Beyond 2000

Abstract

Since its genesis in vocational guidance, career guidance and counselling has followed the approach developed in the early 1900s in the work of Parsons (1909). Indeed, the profession has been well served by this approach which has come to be known as the trait and factor approach. However, since the time of Parsons the world of work has changed dramatically. We are living in a time of rapid change. Thus society's needs in terms of career guidance and counselling are significantly different. For career guidance and counselling to remain a relevant force in the next century, career guidance practitioners are being challenged to move away from strict adherence to the traditional model toward more client-centred approaches.

One of the biggest challenges to existing practices comes from the influence of constructivism. The constructivist world view has been well documented in the field of counselling. In particular, it has influenced the development of solution-focused and narrative approaches to counselling, which are now well-established counselling modalities. However, it is only comparatively recently that the influence of constructivism has begun to be felt in career guidance and counselling. This paper will briefly examine the history and traditions of career guidance and counselling and discuss the changing nature of the world of work and the needs of clients. Following this, it will examine the nature of constructivism, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and its implications for career guidance and counselling practitioners.