Innovations in Career Counseling

• Published in: Journal of career development Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 177 - 185
• Main Authors: Lee, Felissa K., Johnston, Joseph A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications 2001
• Subjects: Career Counseling; Holistic Approach; Nondirective Counseling; Program Effectiveness; uncertainty; career counseling; decision making
• ISSN: 0894-8453; 1556-0856
• DOI: 10.1177/089484530102700304

The work world is now full of uncertainty and change as a result of forces such as globalization, downsizing, advancing technology, and increased diversity in the work force. Further, people cannot count on maintaining a job with one company, or even one career, throughout their work lives. In order to meet clients' needs, career counselors must utilize approaches that are compatible with these realities. We review a set of approaches for career counseling that should be effective for clients now and into the future. Specifically, we argue for a holistic approach to career counseling, use of the Personal Career Theory as a client-centered approach to counseling sessions, incorporating creative interventions that draw upon chance events and flexible decision-making, and an emphasis on building interpersonal skills and relationships. We conclude with a summary of recommendations for career counseling practice.