Find Career Counseling

Career counseling, sometimes called vocational counseling, is a structured, collaborative process that helps individuals explore career options, clarify goals, and develop actionable plans. It goes beyond just job hunting—it's about discovering what kind of work brings you meaning, purpose, and long-term fulfillment.

A vocational therapist or career psychologist will work with you to identify:

• Strengths, interests, and values
• Personality traits and work styles
• Barriers to success (like anxiety, imposter syndrome, or indecision)
• Education or skill development needs
• Practical job search strategies and resume support

Whether you're a college student, mid-career professional, or planning retirement, career counseling helps you take intentional steps toward a work life that feels right for you.

Career counseling isn't just for people who are unemployed or fresh out of school. It's a valuable resource anytime you're facing uncertainty, dissatisfaction, or change. Consider working with a career therapist if you:

• Feel lost or overwhelmed when thinking about the future
• Are unhappy in your current job but don't know what else to do
• Want to switch industries but feel stuck or unqualified
• Are facing burnout and considering quitting
• Have been laid off or are unsure how to re-enter the workforce
• Want to align your work with your values and lifestyle goals

Whether you're navigating a crossroads or just seeking direction, career counseling for adults offers the insight and encouragement you need.

Career counseling is for everyone—not just students or executives. Common groups who benefit include:

• High school and college students unsure about majors or first jobs
• Recent graduates feeling anxious about career launches
• Mid-career professionals seeking fulfillment, promotions, or new directions
• Parents returning to work after raising children
• Individuals facing layoffs, disability, or relocation
• Entrepreneurs and creatives who want to build sustainable careers
• People nearing retirement looking for meaningful transitions

There's no wrong time or stage in life to seek guidance.

Career counseling sessions are typically conversational, goal-oriented, and action-focused. While each provider will have their own style, most sessions include:

• Clarifying goals: What do you want from your career, and what's getting in the way?
• Assessment tools: You may complete interest inventories, skills assessments, or personality tests like the Myers-Briggs or Strong Interest Inventory.
• Exploring options: Your counselor may introduce career paths that match your strengths or interests that you hadn't considered.
• Overcoming obstacles: Sessions can address mental blocks like fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or decision paralysis.
• Strategic planning: You'll set short- and long-term goals, and map out next steps such as training, resume writing, or networking.

Working with a career counselor should feel supportive, empowering, and practical. You're not just talking about dreams—you're building a path toward them.

Several types of professionals are qualified to provide career counseling, including:

• Licensed career counselors: Often have specialized training in counseling and vocational development.
• Career psychologists: Psychologists with experience in work-related mental health issues, transitions, or personality assessments.
• Licensed therapists or social workers: May offer career therapy alongside support for emotional regulation, anxiety, or self-esteem.
• Vocational rehabilitation counselors: Support people with disabilities or long-term health conditions re-entering the workforce.
• Online career coaches: Some certified coaches work virtually, focusing on job search skills, career clarity, or confidence-building.

Make sure your provider offers services that align with your needs. For deeper emotional support (e.g., trauma, anxiety, burnout), a career therapist or licensed counselor is often a better fit than a coach alone.

Yes—career counseling is one of the most effective ways to explore career paths that align with your values, skills, and lifestyle goals.

Rather than telling you what to do, a career psychologist or vocational counselor will guide you through:

• Self-assessment tools to uncover natural strengths and interests
• Exploration of different fields, job environments, and roles
• Identification of limiting beliefs or unhelpful patterns
• Clarification of what "success" means to you

By combining reflection with real-world strategy, career counseling for adults and students helps reduce anxiety and increase confidence in your decisions. You don't have to figure it all out alone.

Absolutely. Career transition support is one of the most valuable aspects of career counseling. Transitions can include:

• Switching industries or job types
• Returning to work after time away
• Adapting to a new geographic location or remote work
• Coping with unexpected job loss
• Preparing for retirement or semi-retirement
• Pursuing entrepreneurship or freelance work

These changes can feel overwhelming, especially if they involve risk, uncertainty, or identity shifts. A career transition counseling provider can help you manage the emotions of change, rebuild confidence, and set realistic goals.

