Understanding the Complexity of Clients’ Lives

Abstract

This article discusses training issues related to the new paradigm proposed by Robitschek and DeBell, in which vocational topics in counseling psychology are viewed as primary issues and contextual factors in people’s lives. Specifically, the new paradigm is conceptualized as a truly integrative career-personal perspective in the training of delivery of counseling services. Existing literature regarding the overlap of career and social-emotional counseling is reviewed in the context of the new integrative paradigm, with particular focus on evidence related to foundational assumptions underlying the paradigm. Suggestions for how to implement a truly integrative career-personal perspective throughout graduate training are offered.