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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Resources

Looking for creative, evidence-based tools to support social-emotional learning at home or in the classroom? Visit my Teacher Pay Teachers store for engaging SEL activities, lesson plans, and printable resources designed for students of all ages. Whether you’re an educator or a parent, you’ll find easy-to-use materials to help children build emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships.

Family & Caregiver Resources

I’m passionate about empowering parents and caregivers with practical tools and guidance. On my TpT site, you’ll also find resources tailored for families, including conversation starters, coping strategies, and activities to foster connection and support well-being at home.

Explore and download resources today to support your child’s growth and emotional health! If you have questions or need a recommendation, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help!

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November is National Adoptee Awareness Month we are reframing the narrative of this month as well as how we talk to/about adoptees ❤️

As an adoptee and counselor, I often get asked questions that, while well-intentioned, can feel intrusive or invalidating. Here are three of the most common questions I hear, why they can be problematic, and what to say instead.

❓”What age were you adopted?” Why it’s problematic: This often serves as a type of “trauma meter,” implying that earlier adoptions are less painful or complicated. It can unintentionally rank adoptee experiences or make assumptions about what someone’s journey should feel like. Try instead: “Would you like to share anything about your adoption story?”

❓”Do you know your real parents?” Why it’s problematic: Calling birth parents “real” parents can make an adoptee’s current family feel less valid. It also places pressure on adoptees to share deeply personal details they might not want to discuss. Try instead: “Are you comfortable talking about your family?”

❓”Why did your parents adopt you?” Why it’s problematic: This centers the adoptive parents’ motivations and can make the adoptee feel like their existence needs to be justified. It also feeds the “you’re so lucky” narrative that often silences adoptee perspectives. 
Adoptee voices deserve to be heard, on their terms. This month and always, choose curiosity with compassion and connection over curiosity for curiosity’s sake.

#NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth #AdopteeVoices #AdopteeAwareness #AdoptionEducation #AdoptionCommunity #TraumaInformed #AdoptionLanguage #AdoptionHealing #AdoptionJourney #CounselorPerspective #AdoptedAndProud #MentalHealthEducation #ListenToAdoptees

Growing up as an adoptee, I often felt like my story was missing from the shelves around me. Many of the books I read centered on the well-meaning message of “we chose you,” yet I rarely saw the adoptee’s feelings, the complexity, the longing, the questions, reflected back. That absence planted a seed in me long ago, one that eventually grew into my children’s book, A Heart That Holds It All.

Writing this book was a deeply personal and healing process. It allowed me to explore not just the joy and love that adoption can bring, but also the grief, loss, and moments of confusion that are just as real and deserving of compassion. I wanted to honor both, the light and the shadow, because that’s the truth of so many adoptee experiences.

As a counselor and adoptee, I believe in the power of representation and story. Books can be mirrors, showing us that our feelings are valid and our stories matter. When adoptees see themselves reflected honestly, they can begin to release the shame or silence that sometimes comes with their questions. My greatest hope is that one young adoptee will pick up A Heart That Holds It All and feel less alone, like someone finally understands the words they haven’t yet spoken.

This month, and every month, I invite you to listen to adoptee voices. To read their stories. To hold space for their truths.

Representation in books isn’t just important, it’s transformative.

Check out the link in my bio for more information on my book!

#NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth #AdopteeVoices #AHeartThatHoldsItAll #AdoptionAwareness #AdopteeRepresentation #Bibliotherapy #ChildrensBooksMatter #SchoolCounselor #MentalHealthMatters #TheCognitiveCounselor #AdoptionJourney #RepresentationMatters

Happy Friday y’all ❤️

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounselor #ootw #ootd #teacheroutfitideas #outfitoftoday

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November’s renaming from “National Adoption Month” to “National Adoptee Month” signals a needed change: moving the spotlight from just promoting adoption to centering the honest voices and needs of adoptees...the ones most directly experiencing adoption.

This change happened because adoptees and advocates saw that past adoption awareness efforts often left their stories out. Instead, it’s time to listen, learn, and honor the complexity of adoption: loss, belonging, identity, mental health, and searching for connection.

Grounded in grassroots advocacy (like #FlipTheScript), National Adoptee Month is about justice, inclusion, and truth-telling. It means giving space to all parts of the adoptee journey... challenges, healing, and the tough questions.

Let’s use this month to amplify adoptees’ voices so their lived experiences shape our understanding, our care, and our advocacy. Their perspectives matter most.

Let’s keep learning, reflecting, and supporting every child’s right to be fully seen.

#NationalAdopteeMonth #AdopteeVoices #FlipTheScript #AdoptionAwareness #ChildWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #InclusionMatters #ElementaryCounselor #FamilySupport #HealingJourneys

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

I often get asked why I chose to be a school counselor instead of a clinical counselor…. As someone who also has a private practice but works primarily in the schools I see the differences in both roles everyday..

And don’t get me wrong- BOTH and so so so important!

