Week 3

Regarding last week’s class, I enjoyed the case study we read and discussed because it resembles a situation we may find ourselves in as counselors.  I still particularly like Holland’s theory.  This week’s theories were a little different than Holland, focusing less on personality.  I think it’s interesting how Krumboltz developed a social learning theory of career selection based off of Bandura’s theory.  He recognizes genetic factors and abilities, but also recognizes other factors including environmental and learning experiences. 

Something I didn’t expect to see in the reading was a information-processing model of career choice.  An interesting thought brought up in this discussion was the problem of having clients who are not good decision makers.  Working in the graduate admissions office, I often get phone calls from prospective students who just are not sure what program they want to pursue.  This frustrates me, because I cannot make life decisions for them; I can only guide them to more information to help them make an informed choice. 

Some of the postmodern theories were interesting.  I was a little confused about the comment that constructivist approaches are value free.  Does this mean only that the counselor does not impose his/her values on the client?  Shouldn’t this always be the case?  As much as possible, we want to always be able to work with clients of all groups and different cultures.  

Going along with values, the Duffy article was of great interest to me.  It confirmed what I already believe.  It just makes sense to me that religious people report lower levels of depression, higher levels of positive affect, less emotional distress, and greater life satisfaction.  I also really liked the idea of Miller-Tiedeman, that the focus of life should not be about finding the right career, but rather the right life.  A career then serves as a complement and not as a primary goal.  Looking at career decisions in this light, makes it seem a little less stressful to me.  Important areas of someone’s life should be taken into account in guiding career choice, including spirituality and religion. 

Going along with the idea of congruence, Bloch encouraged counselors to help clients what careers match with not only their skills and interests, but also their values and sense of self.  This will result in better satisfaction with their choice. 

Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development (10^th ed.).  New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

Duffy, R. D. (2006). Spirituality, religion, and career development: Current status and future directions. The Career Development Quarterly, 55, 55-63.