High School Counseling Conversations®
by Lauren Tingle, School Counselor
High School Counseling Conversations® is a podcast dedicated to energizing your school counseling program while reminding you how much you love your job! This podcast will give you the confidence you need to implement actionable ideas into your high school counseling program… all while having a little fun along the way.Each week, host Lauren Tingle of Counselor Clique® will cover relevant topics for busy high school counselors. Just think of it like hanging out with your high school counselor bestie!Connect with Lauren on Instagram at @counselorclique, and visit counselorclique.com for high school counseling resources, community, blog posts, and more!
Episodes
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Set Your Year Up For Success With a Summer Team Planning Day [HSCC Favorite]
This episode is one that high school counselors come back to again and again — and for good reason. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to reset with your team before the chaos of the school year begins, this conversation is packed with practical tips for hosting an off-campus planning day…
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Time Management Strategies to Lighten Your Mental Load as a School Counselor with Kaci Ranger [HSCC Favorite]
If there’s one thing I hear over and over from high school counselors, it’s that there’s just never enough time in the day. That’s why I loved this conversation with Kaci Ranger—so much so that I’m bringing it back as a listener favorite! In this episode, Kaci and I talk through simple, effective...
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Coffee with the Counselor: What It Is and How to Run It [HSCC Favorite]
We’re bringing back one of your favorite episodes all about “Coffee with the Counselor”, because any chance to connect with parents (and drink coffee!) is a win, right? In this replay, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from hosting these events at my own school—the good, the not-so-great, and...
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AI for School Counselors: 10+ Ways to Leverage Artificial Intelligence [HSCC Favorite]
In this replay of a High School Counseling Conversations listener-favorite episode, we’re diving into the world of artificial intelligence—specifically how it can support and streamline your school counseling work. With all the buzz around AI, it’s time to explore how this powerful tool can...
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What I Wish I Knew as a Beginning School Counselor [HSCC Favorite]
Starting out as a high school counselor is both exciting and overwhelming—and there’s a lot you don’t learn until you’re in the role. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the top three things I wish I knew when I was just beginning my counseling career. From navigating tricky relationships with...
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How to Know When It's Time to Move On [HSCC Favorite]
Feeling burned out as the school year ends? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the tough(but important) question many school counselors ask themselves: Is it time to move on? Summer break gives you the space to reflect, and this conversation offers support and clarity as you…
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Comparing the Roles of Elementary, Middle, and High School Counselors with Laura Rankhorn and Kim Crumbley [HSCC Favorite]
If you’ve ever been curious about the differences in school counseling roles based on the grade levels they support, then this episode is for you. I’m joined by Alabama school counselors, Laura Rankhorn and Kim Cumbley. Between the three of us, we have experience as elementary, middle, and high...
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My 4 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for New High School Counselors [HSCC Favorite]
I love sharing ideas, tips, and advice about all things related to school counseling. But nothing excites me more than the energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective of new high school counselors! They’re full of ideas and ready to hit the ground running. So if you’re a new high school counselor...
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3 Tasks You're Going to Do Before You Check Out for the Year
As the school year wraps up and summer break draws near, it’s tempting to mentally check out and leave everything behind. But before you do, there are a few key steps you can take that will save you headaches next fall and make your summer more peaceful! In this episode, I guide you through three...
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You’ve Collected Data All Year - Here’s What to Do With It Now
You’ve been collecting data all year—student attendance, classroom lesson frequency, intervention effectiveness, and student stories… but now what? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do with all that school counseling data so it actually works for you. Because let’s be real,...
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Life Skills Your Students Should Master [Part 3: Healthy Communication]
From awkward group projects to job interviews, communication is the life skill students will use daily, but rarely get taught. In the final episode of my “Life Skills Your Students Should Master” series, we’re diving into healthy communication life skills - the kind that makes a lasting impact on...
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Life Skills Your Students Should Master [Part 2: Time Management]
Time management is one of those essential life skills that often gets overlooked—and yet it can make a huge difference in a student’s success both now and in the future. In this episode, we’re continuing our life skills series (listen to part one HERE!) with a focus on helping high schoolers...
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Life Skills Your Students Should Master [Part 1: Budgeting Basics]
Imagine if your students graduated not just with academic knowledge, but real-world skills they’ll use every day. Today we’re starting that conversation. I’m kicking off a three-part series that will cover essential life skills that students should master before they leave high school, no matter...
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5 Low-Budget Ways to Address Mental Health Needs
When it comes to student mental health, the need is huge, but the budget? Not so much. If you’ve ever looked around your school and thought, “How am I supposed to support these students with so little to work with?”, this episode is for you. I’m sharing five practical, low-cost (or completely…
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Empowering Teens: Navigating Substance Use Prevention with Kriya Lendzion
Substance use in schools isn’t just a “some kids” issue. It’s happening across all kinds of student groups and the trends are changing fast. In this episode, I’m joined by Kriya Lendzion, a therapist, addiction specialist, and powerhouse speaker who is helping us understand what teens are using…
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6 Ideas for Transitioning Your Seniors to Avoid Summer Melt
After graduation, students are eager to jump into the next chapter of their lives, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. Summer melt is real, and it can make the transition to the next chapter way harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m breaking down what summer melt is, why it...
