VOCATIONAL COUNSELLING
INTRODUCTION-
Vocational counselling (also known as vocational rehabilitation) is a set of services designed to
develop the skills and abilities of a person to the point they can perform specific vocation in a
productive way.
Vocational counselling assesses an individual’s intelligence, aptitude, interests, abilities and skill
levels in order to create and follow a career path. Vocational therapists partner with businesses,
government agencies, educational institutions and the employment industry to develop mutually
beneficial opportunities for individuals with special needs. They also assist in assessing, training
and developing individuals for positions and advancement. Vocation means different things to
different people; sometimes, a vocation is the means to an end in obtaining employment that
pays the bills, and to others, it’s a gateway to a rewarding career. Learning a vocation is often the
best chance a person has in achieving economic security. Psychologically, the ability to
productively contribute to society provides self-worth and purpose. Though the primary goal of
vocational counselling is to assist individuals in finding- and training for- a vocation, the long-
term goal is to help achieve-
• Independence.
• Economic self-sufficiency.
• Self-esteem through occupational practice.
Additionally, vocational rehabilitation seeks to significantly reduce, or eliminate, the obstacle the
disability may present by providing training and support for the individual’s education and
employment aspirations.
“Vocational Rehabilitation is a process which enables persons with functional, psychological,
developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health disabilities to overcome barriers
to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation.”
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Provision of Vocational Rehabilitation can require inputs from professionals from many different
disciplines. Including medical professionals, disability advisors and career counselors. The
process involves-
1. Assessment and Appraisal.
2. Goal-setting and Intervention planning.
3. Provision to health advice and promotion, in support of returning to work.
4. Support for Self-management of health conditions.
5. Career (Vocational) counselling.
6. Individual and group counselling focused on facilitating adjustments to the medical and
psychological impact of disability.
7. Case management, referral and service coordination.
8. Interventions to remove environmental, employment and attitudinal obstacles.
9. Job analysis, job development and placement services.
Vocational counselling begins after a vocational specialist has completed a thorough assessment
of medical records, physical capabilities and cognitive abilities to determine what factors may
affect the individual’s ability to maintain employment.
After an initial assessment, the vocational specialist must determine additional information such
as-
• What work interests the individual
• What physical conditions may limit performance
• What professions or positions would be suitable
• What opportunities are currently available
• The requirements for certain types of work
• The requirements for certain types of work
When testing a person’s aptitude, a vocational specialist may implement standardized tests,
which can then be compared to required skills and interest levels. Additionally, therapists may
evaluate workflow processes to see if work can be performed safely- with or without
modifications, adaptations and assistive technology. If assistive technology, such as computers,
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voice recognition devices, or equipment with specialized handles is required to maximize
performance potential, the therapist will coordinate the selection, customization and
implementation of technologies.
“Vocational Guidance is a process of assisting the individual to choose an occupation, prepare
for it, enter up on and progress on it.”
“Vocational Assessment is defined as the global appraisal of an individual’s work/training
background, general functional capacities, and social / behavioral characteristics. It usually
includes an evaluation of medical factors, psychological makeup, educational background, social
behaviors, attitude, values, work skills and abilities (Chan et al., 1997)”. –Vocational Evaluation.
Pertaining to the specificity of Vocational Evaluation, there are different domains that are
imperative in understanding the more global picture of vocational success for individuals with
disabilities. Such domains include- personal factors such as personality, interests, intelligence,
cognitive capacities, educational achievement, personal adjustment, social adjustment,
interpersonal skills, and work related factors such as work experience, vocational adjustment,
vocational aptitudes and work behaviors.
Assessment involves the use of multiple methods of gathering information that is relevant to
decision-making (Frey, 1984). Multiple assessment procedures are commonly referred to as
formal or informal strategies. Formal Strategies include two types of assessment tools-
Psychometric tests that are norm-based and used primarily for screening, classification, diagnosis
and prediction, and technically sound tests designed for individual planning, intervention, and
evaluation. Informal Strategies consist of student school files, interviews / questionnaires,
portfolio assessment, situational assessment, criterion assessment, behavioral assessment, and
environmental assessment.