🏫 Mental health support at school is accessible & truly preventative- kids get help before things escalate. Unlike clinical counseling, school counseling means meeting students where they are every day, delivering help before a crisis and without the barriers of a therapy setting.

🌎 I work with students from all backgrounds, every single day. Clinicians often serve a specific caseload, but as a school counselor, I reach entire classrooms, connecting with children from diverse backgrounds within their own environment.

🤝 I’m never alone: collaboration is at the heart of my role. School counseling thrives on teamwork, collaborating with teachers, families, and administrators to support student growth.

🌱 Kids are open to change… there’s so much hope in these moments. Children adapt quickly, and school counseling lets me nurture hope and growth before challenges become entrenched.

⏰ Schools are where kids spend most of their time, which means I can make a bigger impact. 
📢 I get to advocate for student voices and real systemic change. Schools are systems, and school counselors have the power to elevate student voices to shape policy.

🧠 Trauma-informed practices can be woven right into school culture. School counselors help create safe, trauma-sensitive environments for all

👂 No one really listens to kids- Sometimes children are overlooked or unheard; being a school counselor means making space to listen, not just diagnose or treat.

#schoolcounselor #mentalhealthmatters #kidsfirst #advocate #traumainformed #prevention #education #schoolcounseling #wellbeing

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

National Adoptee Month is a time for reflecting on how well-meaning words can impact Adoptees...

So many of us have heard things like “You’re so lucky,” “Do you know your real parents?” or “You must have such a better life now.” Maybe it sounds small to some, but all of these little comments add up.

Here’s why it matters:
✨ They can invalidate real feelings, like grief, identity confusion, or even just having complex emotions. Not everything is about feeling “grateful.”
✨ They reinforce stereotypes like the “happy, lucky adoptee” or the idea we’re somehow “better off now”, which just isn’t everyone’s truth.
✨ They signal “you don’t really belong here” when people question our families, our looks, or assume we must want to go find “real” relatives.
✨ They put pressure on us to “perform gratitude,” instead of letting us be honest about whatever we’re feeling.
✨ Worst of all, these messages stack up. Even if each one seems little on its own, hearing them again and again can leave adoptees feeling alone, unseen, or like only certain parts of our story are acceptable.

Bottom line: microaggressions matter. They are more than words, they shape how we see ourselves and how we are treated in our schools, families, and communities. The more we name them, the easier they are to challenge and change.

💛 This space is for learning, not shaming. We’ve all internalized big adoption myths: it’s okay to shift and grow as we learn together.

#AdopteeVoices #AdoptionAwareness #AdoptionAdvocate #MentalHealthMatters #RepresentationMatters #NoMoreMicroaggressions #CognitiveCounselor #TherapistsWhoListen #FamilyDiversity #Belonging #AdoptionEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning
#adopteeawarenessmonth

Full moon full mooned this week but at least we had some cute fits ;)

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounseling #counselorlife #teacheroutfitideas #ootd #ootw

Adoptee Awareness Month invites us to pause our assumptions, and listen. Truly listen.

Listen to those who live with this identity every single day.
The ones who carry both love and loss, belonging and absence.

Adoption is often told as a story of rescue, but that’s not the full truth. Behind every adoption is complexity: grief, identity work, and a lifetime of navigating the spaces in between.

Real awareness starts when we stop centering comfort and start centering truth.

As a counselor, we all have that thing that got us into the work, this is mine.

When we honor adoptee voices that speak of both the hurt and the healing.

When we make space for stories that aren’t wrapped in gratitude, but in honesty.

This month, let’s rewrite the narrative… by listening, learning, and holding space for the adoptee experience in all its layers.

💬 Adoptees, what’s one truth you want the world to understand this month? Share it in the comments or your own post using #AdopteeVoices

#NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth #AdopteeAwarenessMonth #AdoptionTruths #AdoptionAwareness #LivedExperienceMatters

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

definitely some room for improvement next spirit week 🫠😅

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounselor #spiritweek #teacherfashion

Adoption begins with deep, unspoken loss, and the grief doesn’t end with a new beginning. For many adoptees, pain, identity struggles, and longing run alongside love and family and can resurface for years.

This month, let’s get uncomfortable: not every adoption story is joyful, and not every loss is healed. Holding space for the difficult truths honors adoptee voices and helps break the silence around the grief, confusion, and shame that still shape our lives.

Adoption is layered... love, yes, but also trauma and complicated feelings. Real support means validating pain as much as celebrating joy.

Share your experience, hold space for another’s story, and help rewrite what “awareness” truly means.

#NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth #AdopteeVoices #GriefAndAdoption #AdoptionTriad #AdoptionTruths #AdoptionIsComplex #MentalHealthAwareness #CounselingSupport #RewriteTheNarrative

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider

Now accepting new clients! 🌱

If you’re looking for a counselor in Oregon (whether you’re new to counseling or just ready for a new start) I have virtual openings for children, teens, and young adults (especially adoptees) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. With afternoon and evening times available. My heart is in supporting identity, belonging, and life’s big transitions with warmth and understanding.

