Self-Directed Career Planning vs. the Traditional Counseling Model

Both models are used in a variety of settings and each has its strengths:

Self-Directed Career Planning Model:

The self-directed career planning model is typically more cost-effective and many participants find it empowering. It may utilize assessment instruments, such as career interest, values, skills, and personality inventories. These inventories are designed to be easy to take and understand. The self-directed career planning model makes standard career planning resources available directly to participants in order to make appropriate career and employment decisions.

Traditional Career Counseling Model:

The traditional career counseling model emphasizes one-on-one counseling in a therapeutic relationship involving significant psychological content. It typically uses assessment instruments, such as personality and career interest inventories, designed for a professional to administer and interpret. The counselor typically uses the information gained from the assessment instruments, individual sessions, and from standard career planning resources to help participants make more appropriate career decisions.