I have been in education since 1980 and am a psychologist who works part- time with the Calgary Stampede foundation. In 2024 , I co-authored Counsellor Talk: Connecting Through Creative Counselling Techniques I am an advocate who wants to help and support other counsellors across the world. All my resources are free for you to use and change as you wish. If you do alter anything I have created , I would appreciate you acknowledging where you got the original idea. Collaboration and sharing make us better at what we do … helping others. I look forward to connecting with you. Keep making a difference.
For Desmond Tutu meeting Trevor Huddleston determined the path of his life. In my own life there are many defining moments that led me to who I am today. Teachers, coaches , community members and a School Counsellor had an impact.
In grade 12 (1976) my School Counsellor Mrs. Brown gave me $100.00 towards my post secondary education. My family could not afford to pay my way. I was the first in my family to go to University so it was certainly a big deal. I did not realize at the time just how much money that was or even how incredible it was that she did that. What a gift and an impact she had on the trajectory of my life. A lacrosse scholarship and a bursary ( both recommended by community members) paid for all four years of my Bachelor of Child Study degree. How fortunate was I ?
I never underestimate the power of a small (albeit grand) gesture in forming who we are and what we choose to do in our lives. I intentionally make sure each day I work with students I keep that in mind. I intentionally pay it forward on as many occasions as I can.
All it takes is a defining moment and you might be the one that makes that happen and if someone makes that happen for you tell them.
Second Chants is different for sure this year, but the people who have planned and organized it have done an outstanding job. It was still fun and choreo in person physically distanced was excellent. Singing with a mask is more difficult, but still fabulous to hear other voices in this amazing show choir. So much to be thankful for in this pandemic and second chants and the leaders continue to inspire me with their dedication and commitment to making this a wonderful experience for all.
Love singing and dancing , feel free to join us.
Here is a sample of a time when we did not have to wear masks.
I am choosing to work this year as I want to help as much as possible during this time. The possibilities to affect a young mind are limitless. So if I am able to make a small difference, then that is what I will do during the pandemic.
Yes, it is safer to stay home and not do anything, but that is not me. I am rekindling my awareness of the many possibilities to be helpful.
Our youth champions shared their thoughts on Just for Today at our year end celebration online last school year. A lot of wisdom in here. Enjoy !
Stephen Becker : Just for today, I am going to work in my backyard and stay open to connecting with my kids whenever they come by.
Shawn Daniher : Just for today I am living in the moment rather than thinking about what I have to do tomorrow.
Sarah Lappin : Just for today I will prioritize doing things that make me smile
Deb Ingram : Just for today I will stop watching the clock
Kara-Leah Gonty : Just for today I will trust the process and live in the moment
Lauren Warner : Just for today, I’m going to take some for self care, go for a walk with my dog and breathe in the sunshine 🙂
Just for today, I am going to express my gratitude for those I love while I have the chance.
Melanie : Just for Today, I will enjoy this moment of connecting with a new group of people!
Carson Henderson : Just for today, I will stay positive and stay in the moment 🙂
Mrs. Knecht : Just for today, I’ll take the happy with the hard and let them just happen… 🙂
Just for today I will take the time to do something small for myself.
Naomi : Just for today, I will not overthink the future and just enjoy the present moment.
Just for the day I am going to relax and focus on myself because work/ school has been busy.
Crystal Hartney : Just for today I will am going to not worry about tomorrow and savour all the blessings of today.
Vicky Smith : Just for today, I’m going to enjoy the day!
Noor : I will make sure I do something that makes me smile!
Chandni Meharu : Just for today … I would like to set everything down and reflect on myself and focus and try to time manage and be in the moment with my family 🙂
Madison : Just for today I’m going to enjoy the beautiful weather outside and forget about everything else.
Elaine : Just for today, I want to let go of my worries in what this pandemic might bring to all of us, and just focus on the great things it has brought to all of us.
Paige Anweiler : Just for today I will make sure that I take time to relax as well as school.
Just for today I won’t force myself to be as productive as I would have normally been and I will practice self-care.
Tanya Browne : Just for today I will be extra mindful.
