Expectations for career counseling are often very different, and quite inaccurate. Often my clients expect that as the career counselor I will tell them what career they should follow, will know everything that there is to know about jobs and the job market, will find them work, and will be able to do all of this in one or two sessions. I often hear, “Test me to tell me what to do.” I am dealing with a population where clients are seriously struggling with issues such as low self-esteem, cognitive dysfunctions, ineffective coping styles, and unsatisfactory relationships. A major theme in an addict’s life is instant gratification. One of the hardest things for my population is withstanding the length of the career counseling process because they have to defer gratification without reducing their efforts or giving up out of discouragement. Those willing and able to perform with some degree of autonomy and an internal locus of control can only undertake an active client role. Inevitably, clients will have to place themselves in situations such as job interviews, with a potential for damage to self-esteem and need to have adequate ego strength.
Theories: Trait & Factor
Super's Career Development
Social Learning Theory
Holland