Career Coaching & Development

Many people think that in order to see a psychologist you need to be in crisis, distress or have a diagnosed mental health condition. But that just isn't true. There are many situations where a psychologist can support general health, wellbeing and lifestyle goals and help people enhance their lives, and create opportunities for growth and personal development. 

Some particular benefits from engaging a psychologist as a career coach can include: 

• Evaluation and assessment – psychologists are trained to administer a variety of tests or assessments which can identify skills, preferences, personality traits, and aptitudes to help you make informed career decisions.
• Minimise and address psychological barriers – a psychologist can help unpack and uncover habits or patterns that are keeping you stuck, or from achieving your goals. They can address issues like fear of failure, imposter syndrome, self doubt, and low confidence. 
• Managing stress – psychologists are trained in many different modalities to help you find tailored strategies to reduce stress and help improve work life balance. They help you learn mindfulness, coping strategies, self regulation, or stress management techniques to help create a better balance, or improve resilience and functioning.
• Motivation and goal setting – they can help you set realistic, achievable career goals and help you stick to them by using their knowledge of human behaviour and neuroscience.
• Improved communication and interpersonal skills – psychologists are experts in human behaviour. Being able to communicate effectively and build strong relationships is core to career success. Your psychologist can help guide you and develop your capacity to be more assertive, communicate more clearly, learn how to manage conflict, become a strong and persuasive leader and learn how to harness professional relationships to propel your career forward.

You may see a psychologist regarding your career if you find yourself in one of the following situations:

• Uncertainty about your career path: If you're unsure which path to pursue or feel stuck in your current job, career coaching can help you explore your interests, skills, values, and personality traits to identify potential career options that align with your goals and aspirations.
• Career transition: Whether you're considering a career change, reentering the workforce after a break, or transitioning from one industry to another, you may find it helpful to receive guidance and support to navigate the transition process, including assessing transferable skills, exploring new opportunities, and developing a strategic action plan.
• Job search challenges: If you're struggling with your job search, including writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, or networking effectively, career coaching can give you expert advice, resources, and strategies to enhance your job search skills and increase your chances of success.
• Personal development: For those who are interested in personal and professional growth, a psychologist can help you identify areas for development, set meaningful goals, and create a plan to enhance your skills, competencies, and leadership capabilities.
• Workplace issues: If you're experiencing challenges or conflicts in your current job, such as stress, burnout, lack of satisfaction, or difficulty with coworkers or supervisors, career coaching can provide a supportive and confidential environment to discuss your concerns, explore potential solutions, and develop coping strategies.
• Educational planning: You may be considering furthering your education or training to advance your career - in which case career coaching can assist you in researching educational programs, evaluating your options, and making informed decisions about pursuing additional credentials, degrees, or certifications.

Overall, seeing a psychologist for your career concerns can be beneficial whenever you feel uncertain, stuck, or in need of guidance and support in your career journey. They can offer valuable insights, resources, and personalised advice to help you make informed decisions and achieve your career goals.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to therapy, and the duration of your sessions is ultimately up to you - but there are a number of factors that impact the timeline you can expect, including your individual goals and needs, and your therapist's approach and availability.

• Duration: Career coaching can range from a few sessions to several months or longer, depending on the complexity of your goals and the depth of support required. Some people may achieve their objectives in a relatively short time, while others may benefit from ongoing coaching to address multiple challenges or transitions.
• Frequency of sessions: This can be adjusted based on your schedule, preferences, and objectives. You may wish to opt for less frequent sessions to help you check in on your goals and keep you accountable, but your psychologist can help clarify what kind of frequency will best suit you for your specific needs (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.)
• Initial assessment and planning: You can expect an initial assessment to clarify your goals, strengths, challenges, and priorities. Your psychologist will work with you to develop a coaching plan or roadmap outlining the objectives, strategies, and timeline for achieving your desired outcomes.
• Ongoing support and accountability: Your psychologist can provide ongoing guidance to help you stay motivated, and on track towards your goals. You may have regular check-ins, progress reviews, and adjustments to your coaching plan to ensure that it remains aligned with your evolving needs and circumstances.