By Lenka Pitonakova, PhD, RPC-C
Tech career counselling
A workplace in the tech industry can immensely inspire and be a source of energy to achieve was was thought as impossible yesterday. At the same time, there are certain challenges unique to this work environment.Call (672) 203-0140 or book here for a free 15-minute intro call.
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You may find yourself struggling with, among other things, competition among colleagues, difficult managers with unrealistic expectations and poor people skills, trying to fit in,
keeping up with technology trends and increasing demands for productivity.
I have worked in the tech industry in Vancouver and in Europe since 2009 as a developer, a team lead, a mentor and a tutor. Through my experience, I've developed a strong
passion for helping others with their career and their dreams.
As a counsellor and a tech professional in one, I go beyond what's considered standard career counselling by focusing on industry-specific skills as well as therapeutic intervention in the following areas:
As a counsellor and a tech professional in one, I go beyond what's considered standard career counselling by focusing on industry-specific skills as well as therapeutic intervention in the following areas:
- Burnout syndrome, chronic stress and anxiety
- Disruptive self-criticism and the Imposter syndrome
- Communication and boundary setting with colleagues and managers
- Career development and career change strategies
- Transferrable skills development: Requirement analysis, problem solving, planning, collaboration
- Crafting of resumes and work portfolios
Theoretical orientation
It is my strong belief that our career and volunteering work complete us as individuals as well as community members and that they bring significant meaning to our lives.
However, this can only be true when we do what fits us and when we can fully express ourselves through our work.
I use an integrated approach that combines rationale from the psychodynamic, humanistic, existentialist and Gestalt counselling approaches.
I combine this with career counselling approaches including Holland's Theory of
Vocational Personalities,
Gottfredson's Theory of Circumscription and Compromise,
Social Cognitive Career Theory and Psychology of Work Theory.
In our sessions, we will explore how your early development and past experiences shaped your career persona and how you form emotions, think and behave in your current work environment as a result.
Practical approach
Similarly to the practical approach I take during counselling therapy, I combine a variety of techniques to deliver goal-focused career counselling.
I will begin by assessing your career values and preferences using tools such as the Holland Code RIASEC Test and the Work Importance Locator. I will then apply techniques including Motivational Interviewing, Reframing, Empty Chair, Behavioural Rehearsal and others to help you problem-solve, reduce stress, develop new transferrable skills and make informed decisions about your next career steps or a career change.
Through compassion and encouragement, my goal is to guide you in finding a balance between your values, interests and practical socio-economic considerations.
