R10 Counselor Conversations

Region 10 and Region 11 in partnership with Fusion Academy and Reflections Lifestyle Center is excited to host the 2023 Counseling Conference entitled, "Illuminate the Path: Time For You to Shine."

Join us for this one-day conference that will connect with professionals in our community as we shed light on some of the lesser known and under-utilized wellness strategies. This day will be filled with presentations from the experts in the mental health and educational fields. Register today to discover ways to a brighter tomorrow.

Invite students to the circle. Introduce or review circle agreements. Time-saving tip: mini-circles instead of the whole group (partners or small groups).

Prepare students to listen: “Eyes are ready” (point to your eyes, students repeat), “Ears are hearing” (point to your ears, students repeat), “Brain is focused” (point to the top of your head, students repeat), “Heart is caring” (make a heart with your hands, students repeat).

• Sometimes Creativity can make you feel proud. Share a time you felt proud.
• Sometimes Creativity can make you feel nervous if you are trying something new. What can you do if you feel nervous?
• Sometimes Creativity can make you feel frustrated if something doesn’t work out the way you wanted. What can you do if you feel frustrated?

Why I love monthly themes:

• They can help you feel more focused, and less scattered
• They can provide in-depth learning opportunities for kids
• They can provide opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues

Some things you can do that encourage the monthly theme

• Classroom counseling or SEL lessons
• Morning meetings or “questions of the day”
• Awards for students who show growth or excellence in that area
• >> Click here to read more about why I love monthly themes and how you can do them! 🌟

Monthly theme ideas:

• Coping Skills (August), Self-Control (September), Bullying (October), Mindfulness (November), Kindness (December), Growth Mindset (January), Inclusion & Diversity (February), Self-Esteem (March), Friendship (April) and Conflict Resolution (May)

Reflection Questions:

1. How does stress make you feel?

2. How many emotions that you can name related to stress?

Teen emotions can’t be compared to adult emotions for a number of reasons. For one, adults have learned how to manage big feelings in ways that work for them over time. For some adults, this means regularly exercising or spending time with friends. Teens don’t always recognize when their emotions are at “dangerous levels” because it’s all new to them. They often internalize traumatic events and unhealthy thinking.

Another reason teen emotions are often felt more powerfully than adult emotions is the way their brains are wired. Their prefrontal cortex, or the area of the brain that regulates our thoughts, actions, and emotions, is still developing in teens. In other words, emotional regulation is more difficult for this age group.

Lastly, very few adults are under the constant societal and academic pressures teens are under. Aside from the time she spends at home, school is her entire life. It’s the window into her friendships, conflicts, dreams, and future.

While it may be difficult for us to understand why teens resort to cutting themselves, it’s important to practice active listening and empathize with them. The main thing they need is support – always.

Parents can help by simply listening to their children, but when a teen gets to the point where she's physically harming herself, she’ll likely need further intervention. Looking into teen mental health treatment 🌟 should probably be a parent's first step. But there are also things parents teach teens – things they can do at home – to help eliminate these episodes of cutting themselves. Here are some helpful coping strategies that parents can share with their teens:

**Employability:** Employers value soft skills more than technical skills when hiring new graduates. Many employers believe that soft skills are more critical than technical skills. A recent study found that 77% of employers believe soft skills are just as essential as technical skills.

**Career Advancement:** Soft skills are essential for career advancement. Employees with excellent soft skills are likelier to get promoted and receive higher salaries.

**Workplace Productivity:** Soft skills are critical for productivity. Employees with excellent soft skills can communicate effectively, work in a team, and manage their time efficiently, resulting in increased productivity.

**Personal Growth:** Soft skills are essential for career success and personal growth. Developing soft skills can help individuals become better communicators, build stronger relationships, and become more adaptable to change.

The 2023 Counselor Summer Institute is a free comprehensive online professional development that provides discussions, updates and advising strategies in collaboration with higher education and counselor leaders. College Board Counselor Summit Institute 2023 🌟 All webinars are 1-1.5 hours in length and allow you to earn 0.1–0.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Digital SAT Suite Assessment Helpful Links: 🌟

• sat.org/digital
• FAQs
• Digital SAT Specification
• Digital SAT Sample Questions
• Device Requirements
• Bluebook Technology
• Desmos Calculator
• Accommodations
• SSD website & How to Use SSD
• Pricing Details
• Digital SAT In-School Testing

Email: susan.delarosa@region10.org
Phone: 972-348-1216

Email: nickisha.fowler@region10.org
Phone: 972-348-1208

Legislative Updates

School Counselor Ethics

Crisis Support

Comprehensive Guidance Planning

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Social and Emotional Learning

Apply Texas Account

Transcripts

and much more!

**For Apply Texas access or technical support, please contact Elaine Fackler at elaine.fackler@region10.org