Ready to chat or want to learn more? You can email me, send a DM, or visit my website at cognitivecounselor.com... all links are in my bio!

#OregonCounselor #NowAcceptingClients #VirtualCounseling #AdoptionSupport #MentalHealthMatters #SchoolCounselor #IdentitySupport #YoungAdultCounseling

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

When unconditional positive regard feels hard to find as a counselor, I remind myself: kids who need the most love sometimes ask for it in the most unloving ways. As challenging behaviors bubble up this year, let’s remember, every action is a message about an unmet need. School is where kids deserve to feel safe, nourished, and seen, even when their trauma is doing the talking. 🌱💛

#unconditionalpositiveregard #schoolcounselor #seechildren #traumainformed #behavioriscommunication #kidsneedsupport #elementarycounselor #mentalhealthmatters

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

Questions and curiosity are such a normal part of being adopted 💛

But for many adoptees, wondering about their story can also carry shame… especially when curiosity is met with discomfort or silence. Adoptive parents play such an important role here.

When you welcome your child’s questions with openness and compassion, you help replace shame with safety and connection.
Every adoptee deserves to feel that their story, and every curiosity within it, belongs. That’s why I created A Heart That Holds It All: The Workbook to pair with my children’s book, A Heart That Holds It All. My hope is that these resources help adoptees feel seen, supported, and empowered as they explore their unique journeys.

Both are available now on Amazon (link in bio)! Please share with anyone who might need these words. 💛

#AdoptionJourney #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionSupport #AHeartThatHoldsItAll #KidsBooks #MentalHealthMatters #ShareWithAdoptees

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

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it’s that time of the week 👗

#ootw #schoolcounselorstyle #counselorlife #outfitinspo #teacherstyle #mentalhealthmatters #elementaryschoolcounselor #wellnessjourney #reelstyle #authenticyou

When we, as adults, aren’t regulated, it’s nearly impossible for a child to find their calm. This visual really shows the power of staying grounded ourselves ... because our regulation becomes the safe space kids need to learn theirs. When we breathe, stay present, and model calm, we’re not just managing our own stress; we’re teaching resilience and emotional balance to the little ones in our care. Remember, their emotional growth starts with us. 💙✨

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

#RegulationStartsWithUs #ParentingWithPresence #SchoolCounselorLife #EmotionalRegulation #MindfulParenting #ConnectedParenting #ChildDevelopment #CounselorInOregon #SocialEmotionalLearning #CalmIsContagious #BigFeelingsLittleHearts

Them: “what do you even do as a elementary school counselor”
Me:

….. and the list goes on :)

#thecognitivecounselor #socialemotionallearning #schoolcounselor #counselorlife #advocate #advocacy

✨ New Resource Alert! ✨ Looking to strengthen connections with your bilingual students and families? The Bilingual Rapport Building Questions guide is now live in my TPT store (link in bio)!
This comprehensive English–Spanish toolkit supports purposeful conversations in individual counseling, SEL lessons, and family meetings. Whether you speak Spanish fluently or not, you’ll feel confident and connected during every session.

What’s Inside: 💬 Strength-Based prompts 🤝 Connection & Real Talk questions 🌟 Goal-Setting & Future-focused prompts 🎉 50+ Icebreaker and “Would You Rather” questions 🧠 A structured 6-step Solution-Focused guide (English + Spanish) 🌍 Cultural bridging and language choice tips for inclusive communication

Perfect for school counselors, social workers, and educators working in bilingual or dual-language settings. Save time, connect authentically, and build trust… one conversation at a time.

Shop it now on my TPT storefront – link is in my bio! 💛

#schoolcounselor #bilingualeducation #selresources #schoolcounseling #bilingualcounselor #teachersofinstagram #tpteachers #bilingualschool #spanishresources #iteachtoo #counselorsofinstagram #ellstudents #teachergram #tpstore #thecognitivecounselor

the life of a elementary school counselor feat. More outfits 🤠

#thecognitivecounselor #ootd #outfitinspiration #workwear #ootw #teacheroutfit

Kids open up when they feel safe... not blamed.

These curiosity-based questions help you connect, understand, and guide without shame.

When we replace “Why did you do that?” with gentle curiosity, we strengthen trust and teach reflection. 🌱💬

Which question do you want to try this week? 👇

#SchoolCounseling #ParentTips #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalLearning #GentleParenting #CounselorLife

Ever noticed how quickly a conversation with a child ends when blame sneaks in? 😬

Blame shuts down trust, connection, and learning… fast. But when we choose curiosity instead, everything changes.

Curiosity opens the door for real conversations. When kids feel safe from blame, they’re more likely to share what they think and feel. That’s where growth happens.. because curiosity says, “I want to understand you,” while blame says, “You’re wrong.”

As a school counselor, I see this every day. Blame creates distance and silence. Curiosity brings kids closer, turning “What’s wrong with you?” into “What happened for you?” It builds resilience, empathy, and problem, solving skills in little hearts and minds.

