School for School Counselors Podcast

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How To #17

Ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what it really means to be a school counselor today? Welcome to The School for School Counselors Podcast! Let’s be honest: this job is rewarding, but it’s also one of the toughest, most misunderstood roles out there. That’s why I'm here, offering real talk and evidence-based insights about the everyday highs and lows of the work we love.

Think of this podcast as your go-to conversation with a trusted friend who just gets it. I'm here to deliver honest insights, share some laughs, and get real about the challenges that come with being a school counselor. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Eager to make a significant impact? I'm here to provide practical advice, smart strategies, and plenty of support.

Each week, we’ll tackle topics ranging from building a strong counseling program to effectively using data—and we won’t shy away from addressing the tough issues. If you’re ready to stop chasing impossible standards and want to connect with others who truly understand the complexities of your role, you’re in the right place.

So find a quiet spot, get comfortable, and get ready to feel more confident and supported than you’ve ever felt before. 

For more resources and to stay connected, visit schoolforschoolcounselors.com.



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Recent Reviews
  • Sara Boesy
    Time to Grow
    Long time listener, new engager here.... My first year was covid, what a hard year to start, I also had a 6 month old at home. My second year I had my second child and was out half the year, and since then we have been in SURVIVAL mode. I always listened to the podcast but couldn't find the time to participate much past that. Well now we are in the 5th year and are ready to start growing my craft and expertise. And this podcast has really helped me find a path to do just that. Steph is so real and honest and insightful. I truly feel like she has all the answers and is a fountain of knowledge. I couldn't be more thankful for this podcast. My morning commute wouldn't be the same without it!
  • Sb8515
    First Year School Counselor
    I listened to this podcast throughout my internship and into my new career as an elementary school counselor. I find it to be uplifting, educational, and relevant to the field of school counseling. It is an overwhelming job, but each time I listen to an episode I feel empowered to go to work and make change in my school and in my community! I would recommend this podcast, (and have) to many coworkers and colleagues. Keep up the good work! 🤩
  • Mrs. M Arbogast
    New listener
    I’ve just started to listening to the podcast in the mornings while getting ready for work. It’s a calm way to start my day, but I also have a lot of takeaways to get my mind revved up and steps to take to make changes in my program. Last week I took my “What you say in here, stays in here” sign down and threw it in the trash. I appreciate Steph’s knowledge and expertise!
  • GracieJ1216
    Such a helpful podcast!
    As a first year counselor, Steph’s poscast has given helpful advice and information that has helped me as I am getting started!
  • Shenise Tett
    The right stuff ✨
    Steph takes school counseling and makes it relatable, real, and thought provoking. With an honest assessment of this profession, I have never felt more seen and heard. This along with the Mastermind has allowed me to become a better counselor and leader to other counselors. Do yourself a favor and listen to this podcast. It was the best decision I made!
  • Jdrdz_soto
    SC
    This show gives me hope, and gives me a connection that I didn’t think I would need coming in as a new SC. I am so grateful you are doing this!! All SC should feel connected in their roles and this is the place to come.
  • glindathgd
    Great Resource for New and Seasoned Counselors
    This is my second year as a school counselor, but my 38th in education. Steph gives great advice and encouragement through her podcasts. She also shares wonderful resources and idea that are easily implemented. So happy to have found this resource.
  • JessLuvsTigers
    Great Resource!
    This podcast has helped me so much. I listen on my way to work. I’ve been a school counselor for over 20 years. Listening to this and being part of the Facebook group has reminded me of why I wanted to be a school counselor.
  • ThePrimaryCounselor
    A Valuable Resource
    The best professional development consists of what you put in your mind on a regular basis. In the ever evolving world of the school counselor, this entertaining and educational podcast is a must!
  • ehlmom
    Newbie
    Steph Johnson has already offered fantastic guidance and encouragement as I’ve embarked on year #1 as a School Counselor after 16 years in the classroom. Her empathy for new professionals (and also mommas of young children) like me is matched by her knowledge and expertise, and I am grateful! I’m working my way through previous podcast episodes while also listening to the current releases. Steph is a pro, and I’m here for it!
  • Wolvesmt
    The GOAT
