Career Research Paper Outline: Integrated Theory of Career Development
Textbook:
Your outline submission will consist of two sections, a written description, and a table.
Written Outline
Your written outline must include the following elements.
Introduction
Write a paragraph, including a clear thesis statement, describing what you plan to do in your paper and how you intend to do it.
Framework
Write a maximum of three double-spaced pages for this section. It must be written in sentence/paragraph format—do not use bullets.
Choose only Option 1: Counselling Phases or Option 2: Client Issues (not both) for your paper, and explain your choice.
Identify two or three elements under “Counselling Phases” from Option 1 or two or three elements under “Client Issues” from Option 2.
You will need to talk to your tutor about how many elements you include. For instance, some client barriers can be discussed in a short paper, while others may be too complex to take on here (for example, a client with multiple barriers, such as low self-esteem, racial discrimination, learning disabilities, and a history of sexual abuse).
References to and citations of the course materials (textbook, online readings, and study guide commentary) are required. Remember that you must support (with references and citations) and justify your assertions.
Provide at least two examples of how you propose to relate the elements that you chose in Step 2 above to personal/professional practitioner beliefs, to clients, to theories, and to the counsellor workplace.
Conclusion
Write a few sentences summarizing the key points you have come to understand from completing the outline.
Table
Using the table in either Option 1 or Option 2, below, as a guideline, create a table that summarizes how you intend to relate the counseling-phases or client-issue elements that you have chosen to the factors of theory, practitioner beliefs, client characteristics, and counselor workplace. Append it to your written outline. You may use bullet format in your table.
Options for Integrated Theory of Career Development Paper
OPTION 1: COUNSELLING PHASES
Option 1 allows you to discuss theories, practitioner beliefs, client characteristics, and counsellor workplace in relation to a series of phases in the counselling process. For instance, in identifying the problem or setting goals in the counselling process, you might refer to Super’s life stages or career maturity. In a clarifying self-awareness step, you might refer to type theory, life-space mapping, life roles, spiritual meaning-making, and so on.
Counselling Phases Theory Practitioner Beliefs Client Characteristics Counsellor Workplace (Context)
assessment
problem identification and formulation
goal setting
development of means
implementation
evaluation
review
exiting
Marking Guidelines for Outline Option 1: Counselling Phases
Introduction States the thesis statement /5
Outlines what you plan to do in your paper, and how you intend to do it
Counselling Phases Three phases are chosen from the list provided. N/A
Note: No marks are associated with this part; however, the phases must be included in the write-up. Otherwise, the outline receives a zero “0” grade.
Theory Options Appropriate theories applied to each of the three counselling phases chosen and rationales provided for each /15
More than one theory may apply per counselling phase.
Practitioner Beliefs Appropriate practitioner beliefs described as they relate to each of the three counselling phases and theory options /20
Client Characteristics Description of the client population: appropriate client issues identified and described /15
Counsellor Workplace The counsellor workplace where you are interacting with the client is described. /15
Conclusions A complete, concise summary of the paper’s structure and/or points made is given. /5
APA Style There is correct and consistent use of APA (6th ed.) in title page, references, and citations (primary and interpreted, and secondary where applicable). /15
There is a full list of the references you have selected for your final paper, written in APA 6th edition style.
Discretion Do the parts fit together to present a persuasive and cohesive paper? Do your ideas flow logically throughout the paper? /10
Did you support your arguments and assertions with more evidence than your own opinion?
How well do you express your ideas? This is influenced by appropriate wording, economy of language (i.e., concise language), academic tone, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
Have you displayed thoughtfulness, creativity, and originality?
Subtotal /100
Final Mark /10
OPTION 2: CLIENT ISSUES
Option 2 allows you to organize your integrated discussion around a set of client issues or barriers, such as lack of self-knowledge, distorted beliefs, low self-esteem/efficacy, family responsibilities, unrealistic perceptions of the work world, career immaturity, and so on.
The client issues listed below are examples only. These are simply provided to help you get started. You are expected to come up with your own issues.
Examples of Client Issues
(you are to identify specific issues) Theory Options Practitioner Beliefs Counsellor Workplace (Context)
low self-esteem
acceptance of credentials
lack of knowledge
family responsibilities
unrealistic beliefs about the workplace
distorted beliefs about commitment
external locus of control
fear of failure
financial mismanagement
problem with authority
conflicting aspirations
lack of support
Marking Guidelines for Option 2: Client Issues
Introduction States the thesis statement /5
Outlines what you plan to do in your paper, and how you intend to do it
Client Issues Three issues are chosen from your own list (not the example list provided). N/A
Note: No marks are associated with this part; however, the issues must be included in the write-up. Otherwise, the outline receives a zero “0” grade.
