Growing Through Challenges: Helping Students Build Resilience

In this episode of I Hear You Say, hosts Jill Cook and Janae Douglas welcome Brent Burnham, nationally recognized educator, former school counselor and creator of the Bully Blockers and Cool2Care Revolution programs, for a conversation about supporting students’ mental health and resilience. Burnham explores how school counselors can use data and the ASCA Student Standards to proactively support the whole child while addressing the growing impact of stress, anxiety and depression. He shares practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, helping students reframe setbacks, recognize negative self-talk and build confidence through effort and persistence. The conversation also covers identifying signs of emotional distress, incorporating mindfulness and self-regulation techniques into the school day and understanding when students should be referred to mental health professionals for additional support.