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FAQs:
What is Career Counseling?
Career counseling is a type of advice-giving and support provided by career counselors to their clients, to help the clients manage their journey through life, learning, and work changes (career). This includes career exploration, making career choices, managing career changes, lifelong career development, and dealing with other career-related issues. There is no agreed definition of career counseling worldwide, mainly due to conceptual, cultural, and linguistic differences. However, the terminology of 'career counseling' typically denotes a professional intervention that is conducted either one-on-one or in a small group. Career counseling is related to other types of counseling (e.g. marriage or clinical counseling). What unites all types of professional counseling is the role of practitioners, who combine advising on their topic of expertise with counseling techniques that support clients in making complex decisions and facing difficult situations.
What is a Career Counselor?
A career counselor is a professional who helps people choose a career and achieve their vocational goals. Counselors work with clients to help them enter the workforce, change careers, and look for employment opportunities. People who work in this field are employed in settings including schools, government agencies, private businesses, and community agencies.
What Does a Career Counselor Do?
Career counselors work with all sorts of people, from all walks of life, of all ages, and with all different education and experience levels. These professionals might offer guidance and advice, for instance, to powerful businessmen or even just high school kids just starting out in the world.
The main goal of a career counselor is to help their clients find careers that suit them and careers that they are suitable for. There are a number of things that career counselors might want to consider when trying to accomplish this task.
1. Aptitude and Skills A person's aptitude and skills refer to his ability to do something. Career counselors will often interview and test clients to determine where their strengths lie, and therefore, which careers they would be good at.
2. Education Career counselors will also usually take in a client's education level - or desired education level - when attempting to help him find the right career since many careers require a certain amount of education. These counselors might also consider whether or not a client continuing his education is possible or advisable.
3. Personality A person's personality will also usually play a role in determining the best career for him, since different personality types usually excel at different types of careers.
4. Interests Career counselors also take their client's interests into account when advising them on the best career options for them.
To determine some of these factors, career counselors will often ask their clients to take a number of tests and surveys. For instance, clients might take IQ and aptitude tests, as well as fill out questionnaires on their interests and skills. S mentioned above, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is still one of the most common tests that career counselors use. This test reveals a person's personality traits, which can be used to determine what might be a good fit for them.
Career counselors will also usually help their clients research and get started in their new careers. This might involve helping them search for jobs along with writing resumes and cover letters.
Along with helping some clients find the right careers, career counselors will also help others improve their existing careers. They may offer advice and guidance on how to get a promotion, for instance, or just how to have a more enjoyable experience while at work.
Where to Get Career Counseling?
The workplace of a career counselor can vary depending on their employer and the specific services they offer. Some career counselors work in private practice, while others are employed by government agencies, schools, colleges, or corporations. Career counselors who work in private practice may have their own office or work from home, while those who work for larger organizations may have an office on-site or travel to different locations to provide counseling services.
In general, the workplace of a career counselor is typically a professional and confidential setting where clients feel comfortable discussing their career aspirations and concerns. The environment is designed to facilitate open communication and provide a safe space for individuals to explore their career options without fear of judgment or criticism. Career counselors may use various tools and resources such as aptitude tests, personality assessments, and career exploration software to assist clients in their career exploration process.
Career counselors also use various forms of technology to provide counseling services, including email, telephone, and video conferencing. This allows them to work with clients from remote locations or provide counseling services outside of traditional office hours. Additionally, career counselors may use social media platforms and online job boards to help clients identify job opportunities and stay informed about industry trends and job market changes.
The workload of a career counselor can vary depending on the type of employer they work for and the number of clients they serve. Some career counselors may work with clients on a one-on-one basis, while others may conduct group workshops or seminars. Career counselors may also work with clients who have disabilities or face barriers to employment, and they may collaborate with other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists.
When to Hire a Career Counselor?
There's no need to rush to a career counselor the moment you begin to question your line of work. But if you've been stuck in a series of dead-end jobs and have given up on ever breaking that cycle, then it pays to give a professional a call. This especially holds true if you really can't put your finger on why you're unhappy at work. A career counselor won't just look at your resume and recommend your next move based on your skills and experience level. Rather, that person will work with you to pinpoint the source of your dissatisfaction, and help you avoid repeating it at your next job.