    This is the only podcast you need to listen to for school counselors! I take all their advice to heart and believe this allowed me to finally get my first counseling position. Steph and her crew are amazing and caring and tell it like it is. You can’t beat honesty.
  • KGNDeee
    Actionable Content
    I always walk away with something when I listen to an episode. This show is not a sugar coated view of school counseling but a realistic and helpful view. I appreciate all the words of wisdom!
  • CounselorKristy
    Calm… sweet calm!
    This podcast has grounded me. Amidst the chaos of our jobs Steph is a calm voice of reason and direction. Thank you, School for School Counselors!
  • Mzbambi
    Forever a listener!
    I began listening to the podcast on my first day of my Masters program. Now I just entered my 2nd year as a high school counselor! I absolutely love this podcast because the content is so relatable no matter where you are listening from. Thank Steph for your continued support to this field!
  • TK-4Counselor
    Thankful for S4SC podcasts
    Thank you Steph for sharing all of your insights and knowledge about school counseling!. I’m so happy that I found your podcasts. I listen to them every week on my way to work. The podcasts motivate me to be a better school counselor by utilizing these resources from your podcasts. 😀 Lauri
  • mswillj
    Review
    Great podcast for counselors with all levels of experience! Even with 15 years of experience I find something in every podcast to add to my toolbox, ponder, or develop. Keep it going!
  • Kt the counselor
    New School Counselor
    As a new school counselor, I've found this podcast to be incredibly valuable. It has provided me with numerous tools, broadened my perspectives, and contributed to my professional growth and learning. I'm grateful to have discovered content that I can listen to and really connect with on a personal level.
  • Crissaleigh2
    Still Learning!
    As a school counselor of 10 years, I still find it vital to stay current and continue learning. This podcast keeps me up-to-date on current topics and helps me to stay relevant with my students!
  • #ilisten
    School for School Counselors Podcast
    I’m a veteran school counselor and I’m loving every minute of the podcast!!! Thank you!
  • bigrig14
    So helpful!
    As a first year school counselor, I am always looking for guidance and help from others and this podcast helps me realize that I’m not alone in the world of school counseling and that others go through the same stuff I do! Love this pod.
  • dragenyyyyy
    This is the only podcast worth your time!
    Steph podcast's discuss and educate you on real issues that school counselors deal with daily. She gives you advice that is not only helpful but also helps you to build knowledge in your field. If you want to become an expert in school counseling than School for School Counselors podcast is for you!
  • Nfarre01
    Favorite School Counseling Podcast
    The School for School Counselors podcast is one of my favorites to listen to. I usually listen to it on my drive to and from work. Highly recommend
  • lucky4131983
    Thank you!!
    This came a such a great time for me. I have been feeling overwhelmed and this is my 4th year at my site but my 13th year as a counselor. The reminders and suggestions on how to improve but also to give myself grace. I always forget to give myself grace so thank you Steph for the reminder!!
  • Jessica P.3!
    Support for new school counselors!
    After listening to Steph’s podcasts, I feel more informed on some topics compared to what was taught in grad school! She has also recommended resources and shared resources that have been extremely helpful as I start out! Absolutely love listening!
  • Kansas Counselor
    Wish I had this a long time ago!!!!
    As a 30 year veteran in education/counseling I finally feel like I have a resource just for counselors. I love Steph, she shares her honest thoughts and ideas. I have become such a better counselor since listening to this podcast and joining MasterMind!! I was floundering each day wondering what I should be doing and now I have a plan for the year!!!! I am much more relaxed knowing I am doing what is best for kids!
  • Jeni_W
    Valuable resource!
    This is a great place to get useful information for school counselors that can be used on day one! I recommend it to all of my colleagues.
  • School counselor MV
    The Best!!
    There is not a better podcast to get real, down to earth, in the trenches with you, information about school counseling!!
  • sumc15
    So needed!!!
    I’m a veteran school counselor who has needed these words of wisdom, validation and encouragement all of my career! I’m so thankful newer school counselors have this resource to go to so they can feel more confident and equipped to handle our very important job! The podcast episodes take the real life of a school counselor to heart and help us to approach our work in healthy, balanced and meaningful ways! S4SC, the Mastermind program, the many resources and the podcasts have helped me overcome serious burnout and rediscover my confidence in and love of the work I do! I thank Steph for helping school counselors and building up our profession in such a positive way!