Vocational counselling involves some physical training, but focuses on instruction regarding
workplace performance, including-
• Assessing employee interest and aptitude.
• Determining physical and cognitive abilities.
• Incorporating adaptive equipment to meet vocational goals.
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• Accommodating or modifying office equipment or environments.
• Locating training programs.
• Assessing performance.
• Finding employment.
Vocational counselling is often part of a special education initiative to transition the child into
adulthood. Often vocational counselling is initiated within the school’s IEP program to assist the
child to achieve optimal independence beyond secondary education. This typically occurs after a
student has benefited by other therapies such as physical or occupational therapy designed to
maximize their ability to function.
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Work Behavior Assessment (Vocational Issues)
CASE NO- 1
1. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS-
• Name- N.R
• Date of Birth- 19/09/1996
• Age- 24
• Gender- Female
• Address- Ahmedabad
• Education- CA pursuing
• Occupation- CA Executer
• Organization- Entegrity Private Limited
2. INFORMANT-
Self
3. PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS-
No provisional diagnosis was reported.
4. CHIEF COMPLAINTS-
• Disturbed appetite and sleep.
• Irritability.
• Lack of energy and feeling low.
5. PRESENT HISTORY-
Client’s age is 24 years old, currently working, staying in PG. She is pursuing CA, in her last
attempt she got failed in exam which leaded to de-motivation and low self confidence. She
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started doubting her abilities and over thinks and worries a lot regarding her future. She is doing
job (night shift), as she do her studies during day time. She easily gets irritated and aggressive
due to time management issue. She also complaints of disturbed sleep and appetite as her
circadian clock has changed. She experience heaviness and irritability when she wakes up. She
easily gets tried and not able to concentrate on her work as well as studies. She often cries
thinking about her future and feels she won’t able to achieve her goals.
Assessment
Skill / Behavior Dates Good Fair Poor Comments
1. Regulatory She takes
03/04/2021 ✓ holidays, as she
gets tried due to
lack of sleep and
low appetite. And
usually feel low
and lack of energy
when she wake up.
2. Punctuality 03/04/2021 ✓ She has time
management issue
due to which
sometimes she
reaches late to the
office.
3. Follow 03/04/2021
instructions ✓
4. Communicate 03/04/2021
needs ✓
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5. Rate of work 03/04/2021 She completes the
✓ daily work target
but keeps seeking
approval from her
manager as she
doubt on her
abilities and has
low self-
confidence.
6. Quality of work 03/04/2021 Due to lack of
✓ sleep and poor
appetite, she is not
able to give her
100%
performance.
7. Task completion 03/04/2021
✓
8. Flexibility 03/04/2021
✓
9. Reaction to 03/04/2021 She easily gets
feedback ✓ hurt from negative
feedback due to
feeling of
inferiority.
10. Proper 03/04/2021
appearance. ✓
11. Work 03/04/2021 She tries to escape
independence / ✓ from taking
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initiative responsibility as
she feels inferior.
12. Solving work 03/04/2021 She has good
problems ✓ problem solving
ability but
currently due to
night shift and
disturbed sleep
and low appetite
her productivity
has been
decreased.
13. Trainee 03/04/2021
disposition ✓
towards work
14. Working with 03/04/2021
others ✓
15. Retention of 03/04/2021
skills ✓
16. Use of equipment 03/04/2021
✓
Attention to safety 03/04/2021
issues ✓
Additional 03/04/2021
employability ✓
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Additional work skills 03/04/2021
(specify) ✓
6. COMMENTS-
She easily gets irritated and aggressive due to time management issue. She feels inferior and has
low self-confidence. She constantly seeks approval from her seniors after completion of the task.
She also tries to escape from her responsibilities and don’t take much initiative at her work place.
She has poor diet and disturbed sleeping pattern due to night shift.
7. AREAS OF COUNSELLING-
• Making day schedule.
• Improving diet.
• Developing positive self regard and self worth.
