Career counseling

[Sanity Claws]

I'm stuck for ideas on how to change my career so I've signed up for career counseling. Does anyone have experience with career counseling? And for those in the Seattle area, what do you think of Centerpoint, where I signed up for career counseling?

[CBHagman]

1. Yeah, I'm trying to do very targeted counseling.

Many years ago, I took all kinds of interest surveys, went to community workshops, and made use of university career centers.

Now I've found a career counselor through the recommendation of a job coach (someone I definitely couldn't afford) and have been doing "homework" to revive my job search. We've been focusing on actual skills, values, resume writing, and networking.

I'd recommend it as long as you are entirely up front and clear about what you want from the counselor and what you are willing to do. I needed to be confronted with what skills I had, which I actually wanted to use, and which I wanted to develop. I'm also learning the ropes on networking (not that I haven't done any before now, but it's still an uphill climb).

See if you can get a feel for how the counselor works and what sort of testing, services, and guidance he/she offers. I really hope you get a good fit. :hi:

If you need to try someone else, that's all right, too -- just so long as you get someone who is suited to your particular needs.

[Sanity Claws]

2. Thank you for responding

I see you responded to this message and another thread I posted. Thanks. I've gone through three sessions of counseling and it was helpful in getting me to talk about what I want in my next career. I think this is about as far as I can take it with this particular counselor.
As for the tests, I took them several years ago and both Meyers Briggs and the Inventory of Interests indicated that I was in a very suitable career. I think that is why I stopped looking for career change years ago, even though it didn't feel right. In light of my experience, I don't put much weight on the tests. It seems as though they worked for you.