Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful details about how it works,
who it’s for, and what’s included.
Program Overview
Who is this program for?
The Career Design Method™ is for high school and university students (typically ages 16-22) who are exploring what’s next.
Some are choosing post-secondary programs, others are considering gap years, trades, or direct-to-work paths.
Whether students feel stuck, unsure, or simply want clarity, this structured five session program offers support for meaningful direction.
Delivered through The Career Design Studio™, The Career Design Method™ provides a proven framework for students to move forward with confidence.
What’s included in the program?
Five 60 minute one-on-one Career Design Sessions (held via Zoom)
MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®) and Strong Interest Inventory® assessments, with official PDF reports
Personalized Career Identity Report™ summarizing students’ Career Fit Themes™, Career Identity Statements™, and aligned pathways
Curated planning tools, including worksheets for reflection, exploration, and next-step planning
Optional parent consults:
Complimentary 30 minute session (with student consent) available at the end of the program to review the Career Identity Report™ and key takeaways. Must be booked within one month of the final session.
Paid 60 minute add-on consult ($200 CAD + GST, with student consent) available within six months of the final program session for additional depth, updated discussions, or if the included consult was not booked.
Follow-up support: One check-in email within two weeks of the final session to ensure students leave feeling clear and supported.
Sessions are typically spaced one to two weeks apart, depending on homework and preparation time.
Full program details are outlined on the How It Works page.
What if students don’t know what they want to do?
That’s exactly the point of this process.
Many students begin with no clear direction — and that’s completely normal.
The Career Design Method™ is designed to help them sort through their interests and strengths, whether they’re starting from scratch or deciding between options.
Will students leave the program knowing exactly which career path to pursue?
Not always — and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to deliver a single “final answer,” but to give students the tools and perspective they need to make strong decisions.
Some finish with a clear choice, while others leave with a shortlist of aligned options Both outcomes are valuable: what matters is that students finish with a framework to navigate choices now and in the future.
Is this a coaching program or counselling?
The Career Design Method™ is a consulting program — not therapy or counselling.
While it is designed and delivered by a clinical counsellor with extensive experience supporting youth and young adults, it is not offered under a mental health designation. The focus is on structured career exploration and decision-making, not the treatment of mental health concerns.
If therapeutic support is needed, we’re happy to provide referrals.
How is this different from career counselling?
Career counselling is typically offered session by session, sometimes covered under extended health benefits, and often focused on the student’s immediate needs.
The Career Design Method™ is different: it’s a private-pay, stand-alone program built around a five session framework with clear milestones and deliverables. Students complete two trusted assessments (MBTI® and Strong Interest Inventory®) and receive a personalized Career Identity Report™ — tools that go beyond what most general counselling sessions include.
This structured, time-limited approach ensures students leave with focus, direction, and a concrete plan, rather than ongoing open-ended sessions.
Is this program suitable for students with anxiety, ADHD, or learning differences?
Yes. Many students who experience anxiety, attention challenges, or learning differences benefit from the structure, pacing, and personalization of this process.
That said, The Career Design Method™ is not a therapeutic program — it is designed to support confidence and career direction. If mental health treatment is needed alongside, we’re happy to provide referrals.
What if we are dissatisfied with the program?
The Career Design Method™ is a personalized consulting program designed to support insight and direction through structured tools and expert guidance.
Most students experience a strong sense of progress and increased confidence, though results will vary depending on each student’s engagement and starting point.
Because space is limited and preparation is personalized, we do not offer outcome-based guarantees, and the program is non-refundable.
If you’re unsure whether this is the right fit, we recommend booking a free consult to ask questions and get a clear sense of what to expect before enrolling.
Pricing and Payment
What does the full program cost?
The full program fee is $2,100 CAD plus GST, due 48 hours before the first session.
This fee covers the entire five session program, including all assessments, reports, worksheets, and built-in parent and follow-up support. See Program Overview for more details.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment is accepted by credit card through our secure booking system.
E-transfer is available upon request.
Full payment must be received at least 48 hours before the first session to confirm your booking. Otherwise, the session will be cancelled and must be rescheduled.
