Photo of Gavin Ryan Shafron, PhD, Psychologist
Gavin Ryan Shafron
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Especially for some of the most successful among us, we can hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance in all areas. Sometimes we may feel that we're supposed to have all the answers to the challenges life throws our way, even when that isn’t always possible. An achievement focus can come at the expense of other areas of our lives. I see therapy as a collaborative experience. I work with individuals and couples to help unlock what holds them back to gain an understanding of how our histories shape our present, while building a foundation of skills in the here-in-now to promote healing and a future that is self-defined.
Especially for some of the most successful among us, we can hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance in all areas. Sometimes we may feel that we're supposed to have all the answers to the challenges life throws our way, even when that isn’t always possible. An achievement focus can come at the expense of other areas of our lives. I see therapy as a collaborative experience. I work with individuals and couples to help unlock what holds them back to gain an understanding of how our histories shape our present, while building a foundation of skills in the here-in-now to promote healing and a future that is self-defined.
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Career Counseling Therapists

How do I know if I need career counseling?

Determining whether a career counselor is needed involves assessing one's current career and identifying what changes can be made to improve one's overall quality of life. In particular, feelings of loss of motivation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, procrastination, or ongoing levels of high stress can all be indicative of a need for career-related counseling. In addition, individuals changing jobs may want the decision-making support or self-reflection opportunities provided by a career counselor.

Who can benefit from career counseling?

Anyone can benefit from the self-reflection, skill development, and stress management techniques that career counseling can provide. However, individuals who are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out with their current job and individuals considering a major career change may particularly benefit from career counseling to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, individuals who are facing issues in their current job, such as coworker relationship challenges or not meeting performance goals, may benefit from the perspective that a career counselor can provide. College-age or young professionals may also uniquely benefit from career counseling as they make key decisions surrounding education and job training that will impact their career trajectory.

How long does career counseling typically last?

The length of career counseling can vary greatly depending on the needs of the individual and what type of support they are seeking. Career coaching or advising services—which serve clients in a specific, goal-oriented capacity—often last for a shorter duration and are sometimes only a single session or a few sessions in length. In contrast, career counseling as part of a more integrative therapeutic relationship with a counselor may last longer, particularly if the issues faced by the client are longstanding and/or more complex in nature; in such cases, individuals may expect therapy to last multiple months or longer.

How to prepare for career counseling?

Clients can prepare for career counseling sessions by outlining the specific topics they would like to address with the counselor, such as current job challenges or hopes for the future of their career. Compiling one's thoughts on such topics often requires reflection on one's career and future goals, which in itself can be beneficial for session preparation. Clients may also want to put together a list of questions they would like to ask the counselor, particularly if the career counselor they are seeing has particular expertise in a given career area. Conducting research into potential future jobs, training opportunities, or support resources in one's area may also help clients prepare for career counseling by providing them with a background of what resources are available in their area.