Next time you feel blame rising, pause. Try asking open questions. Watch how a kid’s body language shifts, shoulders relax, eyes light up, conversation blossoms. 🌱

Let’s make our homes and schools safe spaces for questions, not accusations.
Because when curiosity leads, kids follow.✨
Have you seen this in your world? Drop a comment or share your story, I’d love to hear how curiosity changes the game for you!

#SchoolCounselor #ParentingTips #AdoptionSupport #CuriosityOverBlame #PositiveParenting #GrowthMindset #ConnectionCounts #ElementaryCounseling #KidsMentalHealth #Resilience #Compassion #SafeSpaces #EducationMatters

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

best time at OSCA this past Friday with the coolest colleagues 🫶

#osca #asca #schoolcounselorsofinstagram #schoolcounselorlife

another week of consistently being overdressed 🤠

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounseling #ootd #ootw #teacheroutfits #therapistofinstagram #fallstyle

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Holding space for the questions we carry 💛 Growing up adopted at birth, my mind was full of wonderings about where my laugh, eyes, and story began. Yet, no one made room for those curiosities or helped me process the feelings that came with them.

That longing for understanding and belonging is what inspired me to write “A Heart That Holds It All”, to help younger adoptees feel seen in their wondering and know they’re never alone in it.

Whether you’re an adoptee, a counselor, or a parent, I hope this book brings comfort and connection to every child searching for their place and their story. Available now on Amazon!

#AdoptionAwareness #AdopteeVoices #TheHeartThatHoldsItAll #ChildrensBooks #AdoptionJourney #TherapeuticBooks #SchoolCounselor #AdopteeSupport #CounselorsofInstagram #AdoptionCommunity #RepresentationMatters #SELbooks #Bookstagram

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another week of outfits and binging the new TS album ❤️‍🔥

#thecognitivecounselor #elementaryschoolcounseling #ootd #ootw #teacheroutfitideas

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Kick off your school year with connection and confidence! 🌟 My Bilingual SEL Skills Self-Assessment is designed to invite students into meaningful, student-centered reflection... while celebrating both Spanish and English learners equally.

What’s Included:

24 bilingual SEL skills cards in Spanish & English

Engaging “Doesn’t Sound Like Me → Definitely Sounds Like Me” sorting activity

Conversation-starter follow-up questions for deeper insights 💬

Goal-setting & action plan pages to track growth

Easy-to-follow instructions for smooth use in counseling or classrooms

Why Counselors & Educators Love It:

This resource makes self-reflection fun and accessible, builds trust during one-on-one or group sessions, and honors cultural and language diversity. It’s a perfect tool for fostering resilience, empathy, and growth mindsets from the very first week of school.

✨ This isn’t just a set of cards... it’s an invitation to connection, belonging, and student voice.

Link in bio to grab yours now on my TPT storefront! 🎉

#SchoolCounselorLife #ElementaryCounselor #SocialEmotionalLearning #SELresources #BilingualEducation #SchoolCounselorTools #SELforkids #BackToSchoolReady #CounselorsofInstagram #BilingualSEL #StudentVoiceMatters #EmpathyInAction #GoalsWithHeart #TPTresources #SchoolCounselorSupport

What if naming feelings isn’t enough? 🌀
Kids (and adults!) can say ‘I’m sad’ or ‘I’m anxious’, but often we skip the deeper step of feeling those emotions in our bodies. When we only talk about feelings, kids miss out on practicing resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.

This post is all about helping children (and ourselves) slow down, notice body signals, and move through big emotions instead of rushing past them. 💛 Let’s normalize being with feelings... not just fixing them.

➡️ Swipe for practical ways to teach kids how to feel feelings in safe, supportive ways.
💬 Drop a comment: Which emotion is the hardest one for you to actually feel?”

#FeelToHeal #EmotionalAwareness #SchoolCounselorLife #ParentingSupport #TraumaInformed #KidsMentalHealth #MindfulParenting #SocialEmotionalLearning #ElementaryCounselor #ParentTips #CounselorsofInstagram #RaisingResilientKids

Adoption shapes identity in powerful ways, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re an adoptee searching for support, or a parent wanting the best for your child, working with a counselor who understands adoption can make a huge difference. 💛

I offer virtual counseling in Oregon for children, teens, and young adults, with a focus on identity, belonging, and life transitions. New spots are now open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons.

📩 Send me a DM or email me at thecognitivecounselor@gmail.com to learn more.

#AdoptionSupport #AdopteeVoices #AdoptiveParents #MentalHealthMatters #AdoptionJourney #OregonCounselor #VirtualTherapy #IdentityAndBelonging #TherapyForAdoptees #AdopteeSupport #TraumaInformedCare #CounselorInOregon #AdoptionAwareness #AdopteeHealing #ParentingThroughAdoption

Another week of fits and patiently waiting for the TS album to drop 🥹 did I mention ✨patiently waiting✨

#thecognitivecounselor #ootd #ootw #counselorlife #elementaryschoolcounselor #teacherfit #therapistfit

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welllll it’s usually more like they crush me 🙋‍♀️ (and no I don’t let them win)

your probably thinking why do I use games so often in counseling sessions with kids? Because play is powerful.