Is this program covered under insurance?
No. The Career Design Method™ is a private-pay consulting program, separate from therapy or counselling services, and therefore not eligible for extended health coverage or insurance reimbursement.
Are payments refundable?
Payments are non-refundable. Because space is limited and each program is personalized, this policy protects the time and preparation reserved for your student.
If you’re unsure whether this is the right fit, we encourage booking a free consult before enrolling.
Details about rescheduling, session forfeits, and optional make-up sessions are outlined in the Booking section.
Booking
How do we book the sessions?
Once payment is received, enrollment is confirmed and you’ll receive a private booking link for the first Career Design session.
After Session 1, you’ll use a separate booking link for Sessions 2-5. These sessions are booked one at a time, with recommended spacing (1-2 weeks) confirmed at the end of each session. This ensures enough time for homework, reflection, and consultant preparation.
What if we need to reschedule a session?
We understand that life happens. Sessions may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice.
If a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice or missed entirely, it will be forfeited and cannot be made up.
One optional paid make-up session is available ($200 CAD + GST) if a session is missed or late-cancelled. Only one make-up session is permitted per student.
If more than one session is missed or late-cancelled, the program may be discontinued without refund.
This policy helps us respect your consultant’s time, maintain access for other students, and ensure each session is fully prepared in advance. If something unexpected arises, please reach out — we’ll do our best to help your student stay on track.
How long do we have to complete the program?
All five sessions of The Career Design Method™ must be completed within three months of your first session.
Most students finish within six to eighte weeks, but the three month window provides flexibility around school schedules, vacations, or unexpected events. Short pauses (e.g., for holidays or travel) are fine, as long as the full program is completed within this timeframe.
What if something comes up and we can’t finish within the three months?
We understand that life can be unpredictable.
If your student experiences a serious disruption — such as illness, a family emergency, or another exceptional circumstance — please reach out. A short extension may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Extensions are not guaranteed and are reserved for significant, documented situations to keep the program focused and timely.
Can we book just one session instead of the full program?
No. The Career Design Method™ is only offered as a complete five session program.
This ensures a clear, structured path and meaningful outcomes. If you’re looking for a different kind of support, we’re happy to provide a referral.
Support and Communication
How does support work between sessions?
Support is built into the structure of the program. Your student will leave each session with clear next steps, guided tools, and planning prompts to keep them moving forward. If questions come up between sessions, they can be brought to the next meeting.
The Career Design Method™ isn’t designed for ongoing email communication between sessions. Instead, the program emphasizes structured meetings and encourages students to take ownership of their next steps with the tools provided. This approach helps build independence and resourcefulness — skills that are essential for success in post-secondary and professional environments.
How are parents involved in the program?
The process is student-led, but there are structured opportunities for parent involvement for those who wish to take part:
Initial consult: Parents are welcome to join the free 20 minute consult.
End-of-program consult: At the end of the program, parents may request a complimentary 30 minute parent consult (with student consent) to review the Career Identity Report™ and key takeaways. This must be booked within one month of the final session.
Add-on consults: For parents who want more in-depth discussion, or if the complimentary consult wasn’t booked within the one month window, a paid 60 minute parent consult ($200 CAD + GST, with student consent) is available within six months of program completion.
Can you speak with my student’s therapist, school counsellor, teacher, or support team?
Outside communication is not included as a standard part of the program. However, we’re happy to collaborate if your student would benefit from additional coordination.
If your student requests it, they can provide written consent for a brief phone or email exchange with a specific support person.
Will you check in after the program ends?
The Career Design Method™ includes one follow-up email within two weeks of the final session. This ensures students have a chance to ask final questions, confirm next steps, and feel supported as they move forward.
If more support is wanted, optional paid add-on sessions are available within six months of program completion. Many students choose to check in again before a new school year, application season, or major decision point.
Post-Secondary Planning and Applications
Can this program help with choosing the right post-secondary path?
