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 parents and colleagues to connecting with hard-to-reach students, these lessons are ones I wish I could go back and share with my younger self.

Whether you’re brand new to high school counseling or still preparing for the role, this episode offers honest encouragement to help you grow with confidence. You’ll also hear practical advice on avoiding common mistakes, finding meaningful professional development, and embracing the challenges that come with stepping out of your comfort zone.

Resources Mentioned:

• Sign up for my free 3-day video challenge for high school counseling job interviews.
• Get on the waitlist for The Clique Collaborative!
• Podcast: Episode 30, Where to Look for Relevant High School Counseling Professional Development
• Podcast: Episode 31, 4 Things I’ve Learned About Getting Money for Professional Development Opportunities
• Podcast: Episode 57, Your Guide to Navigating Parent Relationships
• Blog: 4 Places to Find Relevant School Counseling Professional Development
• Blog: Your Cheat-Sheet for Navigating Parent Relationships: 4 Pro Tips
• Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:

• Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
• Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
• Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
• Send me an email mailto:lauren@counselorclique.com
• Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Original show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/beginning-high-school-counselor/

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 sort through the weight of burnout and consider what’s next.

We’ll walk through practical questions to ask yourself, common scenarios that lead counselors to consider a change, and how to identify what you truly want in your career. Plus, if you’re not ready to leave but know something needs to shift, we’ll explore what changes could make your current role more sustainable. Whether you’re staying or stepping away, this High School Counseling Conversations listener-favorite episode is here to help you move forward with purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• Clique Collaborative Membership
• Podcast: The Lazy Genius- Episode 368: My Playbook for a Lazy Genius Summer
• Research Article: School Counselors’ Work-Related Rumination as a Predictor of Burnout, Turnover Intentions, Job Satisfaction, and Work Engagement by Mullen, Backer, Chae, and Li
• Podcast: Episode 101, Navigating Adult Friendships in The Workplace with Blake Blankenbecler
• Podcast: Episode 98, What Should You Do if an Administrator Isn’t Acknowledging the Value of Your Work?
• Podcast: Episode 77, What it Looks Like to Implement MTSS In a High School Setting with Dr. Jake Olsen and Dr. Peg Donohue
• Podcast: Episode 60, Setting Boundaries with Others and Managing Expectations Around Burnout
• Podcast: Episode 45, 4 Different Caseload Model Types (Plus My Honest Thoughts on Them)
• Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:

• Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
• Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
• Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
• Send me an email mailto:lauren@counselorclique.com
• Join the Clique Collaborative

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 school counselors.

Our conversation centers around the differences and similarities between these grade levels. You might be surprised to find that our skills are really interchangeable in any grade level! One thing is for sure – there’s so much opportunity to collaborate with school counselors who support grades other than your own.

The building blocks are established by elementary school counselors, especially in developing social-emotional skills in students, and high school counselors must continue this work. Elementary, middle, and high school counseling roles may have their differences, but at the core, they all share the same goal of providing stellar support to students.

If you’re considering a leap between grade levels, don’t be afraid! Embrace it as something new and full of possibilities. If high school is where you’re headed, my audio course, The High School Counseling Kickstart can offer additional support!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join The High School Counselor Kickstart Course
• Get on the waitlist for The Clique Collaborative
• Shop Counselor Clique back-to-school resources
• The Counselor Accents Podcast
• Book: Growing Your Program for School Counselors by Laura Rankhorn and Kim Crumbley
• Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:

• Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
• Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
• Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
• Send me an email mailto:lauren@counselorclique.com
• Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/comparing-school-counseling-roles/