Theory Options Appropriate theories applied to each of the three counselling issues identified and rationales provided for each /20
More than one theory may apply per counselling issue.
Practitioner Beliefs Appropriate practitioner beliefs described as they relate to each of the three counselling issues and theory options /20
Counsellor Workplace The counsellor workplace where you are interacting with the client is described. /20
Conclusions A complete, concise summary of the paper’s structure and/or points made is given. /10
APA Style There is correct and consistent use of APA (6th ed.) in title page, references, and citations (primary and interpreted, and secondary where applicable). /15
There is a full list of the references you have selected for your final paper, written in APA 6th edition style.
Discretion Do the parts fit together to present a persuasive and cohesive paper? Do your ideas flow logically throughout the paper? /10
Did you support your arguments and assertions with more evidence than your own opinion?
How well do you express your ideas? This is influenced by appropriate wording, economy of language (i.e., concise language), academic tone, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
Have you displayed thoughtfulness, creativity, and originality?
Subtotal /100
Final Mark /10
Part II: Integrated Theory of Career Development Paper
Weight: 30%, although the grade out of 10% that you will have received for your approved paper outline will be added for a total out of 40%
Length: 10–12 double-spaced pages (excluding title page and references)
Due: after you have received your tutor’s approval of your paper outline
You must get your tutor’s approval of your outline before you write and submit your final paper. You will not be able to access the assignment drop box for the final paper until you have received your tutor’s approval of your outline.
Before you begin writing this assignment, read the Academic Integrity section of the Student Manual and watch the Academic Integrity video tutorial on our main course page.
The paper must be an original work; that is, not copied from someone else, and not used in this course in a previous registration or in any other course taken at Athabasca University or elsewhere. Otherwise, this constitutes plagiarism and academic misconduct.
For the purposes of this assignment, all direct quotes and paraphrased information must be cited appropriately, accurately, and completely—also, page numbers or paragraph numbers (where page numbers are not available) must be given for both direct quotes and paraphrased information. See APA tutorial.
Structure
Your essay should be an academic paper complete with a title page, introduction, body (an elaboration of your outline for either Option 1 or Option 2), conclusion, and reference page, using APA 6th edition format.
Your introduction should include a clear thesis statement of what you plan to do in the paper and how you intend to do it. You can structure the body of your paper using the four headings (from the option you choose) as your main sections. The elements that you address under each of the headings can form sub-headings.
For example, for Option 2:
Title Page (including header and page numbers throughout)
Introduction (main heading)
Description of Practitioner’s Workplace (sub-heading)
General Clientele (sub-heading)
Client Issues (main heading)
Acceptance of Credentials (sub-heading)
Lack of Support (sub-heading)
My Beliefs (main heading)
Acceptance of Credentials (sub-heading)
Lack of Support (sub-heading)
Theory (main heading)
Acceptance of Credentials (sub-heading)
Lack of Support (sub-heading)
Counsellor Workplace (main heading)
Acceptance of Credentials (sub-heading)
Lack of Support (sub-heading)
Conclusion (main heading)
Reference Page
Remember to write a conclusion for your paper that summarizes what you have learned (in thinking about and writing the assignment) or the implications of what you have written about.
The Four Stages of Writing Research Papers section in the Course Information gives you an outline of the research essay writing process.
Your paper must be written in sentence/paragraph format (do not use bullets). It should be double-spaced, in 12-point font, with 2.5 cm (or 1 inch) margins.
Your paper must be submitted as a DOCX, DOC, or RTF document. Do not submit your paper as an ODT or ODF, WPS, or PDF document, as your tutor will not be able to open and/or grade it efficiently or completely.
Marking Guidelines for Integrated Theory Paper
Introduction States the thesis clearly /10
Provides a detailed description of practitioner’s workplace and clientele
Review and Integration of Literature In-depth description of information in the course textbook and readings that is relevant to the topic (Option 1 or Option 2) /30
The thesis statement, theory options, practitioner beliefs, and counsellor workplace are addressed with a balanced perspective, and are well discussed in some depth in an integrated presentation format (rather than a linear format).
