multiple perspectives, particularly in the context of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in school counseling. She emphasizes the need for tailored support for in…

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239. Why March is the perfect time to teach an academic skills group 8:48

3M ago8:48

8:48

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans STEP by STEP! Last week, we covered Tier 1 strategies, and today, we’re diving into Tier 2 small groups! Why Use a Curriculum Map? I LOVE using a curriculum map to stay organized…

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How to Shrink Any Problem with Solution-Focused Strategies (episode 229) 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode Cher Kretz discusses the importance of adopting solution-focused practices in school counseling and in your personal life by knowing how to deal with a problem. She emphasizes the need to shift conversations from problem tal…

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238. Class Lesson Ideas for March 9:18

3M ago9:18

9:18

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I’m taking you through my lesson plans STEP by STEP! Having a structured plan leads to less stress, less last-minute scrambling, and more time focusing on students. While every counselor’s approach will be unique, I’v…

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237. Creative Ways to Use Digital Counseling Resources 13:44

3M ago13:44

13:44

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Last week, we talked about paperless counseling resources that you can use in your individual lessons—but they weren’t digital! If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that episode, I know you’re going to love it, so go back and check it out! Today, we’re diving into creative ways to…

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Access Kindness Anytime with Solution Focused Skills 21:16

3M ago21:16

21:16

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this conversation, Cher discusses the importance of kindness and mindfulness in school counseling, emphasizing the need for individuals to access their best selves. She shares various activities designed to help students identify their p…

1
236. Paperless Individual Counseling 17:18

3M ago17:18

17:18

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re diving into paperless individual counseling strategies—low-prep, hands-on activities that are perfect for busy counselors who need quick, engaging solutions. Next week, I’ll be discussing digital resources, but today, I’m focusing on interactive, in-person techniques that increase student e…

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235. Counseling Lesson Ideas for Valentine's Day 8:01

4M ago8:01

8:01

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m sharing some Valentine’s Day-themed activities you can use with your students. I love using seasonal themes in counseling, and February is the perfect time to focus on topics like: Healthy vs. unhealthy friendships and relationships Friendship skills Conflict resolution These activities are e…

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234. How to Source Lesson Topics and Choose Engaging and Effective Activities 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m sharing another training clip from my IMPACT membership PD—a monthly professional development training I offer exclusively to our community of nearly 1,000 school counselors. As an IMPACT member, you get unlimited access to my TPT resources, engaging PD, and a supportive network of counselors…

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233. What EXACTLY You Should Be Doing at Each Tier 24:41

4M ago24:41

24:41

Welcome to another episode of School Counseling Simplified (SCS)! Today we’re continuing our Tiers Without Tears series with practical strategies for organizing, scheduling, and delivering Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions. This episode is a special clip from a recent training I did for my membership community, IMPACT, where we dive deep into monthly …

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232. Tiers without Tears: Small Groups and Individual Sessions 12:24

4M ago12:24

12:24

Welcome back to the Tiers Without Tears series! Last week, we dove into Tier 1 class lessons. This week, we’re tackling Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports—referral-based interventions designed to meet more targeted student needs. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by these tiers, this episode will break them down into manageable, actionable steps! Key Poin…

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Empowering Conversations and Staying the Course (episode 227) 36:31

4M ago36:31

36:31

Have you watched Cher's TED? https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=yjKF4C6dZ39PooTX In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher discusses the importance of staying on course despite distractions and setbacks. She emphasizes the need to start again when faced with challenges and introduces her GPS Conversation Navigation System as a tool for main…

1
231. Tiers without Tears: Class Lessons 10:29

5M ago10:29

10:29

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the three-tier system? You’re not alone! I was recently inspired by a question I got from a fellow school counselor on instagram, @counselingwithconfidence. She asked, “Do you typically do a classroom lesson monthly? With all grade levels? Or is there a specific grade level for certain months?” This episode kicks off …

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Lori Woodley-Langendorff: All It Takes and What Really Matters (episode 226) 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

In this engaging conversation, Cher and Lori Woodley-Langendorff discuss All It Takes, an organization dedicated to empowering youth and those who serve them through experiential learning and social emotional skills. They explore the importance of understanding barriers in parenting, the role of adult behavior, and the concept of taking 'two steps …

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230. Start the New Year Off Organized! 12:46

5M ago12:46

12:46

In today’s episode, we’re diving into organization and productivity tips for school counselors—straight from Module 2 of the Stress-Free Counseling course! These strategies are designed to help you establish new systems, maximize your productivity, and increase your impact with students. Whether it’s tracking your caseload, color-coding your calend…

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Tiffany Edith Interview: Hearing The Label Bell; Breaking Down the Big Idea Episode 225 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

Watch Tiffany Edith's TEDx: Hearing The Lable Bell with this link: https://youtu.be/SGsXL3gmCdg?si=pq_2R_SxQpdoHf4S In this engaging conversation, Cher and Tiffany Edith explore the profound impact of labels on identity and personal growth. Tiffany shares her journey from being a TEDx coach to a speaker, emphasizing the importance of self-reflectio…

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229. Best of SCS: Supporting Title 1 Students and Families with Megan Polk 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

Supporting students in Title 1 schools presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, school counselors can make a significant impact. In today’s throwback episode, we’re joined by Megan Polk, a literacy specialist with over 15 years of experience working in Title 1 schools. Megan shares her valuable insights on what Title 1 is, the dif…

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228. Best of SCS: How to Teach Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships 13:56

5M ago13:56

13:56

This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes all about different ways we can teach unhealthy vs. healthy relationships. The new year is coming sooner than we think and then soon after it will be February! February is full of excit…