Another reason to consider a career counselor is if you've been job-searching for quite some time without any luck. Maybe you've been applying to the wrong jobs or taking the wrong approach. But if you've reached the point where you're starting to lose hope, a counselor's help could prove invaluable. And if working with a professional lands you a job sooner rather than later, his or her fee will end up being well worth the cost.
What are the Differences Between a Life Coach and a Career Counselor?
While career coaches and life coaches both help people make decisions about their future, the scope of the two professions is different. Career coaches are focused on helping people with career choices, whereas life coaches assist people who are encountering a variety of personal life challenges or changes. There may be some overlap between these two, but the focus tends to be different.
Career counselors often help people:
- Choose a career
- Decide on a future career direction
- Improve job-seeking skills
- Learn to negotiate and solve conflicts
- Feel happier in their current role
- Decide whether to pursue other career directions
Life coaches, on the other hand, often help people:
- Set life goals and create plans
- Develop an understanding of themselves
- Create work-life balance and boundaries
- Learn to practice self-care
- Improve interpersonal skills and relationships
- Find hobbies and passions
They also typically differ in terms of training and educational background. Career counselors often have at minimum a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Most professionals in this field hold a master's degree in counseling, and many are also certified by the National Career Development Association (NCDA).3
Life coaches only need a few months of study to gain certification from the International Coach Federation. However, some life coaches may have more than this entry-level training.
How Long Does a Career Counseling Session Typically Last?
A career counseling session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your needs and the complexity of the discussion. Some career counselors may offer follow-up sessions to help you continue to refine your career goals and job search strategies.
Will a Career Counselor Write My Resume?
Generally, no. A career counselor may help you begin writing it, direct you to brochures, books, and other resume writing resources, or offer suggestions for revisions. Most will not write your resume for you.
How Many Times Does a Person Typically Meet Individually with a Career Counselor?
A typical range would be one to six times. Just as there are a large number of reasons one seeks out a career counselor, the process and the number of visits can easily exceed any estimate they could provide.
What is the Best Time for Career Counseling?
The best time to seek career counseling is during the ages of 13 – 17 years (Class 8 to Class 12). During this time many changes take place, and you are at the crossroads of making the toughest decisions of your life, such as choosing the right stream in class 11 or transitioning from school to college, or “fit in” the world of work. In fact, career counseling can be appropriate for anyone who seeks guidance in the right career direction for the intended course of action.
How Much Does Career Counseling Cost?
Career Counselors get paid per session. The fee for career counseling is usually $100-$150 per session, but this varies from region to region. The more experienced coaches charge more for their services. They tend to continually work on their skills by attending workshops, seminars, and other training sessions. Some counselors may offer package deals such as offering two sessions on resume preparation and job interviews at the cost of one.
History of Career Counseling
Career counseling has a history going back at least as far as the late nineteenth century. An important defining work for the field was Frank Parsons' Choosing a Vocation which was published in 1909. Parsons was strongly rooted in the American progressive social reform movement, but as the field developed it moved away from this origin and became increasingly understood as a branch of counseling psychology.
While until the 1970s a strongly normative approach was characteristic for theories and for the practice of career counseling (e.g. concept of matching), new models have their starting point in the individual needs and transferable skills of the clients while managing biographical breaks and discontinuities. Career development is no longer viewed[by whom?] as a linear process that reflects a predictable world of work. More consideration is now placed on nonlinear, chance, and unplanned influences.
This change of perspective is evident in the constructivist and social constructionist paradigms for career counseling. The constructivist/social constructionist paradigms are applied as narrative career counseling that emphasizes personal stories and the meaning individuals generate in relation to their education and work.
Postmodern career counseling is a reflective process of assisting clients in creating self through writing and revising biographical narratives taking place in a context of multiple choice from a diversity of options and constraints. The shift moves from emphasizing career choice to empowering self-affirmation and improving decision-making. They have "shifted from a sole focus on the individual to an explicit recognition of contextual factors, to a perspective that might be best described as a 'person-in-complex-social-and-economic-systems' focus."Postmodern career counseling theories include Mark Savickas's Career Construction Theory and Life Designing Paradigm as well as David Blustein's Psychology of Working Theory, which was developed to "address the roles that economic constraints and being marginalized could play in an individual’s choices, or lack of choices, about work, his or her ability to adapt to work, and ultimately in him or her finding decent work".
