Agree or disagree with the following statement and give reasons for your opinion: "Counselors, therefore, are guided not by a single theoretical orientation but rather choose strategies from theoretical constructs that can best serve the client."

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Disagree
o Theory provides the rationale for using a variety approaches or strategies.
o Example: The self-knowledge domain of the CIP approach allows for any activity that enhances self-knowledge.
o Technical eclecticism can result in confusion for the client, especially when there appears to be no "rhyme or reason" for the different strategies.
o Career counseling is a science as much as it is an art—to ignore theory, which is based on research, is to deny the science.
• Agree
o By not strictly adhering to one theory, the counselor is freer to pick and choose what seems to fit for the client.
o Most beginning counselors report being eclectic.
o Compartmentalizing client concerns limits counselor ability to fully understand and help the client