  • JannersE
    My #1 School Counselor Podcast
    The School for School Counselor’s podcast is my go-to for professional podcasts. Steph Johnson and her team do an AMAZING job in providing school counselors all around the world with authentic, research based topics that we need to know about and some I didn’t even know I needed! Thank you team at SSC for keeping me company on my commutes to and from work and inspiring me to be the best counselor I can be!!
  • CJB083184
    Support for a new school counselor
    Always look forward to listening each week- usually while I’m at home doing the dishes🙂 As a new school counselor, I have found the podcast to be a good balance of bringing to light our day to day hurdles while still reassuring, we as listeners of our professional skills and best intentions we have for our students. Often listening to the podcast is the only time I hear praise or confirmation for the work and devoted time I put into my counseling program. Thank you Steph!
  • Local Customer Family
    Old Dogs, New Tricks
    As a School Counselor of 17 years in Texas, I continue to learn, grow, and feel supported by your Podcast. We are in an Island sometimes on our campuses and it’s nice to feel that connection with others. It’s great encouragement at a time where our jobs are so needed, yet at times doubted and under supported. Please keep up the great work!
  • Janester4
    Love this show
    Thank you for creating a show that tells how it is. You manage to cover how it feels to be a school counselor in a REAL way; dealing with unsupportive families, burnt out faculty members and children struggling with depression and anxiety. Times are tough and I love being a school counselor—this podcasts helps me stay motivated to focus on the aspects of the job I love!
  • Fyrwife12
    Nailed it!
    I have been a School Counselor for 15 years and feeling a bit burnt out. Your podcast validated how I was feeling, gave me useful tools, and it just felt great to find a like minded podcast.
  • k.summers
    Thank you!
    I am a student in the process of getting my school counseling certification as well as a middle school teacher, and I came across your podcast and love all of the information you talk about on your podcast. Whenever I am grading papers or getting my classroom ready in the morning I am listening to your pod cast. Thank you for this podcast it has been very insightful and helpful!
  • Kimila M
    Spot on!
    I am so thankful for this podcast. I’ve been a school counselor for 16 years but I find this podcast validating, empowering and so helpful. So much of it resonates with me and I learn new ideas that are so useful. Please keep making them!
  • Reba1976
    Beyond grateful
    This podcast, and all of the resources School for School Counselors offers, are game changing. I am in my second year of getting back in the field of School Counseling, 15 years after graduating. Needless to say I’ve had A LOT to learn, and for awhile got lost in all the noise out there. But since finding this podcast, Steph is my #1 guide. Everything is explained so clearly, and with such a realistic perspective, and tons of empathy. I am just incredibly grateful to be able to absorb all the knowledge and insight!
  • Sam Charmo
    THANK YOU
    This is the PD I’ve needed for YEARS! I feel seen and I’m learning more in this podcast than most grad classes I had. PLEASE keep the content coming. Listener for life here! I let everyone that will listen about this podcast! Love you!
  • Heidimus
    Exactly what I’ve needed
    I’m still in school for counseling but I’ve been a teacher for 15 years and I can easily see the disconnect between what I’m taught and what I think the actual experience will be like. I am so comforted by their realness here, but their transparency and honesty. I feel incredibly understood and supported and I’m encouraged as I set out as a brand new school counselor this fall (even though I’m still in school). I am learning so much from this podcast and feel so grateful for this realistic window into the world I’m entering. Thank you!
  • AshCapsho
    Great listen, wonderful podcast
    Steph strikes a balance between informative and engaging, making complex topics accessible. This podcast truly serves as a compass for navigating the multifaceted world of school counseling. - Ash & The Capsho Team
  • chetandamy
    Spot on!
    One of my absolute favorite finds this summer! If you are like me and always searching for relatable information, look no further! I stumbled upon this gem of a podcast recently and it has quickly become my go-to source for insightful and down-to-earth content. Steph is engaging, relatable, and easy to understand. The wealth of knowledge she has shared along with the topics covered left me wanting more! So, now I'm not only a listener but have joined the Facebook groups along with the School for School Counselors Mastermind program and can't wait to attend the Best Year Ever workshop! Thank you for sharing and providing a space for School Counselors everywhere to hone their craft and be their best self!
  • vitalearth
    Super practical
