Question 1

Are you a coach? What’s the difference between a coach and a CCDP?

Accepted Answer

I am not a coach, though I use some coaching tools in my work. Coach training and certification varies widely, and doesn't guarantee career-specific expertise. Some coaches (even ICF-certified coaches) have little to no training or experience around careers.

I am a Certified Career Development Practitioner, which means that my focus is in the lifelong process of developing careers and how we as individuals evolve within them. The certification requires demonstration of ethics, knowledge, communication skills, and the strategies that we use to support our clients. It also means that we work specifically within the world of careers, and that we do regular professional development education to continue our own learning.

If you're interested in this topic, you can learn more in this article I wrote.

Question 2

What should I expect from my free consultation?

Accepted Answer

All of my services for individuals begin with a free 15-minute virtual consultation. This is where we’ll get to know each other and determine if we’re well-suited to working together. You’re not required to commit to anything on the spot.

Question 3

Are your career counselling services in-person or virtual?

Accepted Answer

I offer both options. In-person career counselling services are my ‘walk-and-talk’ sessions, and offer a unique opportunity to work together face-to-face. However, in-person career counselling services are currently only available to clients based in Toronto. If you’re outside the city, or local but prefer a video call, I’m happy to work virtually as well.

Question 4

What can I expect to get out of career counselling?

Accepted Answer

Career counselling is not one-size-fits-all, so outcomes depend on your goals, the effort you put in, and the state of the labour market. That said, my goal is to help you go from not knowing what's actually "off" to a clear diagnosis of what needs to change - and a concrete next step to change it.Here are some of the outcomes my recent clients have reported:• Deeper understanding of their career interests and skills, and how these can be used• Clearer career goals• Knowledge of current labour market trends• More compelling and persuasive job applications• More effective job search strategies and a shorter job search• A stronger professional network• Confidence that you will achieve your professional goals• Stronger belief that you are capable of shaping your career• A commitment to entrepreneurship that has grown into a full-time business!• A new job that they really enjoy!

Question 5

What does your process look like?

Accepted Answer

When you book your first session with me, you'll receive a form with a few questions to complete. From there, career counselling is not one-size-fits-all, so I adapt my process to each client based on what will be most useful to them.

My approach draws on what I've learned from completing several graduate-level courses in counselling psychology and career development. I use active listening skills to highlight discrepancies and tensions in what you share with me, teach research and frameworks that help you process transitions and make effective decisions, and I draw out your accomplishments to date to help build a resume and LinkedIn narrative that aligns with where you're heading next.

Depending on what you need, I also draw on more tangible tools, including: my own Five Elements Analysis to surface what is and isn't working for you; exercises from Designing Your Life to help you envision and test out future options; the Challenge Cards to help identify the impact you want to make and map out multiple paths to get there; detailed LinkedIn demonstrations to help you fully leverage the site for exploring career paths and building your network; and the Advize platform to learn from 12,000+ videos of over 900 professionals talking about their own career paths.

Question 6

How can I keep track of the things we discuss and the exercises I do?

Accepted Answer

It’s hard to remember all of the information that you soak up in our sessions! I use a client portal so that one link gives you private access to notes from our sessions together, along with any files we work on.

Question 7

What if I need to reschedule or cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

If you must reschedule or cancel a session, you can do so using the button in your appointment confirmation or reminder email; however, I kindly request at least 24 hours' notice. Sessions rescheduled or cancelled less than 24 hours before the original booking's start time will result in a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the service booked, and future bookings will not be accepted until this fee has been paid. Thank you for respecting my time and being reliable.

Question 8

This sounds a bit like therapy. Are you a licensed psychotherapist? Are your services covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

No and no – unless your health insurance benefits cover services provided by Certified Career Development Practitioners (CCDPs). CCDPs like me counsel people on their careers and there is evidence that career development positively impacts clients’ mental health, but I am not a licensed mental health care provider and most health insurance plans do not currently cover CCDPs' services.

If you or I believe that you require mental health support alongside or instead of my services, I will strongly encourage you to speak with a licensed practitioner who is qualified to support you. I maintain an active referral network and, depending on your needs, may even be able to refer you.

That said, if you are currently employed and have a professional development budget, my services may be covered by that depending on your employer's requirements. This is something we can discuss in your initial consultation.

Question 9

How much does career counselling cost, and how does payment work?

Accepted Answer

I offer two options:

1. Single Sessions: You can book appointments one at a time for $120 CAD/50 minutes and receive an invoice after each session. This is a great option for people who are looking for a little bit of support. If you find that ‘dream job’ while we’re working together - great! I’ll be the first one to say congratulations.

2. Power Hours: You can book a package of 4 sessions upfront and a receive 17% off the per-session rate. This is a great option for people who are looking for more comprehensive support. Packages are available as 4 bi-weekly sessions or 1 half day retreat. Bi-weekly sessions are available both virtually and as walk-and-talk sessions, whereas half day retreats are virtual only. Packages are $400, and paid at the time of booking.

I issue invoices for both options through my client portal, and clients pay by credit card. I also hold a small number of sliding scale spots for clients who are experiencing financial hardship — if cost is a barrier for you, please reach out and we can discuss what might work. I'm also open to alternative payment arrangements if my standard payment process isn't accessible for you.

Question 10

I'm not sure I need a session. Do you have any tools I can try on my own?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I've created tools and trackers just for you.