168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier

Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set EarlierIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m continuing the series on things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career — and this one is all about boundaries.For a long time, I thought staying late, saying yes, and being endlessly available meant I was dedicated. But looking back, I can see that being the last car in the parking lot didn’t make me a better counselor. It just made me tired.In this episode, I’m sharing the boundaries I wish I had set earlier, including time boundaries, emotional boundaries, role boundaries, communication boundaries, and personal life boundaries. I also reflect on why school counselors often feel guilty setting limits — and why boundaries are actually what help us stay effective, compassionate, and sustainable in this work.In this episode, we talk about:Why overworking is not the same as being effectiveThe difference between being dependable and being endlessly availableWhy school counselors need role clarityHow guilt shows up when we start setting boundariesSimple scripts for saying no or pausing before saying yesWhy leaving on time does not mean you care lessHow boundaries protect your energy, family, and long-term careerTakeaway:You can care deeply about students and still have limits. Being a good counselor does not require burning yourself out.Reflection question:What would change if you believed you could be a good counselor without being endlessly available?Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group