Games aren’t “just for fun”…. they’re one of the best ways to build connection, trust, and growth with elementary students. When a child is engaged in play, they’re more willing to share, take risks, and be themselves. That’s where the real magic happens.

💬 Emotional Expression & Coping: Games give kids a comfortable way to explore big feelings. With a little psychological “distance,” they can practice coping tools, problem-solving, and building self-esteem.

🤝 Social Skills in Action: Turn-taking, cooperation, conflict resolution, empathy… all these life skills can be practiced in a playful, natural way that sticks.

🎯 Engagement & Motivation: Let’s be honest, games are way more inviting than worksheets! When sessions feel fun, kids are motivated to show up, participate, and grow.

🛡️ Safe & Supportive Space: Play creates a non-threatening environment where students can try new skills without fear of “failing.” That security is key for trust and progress.

🧩 Building the Brain: From following rules to planning strategies, children also strengthen executive functioning, skills they’ll use in school and life.

For me, games aren’t just an activity… they’re a bridge. A way to connect, build rapport, and walk alongside children as they learn who they are and what they can do. 💛

#SchoolCounselorLife #PlayTherapy #ElementaryCounselor #Counselorsofinstagram #SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning #KidsAndFeelings #TherapeuticPlay #BuildingRapport #ConnectionMatters #MentalHealthInSchools #CounselingWithHeart #CounselorTools

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/5p8Oc

From magnatiles to bilingual SEL books and ready-to-go interventions, my office is thoughtfully equipped to nurture big feelings, spark creativity, and honor every student’s journey. In this space, belonging and biliteracy go hand in hand... and families know they’re welcome, too!

All must-have counseling office items are linked in my LTK... find the link in bio to shop or save your faves.

#BilingualSchool #CulturallyResponsive #ElementarySchoolCounselor #Biliteracy #SEL #RepresentationMatters #FamilyEngagement #SafeSpaces #DualLanguageEducation #SchoolCounselor #LinkInBio

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#liketkit #LTKFamily #LTKKids #LTKFindsUnder50
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Not every child who seems like the “easy one” is actually worry-free. 🌱 Sometimes kids who rarely complain, melt down, or “cause problems” are actually the ones carrying the heaviest emotional loads inside. They may have learned to keep feelings tucked away, believing it’s safer to stay quiet, be agreeable, or always “have it together.”

👉 A child’s calm surface can hide real struggles like anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, or fear. The “happy” child might be masking stress, the “quiet” child might be holding back discomfort, and the “high-achieving” child could be pushing themselves while feeling exhausted, guilty, or unseen.

Over time, this internalizing can take a toll…leading to isolation, anxiety, depression, or difficulty expressing emotions later in life. 💔 Because these kids often *don’t* act out, their struggles can fly under the radar.

✨ As adults, we can make a difference by:
- Paying attention to small shifts in mood, energy, or behavior.
- Asking gentle, open-ended questions instead of assuming “they’re fine.”
- Normalizing hard feelings and showing kids it’s safe to share.
- Teaching coping tools and emotional vocabulary.

The truth is, the child who “never asks for much” might be the one who needs the *most*… a safe, consistent space where their inner world feels welcome. 💕

Has a child in your life ever surprised you by what they were holding inside?

#ChildCounseling #SchoolCounselor #ParentingSupport #ChildAnxiety #EmotionalHealth #RaisingResilientKids #ParentingTips #ElementaryCounselor #MentalHealthAwareness #BigFeelings

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

As an elementary counselor in a dual-language school, I sought out to make my office a reflection of our vibrant, bilingual community. 🫶

Every resource is chosen to celebrate students’ identities, promote inclusion, and offer support in both English and Spanish... because every child’s voice truly matters!

All items are linked in my LTK... just check the link in bio
for easy shopping and inspiration.

#DualLanguageCounselor #CulturallyResponsiveCounseling #SchoolCounselor #InclusivityMatters #BilingualEducation #ElementaryCounselor #YourVoiceMatters #SEL #SafeSpaces #CounselorLife #LinkInBio

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#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKKids #LTKFamily
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another week of pretending the school halls are a fashion show 😅😎

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounselor #elementaryschoolcounselor #ootw #teacheroutfitideas #ootd

if there is one thing I’ve learned from this job it’s that parenting is H A R D!! And there isn’t a manual on how to raise kids.

As an elementary school counselor, I always assume parents are doing their best, even when their choices don’t always make sense to me or fit the school’s expectations. My commitment to unconditional positive regard means showing acceptance and support, even in the face of hard situations.

