Week 4

I found the constructivist counseling perspective to be quite advantageous for all individuals to undergo, especially at a time where a decision weighs more heavily on a future outcome. The case study of the client, while a college undergraduate, seemed like an opportune time to undergo the constructivist counseling process in order to gain more confidence in career decisions (Savickas, 1995). I know that through my own personal endeavors through my transition from undergraduate to my first graduate school, I should have taken some time off to really focus on what type of career would ultimately leave me with a feeling of satisfaction. It would be an opportune time to have high school students and prospective college students participate in some form of constructivist counseling as it focuses on the individual rather than solely on the indecision. Understanding that career indecision is a process of transformation (Savickas, 1995) instead of an individual perceiving it as an inability to make decisions also allows for this type of career counseling to be viewed as a positive approach to exploring careers. The five steps of the constructivist model of formulating a life theme, describing this theme to the client, investigating how the theme relates to current indecision, and exploring how the client’s interests are able to project into a future career and help with the current indecision (Savickas, 1995) is able to allow the individual to actively participate in the process rather than passively receiving instruction. In addition, the opportunity to practice the skills that will aid in the new direction of career is a great way to enable someone to feel control over an issue. I found the participation of the client in the creation of a self-narrative to be an extremely helpful concept in enhancing confidence at a time when an individual feels they are lacking in control of their future.
Reading over the case study included in the article reminded me of instances in my own life where I have felt indecision as to what exactly I was attempting to pursue as a future career. My experience in my previous graduate program had me questioning on a routine basis what it was that I actually wanted upon completion. In addition, the emphasis on social context in the article was a major factor in my decision to switch my own focus of interest. I no longer wanted to be surrounded in an environment where nothing was ever good enough, and I was put in a position where I felt a push to compete with my cohort who I consider friends. Fortunately, I was able to seek resources that actually helped in my decision to transition to a program appropriate for my interests. Although I did not personally meet with a career counselor, the steps outlined within the article and the time I spent reflecting on what occurred to me as I grew up were similar to the constructivist counseling process conducted in the case study.

Savickas, M. L. (1995). Constructivist counseling for career indecision. Career Development Quarterly, 43, 363-373.