With the right guidance, transitions become opportunities—not setbacks.

Imposter syndrome is the persistent, internalized belief that you're not as competent, intelligent, or talented as others think you are—even when there's clear evidence to the contrary. People experiencing imposter syndrome often feel like frauds, fearing they'll be "found out" or exposed for not being good enough.

Despite achievements, accolades, or positive feedback, those struggling with imposter syndrome tend to attribute their success to luck, timing, or external factors—not their own abilities. This mindset creates a painful cycle of overworking, perfectionism, and self-doubt, followed by anxiety, burnout, or emotional paralysis.

Imposter syndrome can show up in a variety of ways:

• Overachieving to compensate for perceived inadequacy
• Avoiding challenges due to fear of failure or exposure
• Downplaying successes, often feeling like they "don't count"
• Comparing yourself to others, especially in academic or professional settings
• Constantly seeking reassurance, yet never feeling it's enough
• Feeling undeserving of promotions, recognition, or praise

This experience isn't limited to high-powered careers or competitive environments. It affects people in all fields and at all stages—students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and caregivers. It can emerge during career transitions, after a promotion, when starting a new job, or when stepping into leadership roles.

Imposter syndrome is especially common among:

• First-generation college students or professionals
• People entering male- or female-dominated industries
• Perfectionists or those with high internal standards
• Individuals with childhood experiences of criticism, pressure, or conditional praise

Importantly, imposter syndrome is not a diagnosis—it's a pattern of thinking and feeling that can deeply impact your mental health, relationships, and career confidence. Left unaddressed, it can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or burnout.

But here's the good news: imposter syndrome is highly treatable.

Through therapy for imposter syndrome, you can learn to:

• Recognize and interrupt critical internal narratives
• Reconnect with your real strengths and accomplishments
• Redefine success on your own terms
• Accept praise and validation without guilt
• Build sustainable confidence—not just temporary performance

A career counselor, career therapist, or mental health professional with experience in work stress or self-esteem issues can provide powerful tools to help you break free from imposter syndrome. With support, you can stop surviving under pressure and start thriving with confidence.

Yes—and it's highly effective. While imposter syndrome isn't a formal diagnosis, it's often rooted in deeper emotional patterns like perfectionism, comparison, childhood expectations, or fear of failure.

Therapy for imposter syndrome can help you:

• Identify and reframe negative thought patterns
• Strengthen self-worth and self-trust
• Learn to internalize success without shame
• Build a healthier relationship with achievement

Both career therapists and general mental health therapists can address imposter syndrome. If your professional confidence is holding you back, you don't have to push through it alone—support is available.

Burnout isn't just feeling tired—it's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work. It can make you feel depleted, cynical, unmotivated, or even physically ill.

To prevent burnout:

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
• Build in regular rest and leisure—not just when you "earn it"
• Practice stress management tools like mindfulness or exercise
• Choose roles and environments that align with your energy and values
• Speak up when you're overwhelmed—don't wait for a crisis

Career counseling for adults often includes burnout prevention strategies as part of long-term career planning. Your work life should be sustainable—not a slow drain on your well-being.

Yes, and they can be incredibly helpful for professionals who are already experiencing burnout. Burnout recovery programs often include a blend of therapeutic support, career coaching, and wellness planning. These programs might be offered through:

• Work stress therapists or career therapists
• Retreats or workshops focused on healing and rebalancing
• Online coaching programs for professionals or caregivers
• Healthcare systems or EAP (Employee Assistance Programs)

Recovery from burnout takes time and support—but it's absolutely possible. A burnout recovery program can help you reconnect with purpose, regain energy, and rebuild a career on your own terms.

Feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure of your next step? You don't have to figure it out alone. Whether you're exploring options, planning a transition, or healing from work-related stress, finding the right career counselor or vocational therapist can make all the difference. Reach out today to explore career counseling, coaching, or therapy—and take the next step toward a career that supports the life you want.