Personal Statement
I love my work as a career consultant and psychotherapist – I am passionate about helping people find fulfillment, meaning, happiness and joy in their careers and lives.
More than fifteen years ago, I was unhappy in my career choice and made the tough decision to change careers and become a career consultant and therapist. It was not an easy thing to do and I was petrified making a leap into the unknown. Changing careers turned out to be one of the best things I have done in my life. It was definitely well worth the sacrifice and effort. I have never regretted changing careers. Nor have I looked back.
I combine my personal journey with my professional qualifications, education and professional experience to guide clients toward their best possible selves in their work and personal lives.
One of my specialty areas is working with those plagued with indecision and those who seem stymied in achieving their career or personal goals. I use my expertise in career counseling and therapy to help clients identify blocks and move toward their potential. I particularly enjoy working with those who long to make a meaningful contribution to the world through their work.
What sets me apart from other career counselors is that I am active and collaborative in supporting you with personalized attention, helping you clarify and achieve your life goals, and giving you inside knowledge, tips, and shortcuts so you can revitalize your work life in the shortest time possible. I will be your personal career mentor and coach as you move toward a more fulfilling direction in life. With my experience in a variety of nonprofit and educational settings, I can provide you with invaluable tips to jumpstart your career quickly.
I absolutely believe in the potential and capacity of people to achieve their goals and dreams in their lives – I believe this because I myself have grappled with challenges and have taken big risks in my own life and career, and have emerged a transformed and joyful person.
My approach is holistic – I am attentive to the multiple facets of your life, including your racial and cultural identity, religious and/or spiritual beliefs, and sexual orientation. I am also holistic in my openness to and interest in alternative medicine and different models of healing. I am deeply respectful and supportive of those who choose complementary or integrative approaches to their healthcare.
I believe in lifelong learning -- I constantly upgrade my professional skills and enhance my knowledge through active participation in professional organizations and conferences. I have also contributed new knowledge to the field of psychology through my research, conference presentations and workshops.
I look forward to sharing your journey and working collaboratively with you. If you are ready to find a more meaningful and satisfying path for yourself, contact me.
Professional Qualifications
Education
- PhD in Counseling Psychology, Stanford University
- MS in Counseling Psychology, California State University East Bay
- MA in English, University of Washington, Seattle
- BA in English, University of California, Berkeley
I have also completed additional graduate and post-graduate training in career counseling, multicultural counseling, and couples counseling.
Professional Experience
I have over 8 years of counseling experience and have been in private practice since 2004. Currently, I am also a career counselor affliated with the Career Counseling Network at Stanford University. I have worked as a career counselor at Merritt College and a psychotherapist in diverse settings, including Stanford University Help Center, Community Counseling and Education Center in Fremont, Catholic Charities of San Jose, and Crisis Support Services of Alameda County.
Teaching
I have taught undergraduate as well as graduate courses in career counseling and psychology at Stanford University, California State University East Bay, and College of San Mateo.
Selected Presentations on Careers and Work
Chan, A. (2007, December). Super moms and super dads: Balancing family, college, and work. Workshop presented at Merritt College, Oakland, CA.
Chan, A., Yeh, C., Suzuki, L. & Ramirez, S. (2007, August). Negotiating having children at different developmental stages of academia. Roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.
Chan, A. (2007, March). How to interview and get the job. Workshop presented at Merritt College, Oakland, CA.
Chan, A. (2007, February). How to create a fantastic resume. Workshop presented at Merritt College, Oakland, CA.
Chan, A. (2003, November). Using career counseling techniques in therapy. CE workshop presented at the Stanford Help Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Krumboltz, K., Levin, A. & Chan, A. (2002, November). Critical incidents during planned happenstance counseling. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the International Career Development Association, Irvine, CA.
Chan, A. (2000, June to September). Talking to your children about careers. Workshop presented at five American Association of University Women meetings, CA.
O’Riordan, S. & Chan, A. (2002, December). The stress of grief: Recognizing human emotions in the care of laboratory animals. Workshop presented at the Stanford Animal Research Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Chan, A. (2000, February). Working towards a marriage family therapist license. Workshop presented at the YWCA Career Center, Berkeley, CA.
Chan, A. (2002, December). Diversity in the workplace. Workshop presented at the Oakland Private Industry Council, Oakland, CA.
Selected Presentations on Mentoring and Diversity
Chan, A. (2011, May). Strategies for successfully handling race and culture in cross-cultural mentoring relationships. Workshop presented at the 2011 International Mentoring Association Midwest Regional Conference, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
Chan, A. (2010, August). Mentoring: A vital tool for ethnic minority student success. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Diego, CA.
Chan, A. (2010, January). Bridging the cultural gap of technology in mentoring. Workshop presented at the annual conference of the Friends for Youth Mentoring Institute, Redwood Shores, CA.
Chan, A. (2009, March). Mentoring relationships: Powerful tools to recruit and retain ethnic minority students. Workshop presented at annual meeting of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Seattle, WA.
Chan, A. (2007, August). Model of Cross-Cultural Mentoring: Lessons From Outstanding Mentors. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.
Chan, A. (2007, January). Cross-cultural mentoring: Negotiating multiple identities. Poster presented at the National Multicultural Conference and Summit, Seattle, WA.
Chan, A. & Fetterman, D. (2006, November). Mentoring ethnic minority students effectively: Lessons learned from the evaluation of a mentoring program. Roundtable presented at the annual conference of the American Evaluation Association, Portland, OR.
Chan, A. (2006, March). Best practices mentoring ethnic minority psychology students: Access to the inside story. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the California Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.
Chan, A. & Fetterman, D. (2005, April). Mentoring up-close and personal: An in-depth look at mentor activities with ethnic minority Students. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the International Mentoring Association, Oakland, CA.
White, J., Hall, C., Chwalisz, K., Patel, N., & Chan, A. (discussant) (2002, August). Special issues mentoring minority students. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.