Best Schoolcounseling Podcasts (2025)

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258. What counselors think about IMPACT 17:45

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17h ago17:45

17:45

School is right around the corner, and I want to help you feel confident and prepared as you head back! I’m offering a free live training all about how to use a Meet the Counselor lesson to introduce yourself to your students and advocate for your role as a school counselor. You’ll get a free copy of my favorite lesson and a PD certificate for atte…

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257. How to Use AI in Your School Counseling Program with Bradford Goodridge 21:22

8d ago21:22

21:22

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today’s episode features Summer Summit presenter Bradford, a seasoned school counselor from Chattanooga, TN. Bradford has six years of school counseling experience, teaches weekly at his church, and recently served as an adjunct professor. He’s passionate about building strong student…

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Expect the Unexpected: A Solution-Focused Approach (episode 237) 40:04

13d ago40:04

40:04

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 importance of expecting the unexpected and adopting a solution-focused mindset. She emphasizes the need to shift from a problem-focused approach to one that seeks solutions …

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256. Executive Functioning Hacks with Sarah Lovell 28:12

15d ago28:12

28:12

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m joined by a special guest, Sarah Lovell—an executive function and ADHD coach who brings so much value for both our work with students and our own professional and personal lives. Sarah Lovell (she/her) is an executive function & ADHD coach for college students, ambitious pr…

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Dr. Ravi Iyer: The Power of Focus, ADHD Management and Thriving in Life 45:25

17d ago45:25

45:25

In this engaging conversation, Cher and Dr. Ravi Iyer explore the transformative power of intentional focus, the journey to delivering a TED talk, and the importance of embracing one's unique abilities, including ADHD. Dr. Iyer shares his personal experiences of overcoming rejection, finding self-worth, and the significance of mindfulness in achiev…

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255. Starting an Attendance Committee with Elissa Hughes 23:17

22d ago23:17

23:17

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! This week, I’m sitting down with Elissa Hughes, a middle school counselor who shared a standout presentation during Summer Summit. If you didn’t get a chance to attend live, don’t worry—Summer Summit recordings are available inside the IMPACT membership, along with PD certificates and hundreds of other …

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254. Attachment Theory in the Classroom with Patti Sutherland and Monique Gougeon 30:25

29d ago30:25

30:25

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! We’re continuing our special Summer Summit speaker series, and today I’m joined by an incredible pair: Monique and Patti, two clinical social workers and certified play therapists who specialize in attachment and child development. They recently spoke at Summer Summit about a topic that’s essential for …

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Mindset Matters Especially in the Solution-Focused Approach (episode 235) 36:50

29d ago36:50

36:50

I almost didnt publish this one! Find out why.... Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day 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…

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253. Sustainable Self-Care for School Counselors with Joyce Harduvel 28:43

1M ago28:43

28:43

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Summer Summit may be over, but the value continues. Today, I’m chatting with one of our incredible Summit speakers, Joyce Harduvel, about a topic every school counselor needs—sustainable self-care. If you missed the Summit, it’s not too late! All the recordings and PD hours are still available when you …

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Willpower For Hope-Centered Leaders (episode 234) 25:31

1M ago25:31

25:31

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode, Cher discusses the importance of willpower and agency, the role of community in sustaining motivation, and the need for compassion and understanding in educational settings. She emphasizes the finite nature of willpower, th…

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252. Celebrating All Brains with Brandon Gernux 25:15

1M ago25:15

25:15

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! We’re just TWO days away from Summer Summit, my virtual conference for school counselors happening June 11th and 12th! This two-day event is packed with amazing topics, live Q&A sessions, and even a virtual happy hour. For just $39, you’ll get your seat at the summit plus your first m…

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251. Empowering Student Success Through Executive Functioning with Laura Filtness 35:18

2M ago35:18

35:18

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! It’s June, which means Summer Summit is right around the corner. This is my virtual conference for school counselors happening June 11–12. We’re featuring an incredible lineup of speakers, live Q&A sessions, and even a happy hour! For just $39, you get your seat at the Summit and your…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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 (episode 232) 1:11:46

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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…

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236. Paperless Individual Counseling 17:18

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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…

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231. Tiers without Tears: Class Lessons 10:29

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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…