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Unique Pathways and Global Perspectives Through Study Abroad with Neal Crosson
What if students could earn college credits, explore the world, and gain invaluable life experience, all before starting their traditional college journey? In this episode, I sit down with Neal Crosson from Verto Education to talk about a unique yet powerful path: first-year study abroad…
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Are Non-Counseling Duties Draining You? Here’s How to Take Control
Are non-counseling duties taking over your job? If you’re spending more time on testing, paperwork, and hall duty than actually working with students, you’re not alone and it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I dive into the reality of these overwhelming responsibilities and why they...
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From Hunting for Prestige to a Values-Driven College Search with Jared Epler and Jen Vallieres
The college search should be an exciting journey, but for many students, it’s filled with pressure, competition, and anxiety. Too often, students and parents fixate on prestigious schools without considering whether they’re truly the right fit, leading to stress and a loss of self-discovery in…
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College Tours Without Leaving Home! Behind the Scenes of ‘The College Tour’ With Host Alex Boylan
Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions a student will make. But what if there was a way to explore campuses across the country without ever leaving home? In this episode, I sat down with Alex Boylan, the creator and host of The College Tour, to talk about how the show is...
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Gamifying the College Search Process with Sam Bernstein
Think college searches have to be boring and overwhelming? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of the Loper app, to talk about how gamification is shaking up the college search process. We all know that researching colleges can feel like an endless, stressful...
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Time Management Strategies to Lighten Your Mental Load as a School Counselor with Kaci Ranger
Are you constantly juggling emails, student crises, and endless paperwork, feeling like there’s NEVER enough time in the day? I think most of you feel this way! That’s why I invited Kaci Ranger on the podcast to talk about practical time management strategies designed specifically for school...
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When Parents Don’t Understand Your Role as a Counselor (and How to Change That!)
Have you ever felt like parents don’t understand what you actually do as a school counselor? I know I’ve experienced this more times than I can count! In this episode, I dive into the challenges of working with parents who may not fully grasp your role and how that misunderstanding can sometimes...
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How to Set up a Peer Leader Program in Your School
What if you could create a program that not only helps your students grow as leaders but also strengthens your entire school community? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today! I’m breaking down how to set up a successful peer leader program that empowers students, builds relationships, and...
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Noticing: A Spoken Word by Leah Grant
Have you ever stopped to truly notice the world around you—the small moments and subtle ways people carry the weight of their day? In this unique episode, I’m sharing a spoken word piece by Leah Grant, a high school counselor and podcast listener, who beautifully captures the essence of what it...
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We're Back With a Mid-Year Pep Talk and Check In
After 150 episodes without a break, I finally hit pause - and it was the best decision! But now we’re back with a mid-year check in and pep talk. Plus, I’m sharing what I learned during my three-month hiatus and how it’s brought fresh inspiration for the podcast. I’ve got lots of incredible…
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See You in 2025, High School Counselors!
Can you believe that in 150 episodes of this podcast, I've never taken a week off from releasing episodes? Well, the time has come! High School Counseling Conversations will be on an official break from November 2024-January 2025. I'll return with new episodes in February 2025. While we're on...
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Shining a Light on Child Sex Trafficking with Krystal Nierman of Switch
We talk about a lot of sensitive topics as school counselors, and today is no exception. We’re taking a deep dive into child sex trafficking. Heavy, I know. But with sex trafficking happening all around us, this just might be the conversation you never knew you needed to hear. I’m joined by…
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Pregnant and Parenting Teens: How to Support This Unique Population as a High School Counselor
What do you do if a student tells you they’re pregnant? There’s a good chance you were asked this question during a job interview because it’s a situation that you will probably run into sooner rather than later. In fact, if you’ve been a high school counselor for any length of time, it’s highly...
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Developing Cultural Competency to Better Support Your Students with Jocelynn Hubbard
You may not realize this, but you have a unique superpower in your role as a high school counselor! You have the ability to nurture your students and walk them through four of the most important years of their life. One practice that will help you strengthen this superpower is cultural…
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Exploring Gap Year Opportunities for Your Students (or You!) with Julia Rogers
Have your students ever expressed interest in taking a gap year? A gap year is more than just time off! It’s a deliberate period to explore personal, practical, and professional interests before transitioning to post-secondary education. Under the right circumstances, and with intentional…
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The School Counselor’s Role in School Safety and Crisis Management with Brandy Samuell
When you work in a school, there are a million and one things to think about every single day. School safety is at the top of that list, and might even be one of the more intimidating parts of your job. If there was a crisis, would you know what to do? Do you have a strong grasp on what your role...
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I Gave up Social Media for a Month, and Here’s What Happened
Have you checked your phone’s screen time lately? If you’re anything like me, you might be embarrassed about how much time you actually spend on your phone, specifically the time spent scrolling on social media. I use social media for both work and personal purposes, and I was beginning to feel...
