ISSUES IN CAREER

COUNSELING

PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS,

PEOPLE WHO ARE CULTURALLY
DIFFERENT, AND LATE ENTRANTS
INTO THE WORK FORCE

Client Groups With Special Needs

These groups include:

People who have disabilities or who are

disadvantaged (physical or mental disabilities,

language barriers, or are educationally or
economically disadvantaged).

Cultural minorities (different races, ethnicities,

religions or sexual orientations).

 People who delayed entry into the traditional

workforce (homemakers, military personnel).

People who want to change careers in midlife

or who face layoffs.

Older people who choose to remain working or

return to the workforce.

Client Groups With Special Needs

Clients Who Are Economically Disadvantaged

Many jobs barely provide subsistence wages:

Usually this group includes: those with limited

education and those in a geographically

deprived area (e.g. the rural poor), those that
have been chronically poor, the
underemployed, and the unemployed.

 This group can be helped by providing:

access to basic education, provision of

personal or career counseling,
information about jobs, and access to
vocational training and placement
services.

Counselors can help most, by helping

clients obtain training and other services

to help them compete in the job world.

Client Groups With Special Needs

Clients Who Are Culturally Different

Career counselors must take into

consideration a clients worldview,

values, level of acculturation and stage of
racial identity development.

Some issues affecting these groups are:

language barriers, histories of hardship,

discrimination and bias.

 Counselors need to understand the

culture of their clients as well as their

time orientation, structure of their social
relationships and ways of problemsolving.

Individuals however, should not be

stereotyped according to broad group

characteristics. There is wide variation
even within cultural groups.

Client Groups With Special Needs

Where do clients fall on this continuum and how might this affect
them in their search for a career?
Internal Locus
of Control

Represents most
Anglo-Saxon
Americans

External Locus
of Control
External Locus of
Responsibility

Internal Locus of
Responsibility

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling The Older Adult
As society ages, more counselors will
be needed to work with those 65 years
or older.
It is estimated that by the year 2020,
this population will encompass 50 million
of the American population.

Older adults will vary

according to: age, sex, marital
status, geographic distribution,
race and ethnicity, retirement,
employment and income status
as well as physical and mental
health.

Counseling Special Populations

Problems and Concerns of the Older Adult

Loss of work role identity.

Increased amount of leisure time.
Decreased financial support.
Loss of significant other(s).

Geographic relocation.
Increased loneliness and separation.
Peer and family restructuring.
Increased physiologic disorders.
Increased amount of dependence.

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Principles for the Older Adult

Enhancement of dignity and worth.

Counselors need to sell the positive benefits
of counseling.
Counselors need to attend to the physical
environment.
The counselor is often an advocate of the
client.
Goals should be short-term and clear-cut

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Principles for the Older Adult (continued)

Counselors need to attend to

dependence/independence issues.
Counselors need to attend to the age
differential.
Counselors need to attend to the client's place
in history.
Counselors need to diagnosis carefully with this
population.

Counseling Special Populations

Goals For Counseling for the Older Adult
To decrease anxiety and depression.
To reduce confusion and loss of contact with reality.
To increase socialization and improve interpersonal
relationships.
To improve behavior within institutions.
To cope with crisis and transitional stress.
To become more accepting of self and the aging
process.

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients
There are at least 20 25 million gay, lesbian and bisexual
individuals in the United States, or 10% - 15% of the adult
population.
There is no typical gay, lesbian or bisexual person. Individuals
come from different races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds,
socioeconomic statuses, and cultures.
There are seven variables of sexual orientation: sexual
attraction, sexual behavior, sexual fantasies, emotional
preference, social preference, lifestyle, and self-identification.

Counseling Special Populations

Problems Faced by Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients
Cultural Homophobia
Cultural Heterosexism
Internalized Homophobia
Homophobia and Heterosexism in Counselors

Counseling Special Populations

Identity Development of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients
Identity confusion
Identity conflict
Identity denial
Community identity
Coming out or not

Counseling Special Populations

Special Situations in Counseling for Gay, Lesbian and
Bisexual Clients
Violence in Lesbian and Gay Male Couples
Gay and Lesbian Families
Religious Issues
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
AIDS

Counseling Special Populations

Special Situations in Counseling for Gay, Lesbian and
Bisexual Clients (continued)
Loneliness
Guilt
Depression
Suicide

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Ethnic Minority Clients
Ethnic minority clients are members of cultural groups who
have been marginalized by society.
There is no typical member of any one group. There is diversity
within groups also.
Worldview, culture, and acculturation are important
considerations.