Critical Analysis Integrated discussion of the thesis statement, theory options, practitioner beliefs, and counsellor workplace is based on the course textbook and readings (referenced and cited) and independent analysis. There are comments on anticipated problems, ethical issues, and outcomes. /20
Conclusion Complete, concise summary of the paper’s structure and/or points made in the report /10
APA Style There is correct and consistent use of APA (6th ed.) in title page, references, and citations (primary and interpreted, and secondary where applicable). /15
Writing Skills Excellent organization. No errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Transitions from one section to the next are clear and logical. A well-organized report may use headings. Direct quotations and paraphrasing are complete and accurate (no patch writing). Paper is free of plagiarism and interpretation errors. /15
Sub Total /100
Final Mark /30
This assignment has two separate parts, please complete them separately.
Outline
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Outline
Counselling is the process through which professional practitioners offer psychological, social and personal guidance to those who need it. The kind of assistance offered includes psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and relationship therapy. However, for the counselling process to be effective, the clients should be willing to disclose all the difficulties that they are undergoing through for the counsellor to help in identifying the problems. Moreover, the outcomes of the counselling are dependent on the framework and approach the counsellor decides to utilize. This outline presents the framework, major elements of the counselling process that I will use to advance my career.
Framework
Professional practitioners should be committed to the practice, participatory processes, multicultural competencies, systematic accountability and social justice in order to promote health developments on their clients. For the practitioners to be committed to the practice, they must observe the professional standards that have been established to govern the practice. Moreover, the professional counsellors must possess the ability to reflect upon their thoughts, feelings and actions. To ensure that they are committed to the participatory process, the practitioners must have extensive knowledge about their responsibilities and skill development. To ensure that all these are achieved, the practitioners must observe the ethical codes governing their practice. However, there are three major ethical domains that should guide the practice of counselling practitioners. They include:
* Values: This ensures that clients are safe and comfortable creating an environment where they can express themselves. The basic values of counselling include showing respect to human rights and dignity, protecting the clients, maintaining counsellor-client relationship, enhancing professional development through research, and appreciating individual differences. Values are the basis for the principles.
* Principles: these are the tenets upon which the ethical responsibilities of counsellors are based and hold them liable for any decisions that they make. These principles include:
Fidelity- this is demonstrating a sense of trustworthy. It is important in addressing cases of incongruence. In general this principle addresses the trust in the counsellor-client relationship. The interests of the clients come first before those of the counsellor. The client needs to be reassured that counsellor can be reliable and trusted.
Autonomy- the clients should be allowed to choose their own. This can be achieved through accepting and respecting the abilities of the client to make their own choices without any barrier (BACP, 2011). The counsellor should acknowledge and respect this right.
Beneficence- the counsellor has a responsibility to contribute positively to the client’s welfare. The counsellor should do what is best for the client and if unable, should provide appropriate alternatives (BACP, 2011). Moreover, the counsellors should engage in professional activities that promote the well-being of the public.
Non-maleficence- counsellors should not cause any harm to the client. It is the responsibility of the counsellor to avoid using interventions that can harm clients in any manner (BACP, 2011). Practitioners are supposed to evaluate the client’s situations and determine appropriate interventions.
Justice- Counsellors are expected to act in a fair manner to clients. It is the responsibility of the counsellors to act in a non-discriminatory manner to the clients. However, justice does not imply that counsellors should treat all clients the same but ensure equality (BACP, 2011). Therefore, counsellors should have the ability to detect any inequality and apply appropriate intervention. Being committed to fairness requires the counsellor to acknowledge and appreciate individual differences and avoid any form of discrimination (BACP, 2011). Practitioners have a responsibility to ensure fair provision of counselling to potential clients.
Self-respect- this principle implies that the practitioner observes all other principles. This includes the counsellor seeking opportunities for personal development (BACP, 2011). The counsellor has a duty to engage in personal and professional support activities through training and other opportunities. This principle encourages practitioners to engage in life supporting activities.
Personal moral qualities: the personal moral qualities of practitioners are of important to clients. Most of the personal qualities that are considered to be of utmost importance in the counselling process contain an ethical component hence considered as virtues. However, it is inappropriate to say that all counsellors possess these virtues. These qualities are rooted in an individual and develop as a result of personal commitment and not as a requirement. Counsellors are encouraged to aspire for the following virtues:
* Empathy- ability to communicate an understanding of the clients’ situation from their perspective.
* Sincerity- a personal commitment to ensure consistency between the practice and what is done.
* Integrity- a commitment to demonstrate morality in interacting with others and honesty.
* Resilience- the ability to work with the client’s situation without experiencing any negative effects.
* Humility- the ability to assess and acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of the client.
* Competence- effective utilization of the appropriate skills and knowledge to achieve the desired outcomes.
* Fairness- consistent utilization of appropriate strategies in decision making (BACP, 2011).