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How to Host a College Application Day
As school counselors, we know that not all of our students are going to go to college after graduating. However, for the students who do have college in their future plans, we want to make the application process as accessible as possible. Cue: College Application Day! Hosting a College…
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Coffee with the Counselor: What It Is and How to Run It
Have you ever held a “Coffee with the Counselor” event at your school? This can be a great opportunity for parents to connect with counselors and other parents all while learning about a particular topic. I’ve held several “Coffee with the Counselor” events in the past, and some have been a huge...
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Why You Need to Plan Your Year with a 10,000 Foot View
Begin with the end in mind. You've probably heard this advice before, but I want it to be your mantra this school year! One of the best things you can do at the beginning of a new school year is to plan your year. I've talked on the podcast before about using organizational tools, such as a...
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How a High School Counseling Curriculum Map Will Set You Up to Win This Year
Whether you’re still on summer break or have already kicked off a new school year, there’s one thing I think you need during this season: a curriculum map! While it’s very common for teachers to use this planning tool, I believe there are so many benefits for high school counselors to use it as...
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Highs and Lows of Working with Seniors with Brittany Slagle
You’ve waited four episodes to listen to the last episode in our grade-level counselor series. A student’s senior year is full of ups and downs, celebratory moments, and disappointments, and a senior counselor gets to experience it all with them. My guest on today’s episode, Brittany Slagle,...
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How Do You Handle Working with Juniors? An Interview with Leigh Pottle
Being a school counselor allows you to form close relationships with your students and help guide them through their high school years. It’s honestly one of the best and most rewarding parts of the job, and no one believes that more than my guest, Leigh Pottle. Leigh is a high school counselor…
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What It’s Really like to Work with Sophomores with Hannah Fain
We’re continuing our series on talking with different high school counselors who work with specific grade levels, and today is all about sophomores! Sophomores hold a special place in my heart because when I first started as a counselor, I worked primarily with sophomores. So, I was excited to…
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How to Seamlessly Transition 400 Ninth Graders into High School with Felicia Carter
When you’re a counselor who works solely with ninth graders, your role and challenges can sometimes look different from those of other counselors working with older high school grades. No one knows this better than my guest, Felicia Carter. Working primarily with ninth graders her entire…
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What We Need to Know About Our Rising Ninth Grade Students with Lauren Tenholder
Before the new school year officially begins, I’m starting a new series where I’m talking with counselors from different grade levels to gather insight into their roles and the specific struggles or challenges they face with the grade level they serve. Today, I’m kicking off the series with…
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High School Counselor Office Prep for Back-to-School Season
When you’re a new high school counselor, you think you need to have a Pinterest-perfect office in order to be effective. However, your worth as a high school counselor isn’t dependent on how much stuff you have in your office or how much financial support you get from your principal, districts…
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What I Learned from Supervising High School Counseling Interns
One of the best ways I grew as a professional and leader was when I was a supervisor to high school counseling interns. Being responsible for teaching, guiding, and preparing future high school counselors was something I knew was important for the future of the field. In today's episode, I'm...
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Career Exploration Help for Your High School Students: A Free Podcast Resource
I’m always looking to find new resources and information that will be helpful tools for high school students. Whether that be career opportunities, college options, or test-taking strategies, I want to get the right resources in YOUR hands to give to your students. So when I came across Dan…
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What to Do When You Work with an Old School Guidance Counselor
As a new school counselor, we’re excited and eager to focus on students, enhance the counseling program at our school, and advocate for our role to others in the building. But being the new counselor might mean you’re working closely with veteran school counselors, formerly known as guidance...
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How to Know When It’s Time to Move On
The end-of-year stress and exhaustion can bring up a lot of emotions for school counselors. And when it’s finally summer break, you have the time to stop and reflect on what you want professionally going forward. When a school year wraps, I know many school counselors ask themselves, is it time…
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Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Psychological Safety in the Workplace with Caroline Crawford
Everyone wants to feel successful in their job. But sometimes, there are certain aspects in and out of your control that contribute to you feeling hesitant to speak up, questioning your ability, or finding it difficult to create change. This occurs when psychological safety is low in the work...
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3 Educators Who Changed the Way I Approached My High School Counseling Job
If you’ve been in the education field long enough, you know that the people you work with, encounter along your journey, and meet on the different paths in your career all shape who you are and your approach to your role. Well, I’m no exception to that philosophy. As a high school counselor, I…
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4 Things to Quit Worrying About as a Brand New School Counselor
I know when I first started out as a school counselor, I was incredibly nervous and constantly worried about both the small and big things that would happen in this role. And while this feeling was completely normal when first starting out, I quickly realized that worrying didn’t do me any good…
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About this show
High School Counseling Conversations® is a podcast dedicated to energizing your school counseling program while reminding you how much you love your job! This podcast will give you the confidence you need to implement actionable ideas into your high school counseling program… all while having a little fun along the way.Each week, host Lauren Tingle of Counselor Clique® will cover relevant topics for busy high school counselors. Just think of it like hanging out with your high school counselor bestie!Connect with Lauren on Instagram at @counselorclique, and visit counselorclique.com for high school counseling resources, community, blog posts, and more!
Hosted by
Lauren Tingle, School Counselor
Categories