By: Tanisha Herrin

Updated July 26, 2021

Medically Reviewed By: Deborah Horton

We've all been there – you hate your job, or it's stalled. You may want to start your own business but don't know how. Or you may love your job, but your ambition and bottom line are saying you need better opportunities. Career counseling can help you with your professional development by getting answers to questions about personal interests, skills strengths, and how to achieve your goals.

Sometimes We Need Advice On Being The Greatest Version Of Our Professional Selves

Need Help Understanding Where You Fit In? Talk To A Career Counselor Today

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Why Get Career Counseling? What Can Career Counseling Do For Me?

Americans spend approximately one-third of their lives at work, and according to a 2014 study, only 52.3 percent of people are happy with their jobs. If an individual is unhappy with their career choice, that could lead to anxiety, depression, physical health issues, mood changes, and other issues. Professional development is a lifelong process that includes developing skills, interests, and decisions that are influenced by heredity, personality traits, socioeconomic factors, etc. Counseling for careers allows a person to understand themselves and their role in the workplace to make educated life decisions. In essence, this builds the foundation for decision-making skills you need throughout your life. Career counselors come in the forms of school counselors, therapists, life coaches, business-incubator organization representatives, colleagues, family members, friends, and more.

Career Counseling 

Benefits

You could reap several benefits of working with a licensed professional to achieve your professional and personal goals. Working with a professional could help you in the following ways:

1. Gain more knowledge. You could choose to go back to school to get a new degree or certification, boosting your occuptional skills and confidence. You will feel prepared and know the ins and outs of educational systems pertaining to your chosen field.

2. Economic gains. Professional help could help you manage times of unemployment and be more productive. It could also cause you to seek more opportunities that expand your professional realm. 

3. Expand social connections. You will feel more satisfied on the job and at home. You could also increase your networking skills and decrease stress and other work-related factors.

Define Career Decisions

Several theories come into play when a licensed professional helps clients choose which methods are right for them and their jobs.

Here are some examples of theories that shape our opinions and beliefs about careers:

• Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory: We watch what other people are doing or not doing around us as well as thought leaders. Our human thought process helps us to make job decisions.
• John Holland's theory of career choice: Careers are a marriage between our environments and personality types. We want to have a job with other like-minded individuals.
• John Krumboltz's theory: It's OK not to have a plan; sometimes, unplanned occurrences can lead to career opportunities and growth.

A licensed professional will determine the best method for a client or which mindset a client already has and how to build upon or change that theory.

Career Counseling 

What To Expect 

It's a two-way communication process. Be upfront and honest about what you want and don't want. In turn, the counselor must talk with the client to see the best available options based on interest, experience, skills, and ideas.

Be realistic and honest about your job outlook. Be honest with who you are and what you want to accomplish. Making your own decisions will ensure you are doing what you want, which will lead to more professional and personal happiness.

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Be clear about your goals. Before your meeting with your counselor, have some goals in mind. If you need more direction and don't know which career path to take, make a list of your interests and skills. 

Other Actions To Consider

If you go into your session with an open mind, that will pay more dividends. What works for some people may not work for you but always be willing to try or at least have a conversation about a proposed change. You are talking with a career counselor to help you figure out your first job, a major job change, or suggestions on how to be a more effective employee.

Career Counseling

Talk to a Therapist 

A study found online counseling to be as effective as face-to-face counseling. Fifteen university students participated in counseling, while 15 students had face-to-face. The result was that both modes of delivery yielded similar results of advancing students’ professional development. Online therapy can also help with stumbling blocks to pursuing the career you desire. Some of these stumbling blocks are depression and social anxiety. An online therapist can show you steps how to manage these symptoms while offering emotional support and understanding.

BetterHelp Career Help

Assess your potential by working with a professional with experience helping others discover their direction. BetterHelp has provided in-depth online counseling to people working in various industries seeking advice. Sometimes talking to someone about your goals and aspirations may bring new light on actions you can take from another perspective. If you're feeling anxious, confused, or frustrated about your current situation, or you want to discuss what could be holding you back from achieving the success you want, talk with an experienced counselor who cares. You will be able to meet with your counselor anywhere, from your home to even your car and at a time convenient for you. Learn a little more about online counseling by checking out BetterHelp's Instagram page and by reading the following reviews.

Counselor Reviews

"I worked with Erin for a couple of months while dealing with a stressful transition and major career deadline. I felt like I was in over my head, and I was anxious and exhausted. I thought that we established a good rapport right from the start, and Erin had helpful things to offer me from the first few moments that we worked together. Erin is warm and intuitive, and she brought a great sense of humor to our sessions. Erin provided an excellent combination of affirmation, doable "homework," and helping me understand myself and my reactions to my situation better. I recommend Erin incredibly highly!"

"David has been my greatest support in navigating issues that were simply holding me back from being happy. Before working with David, I was suffering from anxiety due to relationship issues and career changes that were putting me in a bad place. We worked on everything step by step and I can say, with great gratitude, that I feel much stronger and happier now, after only a few months. I've managed to rebuild that strength in time with his help. He's also never missed a session and always went the extra mile to help with everything he could. Thanks, David!"

Career Counseling

Conclusion 

Get your professional goals on track by considering the tools and resources covered in this article. Whether you want to change professions or explore advancement opportunities, a career counselor can assist with assessing your options. Get started today by working with someone who wants to help you achieve professional success.