Whether you work to live or live to work, change is inevitable. Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed or dissatisfied in your current situation, or you feel like you’re not reaching your full potential. Or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. Career development is a life long process, especially now that change is the new black thanks to rapidly changing technology like AI and global trading relationships. Most people tend to focus on probabilities and preferences when they think about work, and they often overlook possibilities. Career counselling can help you identify what is possible in relation to today’s labour market. Career counselling can also help you develop career skills so that you make decisions about what matters to you, as well as recognize and capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.
Barbara has extensive experience working with adolescents, young adults, in terms of education planning and career development. Career counselling can be an effective mental health intervention because anxiety, depression, trauma and other concerns affect work and work affects mental health. The goal is to assist you with considering your needs and your goals, both personally and professionally, which will hopefully create more meaning in your life so you can experience a greater sense of fulfillment. Barbara used to teach career counselling at the University of British Columbia and was on the executive of the Career Counsellor’s Chapter for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. She also has considerable experience in working with adults cope with difficult work environments as well as making career transitions.
Employers rate creativity as an essential skill today, so Barbara utilizes creative approaches in career counselling. She will work with you to find an approach that suits your needs and strengths. For individuals thinking about making a transition, whether it’s to a new job, seeking post-secondary, education, or moving towards retirement, Barbara offers formal and informal career assessment as well as counselling and coaching to aid you in growing a career in the way that helps you meet your professional and personal goals.
Barbara taught Career Counselling at The University of British Columbia, and she is known for her emphasis on creativity in career development and counselling. She was a member of the Executive of the Career Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has several publications on career development and assessment.