With a nationwide unemployment rate that now tops 8 percent, professionals who devote their careers to helping other people find jobs are more in demand than ever.

A recent report in the Charlotte Observer profiled Kathleen Connolly, a local career counselor who holds a Ph.D. and is a licensed professional counselor. She also reportedly practices therapy for individuals and couples, and even uses clinical hypnosis from time to time.

Connolly's specialty reportedly is to help people deal with job losses, assess their career skills, and transition into new jobs.

"I try to build an understanding and a relationship. People that have been laid off lose a lot of confidence. They need direction," Connolly told the newspaper, going on to say that "There's a difference between boasting and selling, and at a networking group or at a cocktail hour, you better know the difference."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has cited strong demand in the foreseeable future for a variety of trained counselors, including those who specialize in careers. Demand for overall counselors is projected to increase by 21 percent between now and 2016, while demand for vocational and school counselors should grow by 13 percent.