Navigating parent relationships as a young counselor with no children of my own is sometimes challenging. There are moments when I struggle to relate, feeling like an outsider to their lived experience. But as I’ve listened and learned, I’ve witnessed so many parents carrying hidden wounds and trauma… often never having access to effective mental health support (not to mention most of us were never taught how to feel our feelings) education. Their struggles sometimes reflect generational cycles passed down from environments marked by adversity, trauma, or a lack of resources.
 Parental trauma and unresolved emotional pain can deeply impact parenting styles, leading to patterns in emotional tendencies or role-reversal. Often, mental health challenges go untreated, leaving parents stuck in cycles that started long before their own children were born. Offering trauma-informed care (creating a safe, empathetic environment) can help families begin to break these patterns and foster growth for both parents and kids.
 Understanding parents’ backgrounds and trauma not only deepens empathy but shapes effective support. Instead of judgment when behaviors are challenging, we can pursue curiosity and compassion, strengthening school-family partnerships for real change.
 Have you ever paused to ask yourself: What’s behind this parent’s reaction? How could curiosity shift your next tough conversation? Share your story below or hit ❤️ to join the discussion!

#elementaryschoolcounselor #unconditionalpositiveregard #mentalhealthmatters #generationalhealing #traumainformed #schoolcounseling #empathyfirst #parentpartnership #counselorsofinstagram #breakthecycle #oregoncounselors #privatepracticecounselor #familywellness #wellbeingsupport

Kids don’t just learn emotional regulation… they absorb it from us. Their little nervous systems are wired to mirror how we respond, repair, and regulate... even in the smallest moments. 💛

When we name, model, and nurture emotions out loud, we give kids the blueprint for coping, empathy, and resilience that lasts a lifetime. 🌱

That’s why it really starts inside us. Breathe. Repair. Reflect. Then watch as they grow into those skills too.

👉 Save this post for when you need the reminder, and share it with a parent, caregiver, or teacher who’s in this with you.

#EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTools #SchoolCounselor #ParentingTips #CoRegulation #ModelingMatters #AnxiousKids #ResilientKids #GentleParenting #Attachment #MindfulParenting #CounselorLife

When a child’s emotions are brushed aside or ignored at home, patterns often show up in the classroom. As an elementary school counselor, I see these reminders that every behavior tells a story. 💛

Some students:
- Isolate themselves: pulling away when they fear rejection or misunderstanding.
-Struggle with self-worth: quietly doubting if they matter without affirmation.
- Avoid asking for help: believing their needs will go unheard.
- Act overly independent: learning it feels safer to “do it myself,” though longing for trust.
- Seek teacher praise: finding validation at school when it’s missing at home.
- Become perfectionists: tying value to achievement and fearing mistakes.

As trauma-informed educators and caring adults, we can change these stories. By validating feelings, listening without judgment, and offering steady encouragement, children feel seen, safe, and worthy. Small moments…gentle affirmations, patient listening, kind words… reshape what kids believe about themselves and others.

Let’s keep showing up, building trust, and remembering every student deserves to feel cared for. Which of these signs do you notice most often? How do you help children feel valued? Share your thoughts below, we’re in this together. 👇💬

#SchoolCounselor #TraumaInformed #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #ChildDevelopment #CounselingTips #ElementaryCounselor #EducatorSupport #CompassionInSchools #BigFeelings #SelfWorth #HealingInSchools #AdoptionSupport #Parenting #PrivatePractice #EmpathyInAction #OregonCounselor #ConnectionOverCorrection

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and not a substitute for counseling or therapy. If you or your child need support, please reach out to a qualified provider.

New on my TPT! ✨ These Tracing Bilingual Breathing Cards are here to make emotional regulation simple, engaging, and culturally responsive 💛 Perfect for calm corners, counseling offices, classrooms, or even at home!

Each set includes 4 guided breathing exercises (Square, Star, Triangle, and Five Finger Breathing) clearly laid out in both English and Spanish 🙌. Kids can trace the shapes while practicing mindful breaths, helping them slow down, reset, and build coping skills

🌟 Why I love them:
    • Bilingual prompts (English & Español
) support language inclusion & accessibility
    • Visuals + step-by-step directions make it easy for all learners
    • Print, laminate, and reuse year after year for quick calming tools
    • Great for mindful brain breaks, small groups, or independent resets

Culturally responsive, hands-on, and easy to use, these cards are such a great way to support kids (and adults, too!) in practicing self-regulation across languages. 🌈🫁

Now live on my TPT (linked in bio)! 📚✨

#SchoolCounselor #ElementaryCounselor #SocialEmotionalLearning #MindfulnessForKids #BilingualResources #CalmCorner #ElementarySEL #ClassroomCounseling #CounselorsofInstagram #TeachingResources #EmotionsMatter

don’t underestimate the hype that kindergartners give for a good fit 🤩🫶 another week of outfits as a elementary school counselor!! All linked in my LTK 🔗

#thecognitivecounselor #ootw #elementaryschoolcounselor #outfitoftheday #teacheroutfitideas #teacheroutfitsoftheweek

Today we honor National Suicide Prevention Day... a reminder that every conversation about mental health with kids matters. Let’s break the stigma with open talks, gentle check-ins, and modeling that big feelings are okay. When kids know it’s safe to ask for help, it can change everything. 💚

#SuicidePreventionDay #EndTheStigma #KidsMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #988Lifeline

Non-directive play therapy is one of my favorite ways to connect with students! In sessions, kids lead the play, choosing how to express themselves while I create a safe, supportive space. Rather than directing, my role is to witness, reflect, and gently engage so children can explore feelings, build emotional vocabulary and growth.

