Our Service
Career Counselling
Personalized Coaching, Personality Assessments, and Interest Testing.
Dr. Susan MacDonald Ph.D. Calgary Registered Psychologist
Career Coaching & Career Management Consulting
With extensive experience in both psychology and human resources, Dr. Susan MacDonald is your first choice in helping you on your road to success. Susan has a wealth of experience working with individuals and their careers across their lifespan. Whether you are looking to improve your personal life or career planning, Dr. MacDonald can assist you in finding solutions to better your life, both personally and professionally.
Work is an important part of our lives. Whether making a career decision for the first time, or later in life, professional coaching can help you find the job that is right for you. Career counselling will help you understand yourself, your strengths, personality, interests, and values. Career counselling offers you an understanding of the world of work, and how to find the best job for you in the Calgary market and beyond.
As well, Dr. Susan MacDonald has widespread experience in all areas of personal counselling. If you are going through any type of life change or transition, or difficulty such as anxiety, stress or depression for example, counselling is the proactive, effective way to get your life back on track.
Dr. MacDonald works with:
Fees can be reimbursed by your extended medical plan or health spending account
(and also through your partner’s plan).
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Fees can be reimbursed by your extended medical plan or health spending account
(and also through your partner’s plan).
Who I am:
I am a Registered Psychologist in Calgary who is passionate about helping people find the right career path. I have helped thousands of clients make career decisions with courage and confidence, and based upon solid rationale for why they are making the right choice.
What I do:
I operate from a short term, solution-focused, strengths-based approach. A first meeting is about an hour-long where I get to know you as an individual, and what you’ve done over your lifetime both in and out of work, as everything is interrelated. If you have any ideas on what you’d like to pursue, I’d love to hear them, and if not, then career counselling is the place to discover these answers. Next, I have you complete four tests online at your convenience. Then we get together for a second appointment which is two hours in length. This is where I interpret your testing for you, I tie the reports all together so it makes a big picture for you, and I link it to everything I learned about you as a person, so it makes perfect sense from your life and your perspective.
What sets me apart from other career counsellors in Calgary
- I have a PhD which involved a lot of research relating to careers.
- I have taught career theory at the graduate level to many students over the years.
- As a Registered Psychologist, you can submit your receipts for career counselling to your extended medical plan or health spending account (and to your partner’s plan too), and it is also a tax-deductible medical receipt on your income tax return.
- Many of my new clients are referred to me by former clients who were very happy with the counselling process.
- Also, with my training with personal issues, I am able to address all your concerns simultaneously.
Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does it usually take?
Typically 3-4 hours and 4 tests work really well for people. Some may benefit from more sessions if they require further clarity with their career decision, if they are looking at various educational routes, or need to overcome any obstacles standing in their way for their career success.
When should I consider career counselling?
There are many opportune times across your lifespan to consider career counselling. These include when you are in high school, when getting close to completing a college or university program, when feeling dissatisfied with your work, when getting laid off, when considering a career change, and when getting close to retirement.
Why is this type of coaching so important?
In Canada, the world of work has changed more quickly in the past few decades than in any other period in history. For the majority of people starting on a career path, many of the occupations they will hold over their lifetime haven’t even been invented yet due to changes in technology, demographics, and globalization. Given that job hunting has become more complex than ever before, consulting with a professional is more important than ever.
Can you direct bill for insurance?
Most insurance company health plans have you submit your receipt for payment. And most are quick to reimburse you, so often you’ve been repaid before your credit card is due (if paying by credit card.)
How much does career counselling cost?
Testing is $100 each, and fees are $220 an hour. The overall cost of career counselling is generally less than the cost of one course. It is truly a great investment in your future.
More Information: Calgary Career Counselling Costs
What types of payment do you take?
You may pay by cash, cheque, credit, debit, or e-transfer. A receipt is issued for reimbursement through your insurance.
What testing tools do you use?
The four tests I use are career personality, career interests, career values, and career conflict scales. All have high validity and reliability, and provide a wealth of information.
What does career counselling do for people?
Career counselling is a very positive, enlightening, and empowering experience for people. It helps people make sense of why things aren’t working for them, and what would be a better fit. It improves people’s confidence in their decision-making abilities, and offers goals with a plan of action moving forward. The self-awareness that comes from career counselling helps not only with career choice, but can enhance all aspects of one’s life.
Assessment & Testing
Dr. MacDonald can help you…
- choose a career for the first time
- make a career change
- gain confidence in your career preference
- develop strategies to improve your current career achievements
- decide whether to go back to school, and guide you if you’re unsure what to take
- look at retiring from one career, and choosing another
- understand your career strengths and areas to develop
- return to the workforce after a job leave
- understand yourself as it relates to career success
- get the right career in the right company
- enhance career development as well as personal development
- decide if self-employment or starting a business is right for you
- create professional resumes and cover letters
- feel confident during job interviews
- choose the right service provider
- learn to calm your mind
- move forward from a disability
- with advice regarding higher education
- with mental health concerns
- workplace issues
Dr. Susan MacDonald Ph.D.
Some people ask me how I became interested in helping people find the career path that’s right for them. Like so many people, I found myself in a career that didn’t seem right for me. Work seemed like a struggle, and I found my work uninteresting and uninspiring. I knew I needed to make a change, but was unsure what to do, or which direction to head. I attended a workshop, which involved career testing, and a series of exercises to interpret my test results. What I discovered wasn’t something new, but really reaffirmed who I was as a person, and the steps I needed to take to utilize my talents to the fullest. Thus I began my journey to become a psychologist, which is where I happily find myself today. I feel fulfilled and completed by the work I do, and the people I help.
My Calgary Career Counselling Clients
My clients have literally ranged in age from 16 and 66. It is not uncommon for people to change careers at any time over their lifespan, and it makes a lot of sense to seek professional help when making such an important life decision. Clients find the process to be a validating and positive experience, which helps to eliminate doubts and obstacles that stand in their way. If you or someone you know is considering making a career decision for the first or last time, or anywhere else in between, I highly recommend career counselling to help you on your way to success.
Career Testing Measures – Personality Testing – Career Interest Inventory – Career Values Scale
The job market in Calgary is strong, and career coaching can help you to take maximum advantage of many amazing opportunities. Dr. Susan MacDonald can help with your entire counselling needs. Choosing a career can be an overwhelming task, and she can help you move from confusion to clarity. Understanding who you are can be accomplished through testing, so you know your personality, interests, and values that will fit with your best career possible.
Dr. MacDonald can help you discover how to best target the exciting job market in Calgary, and will prepare you for lifelong career success. Investing time with a psychologist who is passionate about helping people find their career passions will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Call today to learn more about what career counselling can do for you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Fees can be reimbursed by your extended medical plan or health spending account (and also through your partner’s plan).