Helping young people make thoughtful decisions about study, career and what comes next.
I support adolescents and young adults as they make decisions about study, career direction and the transition into employment.
My approach combines psychology, career development and life-design principles to help young people better understand themselves, explore realistic possibilities and make confident decisions about what comes next.
The aim is not to identify one perfect career or make a choice that has to last forever.
It is to work out what is a good next decision — one that fits the young person, their circumstances and the world they are moving into.
About me
A career decision is rarely just a career decision.
I am a registered psychologist whose career has spanned psychology, education, career development and organisational settings.
My professional background includes school psychology and counselling, teaching, university career services and private practice, as well as earlier work in management consulting and change management.
Together, these different perspectives have shaped the way I support young people today.
I understand that choosing a direction is not simply about matching someone to a job title. Young people are making decisions while they are still learning about themselves, developing confidence and trying to make sense of many different expectations and possibilities.
I enjoy helping young people understand what matters to them and to make decisions that feel both meaningful and realistic.
Qualifications
- Registered Psychologist — AHPRA PSY0001134412
- Secondary Teacher — previously NESA accredited
- Master of Teaching (School Counselling) — The University of Sydney
- Graduate Certificate in Careers Counselling — RMIT University, Melbourne
- Psychology Supervision and Human Resource Management — Australian College of Applied Psychology, Sydney
- Clinical Psychology Honours (with Distinction) — Rand Afrikaans University, South Africa
- Bachelor of Arts — University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
My approach
Balancing possibility with practicality.
My approach is informed by psychology, career development and life-design principles.
I support young people to develop a clearer understanding of themselves, consider the different influences around them, and make thoughtful decisions about study and career direction.
I do not believe there is one perfect career choice, or that decisions made at this stage need to last forever. Instead, the focus is on making a decision that fits the young person, their current circumstances and the opportunities available to them.
This also means taking practical considerations into account because a meaningful option still needs to be workable and a practical option still needs to suit the person. And as such, good career decision-making is about balancing possibility with practicality.
As the world of work continues to change, particularly with developments in technology and AI, adaptability and self-understanding are increasingly important.
The aim is not to map out an entire future, but to help a young person feel more confident about what is a good next decision.
Who I work with
Helping young people navigate what comes next
I work with adolescents and young adults who are making decisions about study, career direction and the transition into employment. This includes:
Beginning to explore subjects, pathways and future options
Considering study, training, gap-year or career directions
Questioning their course, exploring career possibilities or preparing for life after university
Transitioning into employment and wanting greater clarity and confidence about their next step
How it works
Support is tailored to the needs of each young person.
For some, a single session may be enough to clarify a particular question or decision. Others may benefit from a small number of sessions to allow more time for reflection, exploration and follow-up.
Sessions are available in person in Sydney's Eastern suburbs or via telehealth Australia-wide, offering flexibility depending on individual needs and circumstances.
The structure can be discussed at the outset and adjusted depending on what is most helpful.
Contact
Contact me for an appointment
You do not need to have everything worked out before getting in touch — whether you have a clear question, are weighing up a few options, or simply feel unsure about what comes next, we can start there.
Direct contact
Email
jacqueline.bennett@bigpond.com