Observing the ethical framework protects both the client and counsellor. It also fosters good interaction between counsellor and client ensuring there is transparency. This results in equality between the two. However, the practitioners may encounters situations with competing obligations. In such cases, the counsellors may be tempted to retreat from the above ethical obligations in order to avoid ethical tensions. The ethics described in this framework are aimed at providing assistance to practitioners in such situations by highlighting factors that need to be considered and other alternate approaches. By observing the above framework, practitioners commit themselves to engage in the challenging field that requires them to be ethical even when difficult decisions need to be made.
Phases of Counselling
The counselling session depends on the needs of the client and the approach utilized by the practitioner. However, although the sessions may vary, there is a basic structure that must be followed. This structure was developed by Cornier and Hackney (1987) as a five stage-process: relationship building, assessment, goal setting, interventions, and termination and follow-up. However, modern scholars have expanded these phases to form a six-stage model as follows:
Stage one: Relationship building
Stage two: Assessment and diagnosis.
Stage three: Formulation of counselling goals.
Stage four: Intervention and problem solving.
Stage five: Termination and follow-up.
Stage six: Research and evaluation.
Counselling is a series of steps that takes one through the process of counselling. A normal counselling session may involve all stages but ignore the termination phase. The objectives of counselling may change as the processes advances to other stages. For example, at the beginning the practitioner may focus on building a strong relationship with the client, assess and diagnose the issue, and develop objectives. In later stages, the counsellor may focus on finding solutions and intervention strategies and how to terminate the session. Of all the phases, relationship building and assessment and diagnosis are the most important ones since the overall outcomes of the session depends on the results from the two phases.
Phase one: Relationship Building
Relationship building is considered to be the heart of the counselling process. It provides all the necessary requirements for counselling. The outcomes of the overall outcomes of the counselling process depend on the counsellor-client relationship created at this stage. However, although the counsellor-client relationship is important, no enough literature to back it up and demonstrate the nature of its importance. This phase is categorized into two categories:
* Counsellor-offered conditions
* Counsellor and client offered conditions
* Counsellor-offered conditions- This is the influence the counsellor has on the counselling process. They relate to the core conditions necessary for the counselling process to be effective as well as the social influence model. These conditions include:
* Core Conditions: they include; respect, empathy, confrontation, unconditional positive regard, self-disclosure, immediacy, congruence and concreteness.
* Empathy- this is the most important condition for a successful counselling process. It involves demonstrating a sense of caring and understanding. Empathy is categorized into two types: Primary empathy which involves the attendance, listening and communication of accurate assumptions of the client’s messages. Advanced empathy involves primary empathy and the utilization of various skills such as interpretations, directives or self-disclosure (Gladstein, 2012). To demonstrate empathy, the practitioner must fulfil the following stages:
* Have an emotional reaction to the situation being presented by the client.
* Understand the situation from the client’s perspective.
* Demonstrate empathy to the client.
* The client feels that he is being cared and understood by the counsellor.
Empathic understanding enables the counsellor to understand the client’s situation and encourage the client to self-explore.
* Unconditional positive regard- the counsellor makes the client feel that he is valued and worthy as a person. However, this concept does not allow mean that the counsellor should accept all the behaviour of the client. Instead, it implies that the counsellor should accept the client and set limits on certain behaviors. Through this, the counsellor is able to accept the client’s worthiness as a person but not the behaviour.
* Congruence- this involves behaving in such a way that is consistent with how the client thinks or feels. Alternatively, the counsellor should demonstrate a sense of genuineness. The counsellor should genuine to express how he feels and not be phony when interacting with the client.
* Respect- like in unconditional positive regard, the counsellor should focus on the positive characteristics of the client. The counsellor can show respect to the client by making positive statements about the client by acknowledging, appreciating and tolerating their individual differences. The purpose of showing respect to the client is to enable the counsellor focus on the strengths of the client rather than on the weaknesses.
* Immediacy- this is involves direct and mutual communication. It is all about giving immediate response to what is occurring during the counselling process. It enables the counsellor to address various issues that are important to the counselling relationship. This promotes direct mutual relationship during the process.
* Confrontation- addressing any discrepancies in the actions and words of the client as well as the counsellor’s feelings towards the client. This is a risky technique during the counselling process since they can result in negative effects. However, this technique helps the clients gain an understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
* Concreteness- clients might have difficulties in explaining certain things. Concreteness from the counsellor will create a focus for the clients in addressing pertinent issues.
* Self-disclosure- This involves the counsellor making himself known to the clients. The...
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