Career Counselor in Eugene, Oregon
Kristina Bennett Cheney, MA, CCC
Schedule a Free ConsultationI have worked for 20 years as an Employment, Academic, and Career Counselor with a non-profit organization, community colleges, and my own business in Washington, Northern and Central California, and Oregon.
I was excited to open my own business over 10 years ago in California, then, in 2018, my family and I made a big move, and I now work as a Career Counselor in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon. I see clients individually on Zoom or in-person at my office near the 5th Street Market and also facilitate Career Development Workshops.
Qualifications
I am a Certified Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and have an MA in psychology, focused on career development. I can offer more benefits than a typical coach because in addition to career coaching, I provide counseling support that helps clients understand and change limiting beliefs, work through painful career-related experiences, and find the clarity and momentum to move forward. I also belong to a professional career counseling association and network that provides resources, industry information, and sets high standards that Certified Career Counselors are required to meet.
My Motivation
Ever since I was young, I have had a lot of empathy, and wanted to reduce people’s suffering. After experiencing confusion, pain, and suffering in my own career journey, I felt excited to focus my work on reducing career-related suffering by helping people share their gifts and talents with others. I have found, through my own and my clients’ experiences, that matching a person’s interests, talents, values, and current needs to their job is foremost a win for them, as they feel a sense of connection and purpose – who they are is valued – but also a win for their employer who won’t have to cope with turnover, as the person is much less likely to burn out. This win-win dynamic likely leads to friendly camaraderie and a more comfortable and fun work environment.
Career Counseling Tools and Resources
Wide Variety of Resources, Knowledge, and Processes
Information You Can Trust. Trustworthy career websites for assessments, detailed career information, articles, and professional guidelines, as well as a variety of career books and publications about changing careers, personality type, identity, obstacles like perfectionism, and more.
In-Depth Exploration. A favorite part of this work for me is supporting career exploration, and I offer a variety of assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the O*NET Interest Inventory, a Values Sort and Values Questions, SkillsScan, and True Colors to help you see and appreciate your unique attributes and strengths – which are then integrated into the dynamic counseling process which leads you to an inspiring, high-interest career that fits you well.
Free Writing and Creativity. Based on a client’s goals and interests, writing without editing yourself can help unlock fresh ideas, insight, and direction. In addition to writing, tapping into your right brain through art, creative expression, and visualization may break you out of habitual thinking and deliver new inspiration.
Work Identity Exploration. Our work is part of our identity. As you transition into a new career path, you may investigate new possibilities and try on a variety of identities along the way. This may look like finding a mentor, taking classes/workshops or a retreat, conducting research and interviews, volunteering or taking a part-time job in one or more new fields of interest.
Building a Bridge. Expertise to guide you in building a bridge to your new career goal, which may include adding to your work experience, skills, professional contacts, and/or education. Alternatively, you may just want to change jobs/employers versus entirely changing your career, and I can help support you to identify what you do and don’t want in your next job, repackage and update your application materials, and conduct a strategic job search.
Strategic Job Search. “Rubber-meets-the-road” job search tips and strategies to save time and increase employer responses, including resume and cover letter review and editing, tools for networking and targeting employers, resiliency through multiple income streams, and factoring in the job market.