A Surprising Secret Weapon Against Chronic School Counselor Stress

School for School Counselors Podcast

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out as a school counselor? Discover game-changing strategies to not only manage- but also thrive- amidst the unique stressors you face daily. Join me, Steph Johnson, on the School for School Counselors Podcast as we navigate the complexities of stress management, especially with the new school year kicking off. We'll discuss the escalating mental health demands post-COVID-19 and how traditional self-care practices may not be cutting it anymore. Learn how to balance your high caseloads with sustainable, actionable measures that protect your well-being and professional effectiveness.
In this episode, we tackle the mismatch between your rising responsibilities and outdated frameworks, highlighting the importance of setting professional boundaries and seeking support. A groundbreaking journal article reshapes our understanding of chronic stress and offers fresh insights into maintaining mental health. This is not just about surviving but thriving in your role as a school counselor—equipped, confident, and ready to meet each day with renewed energy and purpose.
00:00 Welcome Back to the School for School Counselors Podcast

00:25 Exciting Updates and New Beginnings

01:06 Addressing Stress in School Counseling

02:40 Behavior Interventions and Mastermind Group

04:53 Understanding Chronic Stress

07:47 The Impact of Chronic Stress on School Counselors

16:17 Strategies to Mitigate Chronic Stress

23:25 The Importance of Professional Consultation

29:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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References/Resources:
Agyapong, B., Obuobi-Donkor, G., Burback, L., & Wei, Y. (2022). Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among teachers: a scoping review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(17), 10706.
Liu, Y. Z., Wang, Y. X., & Jiang, C. L. (2017). Inflammation: the common pathway of stress-related diseases. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 11, 273283.
Niles, J. K., Mullen, P. R., Kitching, E., & Schofield, K. (2024). School Counselors’ Hope, Stress, and Job Satisfaction. Professional School Counseling, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X241259487
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Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the wonderful world of school counseling.
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Chapter

1. Navigating Stress as a School Counselor (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Chronic Stress in School Counseling (00:10:30)

3. Establishing Boundaries and Seeking Support (00:17:56)