Practitioner Beware! A Critical Reflection on the Theoretical Assumptions that Inform Practice

Abstract

Underpinning the practice of career counsellors is a range of various theories and perspectives. The concept of self-esteem is a term frequently used by those in the helping professions and often with little regard for its limitations. This article argues that careers counsellors need to keep up-to-date with evolving theories that inform their practice. The theory of self-esteem has been much researched-instruments have been developed to ‘measure’ self-esteem, which have little validity and grave weaknesses in assumed links between self-esteem and social behaviour. Theories of self-efficacy and learned helplessness are offered as alternative theories on which career counsellors may base their approach. Again the caution is sounded, career counsellors need to be prepared to constantly review the theories that we base our practice on, in the light of new research and understanding.