How does my child’s career counselling happen?

A text by Natasa Ivanovska

Once they have made a counsellor choice, the parent needs to get their child in contact with the career counsellor and keep track of the interaction – negotiating meetings, helping the child come to meetings, listening to their reactions, etc. Now it’s time for your child to get some new insights and conclusions!

The first interaction with the counsellor must be done by the parent, either in person or talking to them on the phone in the first phase of looking for a counsellor. The next meeting is where the counsellor and child meet, and the consent paper is signed (for minors), by the parent. It’s good to ask the kid – How did you like the session, what did you think about the counsellor...and to follow their non verbal reactions, they’re just as important as what they’re saying. The child needs to feel free, great, empowered in the conversation with the counsellor, and as a parent we can see that during the first meeting (even though the kid might be shy, a good atmosphere should be visible)

The sessions of career counselling happen between the counsellor and client (child). They usually last an hour, they have a structure and flow according to the methodology of the counsellor.

The parent gets periodical info regarding the counselling process, and bulk info at the end of the whole process. All of the details, results, examinations etc. are shared by the child with their parent in the shape that they choose to share them in.

The child learns how to think about their future, to ask questions, to look for answersto look for information and opportunity...it develops a whole new skillset of working on one’s career.

The parent is encouraged to take interest in the whole process, to ask questions and show respect for the final choices of their kid, remaining in the position of a neutral supporter for the best possible solutions that the kid could find for themselves. The parent-child bond is strenghtened, along with the trust – those are the basics of a relationship that’s built in a whole new shape – a grown up kid that has the trust of their parent.

The parents can request a final meeting with the career counsellor, where they’ll ask anything they want to know, about the insights of the counselling or for themselves as parents who are involved in the decision.

The process of career counselling requires an active involvement of the child, the parent and the counsellor – an investment that’s worth making, for the future of the child who gets a clearer picture as to what their future is and how they want to make it come true.