Note to Parents

Dear Parent or Guardian,

I know you want the best for your child. I know you want them to be happy and fulfilled in their lives. I know you want them to find work they'll enjoy, and to move confidently into the world.

I also know this time can be stressful for both of you. As a parent, it's hard to watch your child feel confused or anxious about the future. You want to help them avoid the potholes and pitfalls, and take some of the pressure off.

Though I may not know your child yet, I want all of these things too.

In my 20+ years as a career counsellor, I have helped hundreds of young people take their next step. And in all that time, one thing has held true: the young people who do well are the ones who choose a path that fits them.

When a young person's work suits their interests, personality and strengths, they're more engaged. They get better at what they do, they keep learning, and they keep growing. Over the long run, that's what leads to confidence, opportunity, and a good living.

That's why my process is built around your child taking the lead. They are my client, and the work is theirs to do: exploring who they are, what interests them, and where that might take them.

After our first meeting, sessions are one-on-one with your child. This gives them room to think out loud, try ideas on, and talk things through at their own pace.

That said, I'd love your help with this. You know your child better than anyone, and your perspective is a big part of how I get to know them.

I'll invite you to join us for the first meeting. This is where I ask you to tell me about your child from when they were a toddler to the present day: What have their consistent interests been? What are they drawn to? What are their unique strengths? Parents almost always remember things their child would never think to mention.

At the end of our work together, you'll receive a written report that outlines what we found and where things are headed. I encourage you to read it, and I'm happy to answer any questions it raises.

Where this leads is different for every young person. Over the years, my clients have gone into the arts, science, business, healthcare, the trades and just about everything in between. They've gotten there through university, college and apprenticeships alike. All of these can lead to a good life. What matters is the match between the person and the path.

I also want to reassure you that the goal is a clear, confident next step. Some programs lead straight to a specific job. Many others build a strong foundation that can go in several directions. Either way, direction tends to come into focus as young people learn more about themselves and the world. And when that first step is a good fit, it builds confidence and momentum, which makes the next step clearer.

One more thing worth knowing: this process asks a fair amount of your child. It involves a lot of talking and self-reflection, and it works best when they're actively thinking about their future and willing to dig in. Many young people are ready for this at 16 or 17. Others aren't ready for another year or two, and that's completely normal. It's very individual.

If you're not sure whether your child is ready, we can talk it through in a free consultation. It's also a chance for you to ask questions, learn more about how I work, and get a feel for whether this is the right fit for your family.

My hope is that, by the end of our work together, both of you come away feeling more settled about what comes next.

If you'd like to talk, please click below to book a free 20-minute consultation. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have.

Rebecca