What career path do I take?

Making a choice about career is a hard one- but if we can understand ourselves better, it makes the decision a lot easier.

We will probably all change our career direction a few times in our lives; well that is what the statistics say!

I started out with doing a Science Degree – not dreaming about ever becoming a Psychologist! They didn’t even have psychology as a subject when I went to high school. Yet during my Science Degree I learned to question the natural world and explore it further. I discovered that I loved learning, I loved the scientific approach and I loved philosophy of science.

The fact is – that to understand what career will suit us best; we need to know ourselves better.

When I was in primary school I wanted to be a Vet or a Lawyer. I had no idea at all what a Lawyer did – but thought it sounded pretty cool! After working in an office during my summer holidays, I knew I could never work in an office administration position. It just wasn’t for me, but others loved it. I also taught swimming during Uni and that was great! I discovered my love of teaching and my love of children – so I tried school teaching. I enjoyed the interaction with students and the creative side of lesson planning, but once I had taught the material, I was ready for a new challenge. I also couldn’t stand the politics or the marking- URRRR!!! Finally I decided to become a Psychologist, completing a master’s degree in Educational Psychology.  I haven’t looked back – I had found a job that I really loved!

So what direction is best when making a career choice? And who can help?

Career assessments help understand individual job preferences.  They also help to discover areas of job preference and interest.  Career Counselling is often beneficial for young people, for they can talk about various careers openly and explore various options in a safe and supportive environment.

It is also important to talk with as many people as possible about jobs and how they came to work where they are working. Talk with friends, family and teachers – they can all help guide a young person.

My philosophy with career is the follow a path with heart. What on earth does that mean? It simply means follow the path where your heart leads you.  We need to make sure that our career is connected with our true values. That way – we are doing something we really love and we are more likely to feel satisfied.

What matters is simple. We must make certain that our path is connected with our heart………When we ask, “Am l following a path with heart?” we discover that no one can define for us exactly what our path should be. Instead, we must allow the mystery and beauty of this question to resonate within our being. Then somewhere within us an answer will come and understanding will arise. If we are still and listen deeply, even for a moment, we will know if we are following a path with heart. - Jack Kornfield.

School Psychology Services offers both career assessment and career counselling for young people over 14 years of age.

Don't Let VCE Stress get to you!

Stress and anxiety affect most of us from time to time.

Stress and anxiety during VCE is to be expected. Often young people put pressure on themselves to achieve. Parents and school expectations are also factors that contribute to rising stress levels in young people.

It is important to have some stress and anxiety about the approaching end of year VCE exams; otherwise no one would do any study! However, too much stress and anxiety leads to feelings of hopelessness, excessive anxiety and even depression.

Getting professional help to manage thoughts and emotions is sometimes helpful for young people.

Some quick stress release tips for VCE Students:

• Find some positive quotes and print them out and stick them on your wall or on the front of your folder.
• Write down everything good and wonderful in your life right now!
• Go for a walk and be in the moment – smell the roses, look at the colour of the leaves on the tress, look for the first signs of spring.
• Doing something you really enjoy, then make a list of things you really enjoy and do one each day for a week!
• Take a whole minute to eat a tiny square of chocolate.
• Find an inspirational song and listen to it when you feel a little uptight.
• Buy yourself a stress ball and squeeze it!
• Take time out from study each day to look at your goals and focus on your dreams!
• Play sport or do some strenuous physical activity.
• Take a bath or a shower.

Always focus on the positive and what you have achieved so far. If you are completing a VCE subject you are in your final years of high school – how wonderful! You have the rest of your life ahead of you and what potential each of us have for a truly wonderful future!

School Psychology Services enjoy working with young people to help them reach their full potential. If you would like to seek professional help for VCE Stress or anxiety, contact Deborah Jepsen.

Also ask about our Life Coaching for VCE Success. We have a 10 week program designed to help VCE students refine their study skills, learn specific study skills and reach their potential!

Girls love to talk!

A recent Stony Brook University study has found that too much talk about their problems may lead middle school-aged girls into more depressive symptoms (Scientific America Mind, July/August 2009).

Girls tend to co-ruminate about their problems – they spend their time dwelling on problems. This often leads them to feel sad and hopeless about situations and these problems remain the centre of their attention. While talking and sharing with others may promote healthy relationships with peers, it can also lead to more depressive symptoms.

Girls tend to analyse and discuss their problems.  This often leads to a negative thought cycle. Often their peers are uncertain of what advice to give to their friends and they simply talk about an issue, rather than find constructive solutions.

Skilled psychologist and counsellors play an important part, especially with teenage girls as they can help these young people develop coping strategies, look at different options and perspectives, and help re-frame dysfunctional thing patterns and styles.  It is important for young people to talk about their problems, but talking with a skilled professional is essential.

School Psychology Services provides expert counselling to help young people manage their problems and develop positive coping skills to manage everyday life. Navigating through the teenage years is difficult, however with support and counselling you can have wind in your sails to make the journey a little easier!