    Love SFSC podcast and school counselors supports. Very practical and down to earth as well as evidence-based information. Thanks so much!
  • Stacys25
    ADHD
    I loved this podcast. So informative. I’m a year 2 counselor but also a parent of an ADHD student. This was really good
  • Lilc0016
    In awe!!!
    I am a new counselor and I’m obsessed with this podcast!! I’m so glad I have found School for School Counselors! I have been listening to this podcast too and from work (I have a 3hr round trip). Even as a new counselor I can relate so much to the topics being discussed, and I’m learning so much as well…more than I learned in school that I actually can use on the job. It is so calming to get to hear my thoughts being spoken and to know I’m not alone! Thank you School for School Counselors, you’re amazing!! 💜
  • RioR0cks
    Real Podcast for Read School Counselors
    I have been a school counselor for 7 years in a large urban district with 153,000 students and this podcast is gold! It has helped me feel seen, supported, and it has given expertise from someone with experience in our field. Sometimes, being a school counselor can feel like a lonely, misunderstood role, and when I found this podcast in November 2022 - I felt supported and encouraged! I look forward to it every Monday! As someone who is a lifelong learner, I love the knowledge, tips, ideas and experience shared through this podcast. I have recommended it to our Counseling Services department coordinators to inform their practice as they lead school counselors in our district. It has helped me as I mentor beginning school counselors. Thank you!
  • Jeni veni
    Even an old dog can learn new tricks!
    Steph puts out strong and informative content for School Counselors old and new. As a lifelong learner, I always pick up something new. I appreciate her authenticity and ability to tackle topics that are relevant regardless of your grade level or State you work in. Give her a listen. Be prepared to learn and feel both seen and heard in your profession.
  • podcast newb
    This podcast saved this first-year counselor!
    As a first-year counselor, I try to soak up as many resources as possible—which isn’t always easy. Steph helps navigate helpful vs. unhelpful content in a timely manner. She also reassures us each episode how important our work is, and that we’re doing a great job. I look forward to every episode! Thank you, Steph!
  • haybaybay11
    One of my new favorite things to do!
    I am a first year school counselor. I have told multiple people close to me that I never knew what I signed up for in this position until I started it. Being a school counselor, you are so important to these students and staff members and that comes with a lot of pressure. I love this field of work for so many reasons and love all of the connections I’ve made in this first year, but I am completely mentally and emotionally drained every day when I go home. Listening to your podcast for the first time a couple weeks ago gave me a sense of validation that I have been missing in my life since before I began in the school months ago. I am a counselor of 380 students and I find myself helping as much and fast as I can, trying to do more and more, but never feeling caught up or like I can breath. Hearing that others feel the same has helped me so much because I thought I was alone in this. I’ve taken pointers from your self compassion podcast and have tried implementing those strategies, as well as finding more time for what I need. I contacted a colleague and now have a weekly scheduled time to discuss whatever we wish in a safe space together regarding our jobs. Thanks so much! I plan to continue to listen to your podcast during my lunch breaks and during my car rides to decompress.
  • Beward1551
    A priceless lifeline
    I graduated with my masters in school counseling 9 years ago and then made the decision to stay home full-time with my young children. I’m now finally looking to begin my career and stumbled upon this podcast. I truly shudder to think about starting this crazy process without this podcast and the other resources offered by School for School Counselors. I can’t get enough of the amazing information I’m learning here. It’s research based, it’s practical, it’s encouraging and it’s REAL! I’m so thankful for this podcast and their Get the Job Program. Thank you!!
  • jvab96
    Wonderfully Helpful Podcast
    I am a new school counselor and feel like a sponge constantly looking for more info to soak in. Finding this podcast was a blessing. Steph is real and helpful. She addresses what is really going on in our jobs as school counselors. The latest episode on self compassion is so good! I have listened to it twice to try to soak it all in. The support and understanding I feel when listening to this podcast is so valuable.
  • jriney1
    Thank you!
    I find this podcast helpful and real. I always feel like I’m on an island by myself with being the only counselor in the school of 765 students not including pre-K. I have other school counselors that mention all of the great things that they do, but their schools are half the size. I’m happy that you’ve helped me keep that in perspective. Thank you!
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