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Curiosity and Transformation: The Heart of Connection (episode 224) 41:10

5M ago41:10

41:10

In this live podcast, Cher shares her journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to connect with her audience in a new way. She discusses the importance of setting intentions, exploring solution-focused questions, and fostering meaningful conversations. Cher emphasizes the power of curiosity and transformation, encouraging listeners to reflect on …

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Announcement! Celebrate with Cher Kretz LIVE! (episode 223) 5:13

5M ago5:13

5:13

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ In this podcast episode, Cher Kretz celebrates the anniversary of her TEDx talk and announces an upcoming live event to engage with her…

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227. Best of SCS: How to Be a Trauma Informed Counselor with Joyce Harduvel 41:28

6M ago41:28

41:28

This December, we’re celebrating the season with some of the best episodes of School Counseling Simplified! Today, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with Joyce Harduvel, a licensed clinical social worker and certified school social work specialist. Joyce brings her wealth of experience from working with students of all ages in Chicago Pub…

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226. Best of SCS: Mindset Shifts for School Counselors with Chrissy Nichols 37:41

6M ago37:41

37:41

This December, we’re bringing you the best of School Counseling Simplified as a holiday treat! In today’s throwback episode, we revisit a fan-favorite conversation from 2023 with Chrissy Nichols, a life coach for educators. If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Chrissy shares simple yet powerful mindset shifts design…

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Do This Before Setting New Year Goals (episode 222) 28:27

6M ago28:27

28:27

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ In this episode, Cher discusses the importance of embracing the holiday season while reflecting on personal growth and achievements. Sh…

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225. Best of SCS: How to Teach Conflict Resolution in Each Tier 13:19

6M ago13:19

13:19

This December, we’re revisiting some of the most impactful episodes of School Counseling Simplified as a special holiday treat! In today’s throwback to episode 132, I dive into practical strategies for helping students resolve conflicts and develop healthy mediation skills. From whole-class lessons to individual interventions, this episode provides…

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The Mindset Shift That Creates Gratitude and Joy (ep. 221) 22:15

6M ago22:15

22:15

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode, Cher discusses the importance of embracing gratitude during the holiday season, especially amidst the anxiety and worries that can arise during family gatherings. She emphasizes the significance of a hope-centered mindset, …

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224. TBT: How to Use a Countdown Calendar to Build Rapport with Drop-in Students 13:35

6M ago13:35

13:35

Can you believe it is almost December? The countdown to winter break is on. I absolutely love this time of year. Everything is so fun and festive, especially at the elementary level. I’m always trying to think of ways that I can put a seasonal twist on counseling activities to keep your students (and you) engaged. At the same time, I always had the…

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How to Meet Them Where They Are (Ep 220) 29:48

6M ago29:48

29:48

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode you will find out what I learned after visiting the places that the homeless and transient call home. You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I …

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223. Support Parents with Practical At-Home SEL Strategies 9:16

6M ago9:16

9:16

In this episode, I explore ways school counselors can help parents implement practical Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies at home. By building rapport with families and providing simple, screen-free activities, parents can support their children's emotional growth outside of school. I discuss using SEL choice boards, which offer a variety o…

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The Art of Boldness in Communication (ep 219) 24:18

7M ago24:18

24:18

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher Kretz explores the themes of boldness, communication, and the importance of listening. She shares her personal journey of understanding the balance between speaking and listening, emphasi…

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Putting in the Reps and Getting Results (Ep 218) 20:16

7M ago20:16

20:16

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this podcast episode, Cher reflects on her experience at the 2024 TEDx event in Ocala, where she coached a speaker and shared her insights on personal growth, the importance of taking action, and the value of preparation. She emphasizes …

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222. Use Data to Work with Your Admin 7:56

7M ago7:56

7:56

In this episode of School Counseling Simplified, I am sharing practical strategies for supporting and building rapport with school administrators. As a key stakeholder group, administrators play a crucial role in the success of a school counseling program. I am outlinging four (plus one bonus) strategies that counselors can use to effectively colla…

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221. How to Support and Build Rapport with Teachers 8:18

7M ago8:18

8:18

This episode of School Counseling Simplified is all about building strong relationships with teachers. I am sharing four practical strategies that school counselors can use to collaborate more effectively with the teachers in their building. From conducting needs assessments to offering supplemental lessons and organizing fun staff activities, I'm …

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220. Empowering Students to Be Upstanders 9:52

7M ago9:52

9:52

October is Bullying prevention month. I couldn't let the month get past without touching on the importance of teaching students to be "upstanders" as a key bullying prevention strategy. I am introducing the concept of an upstander as someone who witnesses bullying and intervenes to stop it, in contrast to a bystander who does nothing.We will discus…

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How Mentorship Creates Leaders (episode 217) 24:25

7M ago24:25

24:25

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this podcast, Cher discusses the importance of mentorship programs in schools, emphasizing the need for collaboration and empowerment among students. She shares her experiences in developing the 'Solution Squad' program, which focuses on…

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219. TBT: Create Counseling Games with Halloween Candy Buckets 12:40

7M ago12:40

12:40

Halloween is just around the corner, and I know you are looking for fun and engaging ways to incorporate the season into your lessons and activities. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 creative ways you can use Halloween candy buckets to liven up your counseling sessions. From identifying and changing negative thoughts to practicing self-regulation, th…

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218. Small Group Planning Start to Finish (Part II) 13:10

8M ago13:10

13:10

It's Part 2 of the Small Group Planning podcast episodes. Today I am diving into the planning and implementation of small group counseling. If you didn't catch Part I, I covered the logistics of getting small groups started, but now we will focus on the curriculum development, group structure, and data collection involved in running effective small…

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