259. Preventing Risky Behaviors with Dr. Crystal Collier

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring guest: Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S. Dr. Collier is a therapist, educator, and author, known for her powerful work in prevention education and brain development.

She is the author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and the Know Your Neuro children’s book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and was voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association.

In this episode, Dr. Collier dives deep into:

• Risky behaviors to watch for in elementary students
  
  

• How early intervention impacts brain development
  
  

• The effects of screen time and technology on the brain
  
  

• The case for phone-free and watch-free schools
  
  

• Why it’s never too early to talk to kids about feelings, empathy, and healthy coping
  
  

She shares sobering insights, like how 50% of anxiety disorders are diagnosed by age 6, and how exposure to drugs, alcohol, and even pornography can start as early as elementary school.

But the good news? The brain can change!

We can equip kids with tools early, long before they reach their “peak” development years. The key lies in prevention, consistent brain-based education, and empowering parents and counselors with the right strategies.

Key Takeaways for School Counselors:

• Feelings education is critical: Teach students to name and express emotions to avoid avoidant coping strategies.
  
  

• Social experience matters: Lack of play and exposure can lead to higher anxiety.
  
  

• Early empathy-building can prevent bullying down the road.
  
  

• Prevention strategies must begin in early childhood and evolve as students grow.
  
  

• Teach executive functioning through brain-based praise and risk education.
  
  

• Use tools from www.knowyourneuro.org to implement evidence-based practices.
  
  

Pro tip from Dr. Collier:
Encourage parents to have six 10-minute brain conversations per year with their kids—it’s a simple but powerful way to build awareness.

Birth to age 3 is foundational—more kids are sitting with screens than moving their bodies, which affects motor skill development.

Tune in to hear how you can be part of this essential work in your school and community!

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

• Join IMPACT

 

Connect with Rachel:

• TpT Store
  
  

• Blog
  
  

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• Facebook Page
  
  

• Facebook Group
  
  

• Pinterest
  
  

• Youtube
  
  

Connect with Crystal:

• www.knowyourneuro.org

•  www.drcrystalcollier.com

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!