Career Counselling Across the Lifespan

The concept of a ‘career for life’ no longer exists in a world of rapid economic and social changes. In today’s society a person’s career path may not be as clearly defined as previous generations and will have different meanings for different clients. Whilst stage theorists view career decision making as a developmental process (Super, 1953, 1990, Erikson, 1959, Levinson et al, 1978, Gottfredson, 1996) they may not fully address the fundamental aspects of career counselling clients who have to manage complex life roles, unemployment, redundancy, ill-health, rehabilitation and retirement. This paper will discuss current qualitative research through client case studies that highlight some of the complex issues experienced by adults. The role of the career guidance counsellor, in supporting clients through career transitions and periods of emotional crisis, will also be explored. Finally, new paradigms that propose constructivist approaches in current career guidance practice will be examined (Savickas, McMahon & Patton, 2006).