Week 3

 I was very interested in last week’s discussion and case study regarding the Holland Code. Even though I am pretty set in my occupational choice, I wanted to find out my code. I was able to find a test at the following website (http://personality-testing.info/tests/RIASEC.php) for anybody that may be interested. The code I received was SIA (social, investigative, artistic). I would definitely agree with the social and investigative aspect, but I would not describe myself as artistic in anyway. The only way I would agree with the artistic code is that I do tend to be sensitive and impulsive at times. I am not sure how informative the test really was, and just by looking at the questions, I could already tell which vocational choice I would best match up with.

                As far as the readings for the week, I enjoyed the Duffy article the most. Duffy (2006) explained the many ways that a person’s spirituality and religion play a role in career development. Before reading the article I never really thought of the implications that religion and spirituality could have in a person’s career development, so I find the article to be very informative. I was also pleasantly surprised by the large amount of other benefits that spirituality and religion have on individuals, such as few physical illnesses and less stress during period of illness. The psychological benefits were also very compelling, such as less depression , less stress in general, and a higher self-esteem. I would not consider myself a religious or spiritual person, as a child I attended Sunday school, but as an adult it is hard to find time to even attend church. However, reading this article makes me want to peruse a religious outlet in my life.

                As far as implications to a clinical setting, I agree with the author that counselors should explore the topic of religion with the client, to see the extent to which their religion may play a factor in their life choices. Also, counselors will want to avoid sharing their personal beliefs or letting those affect the session. I am currently taking multicultural counseling, so we often discuss issues like this that may arise with clients. I also think that including spirituality and religious discussions can help the therapist become more educated and aware of cultures and religions that are different from their own.

Duffy, R. D. (2006). Spirituality, religion, and career development: Current status

            and future directions. The Career Development Quarterly, 55, 55-63.

Rounds, J. Online Personality Test. Retrieved from http://personality-testing.info/tests/RIASEC.php