Counseling Special Populations

Counselor Training for Counseling Ethnic Minorities
Multicultural competencies are now expected.
Facilitation of growth and awareness of cultural differences.
Facilitation of growth and awareness of counselor bias.
Adoption of a culture-centered counseling theory.
Supervision and evaluation.
Emphasis on the crossed dyads of racial identity development
between counselor and client.
Ethics

Counseling Special Populations

Multicultural Counseling Practices
Assessment Perspectives: Are assessment tools culturally
sensitive and appropriate?
Culturally-Specific Inventories: It is important to assess clients
from their own frame of reference.
Clinical Research Issues: Most theories and assessment
instruments were developed with white, middle class subjects
as models.

Counseling Special Populations

Future Directions of Multicultural Counseling
Within Group Application: Understanding the differences within
ethnic groups (e.g. The Hispanic group is composed of Cubans,
Mexicans, Puerto Ricans etc.)
Culture-Centered Interventions: Traditional methods of healing
within the clients community needs to be considered.
Other Nontraditional Populations: Diversity does not just
encompass race and ethnicity but can include the poor, the
aged, religion etc.
Ethical Issues: Is cultural ineffectiveness unethical? Should it
or shouldnt it be?

Career Counseling the Disabled

Why Is This Needed?
Effective and responsive career counseling can significantly impact
and empower a person with a disability at the level of choices,
inclusion and independence.
If a person with a disability has choices, is included and has
independence, he or she can have a satisfying and rewarding career.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Current Issues that Effect Employment
and Career Possibilities
Disabilities and capabilities should be carefully considered when
assisting a person with a disability in a search for a meaningful career.
Due to globalization, increased technology and shifts in population it
is more difficult, rather than less difficult, for people with disabilities
to find jobs.
Many disabilities hinder development of marketable job skills which
can lead to lower income, underemployment and lower self-esteem.
People with disabilities often experience (a) limitations in early life
experiences, (b) difficulty in making decisions, (c) a negative worker
self-concept.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Current Issues that Effect Employment
and Career Possibilities
People with disabilities are often limited in the types and amounts of
experiences they are allowed to have. They are often specifically
restricted in:
Career opportunities.
Social experiences.
This lack of experience can lead to:
Career development problems.
Failure to develop a consistent and differentiated personality.
Failure to develop a career identity.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Current Issues that Effect Employment
and Career Possibilities
Many people with disabilities have decisions made for them and do
not have an opportunity to become experienced in the decision
making process.
Many do not get the opportunity to test their own competencies.
Many do not receive information that will aid in a realistic perception
of what opportunities might be available to them.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Current Issues that Effect Employment
and Career Possibilities
Social attitudes toward disabilities shapes the opportunities and
therefore the life of a person with a disability.
Long term exposure to prejudice, negative attitudes and paternalism
may fundamentally undercut a persons self-esteem and sense of selfefficacy.
Classification Processes: Basically comes from the assumption that
people with disabilities are less human and less capable. These are
used to make decisions regarding services which are made largely by
people who do not have a disability.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Legislation Affecting People with Disabilities
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990

Removes barriers to employment, public buildings and transportation,

state and local government services.

It guarantees equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination in all aspects

of the employment process.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Legislation Affecting the Disabled
1992 Rehabilitation Act Amendments
Client's have choice in the service provision process.
Clients have power in the selection of a vocational goal.
Vocational Rehabilitation counselors must consider an individuals

strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities when

assisting the client in career exploration.

The goal is empowerment, independence and self-determination.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Legislation Affecting the Disabled
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999
Designed to increase employment opportunities for individuals who are

on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security

Income.

Protects people from losing their health benefits if they work.

Gives the client choice in the selection of employment related

rehabilitation service providers.

Career Counseling the Disabled

The Empowerment Perspective
People with disabilities should have the same degree of power and control

over their lives as people without disabilities.

Each individual is worthy of respect ad dignity.

Each person should have equal opportunity to maximize his or her

potential.

People as a rule strive to succeed and grow in a positive direction.

People should have the power and authority to make decisions that affect

their own life.

Career Counseling the Disabled

Things to Remember When Career Counseling a
Person with a Disability
Career counseling is something you do with the person, not do to or for

the person.

Clients should be involved in the planning process and given relevant

information that will aid them in making their own decisions.

Clients should weigh alternatives, gather information, and explore career

options. The counselor can aid in this but should not do this for the
client.

Career Counseling the Disabled

The Counseling Process
Identify the clients career goals taking into consideration any specific

issues or problems and whether or not the disability was pre- or postcareer. This will shape a clients attitudes toward the type of work he or
she will prefer.

