Creative Career Coaching

'This is an ambitious text that strives, successfully, to emphasise the importance of theory to career practice by integrating broad theoretical understandings of relevant material derived from various academic disciplines (like neuropsychology and economics) with counselling skills (for example, micro, foundation skills, as well as goal setting and action planning) and models that are frameworks for practice (specifically, process models, guiding the interview structure, compared with content models, which provide detailed maps for exploration). All this is integrated with specialist knowledge for use selectively with clients, depending on their presenting needs (e. g. motivation, decision making skills, resilience). Having scanned the horizon regarding the impact of globalisation on the developed labour markets of the world, it significantly also picks up a major influence of globalisation, that is, the potential impact of digitalisation on practice. It tackles the pivotal importance of labour market information to efficacious practice, with all its subtleties. Nor does it shirk engagement with challenging issues relating to marginalised populations (e. g. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans). Unusually and importantly for a text of this type, a chapter is included on the professional responsibility of the practitioner to take care of themselves, guarding against stress and trauma by engaging routinely with processes like their own continuing professional development, supervision, and similar.

Overall, this text provides a contemporary and informed overview and approach to issues pertinent to current practice, by two highly qualified and experienced trainee educators. Both novice and proficient practitioners will find this text stimulating, challenging, existing and satisfying. The authors are to be commended for grappling so effectively with such a daunting task." - Professor Jenny Bimrose, Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, UK

"This book is truly ground-breaking in linking brain science theory to innovative career guidance practice. The content is well researched and highly practical. Case studies provide rich insights for trainers and practitioners to reflect on 'the art of the possible'. There is sound evidence on what works well and in what circumstances. Most importantly, the authors inspire the reader to continuously improve practice working creatively with both young people and adults." - Dr Deirdre Hughes, OBE; Director, DMH & Associates Ltd, UK