The Importance of Career Counseling
Career counseling can be very useful for these graduates, as it can prepare them for immediate satisfaction and a long, prosperous professional life. Career counseling can help individuals:
Explore their interests, values, and skills: A career coach can help an individual in exploring their interests, values, and skills. This can be done through a variety of assessments and exercises that help the individual identify these areas. Once these areas are identified, the career coach can help the individual to develop a plan to pursue their goals. This may include setting up informational interviews, researching different careers, and exploring job opportunities. The career coach can also provide guidance and support throughout the process to ensure that the individual is on track and making progress.
Understand the relationship between their education and career goals: Career counseling helps individuals understand the relationship between their education and career goals. It can assist individuals in making informed decisions about their future by exploring different career options and the educational requirements needed to pursue those options. Career counseling can also help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, and understand how these factors can impact their career choices. By providing guidance and support, career counseling can help individuals achieve their educational and career goals.
Make informed decisions about their future: Career coaching helps individuals in making informed decisions about their future by providing them with information about various career options, the pros and cons of each option, and the steps required to pursue each option. It also helps individuals to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and how these fit into different career paths. Ultimately, career coaching can assist individuals in making informed decisions about their future by providing them with the information and tools necessary to make an informed decision.
Develop strategies for achieving their goals: An experienced coach can help individuals in a number of ways. It can assist with identifying and exploring career options, developing job search strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and understanding and managing job stress. It can also help individuals assess their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic career goals, and create action plans for achieving those goals. Ultimately, career counseling can help individuals make informed decisions about their careers, leading to greater satisfaction and success.
Navigate the job market: A career guidance counselor can help an individual learn about different job options that are available, and help them understand the job market. The counselor can also provide information on job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing. Additionally, the counselor can help the individual identify their strengths and weaknesses, and match them with potential careers.
Manage career transitions: A career advisor can help an individual manage their career transitions by providing support and guidance throughout the process. They can help with exploring new career options, identifying transferable skills, and creating a plan to make the transition. They can also provide resources and advice on networking, interviewing, and job search strategies. A career advisor can be a valuable asset during a time of transition and can help an individual manage their career successfully.
Overcome obstacles to career success: Career counseling can play a pivotal role in helping individuals overcome obstacles to career success. By providing guidance and support, career counselors can help individuals identify and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from achieving their career goals. Common obstacles that career counselors can help with include a lack of direction, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a lack of confidence. By working with a career counselor, individuals can develop a plan to overcome these obstacles and move forward in their careers.
A career counselor can also provide support and encouragement when individuals are facing difficult challenges in their careers. By helping individuals to see challenges as opportunities for growth, career counselors can help them to develop the resilience needed.
Build a satisfying and successful career: A career guidance counselor can help you choose a satisfying and successful career path. They can help you assess your interests, skills, and values, and match them to careers that fit you. They can also help you explore different careers, learn about job outlooks and requirements, and find the education and training you need.
Misconceptions about Career Counseling
While counseling plays an important role in giving direction to a person’s career, it is essential to note that career counseling is not general advice about careers, courses, and curriculum. It is designed to give an individual the best possible advice based on his abilities. Career counseling is also not to give clients quick-fix results. It is a process that takes time.
Counseling is also not meant to get a person his dream job. Rather, it helps him utilize his potential to the maximum extent. Counseling is extremely scientific and based on research. It is not something that is a hit-or-miss process.
Reasons Why People Seek Career Counseling
Whether you are just beginning your professional career or looking for your next step, it is not always easy to know when you might need career guidance. Here are some common reasons that people seek job counseling:
1. You do not know where to begin: If you are not sure what to do with your college major or want to learn more about your career options, a job coach can help. Talk with a career counselor to get resources and advice that will help you get started.
2. You're not happy with your field: If you are looking for something different than what your industry currently offers, a career coach can help you find your professional passion so you will know how to get more out of your current job or decide which field might be better for you.
