1. Career Counseling: A Holistic Approach
Chapter 3: Career Counseling Models
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

2. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Models
The practical application of theoretical concepts – interventions & counseling procedures
Career development research has produced guidelines for career counseling practice
5 Career Counseling Models (covered by Zunker)
Trait-and-factor & Person-environment-fit (PEF)
Developmental
Learning theory
Cognitive information-processing (CIP)
Multicultural Career Counseling Model for Ethnic Women
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

3. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Trait-oriented models continue to be a most popular part of contemporary models – clients have unique traits that can be matched with requirements of occupations ; provides objective, actuarial data (stats)
All of these models can use the Holland typology approach/classification system, assessment instruments (ch 6), and a variety of occupational information resources
All endorse an individualized approach to career counseling – individual needs dictate the kind & type of assessment instruments used & the materials & procedures used in the counseling process
General suggestions for effective use of occupational information (p. 79)
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

4. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Models
Trait-and-Factor and Person-Environment-Fit - converged
It is a rational problem-solving approach – some view as simplistic
Both cognitive and affective processes are involved
Clinical information and qualitative data are included in the appraisal process
The counselor’s role has shifted from a directive approach to one involving negotiation & collaboration
The major goals are enhancement of self-knowledge & fit with an optimal career
Job satisfaction is a significant variable in job involvement & tenure
Intervention strategies are matched to specific identified deficits in information processing (box 3.1, p 83)
Guidelines & 7 stages – pp 80 & 81
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

5. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Developmental Model
Specific guidelines & 5 stages – pp 89 & 90
Summary:
Career development is a lifelong process and the career dev. needs of individuals must be met at each developmental stage
Goals, learning strategies, and timing of interventions in this model are guided by vocational developmental tasks (Super)
Career maturity and self concept are important in this model – focus on barriers that diminish these
All life roles are a focus (balance) & unique needs are emphasized
Clients develop & accept an integrated & adequate picture of self & roles, test concept against reality, & make choices that implement self-concept & lead to job success & satisfaction & benefit society
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

6. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Learning Theory Model
Most comprehensive approach; guidelines & stages p
Each individual’s unique learning experiences are the most influential aspect of the career choice process – learning is a key ingredient – major task is to enhance learning opportunities for clients
Clients should expand their capabilities & interests & prepare for changing work tasks & environments – this expands client outcome potential, which is a unique feature of this model
Indecision – expected – part of the process of learning & exploring; exploration & tentative tryouts are encouraged
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

7. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
The career counselor’s role is viewed as very complex and inclusive – mentor, coach, educator; integration of personal counseling with career
A goal is to understand what motivates behavior: Clients arrive at decisions via core goals that are motivators toward or away from certain activities. Counselors assist clients in clarifying core goals.
Another goal is to understand how thought processes & actions influence career development and subsequent career decisions.
Cognitive functions provide clients with a model of the world & their relationship to it – clients evaluate themselves, work environments & demands - realistic information processing is essential
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

8. Cognitive Information-Processing Approach Model (CIP)
An extension of career development theory - a cognitive information processing approach to career problem solving & decision making
Seven-step sequence (ch 2, fig. 2.3 & pp 104 – 106)
Can be used for individuals, groups and curricular programs
A learning model built around CIP theory - requires an in- depth understanding of CIP theory
Information processing is a key skill in career exploration
Career information processing is a learning event – individual learning plans (ILP) provide a sequence of activities planned jointly by counselor & client
Self & occupational knowledge are essential
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

9. Multicultural Career Counseling Model for Ethnic Women
Provides a means of comparing techniques and the methods and materials used in the counseling process - 7 steps – p 110
Counselors prepare for clients by using a self-administered Multicultural Career Counseling Checklist (MCCC) – apx C
Client is administered a Career Counseling Checklist (CCC) – apx D – measures factors such as knowledge of the world of work, gender issues, role of family in the decision process, & client concerns about choosing an occupation
Decision Tree – a schematic of decision points & paths (apx E)
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

10. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Focuses on contextual influence & recognizes that salient racial factors were not a part of traditional career development theories
Counselors should remain open to learning more about the needs of minorities and the context of their worldview
Trust & collaboration are key, esp when client & counselor are from different ethnic backgrounds – counselor should welcome & invite discussion of world view & racial differences, should respect & appreciate differences, use reciprocal behavior, & take time needed
Clients are unique individuals who may have experienced discrimination & oppression that limit their perspectives of future opportunities - past & present internal & external barriers (e.g. luck & who you know are more important than self determination) – choices are often limited without full awareness; barriers may be realistic & may be very difficult to overcome
Socioeconomic limitations diminish perspective of future lifestyle
Limited experiences with other ethnic social groups
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

11. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cultural variables – family influence can be extensive and family can be very involved in decision–making; clients may seek family approval; often productive to investigate which members are empowered to make major decisions
Collaborative counseling – may assume passivity as participants; inform clients that it is proper & acceptable to negotiate throughout process; ask for agreement on procedures or options
Pragmatic goals may be more appropriate than those based on self- actualization
Allow more time for interventions; invite to recycle in model
Group interventions may be very productive – homogeneous & use of native language may increase effectiveness
Non-traditional interventions may be productive
Inventories used must be appropriate for the client’s racial/ethnic group
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

12. Major Parameters of Five Models pp 116-119
Usually in this order:
1. Counseling goals – differ according to model
2. Intake interview techniques – used for information gathering, building client-counselor relationship, assessing problems, assessing client readiness for career counseling, and establishing the process of career counseling; the focus differs according to the model used
3. Use of assessment – includes both standardized & non-standardized; on-going; used as part of client problem ID & to identify appropriate intervention strategies; used as a tool & with consensus
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

13. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
4. Diagnosis (dx) – a starting point from which goals can be set; differential dx is based on individual psychology (i.e. how individuals differ from norms)
identifies probs in such categories as undecided or indecisive; used to identify mental health probs that require further evaluation and treatment; dx of irrational/dysfunctional thinking is important in all models; irrational beliefs, anxiety or lack of info suggest that decision making style, esp the process should be addressed
dx is a means to identify client’s level of knowledge, information-processing skills (e.g. can data be turned into information), readiness, & motivation to engage in intervention strategies
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

14. Extensively used client labels
Decided clients – have made a career decision; might profit from counseling designed to formulate other steps in decision making & to determine if their choice was made appropriately or not
Undecided clients – have not made a career decision; might or might not view their current status as a problem; often described developmentally as uninformed & immature, lacking in self-knowledge and or occupational knowledge; however, may also be described as multipotential individuals (i.e. having competencies to pursue several different types of careers)
Indecisive clients – have high levels of anxiety accompanied by dysfunctional thinking; could have personality disorder & depression related probs; tend to lack self-confidence, tolerance for ambiguity, and a sense of identity; may need psychotherapy or personal counseling before they can benefit from career counseling
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

15. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
5. Counseling process – a variety of skills are involved, including developing rapport, interviewing, roles (teacher, mentor, coach, advisor, confidante, overseer, collaborator), knowledge about use of assessment instruments, identification of probs, intervention strategies, helping client with developing decision making skills, & inviting clients to recycle & to future counseling if desired
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.