There are lots of career coaches out there, why would I choose The Career Psychologist?
First and foremost, values. This means that as psychologists we put integrity above all else, and ensure that all of our services are evidence-based. This is important as if you want to change your life, you want to work with people who understand human behaviour in depth and who use frameworks which have been proven to work.
In addition, this is a company which is based on experience. This means that whoever you meet at The Career Psychologist has excelled in their own area of expertise as a psychologist and abides by the ethics of the British Psychological Society. But we have also all undergone our own career change and that makes a difference because we see The Career Psychologist as a calling.
If we can help other people to find their best direction we know we can make a small but significant dent in the universe. This matters to us a lot.
How much do your services cost?
I have provided cost details for career services here. Organisational services are priced on request.
How long does the career change / career decision making process take?
Anything from one off sessions to a 12 month career change processes.
In general my career change plans are designed to help you think differently about yourself and your career. This takes time and effort. I would estimate that each step of the career change process takes a month, on average perhaps 5 weeks. But once that work has been done, clients have the knowledge that they did all the ‘due diligence’ they could possibly do and they made the decision that was the best they could have made at the time.
How many sessions does the carer change process take?
It depends, but the average is probably 4. That’s why I have two packages which offer 4 sessions. I also offer cheaper session rates for those booking 5 coaching sessions or more – available on application.
Do you use psychometric tests to match me to my ideal job?
Yes….and no. I do use psychometric tests, but I do not believe in matching people to an ideal job. In fact I don’t really believe in an ideal job. Psychometrics are useful but you have to be careful with them. The good ones are reliable and valid. Reliable means if you do a test at two different times the results wil be similar. (Otherwise you are just measuring mood, which is less useful). Valid means the test can predict real world outcomes. For example, extraversion is a known predictor of sales performance.
However, we have to be very careful about this way of thinking. Firstly, personality cannot capture the whole essence of a human being. You are not a ‘type’. Second, personality is contextual, not absolute. A strength in one context is a weakness in another. Finally, jobs are very complex. It is easy to find introvert sales people and extravert librarians.
The other unavoidable flaw with these career tests is that they’re based on backward-looking data, and can only cope with the major career types. Because of this, they can’t recommend new careers, nor do they know about less well-known careers. They are just as likely to keep you trappd as they are to open new avenues.
This is why I use psychometrics only as a way of starting a conversation…
How are you different from other coaches?
Three possible ways:
Firstly, I’m a Chartered Occupational Psychologist whch means I only use interventions and tests which have solid evidence behind them. I have been taught how to understand and work with human behaviour.
Second, I still work in the real world, helping organisations manage their talent. This means I do more than just career change, which I think is important because I have a good handle on the employer perspective and what they need.
Finally, I have been there myself. I made an incredibly difficult transition from management consultant to psychologist and have faced (and still live with) many demons along the way. I know what it’s like for work to lack meaning. I know what it’s like to be stuck. I really care about this issue and I find that makes a difference with my clients.
Why would I need a psychologist?
Psychology is the science of human behaviour. It is the study of why we do what we do. As such, it’s not useful only for working out what’s wrong with us, but what’s right with us. It can be useful to help us understand what’s really going on.
The process of uncovering your best career direction is a journey. Along the way there’ll be a lot of challenges, many of which will be practical but many of which will be psychological. I can help you cope with both.
What’s the first step?
If you feel that I might be able to help, the best thing is to either meet or have a chat over the phone about your exact situation. This also gives you the chance to ask any specific questions you may have. If after that we think we could work together, I will make a proposal based around your requirements.
If you have any other questions just let me know: rob@thecareerpsychologist.com