Form a positive working alliance. Counselors emphasize the client's role

and responsibilities including decision making, responsibility for his or

her own actions and that he or she is an active participant in the
counseling process.

Career Counseling the Disabled

The Counseling Process
Gather client information. This includes information about the clients

specific situation including how he or she views himself or herself, his or

her abilities, barriers, worldview, and decision-making style.

Understand and make hypotheses about the clients behavior. How does

the information the client has presented relate to the clients career
development process? Identify the specific disability variables that will
affect outcomes for the client.

Career Counseling the Disabled

The Counseling Process
Take action. Treat your client in a age-appropriate manner and respect his

or her values and beliefs. Client strengths should be utilized to the fullest.
Use client resources (family, friends, spouses etc.) to the clients benefit.

Develop a career goal and plan of action. Decide on an appropriate

intervention that will best include the client in the decision-making

process, as well as, best assist the client in his or her goals.

Career Counseling the Disabled

The Counseling Process
Evaluate the working relationship. Was the client as involved as he or she

should be in, (a) gathering information (b) generating ideas and

alternative courses of action, (c) devising a plan for action?

Close the relationship. Establish a monitoring system to provide follow-

up and support. Do NOT foster dependency but give the client freedom
of choice. Teach clients where to find other community resources.

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Clients with Disabilities
Themes in counseling could include: Independence vs.
dependence; personal loss, coping with crisis, and/or
maintaining employment.
Three phases of humans services are: prevention, intervention
and postvention.
Prevention: The focus is on education or awareness of the
likelihood of an activity or situation causing physical, or
psychological problems.

Counseling Special Populations

Counseling Clients with Disabilities (continued)
Intervention: Detection of signs of disease or critical situations
followed by an intervention or strategy to reduce the level of
harm.
Postvention: Helping the client cope with new limitations and
help restore optimal functioning.
The ultimate rehabilitation goal is to improve a clients quality of
life and enhance physical and psychosocial adjustment.

Counseling Special Populations

Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities
Lack of motivation.
Secondary gain.
Reluctance to participate in rehabilitation.
Depression and anxiety.
Poor body image.
Problems with self-concept.

Counseling Special Populations

Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities (continued)
Loss of control.
Loss of reward and pleasure.
Loss of independence (physical and economic).
Difficulty in adjusting to the disability.
Inability to access the environment.

Counseling Special Populations

Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities (continued)
Impaired social or vocational roles.
Changing family dynamics or relationships.
Disruption of social life.
Negative attitudes toward own disability.
Social rejection and social isolation.
Decreased sexual activity.

Counseling Special Populations

Adaptive Tasks to Help Clients Cope With Disabilities

Help clients deal with pain and incapacitation.

Help clients deal with stress.
Help clients manage negative feelings.
Help clients regain a positive self-image.
Help clients gain a sense of competence.

Counseling Special Populations

Adaptive Tasks to Help Clients Cope With Disabilities (continued)
Help clients change their lifestyle.
Help clients gain independence.
Help clients mange their relationships.
Prepare the client for an uncertain future if additional losses are
likely.

General Issues Affecting Most

People With Delayed Entry into the
Work Force
People Who Change Careers Mid-Life (Voluntarily or
Forced)
Lost dreams or dreams that went unfulfilled.
Age discrimination.
Emotional upheaval.
Lack of opportunity.

General Issues Affecting Most

People With Delayed Entry into the
Work Force
Ex-Offenders
No skills
Discrimination
Isolation
Emotional and psychological problems

stemming from imprisonment.

Continuing legal difficulties

General Issues Affecting Most

People With Delayed Entry into the
Work Force
Former Military Personnel
Competition with younger individuals for jobs.
Work skills developed in the military may not apply to

the civilian world.

After living in a highly structured world taking orders,

some might have difficulty with decision making.

Adjustment difficulties.

General Issues Affecting Most

People With Delayed Entry into the
Work Force
Women
Women often interrupt their careers to raise children.
Many are displaced homemakers.
Women often delay entry into the workforce until their children

are grown.

Women generally earn only 2/3 of what men earn.

Women find work easily in the lower paying professions and these

jobs also have skills that can be updated easily after absence from
the workplace.

Discrimination and the glass ceiling.

Lots of stress: multiple demands

General Issues Affecting Most

People With Delayed Entry into the
Work Force
Counselors can help women by:

Helping women to look at the consequences of career choices

and how it may limit them.
Helping prepare women for discrimination in the workplace.
Making them aware of the Equal Employment Opportunity
Legislation.
Making women aware of their rights about sexual harassment.
Helping women to modify their self-concept, build selfconfidence.
Helping women to build support systems.

THANK YOU
WASSALAM