3. You no longer have a defined career path: While you might have started out with a career path in mind, it is normal for your long-term goals to change. A career counselor can help you map out a career path so you will feel more in control of your professional life.
4. You seek advice on progressing your current career: If you want to maximize your potential for growth, you could benefit from career counseling. An experienced job coach can help you explore options for advancement and advise you on how to get the most out of your career.
4 Signs That Career Counseling Is Right For You
There are many factors to consider before hiring a career counselor, including the cost of counseling, what the experience is like, and the outcomes you can expect. The following signs may mean that getting a career counselor is a viable next step for you:
1. You are about to take a career leap.
Entering a new phase in your career can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. For example:
- Choosing a major can mean enjoying the coursework and learning about subjects you find interesting, but what careers will a given major lead to?
- Graduating from college or university could qualify you for a number of careers, but what if you want to pursue a career that is unrelated to your degree?
- Changing careers entirely could provide you with improved work-life balance, better pay, and fulfillment, but what new skills will a new career require?
- Launching a business could mean working on your own terms, but what financial risks will you be taking on?
- If you’re about to take a similar leap, you might be a good candidate for a career counseling program, as working with a counselor can boost your confidence when making decisions.
2. You are reflecting on your passions and purpose.
Do you find yourself thinking about what you’re really passionate about and what you want to achieve in life? Do you wonder what careers would enable you to explore your passions? If so, you may benefit from working with a career counselor to learn more about the following:
- How to turn a creative pursuit into a career
- How to improve work-life balance
- How to explore your passion in any professional role
- How to make career decisions based on your values, belief systems, and life philosophy
3. You want a more focused mentoring experience. There are many ways to get career support, including:
- Taking group classes alongside other career seekers
- Reading books on professional development
- Hiring a mentor in another discipline, such as a life coach or emotional intelligence coach
- Mastering technical skills and acquiring experience pertaining to a specific career
- Conducting informational interviews with people who work in the industry or career field you want to enter
- As you glean wisdom from these sources, you may find yourself wanting to have more in-depth conversations about your career and pointed guidance as to what actions to take. If that’s the case, it may be time to find a career counselor.
4. You are making space in your life for counseling. Depending on the counselor you find, going through a career counseling program will likely involve an investment of time, energy, and resources. If you’re making space in your life for counseling, you may be ready to take this step.
Take some time to evaluate the following:
- Your growth mindset: Are you teachable, open to feedback, and welcoming of fresh perspectives?
- Your budget: Are you freeing up resources to invest in your career growth?
- Your schedule: Are you freeing up time to invest in the work of developing your career?
Top Five Techniques Of Career Counselors
Americans experience an average of five to six periods of unemployment in their lifetime.* To help us through the stress and uncertainty of these periods, we can turn to a career counselor for help. From guiding graduating high school and college students toward their first jobs to helping experienced workers change professions, career counselors can make difficult transitions easier. How do they achieve this? Below are five of the top techniques used in career counseling.
1. Developing a therapeutic relationship
As with all forms of counseling, career counseling is most successful when the counselor forms a meaningful connection with their client. While many career counselors use career aptitude tests and personality tests, the top career counselors have completed a clinical mental health master’s program and use their clinical training to go beyond simple vocational guidance. They work to understand their client’s worries, interests, fears and desires on a level that is much deeper than what any test might reveal. By establishing a therapeutic relationship with their clients, top career counselors can provide fuller support and guidance.
2. Defining goals
The top career counselors set specific goals with their clients and redirect their clients toward those goals if the conversation drifts too far toward other concerns. That said, career counselors might ask clients to describe their perfect job, or consider where they would like to be 5 years from now. Career counseling professionals might also focus their clients’ attention on what is important to them in life and what they enjoy accomplishing at work. All of these questions can help define a career-seekers goal.
3. Creating room for self-exploration
Top career counselors don’t just hand their clients the results of vocational tests. They get to know their clients and, most importantly, they give their clients the space to talk through the issues affecting their career and career choices. A good career counseling session can be a gateway to self-discovery, but only if the career counselor is skilled in helping his or her client open avenues of self-reflection. For the top career counselors, data like vocational assessments are only the beginning.
