Solution Focused Counseling Interventions Vs. Traditional Interventions

As we have learned in class, career counseling must have a base or framework in traditional theoretical counseling. Furthermore, as Niles and Harris-Bowlsbey mentioned, career counseling is like a sub set of normal counseling that may require many of the same aspects of regular mental health counseling (2009, p. 242). Through out my counseling development I have clicked with solution-focused Therapy as my main mode of counseling. As I have adopted that as main focus it seemed logical for me that I would want to research more. On of the questions that I have pondered is how does solution focused therapy differ form traditional modes on counseling, in terms of career development? I found a journal article that centers on that very question. The article is derived from a college in South Africa that compares and contrasts the two modalities of traditional career counseling and post-modern career counseling.

According to Maree and Beck, traditional career counseling involves a heavy emphasis on psychometric tests, work sheets and computer programs were utilized to form an objective image of the individual. As a result the assessment drives a “image” that is usually matched with the character and traits suited to a logically matched specific career. If the values, interests and abilities of the individual were considered congruent with the requirements of a specific career, the assumption was made that the individual would find that career stable, productive and satisfying. The 'matching', 'objective' image was accepted as generally seen as concrete, real, and true. However, the traditional method deprives an individual of the opportunity explore their interests because the heavy testing emphasis generally created a label for a cl...

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...ersatile and positive orientated framework. By looking at the person and their story, I assert that a comprehensive view of the client can be reached. The empowerment and positive nature of the solution-focused modality undoubtedly generates results. However, I do no think these positive results could be reach without some traditional base as appoint of reference. While this will serve as my main counseling format, I am aware that I will need to be versed with other counseling and testing techniques.

Works Cited

Beck, G., & Maree, J. (2004). Using various approaches in career counseling for traditionally disadvantaged (and other) learners: some limitations of a new frontier. South African Journal of Education, 24(1), 80-87.

Niles, S. & Bowlsbey, J. (2009). Career development interventions in the 21st century. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Merrill/Pearson.