Lori Devlin : Just for today I’m accepting I can’t do it all. My best effort is enough,
Jay Stewart : Just for today I’m enjoying the beautiful weather and going outside.
Marielle : Just for today I want to be less on social media.
Catherine Betancourt Lee : Just for today I am going to make sure to focus on self care!
LJFLOYD : I am going to tackle the task at hand and not get too far ahead of myself worrying about what else is on my “to do” list.
gabynuneznoguez : Just for today I will focus on my connections with my family and nature.
Rhwand : Just for today I will enjoy the beautiful weather outside and be grateful I have loving family and friends around me. During this pandemic I want to let go of my stress and worries and help people so I can make their day a little bit better.
Lorna Bright : Just for today I am enjoying this new experience! And try to not worry about everything I need to get done.
Heros Manrique : Just for today, I am going to take a moment to celebrate how far I’ve come these last couple of years and what Youth Champions has taught me!
Check out this great poem:
We Are Champions
I still see faces, but there not here anymore
I still hear voices, but not in my vicinity anymore, how is that possible?
How is it that this juxtaposition built upon my contradiction, as it envelops and contrasts my irony in that we are separated, but still close.
Though this quarantine has shackled, forced, and degraded us while simultaneously stripping us of freedom and confined us to our homes, we have hope … hope in a champion. A champion who fights, supports, a champion who defeats and surpasses all odds when everything was stacked against them! We are champions!
We are champions whether it’s up or down
We are champions
though we rise and fall
We are champions
through our collective wins and loses
We are champions
in the greatest of rejections
We are champions
in the most luscious of victories
We are champions
And let me say, even if we don’t make it to the next round doesn’t mean what we didn’t fight for is any less or any more doesn’t mean we have to give in to this disaster
and best believe that we have affected more lives than we could possibly imagine
I asked a few of my educator friends about a book they would recommend and here is the list. I’ll start with my favourite by Viktor Frankl. The rest are in no particular order.
Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com
As we enter this thanksgiving weekend , I long for the big dinners I have celebrated with my longtime friends and kids for over thirty years.
However, I am grateful for what I do have my health, my life, the best friends ever and two amazing healthy adult children. My husband who continues to be such a good human being makes this pandemic easier for all those around him. My mom who lives far away, but still has a positive attitude given all her health concerns. A 91 year old mother in law who is healthy and full of vitality and positivity.
I am grateful for two brothers who have sacrificed so much for my mom. I am grateful I can help when I am needed in my community. This pandemic has hurt so many and if I can reach out and help, I am more than happy to do so. I am grateful to have a purpose and so much more.
So from my heart to yours, I wish you the best thanksgiving possible.
There are many ways to engage students whether it is one to one or in groups. It is one of the best way to form a therapeutic alliance. At the beginning of every session I often ask students the following question. How can I be most helpful to you today? At the end of every session I check in with the student to see how the session went. I will often ask something like how are you feeling about what we talked about and did in session today? What is the one thing you will use as a result of our time together? This allows me to gage if I have been helpful and if there is something I said that the student connected with.
Utilize humour, creativity and whatever tools you have in your toolbox Technology can be an asset , so use what works for you. I often have students paint while we chat especially the younger students (I always ask first if they’d like to and many do). Koi paint sets are easy to use and don’t take up too much space.
Make sure your space is inviting and warm. Students enjoy coming to a space that is comforting. Ask them for ideas that will make your space a place where they will love to come to.
Get to know the student. Find their strengths and focus on what will work for them.
Finding ways to engage students is a process and throughout your years as a School Counsellor you will find many more ways to engage them. Ask more experienced counsellors what they do engage the most difficult to engage students.
It’s often more about how the student feels when they are with you. Make them feel valued and important like everything they say matters , which it does. Let them know how amazing they are.
Be present. Don’t answer your phone if it rings unless it is an emergency. There are so many ways to engage students, but most importantly be you . You entered this profession for many reasons and one of the biggest will be because you wanted to help. Be engaging and the helping will happen.
Counsellor Talk : Connecting with those who want to make a difference. 