What are the advantages of doing career counselling with a Registered Psychologist?
As a Registered Psychologist, I offer some unique benefits that high school guidance counsellors, vocational counsellors, and career coaches do not:
- I have extensive training and experience in supporting people’s growth and helping them manage life’s challenges and transitions
- My professional code of ethics requires me to protect your confidentiality and act in your best interests
- My services are covered by many extended health care and insurance plans
- I am qualified to administer and interpret the leading career assessments
- I have the time and resources necessary to focus on your needs, and your needs alone
University education is expensive enough as it is. Why invest in career counselling?
Many students graduate from high school with little clarity about what they want to do when they grow up. Of those who move on to university, many switch programs or drop out and re-enter at a later date in the hope that their second or third choice of major will better suit them. In the process, they rack up significant debt and experience a great deal of anxiety about their future.
By undergoing career counselling prior to making important career and educational decisions, students can find a meaningful and fulfilling career direction much faster than with the trial-and-error approach to counseling, saving money and stress in the long run.
How much does career counselling cost?
I offer a number of package options, which I would be happy to discuss with you by phone after developing a better understanding of your counselling needs.
Fees are payable by cheque, cash, e-transfer or credit card. I will provide you with a receipt for the purpose of claiming your expenses.
How long are the counselling sessions?
Sessions last approximately 1 hour.
When can I book counselling sessions?
Counselling sessions are presently offered on Tuesday evenings (4-8pm) and Friday during the day (9-5pm).
What can I expect from career counselling?
Career counselling involves developing the self-knowledge that will allow you to make effective academic and career decisions, now and in the future. Formal and informal assessments are used to gain a comprehensive understanding of your abilities, personality, interests, and values. The integrated results, which make up your unique “career identity”, are then matched to various career and educational options that are likely to be a good fit for you. From there, I help you set realistic and inspiring career goals and develop an effective action plan to meet them.
What other services are offered?
In addition to career counselling, I offer counselling for emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, anger and low self-esteem, as well as academic challenges such as poor time management and test anxiety.
Psychotherapy sessions are billed at a rate of $180 per session.
Who is a good candidate for career counselling?
Career counselling can be very beneficial for the following groups of people:
- High school students who are planning their career path and academic studies for the first time
- University/college students who are unsure about their choice of major or don’t know what they can do with their degree after graduation
- Professionals who feel stuck or unfulfilled in their current career and are considering making a career change
- Stay at home parents who are re-entering the work force after an extended absence
- Retired adults who are looking for meaningful activities to occupy their time
If an individual has significant disabilities, ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties, or mental health issues, career counselling may need to be postponed until these issues have been clarified or addressed.
What kind of career tests are offered?
I administer and interpret career assessments offered by Psychometrics Canada, which include:
- Myers Briggs Type Indicator
- Career Values Scale
- Strong Interest Inventory
- California Psychological Inventory 260
- Career Interest Profiler
- FIRO-B
- Stress Profile
- Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
- Work Personality Index
The specific combination of assessments selected for you will depend on your individual goals.
See the Career Tests page for further information.
Are services covered by extended health care or insurance plans?
Many extended health care and insurance plans provide reimbursement, in whole of in part, for counseling services delivered by a Registered Psychologist. Covered services may include career counselling. Please check with your health benefits or insurance provider to determine your coverage.
How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I would appreciate it if you gave me as much notice as possible, so that I can offer that appointment to another client. Please provide a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellation in order to avoid being billed for a missed appointment.
How long does the career counselling process take?
The length of the process depends on your individual circumstances and needs. At minimum, 4-6 sessions are needed to gather background information, confirm your assessment results, identify suitable career options, and provide you with the resources needed to research your career and educational options.
Are there any free resources that can help me with my career planning?
Alberta Learning Information Services’ OCCInfo offers descriptions of over 500 Alberta occupations, including job duties, work conditions, educational requirements, and salary ranges.
Alberta Human Services offers employment, training and career services at Alberta Works Centres throughout the province, including career planning workshops and information about industry trends.
For individuals between the ages of 15-24, Calgary Youth Employment Centre offers free career planning and job search support.
Is there a question I haven’t answered? Just ask, I’m here to help.
