For Women's Sake - Career Advisory Service for Women - personalized career advice and counsel

For Women's Sake is not just a company, it's a mission - a passionate mission of founder, Valerie Savage, CPA, MA, LPC-Intern, to address an issue she personally experienced and has seen women wrestle with throughout their careers.

CAREER COACHING
Despite consistently strong performances that led to rapid career advancement, Valerie sought counsel from mentors and advisors to help accelerate her career. But such counsel was rare. Even then, well-respected mentors were often not available for consultation at critical times. There were many instances when timely insight and guidance would have proved valuable in navigating a difficult situation or making a key career decision. In other instances, Valerie discovered that even a well-meaning “mentor” within one’s company or organization can be influenced by their own biases and perhaps even a conflict of interest that could threaten confidentiality.

The notion of a career advisor or “coach” was introduced to Valerie in the later stages of her own career, when she was offered the services of an executive coach while being recruited for a senior level position. She was surprised to learn that the entire executive team received individual as well as group coaching to maximize performance. Although Valerie chose not to accept the position (she converted them to a consulting client instead!), the experience drove her to pursue training in order to hone her natural talents as a coach and advisor.

For Women’s Sake is a unique resource for access to the experience, insight and wisdom that is found in valued mentors, yet with an unbiased perspective, greater accessibility and lack of conflicted interests. With more than 25 years as a successful businesswoman and mentor to other professionals, Valerie has already been where many clients want to go. She adds to that experience valuable insight with “lessons learned” that help accelerate the career path of clients in a uniquely personal way. Moreover, Valerie is recognized for the rare gift of “wisdom” – an ability to effectively apply life-lessons to a myriad of situations.

COUNSELING
After several years of coaching women and recognizing the way women integrate their personal and professional lives, Valerie found herself becoming affiliated with many professional counselors and therapists as she referred clients for issues outside the realm of coaching (see coaching/advising versus counseling). Often times, she would collaborate with the therapists, who helped clients overcome anxiety, depression and other symptoms as Valerie focused on more proactive, coaching issues. The integration of skills and focus was very effective for clients and led Valerie to pursue her own training in counseling and psychotherapy. She graduated from St. Edwards’ University with a Master of Arts in Counseling in May 2008 and successfully passed the Texas state licensing exam. Valerie is now a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern completing the requisite 3000 hours before obtaining full licensure.

Valerie Savage is one of the very few counselor/therapists who can truly relate to women professionals. She does more than just “empathize” with their personal struggles and professional challenges that can diminish emotional health. She is a practicing executive that walks that road herself. Valerie’s focus areas of stress/anxiety, depression, disordered eating and marital conflict are common themes for women working in a professional environment.

For Women's Sake mission is to empower women personally and professionally with a unique blend of coaching and counseling techniques, offered by a fellow professional who understands the world they live and work in.