SESSION- 1
Date- 04/04/2021
Time- 6:00-7:00 PM
Duration- 60 minutes
Objective of the session-
1. Rapport building.
2. Assessment.
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Brief about the session-
The session was started with the brief introduction of the client. She was asked to share about her
basic details, educational background and overall family details. She was also asked to share
about herself, about her personality, characteristics and behavior. The aim of the session was to
establish rapport with the client. She reported that throughout her academics she was topper and
goal oriented. She likes to be occupied with her work. She is pursuing CA and in her last attempt
she got failed in exam which leaded to de-motivation and low self confidence. Currently she is
doing job (night shift) due to which she feels she is facing time management issue. She reported
complaints of disturbed sleep and not able to maintain proper diet. She easily gets irritated and
not able to concentrate on her work. After her exam result, she started doubting on her abilities
which directly showed negative impact on her work performance. She started escaping from
taking responsibilities and constantly seeks approval from others before proceeding to the next
allotted task. She started developing feeling of inferiority which has reduced her productivity at
her work place.
Further client was asked to share her daily routines. She shared that she usually wake up later in
the morning and reported the complaints of lack of energy and feeling low. She was also asked to
share some of the techniques she is using currently in order to deal with these issues.
Conclusion-
The aim of the session was to establish rapport with the client. She was asked to share her
personality characteristics and behavior pattern. She was also asked to share her current issues in
detail. A common consensus was arrived at the areas of discussion. The areas that came up were-
1. Making day schedule.
2. Improving diet.
3. Developing positive self regard and self worth.
Techniques used-
1. Listening.
2. Discussion.
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Follow up date- 05/04/2021
SESSION- 2
Date- 05/04/2021
Time- 6:00-7:00 PM
Duration- 60 minutes
Objective of the session-
1. Making day schedule.
Brief about the session-
The session started with the review and summary of the last session. In this session the
discussion was specifically centered on making day schedule. The client shared the detailed daily
routine (since waking in the morning to going bed for a sleep). She was facing difficulty and had
very irregular day routine due to which her health (diet) and sleeping pattern was highly
disturbed. Further, the importance of routine / daily schedule was discussed. The benefits of
having a schedule were discussed which included getting enough time for essential tasks, able to
work steadily towards personal and career goals, get enough time for family and friends, exercise
and hobbies, able to achieve a good work-life balance and consistent sleeping time. Some of the
key discussion outcomes were that having a schedule helps to lower stress level, forms good
daily habits, helps to take better care of health and able to be more productive and focused. The
importance of keeping realistic and achievable goals was also addressed.
Conclusion-
In this session, the importance of routines was discussed. One activity was planned where she
was asked to write down a new daily schedule plan keeping in mind, all the importance and
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positive outcomes which was discussed during the session. She was asked to apply her new daily
schedule plan and share her concerns / difficulties regarding establishing and maintaining
routines in the next session.
Techniques used-
1. Discussion.
2. Activity.
Follow up date- 07/04/2021
SESSION- 3
Date- 07/04/2021
Time- 6:00-7:00 PM
Duration- 60 minutes
Objective of the session-
1. Review of the earlier session.
2. Improving diet.
Brief about the session-
This session began with the review and summary of the last sessions. She was asked to share her
concerns / difficulties regarding establishing and maintaining routine. She reported that she tried
to apply her new schedule but was not able to eat properly and on time. So, further the session
was centered on improving diet. She was asked to share some of the key concerns she is facing
through. She reported; irregular eating hours, eating while using phone or watching series and
not maintaining healthy diet. Discussion on the ways and strategies she is currently using to deal
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with it was made. Importance of developing healthy eating habits was shared. Some of the factor
are do not skip breakfast, having a consistent place and time for eating, keep your breakfast,
lunch, snacks and dinner healthy (higher fiber starchy carbohydrates) and increase water intake.
These parameters were further discussed in detail.
Conclusion-
In this session, the importance of schedule and improving diet was stressed. Further she was
encouraged to develop healthy eating habits along with the application of routine with
consistently. She seemed quite motivated in order to bring change in her eating habits.
Techniques used-
1. Discussion.
Follow up date- 9/04/2021
SESSION- 4
Date- 09/04/2021
Time- 6:00-7:00 PM
Duration- 60 minutes
Objective of the session-
1. