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168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier
Description
Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier
In this episode of Counselor Chat, I’m continuing the series on things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career — and this one is all about boundaries.
For a long time, I thought staying late, saying yes, and being endlessly available meant I was dedicated. But looking back, I can see that being the last car in the parking lot didn’t make me a better counselor. It just made me tired.
In this episode, I’m sharing the boundaries I wish I had set earlier, including time boundaries, emotional boundaries, role boundaries, communication boundaries, and personal life boundaries. I also reflect on why school counselors often feel guilty setting limits — and why boundaries are actually what help us stay effective, compassionate, and sustainable in this work.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why overworking is not the same as being effective
- The difference between being dependable and being endlessly available
- Why school counselors need role clarity
- How guilt shows up when we start setting boundaries
- Simple scripts for saying no or pausing before saying yes
- Why leaving on time does not mean you care less
- How boundaries protect your energy, family, and long-term career
Takeaway:
You can care deeply about students and still have limits. Being a good counselor does not require burning yourself out.
Reflection question:
What would change if you believed you could be a good counselor without being endlessly available?
Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
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Connect with Carol:
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- Counseling Essentials Website
- Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
- Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
- High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group