School Counselor Summer Reads

School counselor summer reads are everyone’s mind as we all head to the beach, the mountains, or (best of all) the couch for a much-needed summer break! I was so delighted when Elizabeth Smith, an esteemed Texas school counselor, offered to share her thoughts on my own summer read, School Counselor Side Hustle. I wrote this book with Dr. Russ Sabella a few years ago, having no idea how timely it would become as the economy took a downturn in this year. Needless to say, side jobs, Plan B’s and finding ways to supplement the family income are also on our minds these days. 

Let’s have Elizabeth take it from here…

School Counselor Summer Reads: School Counselor Side Hustle

A Book Review by Elizabeth Smith, LPC, CSC

Some books just speak to your inner self and the School Counselor Side Hustle did just that. I love my day job of being a school counselor, but knew I needed more and this book gave me the blueprints. The authors build the foundation and then take you to each room to review what fits your interest. Each room you explore comes fully furnished with you being able to add your own unique decor. The authors, Russ and Stephanie, also keep checking on your self-care as you make the journey to find your side hustle. The resources provided in this book are unbelievable. I tabbed pages and highlighted sentences to be able to soak up all the information. Just like all successful counseling sessions, goals are formed by Russ and Stephanie. They discuss in the book that the “first step in getting started on your side hustle is to be solution-focused and create your goals”. This book speaks to the counselor’s heart and helps them expand their career field as never before.

-Elizabeth Smith, LPC, CSC

Here’s a link if you’d like more details on this book, School Counselor Side Hustle! 

School Counselor Summer Reads: Top Five Picks!

In case you are looking for some other counseling-related reads this summer, here are five of the best books out there! All of the books below, both fiction and non-fiction, have themes of counseling and SEL to explore. Some are professional development, some are beach reads, and some are the perfect tool for a guidance lesson. Happy Reading!

The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris- A look at ACEs and trauma-informed care from the CA Surgeon General. It is a delightful and easy read, and you will learn so much!

Untamed by Glennon Doyle- Insightful and touching reflections on an unusual life. A fascinating read!

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn- This is THE fiction mystery for counselors that work with trauma and kids.

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosockza- Such a touching graphic novel on the author’s traumatic, yet loving, upbringing.

Bad Dog by Mike Boldt- My second favorite animal-that-teaches-a-SEL-lesson picture book. (First favorite: Katie Loves the Kittens).

LOOKING AHEAD

That brings me to the end of this July counseling post.  Please leave a comment because I’d love to hear about your favorite books! You can catch up with me again for my monthly counseling post that I share during the first weekend of every month. In the meantime, you can find out about my latest promotions, free stuff, or counseling adventures by following me on my School Counselor Stephanie Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest pages.