You are unsure where to begin
You may be leaving education, returning after a break or simply trying to work out which jobs would suit you.
Career Coaching, Interview Preparation & Mentoring · Stockport & Online
Not sure what you want from work next? Let’s talk it through.
You could be 19 and unsure where to begin, or 59 and ready for something different. You do not need to arrive with a perfect plan.
I will listen, ask sensible questions and help you turn everything going around in your head into clear, realistic next steps.
Talk it through
Free 20–30 minute telephone conversationNo pressure · No obligation to book
“Sometimes you need somebody experienced to listen, ask the right questions and help you see what comes next.”
Does any of this sound familiar?
You know you want something to change, but you are not sure what to do first.
Careers are rarely one straight line. You may be choosing work for the first time, changing direction after many years or trying to find your confidence again.
Work no longer feels right
You know something needs to change, but there may be too many options—or no obvious option at all.
An interview is getting closer
You know you can do the job, but nerves, difficult questions or talking about yourself may be holding you back.
Life has changed around you
Redundancy, caring responsibilities, ill health or a change at home may mean you are thinking differently about work.
You do not need to know the correct job title before contacting me. Working that out may be exactly what you would like help with.
Practical, personal support
Two clear ways I can help.
This is not about taking endless tests or being told what job you should do. We start with you: what you have done, what matters to you and what could work in your life now.
Career Clarity & Mentoring
A proper conversation when you feel stuck, overwhelmed by options or unsure how your experience could transfer into something new.
- Recognise the skills and experience you already have
- Explore realistic roles, sectors, courses or ways forward
- Talk honestly about confidence, age, gaps or other concerns
- Agree a manageable plan instead of trying to change everything at once
Interview Preparation & Confidence
Preparation that helps you understand what the interviewer needs to hear, while still sounding like yourself rather than a rehearsed script.
- Make sense of the job description and likely questions
- Choose strong examples from your own experience
- Practise answers and receive clear, kind feedback
- Work on nerves, self-belief and talking about your achievements
CV & application review
AI can produce a draft. It cannot tell your story for you.
I am not offering a full CV-writing service. I can help you make what you already have clearer, more relevant and more like you.
We can look at whether your CV or application answers what the employer is really asking for, whether your examples show enough evidence and whether you would feel comfortable discussing every part of it at interview.
Used carefully, AI can save time. The final application still needs to be honest, specific and backed up by examples from your own working life.
CV and application review is supporting work—not the main service on this page.35 years of working with people in StockportExperience that goes beyond a certificate
I have spent much of my working life listening to people and helping them move forward.
From 1997 to 2010, I worked as one of the first New Deal Advisers within Jobcentre Plus. I completed my Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance and regularly used the careers-assessment and labour-market tools available through the careers services of the time.
Across 35 years of work in Stockport, I have interviewed and supported people from the age of 18 through to later working life. I understand that the person in front of me is never just a CV, a qualification or a gap in employment.
I will not pretend to have specialist tools or qualifications that I do not have. What I do bring is a great deal of practical employment experience, an ability to listen and the confidence to ask questions that may help you see yourself differently.
What happens next?
A clear process, shaped around what you need.
We always speak before you book or pay for a session.
- 01
We speak first
We begin with a free telephone conversation. You can explain what is happening and I can tell you honestly whether I am the right person to help.
- 02
We make the session useful
I may send you a short Career Review Form or suggest a free National Careers Service exercise before we meet. It depends on what you need.
- 03
We talk it through properly
We look at your experience, strengths, concerns and realistic options. For interview work, we can practise the questions you are likely to face.
- 04
You leave knowing what comes next
We agree a small number of practical actions. You will not leave with a complicated report that ends up sitting in a drawer.
Clear about cost
Fees for career sessions are agreed with you during the free call.
Career conversations, interview preparation and any follow-up vary a great deal from person to person, so I would rather understand what you need first and agree a fair price before anything is booked. There is no surprise fee after you contact me.
Useful free tools
You may already have more information available than you realise.
The National Careers Service has free public tools that can help us begin a conversation. A result is a starting point—not somebody else deciding your future.
Skills Assessment
Discover Your Skills & Careers
Think about what motivates you and see career suggestions worth exploring.
Use the Free Tool Career ResearchExplore Careers
Compare job profiles, typical tasks, routes in and possible progression.
Explore Careers Learning & TrainingFind a Course
Search for courses and learning that may support the direction you choose.
Search for a CourseStephen Therapy is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Work and Pensions or the National Careers Service.
Questions people may ask
You can ask me anything before deciding.
Is this only for people at a particular age?
No. I am happy to work with young adults taking their first steps and with people changing direction much later in their working life. The conversation is based on where you are now.
Do I need to know which job I want?
No. You may know the exact role and need help preparing, or you may simply know that what you are doing now no longer feels right. Both are sensible places to begin.
Will you write my CV or application for me?
No. I can review what you have, help you strengthen it and make sure it is relevant to the opportunity. Your application should remain truthful and in your own voice.
Can we prepare for a particular interview?
Yes. Send me the job description and anything the employer has told you about the interview. We can prepare likely questions, develop your examples and practise how you want to answer.
How much does it cost?
We agree the fee during your free telephone conversation, once I understand what you need. That way the price reflects the actual work rather than a one-size-fits-all figure. You will know the cost before you commit to anything.
Is this careers advice or therapy?
Career coaching and interview preparation are practical services. If anxiety, self-doubt or confidence is the main concern, we can discuss whether a therapy session would be more suitable. I will keep that distinction clear.
Are you a National Careers Service adviser?
No. Stephen Therapy is an independent service. I hold a Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance and bring many years of practical employment experience, but I do not describe this as full professional career guidance or claim qualifications I do not hold.
Can we work face to face or online?
Yes. Career conversations and interview preparation can take place face to face in Heaton Norris, Stockport, or online across the UK.
Begin with a conversation
You do not have to work out your whole future before getting in touch.
Tell me what has brought you to this point. We can talk about what you need and whether I am the right person to help.
Talk it throughFree 20–30 minute telephone conversation · I reply within 24 hours