4. Understanding the job market
It does little good to be told you’re well suited for a career that is in steep decline. Likewise, there’s not much utility in being told you’re well suited for a career you lack the skills for. The top career counselors know this and work hard to stay abreast of the issues facing the job market. They pay close attention to the ways automation, outsourcing, downsizing, and global competition affect job opportunities and specific careers. Additionally, they understand the skills and attitudes workers need to succeed in a modern employment environment. Often, counselors work with their clients to make sure their clients are competent with technology, accepting of diversity, prepared to handle modern job insecurities, and capable of maintaining the level of occupational awareness needed to avoid falling behind or becoming redundant.
5. Helping turn life themes into career goals
The best career counselors don’t just recommend possible professions. They help their clients uncover a previously unrealized passion for specific careers. To do this, career counselors take a holistic approach, viewing each client as a whole person and then seeking out life themes that have a natural connection to a career for which the client is qualified. There’s a little long-term benefit to entering a career that you’re good at but dislike. The best approach is to find a career that’s in tune with your abilities and your life goals. The top career counselors can help you do just that.
Types of Career Counselors
There are several types of career counselors who specialize in different areas of career development. Some of the most common types of career counselors include:
1. High School Career Counselors: High school career counselors help students explore different career paths, identify their interests and skills, and plan for post-secondary education or training.
2. College Career Counselors: College career counselors provide guidance to students and recent graduates on job search strategies, career exploration, and transitioning into the workforce.
3. Private Practice Career Counselors: Private practice career counselors work independently and provide career counseling services to individuals seeking guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, and career development.
4. Government Career Counselors: Government career counselors work for agencies such as the Department of Labor or the Veterans Administration, providing career counseling services to individuals seeking employment or transitioning out of the military.
5. Nonprofit Career Counselors: Nonprofit career counselors work for organizations that provide job training and placement services to individuals in need, such as those who are homeless or have disabilities.
6. Corporate Career Counselors: Corporate career counselors work for companies and provide career counseling services to employees, including guidance on career development, job transitions, and skill development.
What to Expect from a Career Counselor
1. Help you figure out who you are and what you want out of your education, your career, and your life.
2. Be someone for you to talk to about your thoughts, ideas, feelings, and concerns about your career and educational choices, who will help you sort out, organize, and make sense of your thoughts and feelings.
3. Help you identify the factors influencing your career development, and help you assess your interests, abilities, and values.
4. Help you locate resources and sources of career information.
5. Help you to determine the next steps and develop a plan to achieve your goals.
What Happens in a Career Counseling Appointment
In an appointment, you can:
1. Discuss career options of interest and strategies to find employers who offer jobs/internships in those fields.
2. Identify your interests and strengths and how they align with your majors and careers.
3. Understand and utilize successful job/internship search strategies.
4. Find resources to research graduate and professional school programs.
5. Review your resume and cover letter, and work on interviewing and other job search skills.
6. Develop a personal plan of action for the job/internship search or graduate school application process.
Questions to Ask a Career Counselor
Preparing ahead of time can help you get the most out of your session with a career counselor. Here are a few questions you might ask them:
1. How can I build on my strengths?
Potential employers are likely to ask you what you consider to be your biggest strengths, and identifying these can also help you choose a career that you enjoy. One of the first steps to build on your strengths is to identify what you consider to be your professional strengths. Strengths may include things like research skills, communication, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and technical skills. Your career counselor may help you uncover your strengths. Then, you can work together to evaluate specific steps that you can take to build on these strengths to pursue a career. If you are seeking employment, your counselor may help you articulate these strengths for interviews.
2. How can I improve my weaknesses?
Interviewers will often ask about your weaknesses. Learning to identify these is just as important as taking steps to improve on them. It is okay to acknowledge your weaknesses because everyone has them. It is more important to discuss the specific steps you are taking to overcome them. This might include using an online calendar to improve time management skills or taking a technology class to improve your computer skills. Your career counselor can also help you learn to use this question in a way that demonstrates self-awareness and progress toward your professional goals.
3. What is the current job market for my industry?
Evaluating job outlooks and the expected demand for the industry can help you improve your chances of finding employment following graduation. Career counselors have access to resources that can help you when making career decisions. You might also ask them what types of careers your current major prepares you for. Sometimes, majoring in a specific subject has external benefits in other industries.
