Counselor Chat Podcast

167. I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling Practice

June 17, 2026·30 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Why Conferences Changed My Counseling PracticeIn this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m sharing why professional development and conferences became such a turning point in my school counseling career. Early on, I didn’t fully realize how much I could learn outside of my own building — or how much my perspective was limited by only knowing my own experiences.I’ll talk about finally attending my first conference, creating a small local conference for counselors, and how trainings in restorative practices and trauma, illness, and grief have deeply changed the way I support students, staff, and school communities.In this episode, we talk about:Why professional development is not “extra”How conferences expand your perspectiveThe power of learning from other counselorsWhy asking to attend training mattersHow restorative practices and crisis-response training changed my workTakeaway:You don’t know what you don’t know — and sometimes one conference, one training, or one new idea can change your entire practice.Check out the:Summer Counselor ConferenceGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

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