Another Story to Tell: Outcomes of a Single Session Narrative Approach, Blended with Technology

Authors

  • Mark Franklin University of Toronto, Career Cycles
  • Michael J Stebleton University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Keywords:

career planning, career counselling, narrative career counselling, narrative career development, career management, outcome study, single sessoin, blended delivery, counselling technology

Abstract

The present outcome study of an initial session of career counselling using a narrative framework and method of practice builds on findings of an earlier outcome study that examined multiple sessions of the same narrative framework. Career development professionals frequently struggle to engage clients in an initial session and may lose opportunities to help clients more by continuing on to further sessions. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the effectiveness of a narrative framework blended with technology, within a single career session with a client. This study found statistically significant increases in all study variables including optimism, clarity, confidence, organized thinking, and internal and external search instrumentality from the beginning to the end of a single session. These results, coupled with monthly client return rates of up to 85%, suggest that career professionals seeking to engage clients in an initial session and have them return for future sessions – to tell another story – should consider utilizing some of the strategies and interventions included in this study’s narrative framework. Recommendations for career professionals seeking to increase client engagement in and after an initial session are provided, such as:  elicit client stories, embrace evidence-based approaches, and utilize tools to help clients organize their thinking.   

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Published

2020-01-22

How to Cite

Franklin, M. ., & Stebleton, M. J. (2020). Another Story to Tell: Outcomes of a Single Session Narrative Approach, Blended with Technology. Canadian Journal of Career Development, 19(1), 39–45. Retrieved from https://cjcd-rcdc.ceric.ca/index.php/cjcd/article/view/23

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Section

Articles