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Sender:  Mark

Is this Career Counseling?

Hi Chip, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I had to finish the draft of my resume. I have a few leads that I need to send it out to in the very near future.

I have some questions about what happens next. When we meet again what do we discuss? Do we focus on career devolvement and such? I am not really sure of what my expectations are, or what you truly do to help in my career. I know that sounds strange, but it was a question that I forgot to ask. What direction do you usually take from here?

Sorry for any confusion that this may have caused. I would like to continue, but I just need to know the next steps. I would like to determine a goal for myself in regards to my career.

Thank you for your time.

Dear Mark,

I'm glad you wrote. I have a few minutes, so I'll just jot some of my thoughts here and have you decide where you want things to go.

I enjoyed talking with you. You are a very personable man, and this is a fantastic skill of yours - to be able to join, talk, relax and be yourself. A lot of people have difficulty with this. You don't seem to. (read: you have a skill here!)

The way I would hope things would go (or better, how I can help you) is that we use the time for you to explore with me what you hope to do with your life. It's a little bit like therapy and it's a little bit like coaching.

I have the feeling you are ambivalent about your job search. I get the feeling you don't really want to go back to food service. If you did, I suspect you would have already found a job and would not be coming to see me.

What we do together is: dedicate time each week for a finite period - say 8 weeks - and really focus on you and what you want. Once this is determined we work backwards - and find a reasonable plan. Then I work with you as you work through your plan - encourage you when you need it, problem solve with you when you are stuck or come against barriers, and then we refine the process - because you will find as you go and as things unfold - more information and more of your experience will be uncovered - this is all important information and directly contributes to your direction, your learning, your unfolding.

I'm not sure how this sounds to you, but this (what I've tried to explain above) is basically how I work best with folks. You see, it really comes down to what you really hope for. I think life is precious - and that we all have things to do in this world. When we're on the wrong track (even if it is practical and it sort of works), you feel it drag you down. My job is to encourage you through a process that makes you feel back in control of your life. It takes a little while - but it always worth the effort. I coach you along. Don't be discouraged. This is a difficult process for all of us.

So I hope this explains things a bit better. Is this what you are up for? If so I'm happy to continue on. If you have a different idea about how to go, I'd like to hear it. Perhaps I can help with that. If not, I will certainly tell you. The last thing I want is someone who is dissatisfied. As you can hear, I'm not a traditional "career" counselor - but I am a counselor that helps you uncover yourself so that your career direction is apparent.

Thanks for the email and resume. Look forward to hearing from you so that we can decide if we're a good match.

Chip Bradish, LMHC

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