Boundaries are always key. I set expectations, make safety a priority, and help kids transition gently back to class routines. Even 15–30 minute sessions matter! I blend play therapy with classroom lessons and SEL activities, but always advocate for more intensive help if needed. Play meets each child right where they are, builds trust, and honors the unique ways kids learn and heal.

How I Incorporate Non-Directive Play Therapy 💡
✨ Safe Spaces: Cozy corners with sensory bins, art supplies, puppets, and props, kids choose what feels comfortable. 👀 Gentle Observation: I listen and watch as students express themselves, sometimes joining in, but never pushing an agenda! 🖍️ Creative Expression: Painting, drawing, sculpting, art lets emotions flow when words are hard. 🧸 Puppets & Drama: Role-play and stuffed animals help kids process feelings and practice social skills. 🌊 Sensory Play: Sand trays and textured materials are grounding for anxious students. 🕰️ Flexible Structure: Sessions begin with free choice and clear boundaries, and end with easy transitions. 📝 Confidential Documentation: I note insights and patterns for professional collaboration, always keeping privacy. 
Play-based techniques blend into lessons, small groups, and one-on-one check-ins, always centering what helps kids thrive!

#SchoolCounselor #PlayTherapy #ElementaryCounselor #MentalHealthMatters #SEL #StudentSupport #TraumaInformedCare #CreativeKids #HealingThroughPlay
Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If support is needed, reach out to a qualified provider.

Shame only grows in silence. So many adoptees are told to feel grateful, but real healing means confronting the whole story…including the parts adults often keep quiet “to protect us.”

Silence about our history doesn’t make pain disappear; it makes it harder to understand ourselves and find belonging. When the truth is hidden, adoptees are left battling confusion, shame, and the silent grief of what’s missing in their lives.

I’ve seen this as a counselor: silence can erode self-esteem, deepen isolation, and prevent authentic connection.

That’s why I created “A Heart That Holds It All”- a book and a workbook for every adoptee ready to claim their voice. Honest, caring conversations matter.

Silence never protects; it only disconnects us further. Every child deserves their story… so let’s make space for truth, and healing.
Ready to hold all parts of your journey? This workbook is for you.

#adopteevoice #adopteestories #adoptiontruth #aheartthatholdsitall #healingthroughhonesty #breakthesilence #adoptioncommunity #mentalhealthmatters #supportforadoptees
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Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

fits for the first week back with the kiddos 🤩

#ootw #thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounselor #ootd #schoolcounselorsofinstagram

Empower student voices and celebrate community strengths with the Bilingual Feelings Check-In Toolkit! 🌟 Now available on my TPT, this strengths-based SEL resource honors every student’s lived experience, featuring 6 child-friendly posters and charts in English and Spanish. Perfect for PBIS, check-in/check-out, counseling, or building an inclusive classroom where EVERY emotion and cultural story matters.

What’s Inside:
• “How do you feel today? / ¿Cómo te sientes hoy?” bilingual check-in chart
• Emotion word lists (14 feelings, both languages)
• Reflective journaling & prompts for strengths, positive emotions, and supportive relationships
• Body sensations mapping for full-body awareness
• Safe coping strategies chart
• Safe vs. unsafe choices for positive behavior support

Rooted in Community Cultural Wealth (CCW), this toolkit guides students to celebrate their strengths, recognize supportive connections, and build emotional literacy, day by day.

✨ Perfect for diverse, multilingual classrooms & counseling spaces! 🛒 Available now on my TPT… help students shine in every language!

#FeelingsCheckIn #SELtoolkit #BilingualSEL #ElementaryCounselor #InclusionMatters #CommunityCulturalWealth #SchoolCounseling #PBIS #EmotionalLiteracy #SocialEmotionalLearning #StrengthsBased #CulturallyResponsive #CounselorResources #MultilingualClassroom #MentalHealthMatters

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

Connection saves lives. September is Suicide Awareness Month… a time to break the silence, support each other, and help kids build resiliency. Every conversation, caring question, and moment of listening matters. 💛 Check in, talk openly, and reach out if worries arise. The 988 Lifeline is always here.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #YouAreNotAlone #988Lifeline #MentalHealthMatters #ElementaryCounselor #EndTheStigma #FamilySupport #ResilienceBuilding #TalkAboutIt #SchoolCounselor

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

Talking to young kids about mental health can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most important things we do. 💛 This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s help every child feel seen and safe by making mental health part of everyday conversation.

✨ Normalize feelings: Use simple words like “sad,” “worried,” or “angry,” and remind kids all feelings are okay. Model sharing: “Sometimes I feel sad. How about you?” Try books, play, or art to get kids sharing in their own way.

