Susana Villafaina: "You don't have to have hit rock bottom to want to relaunch your career or your business."

Having a psychologist who can guide us professionally is now within reach of any company or busy person, thanks to Project yourself, a program subsidized by the Consortium for Continuing Education of Catalonia and the Ministry of Labor (SEPE). Susana Villafaina, coordinator of the Development Projects Department of the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC), explains this to us.

Who can apply for this customized career guidance service?

— All companies based in Catalonia and all active workers, those on furlough leave (ERTO), or those on temporary leave. The COPC offers this service to companies and professionals in the healthcare and personal care sectors.

What will they find?

— A licensed psychologist at your service, who will support you—at no cost—not only in redirecting your career or business, but also in your emotional life.

What cases are coming to you?

— A common case is people with a very stable job who would like to change but have dreams. There are also people who are "burned out" or need to retrain in technology or languages. They are often aggressive in their work, which affects their team. Or experts who express the problems in their sector, such as filling vacancies.

And what is the process like from the moment someone decides to sign up?

— There are different channels: through emailocupacio@copc.cat or by filling out the registration formOnce we have the person's name and contact information, we will send them a form to fill out. The service will then coordinate with a counselor in the interested person's area, who will contact them to begin the sessions. Additionally, through prospecting activities, we offer this support service to companies to address situations that are affecting the proper functioning of their business. The organization's employees can receive the guidance they need, both individually and through group sessions, always tailored to their needs.

What do you like most about the service personally?

— What I like most is that we're offering a 100% useful service, which truly benefits the person or company that decides to use it at any time in 2025. Everyone, from their starting point, can open the door to a great journey in advance!

Although we are living in a busy time at work...

— It's a very competitive time—with many trained and experienced people—in which you must know how to demonstrate your worth. And we're facing new challenges like AI. Incidentally, among the team of professionals we work with, we have experts in artificial intelligence training.

And these challenges are added to the internal challenges of each person, of each company.

— Yes, the main thing for me is to be able to work in line with each person's professional goals, without discomfort, without suffering. burnout or harassment, or the effects of poorly executed leadership. And also going beyond conformity or the comfort zone to spread our wings.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about it but hasn't yet contacted you?

— Don't hesitate, because you have nothing to lose. You can change your mind at any time or leave it for later. At any given moment, dare to take the leap.