4. Can you provide me feedback on my resume and my cover letter?
Your resume and cover letter are crucial tools for finding employment. Career counselors have viewed many resumes and often know what things employers are looking for when reviewing them. Ask your career counselor to review your resume and give you feedback. They can also give you recommendations for additional skills or experiences to include. When you are ready to apply for jobs, you might also ask your career counselor to review your cover letter. Your cover letter should be customized to the specific job for which you are applying. Your counselor can offer you tips to improve your cover letter so that it stands out.
5. How can I make myself stand out against competitors?
Some jobs can be competitive and you may be up against many other applicants. Your career counselor can help you practice interviewing skills and help you organize your resume in a way that helps you stand out when applying for these jobs. They may make recommendations such as using your networking skills, highlighting industry-specific skills on your resume, tailoring your resume to the job, and writing a great objective statement.
6. How can I optimize my time while learning?
If you plan to return to school or are currently in school, your career counselor can help you optimize your learning. Joining leadership programs or taking on an internship can help you build important skills while you are still in school. Your career counselor can help you choose the activities and programs that build on the specific skills that you will need in your intended career choice. They can connect you to these opportunities so you can get the most out of your education.
7. Where can I find more information about my intended career?
Some careers require a lot of time and money to prepare for, so gathering as much information as possible ahead of time can be useful. This can help you confirm that you will enjoy working in your planned field. Ask your career counselor to give you additional resources in your industry, or ask them where you can find these resources. Interviews with current professionals in the field or autobiographies can help you evaluate whether you will enjoy working in a career.
8. How can I best network in modern times?
Networking is an important part of most careers and it is never too early to begin. With many academic programs taking place in an online setting today, networking can sometimes be a challenge. If your current situation makes it difficult to network in your industry, your career counselor may be able to help you brainstorm ideas. You may be able to use online platforms to network with professionals in your intended industry.
9. How can I prepare for an upcoming interview?
Preparing for an interview can give you the confidence you need to do well. Career counselors can be an excellent resource for improving your interview techniques. They can help you rehearse answers to common questions. They can also provide feedback on ways to improve your interview answers. By conducting mock interviews, you can go through the steps of a traditional interview, boosting your confidence and helping you practice things like your handshake and posture.
10. How can I become a competitive candidate without job experience?
Some candidates worry about entering the job market with minimal or no job experience. If you consider academic program involvement and volunteer programs, you likely have more experience than you realize. Honesty is crucial, so as long as you are open about where and in what capacity you earned your experience, you can use volunteer programs or student groups to demonstrate your skills.
11. What other career resources are available to me?
While a career counselor can be a valuable resource as you prepare for a job search, other resources may help you during this time. Ask your career counselor to connect you to these resources, like community involvement groups on campus, internship opportunities, volunteer positions, or even educational materials related to your career. They may also inform you of other programs on campus or in your community related to job searching.
12. What should I focus on now until our next meeting?
If you plan to visit with your career counselor again, it can be productive to find out what they want you to focus on from now until your next meeting. Their request will likely depend on what you worked on in your last season. For example, if you are working on improving your resume, they may send you home with an assignment to list all the positions you have previously held. They may also request that you create a draft of your resume that you can review together later.
How to Find a Career Counselor
Job coaches often specialize in different areas of the job search process. Consider the following factors to find the right career counselor for your needs:
1. Think about the industry or type of job you want to pursue: Many career counselors focus on helping candidates excel in certain sectors, so it is worthwhile to evaluate whether you can benefit from more targeted guidance.
2. Consider whether the fees fit into your budget: Make sure you understand whether you are responsible for paying a one-time fee or an ongoing monthly fee.
3. Find a compatible career coach: Job coaches take a variety of approaches. Identify which personality type and counseling approach you prefer, and use those factors to guide your search.
4. Study their work: Read the job coach's published articles and their past client reviews to assess whether that counselor will work well for you. This can also help you discover their approach and philosophy.
5. Decide what you want to achieve together: Once you've found the right career coach, it's important to establish concrete goals. After ensuring you and your counselor agree on these ambitions, make a list so you can keep track of your progress and accomplishments along the way.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.