✨ Ask open-ended questions:
• “What was the best and hardest part of your day?”
• “If you feel sad or worried, who can you talk to?”
• “What helps you feel better when you’re upset?” Start with “what” or “how” for better conversations!

✨ Offer frequent, low-pressure check-ins: Don’t save caring talks for a crisis. Try, “I’m here for you no matter what, want to talk or do something together?” Side-by-side activities (walks, drawing, car rides) make it easier to open up.

✨ Respond without judgment or fixing: Listen to understand. It can be really tough to feel that way. Thank you for telling me.” Remind kids it’s brave and smart to ask for help!

✨ Watch for warning signs: Notice changes like withdrawal, loss of interest, sleep/eating shifts, or lots of physical complaints. If worried, gently ask, “Have you ever felt so sad or worried you didn’t know what to do?” Reassure them you’re there and help is always available.

These small steps make a big difference. If you try any of these tips, I’d love to hear about it! Save, share, or tag a friend as we support every child’s well-being together.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #ElementaryCounselor #MentalHealthMatters #NormalizeFeelings #SchoolCounselor #KidsMentalHealth #StartTheConversation #FamilySupport #AdoptionAwareness #OregonCounselor

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider

Looking for a way to make your school counseling office more welcoming, inclusive, and stress-free for all students?🌈✨ Check out my latest resource now available on TPT: 10 unique Bilingual School Counselor Office Decor Posters- everything you need to build a safe space for English and Spanish speakers alike!

What’s Inside:
• 10 vibrant bilingual posters (English & Spanish):
• “Everyone Is Welcome Here / Todo el mundo es bienvenido aquí”
• Informed Consent + Confidentiality Explained for Kids (both languages)
• “Talking helps / Tu voz se valora aquí”
• Emotion word lists
• “How do you feel today? / ¿Cómo te sientes hoy?” feelings chart
• All crafted with heart for elementary counselors supporting diverse, multilingual communities.

How They Help:
• Foster belonging for English Language Learners & Spanish-speaking families
• Make confidentiality clear and child-friendly
• Empower every child to voice their feelings with confidence ❤️

As someone who has worked with children, I know how powerful that first impression can be. These visuals aren’t just decor- they’re tools for trust, connection, and safety.

🛒 Find them on my TPT! 💬 Tell me below- which bilingual poster are you most excited about for your office? ✨ Let’s create welcoming spaces together!

#SchoolCounselor #ElementaryCounselor #BilingualResources #CounselorDecor #InclusionMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #TPTResource #SchoolCounseling #ElementaryEducation #CulturallyResponsive #BilingualEducation #CounselorLife #MentalHealthMatters #SafeSpaces #DiversityAndInclusion

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

putting the back to school wardrobe to work 😎 all fits are linked in my LTK!! excited for many more of these…

#thecognitivecounselor #schoolcounselor #ootd #backtoschool #schoolcounseling

Heading back to school can bring a mix of excitement…and nervous butterflies! 🦋 You’re not alone- so many families and kids are feeling the same way. As a school counselor, I know how tough transitions can be. Let’s ease back-to-school anxiety together with simple routines, validating words, and lots of encouragement. 💛 What helps your child or students when the new year jitters pop up? Share your tips or stories below, we can learn so much from each other! ✨

#BackToSchool #SchoolCounselor #ElementaryCounselor #ParentSupport #ChildMentalHealth #AnxietyTips #OregonCounselor #ResilientKids #AdoptionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #SchoolTransitions

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

Imposter syndrome loves to whisper doubts- especially on big days like starting a new school counseling job! When those feelings creep in, here are the reminders I lean on:

    •    “Everyone starts somewhere.” No one expects me to know everything on day one. Growth takes time.
    •    “My compassion is my strength.” Students and families need care, not perfection. Showing up authentically makes a difference.
    •    “Mistakes don’t mean I’m unqualified, they mean I’m learning.” Every counselor (and every person!) faces new challenges. The key is to learn, not punish myself.
    •    “Connection beats comparison.” I focus on building genuine relationships, not measuring myself against others.
    •    “Vulnerability builds trust.” When I share my own doubts with peers (or here!), I invite support and normalize the struggle.

Even with years of training, imposter syndrome pops up for me. What helps most? Reminding myself that being open (about fears and failures) is exactly what helps kids and families feel safe to grow. Sharing my journey is part of my work, not a weakness.

💚 If you’ve ever started something new and felt those ‘do I belong here?’ thoughts, this is your reminder that you’re not alone. Comment if this resonates, or share your own first-day affirmation!

Disclaimer: Instagram content is for education and support only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services. If you or your child need deeper support, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider.

#FirstDayOnTheJob #ImposterSyndrome #SchoolCounselorLife #CounselorsOfInstagram #MentalHealthMatters #GrowthMindset #YouBelongHere #NewBeginnings #AuthenticJourney #CompassionOverPerfection

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