Yes. A core goal of The Career Design Method™ is to help students clarify their next step in education or training. For many, this means identifying post-secondary programs that fit their interests, strengths, and goals. For others, it may involve exploring trades, gap years, or direct-to-work pathways, with the option of returning to post-secondary later if it becomes the right fit.
Do you help with university and college applications, including narrowing down program options?
Application services are not within the scope of The Career Design Method™.
As a part of the program, however, we can help your student narrow down potential program options and clarify their direction using their Career Identity Report™ and Career Confidence Plan™. This may include exploring the pros and cons of different pathways (such as university, college, trades, or gap years) and identifying programs that align with their strengths, interests, and goals.
For detailed application editing, essay feedback, or admissions strategy, The Career Design Studio™ can connect you with trusted consultants who specialize in this work.
Do you support scholarship planning, personal statements, or essay review?
No. Scholarship planning, essay coaching, and personal statement review are not included in The Career Design Method™. The focus is on career direction and pathway alignment, not application writing or editing.
If your student needs that level of support, The Career Design Studio™ can connect you with trusted consultants who specialize in admissions or scholarships.
Can you guide us on program selection, deadlines, or school-specific requirements?
Yes — within the scope of The Career Design Method™. Using the Career Identity Report™ and Career Confidence Plan™, we help students identify aligned programs and clarify their direction.
Since every school has unique deadlines and requirements, students are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in the program as they research the exact details for their chosen schools. While we don’t track or manage deadlines, the process provides a clear framework so students know what to look for and how to move forward with confidence.
How many schools should my student apply to?
There’s no single right number. Most students apply to four to eight schools, depending on their goals and resources. We encourage building a balanced list that includes reach, match, and safety options.
What if my student is applying to schools in the U.S. or abroad?
While The Career Design Method™ does not cover country-specific admissions requirements, the program can still support students who are exploring options outside of Canada.
Our role is to help clarify priorities and identify the academic environments that best fit their goals.
For country-specific deadlines, testing requirements, or admissions processes, The Career Design Studio™ can connect you with trusted consultants who specialize in this work.
Can we book extra support for applications after the program ends?
Yes. While application services are not part of the core program, you’re welcome to book a 60 minute add-on session ($200 CAD + GST) for higher-level guidance on program fit or refining direction.
For detailed editing or admissions strategy, The Career Design Studio™ can connect you with trusted consultants.
Extras and Add-ons
Are there any extras or add-on services available?
Yes. While the core program includes five structured sessions, you can add extra support if needed. Examples include:
Post-program student session: A 60 minute follow-up for career check-ins, decision-making support, or planning next steps.
Parent consult add-on: A 60 minute parent-only session separate from the included end-of-program consult.
These services are billed at $200 CAD + GST per 60 minute session, and available for up to six months after program completion (student or parent, with student consent).
For application-specific services, see Post-Secondary Planning and Applications.
Location and Eligibility
Do you work with international students?
Yes. The Career Design Method™ is available to students across Canada and internationally. Because sessions are delivered virtually in English, there are no geographic restrictions.
While the program is most familiar with the Canadian post-secondary system, the tools, assessments, and process apply globally.
For students exploring schools outside of Canada, the program can support clarification of career direction, values, and motivators, and connect students with trusted advisors for country-specific admissions or visa requirements.
Is there an age requirement for this program?
The Career Design Method™ is designed for students ages 16-22, including those in Grade 11, Grade 12, or currently enrolled in college or university.
This age range aligns with the program’s focus on career identity, post-secondary planning, and decision-making support during high school and early adulthood.
If you’re slightly outside this age range and feel the program may be a fit, you’re welcome to book a free consult to discuss your goals.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
No. All sessions are held virtually via Zoom. This ensures greater flexibility and makes it possible to support students across Canada and internationally.
What if we’re in a different time zone?
That’s no problem. When you book, the available session times will be displayed in your own local time zone. Please note that our schedule is based on Pacific Time (PT), so your appointments will be aligned with PT time even as you’re viewing them locally.
Have more questions?
Book a free 20 minute consult.
We’ll walk you through the program and answer anything specific to your student’s situation.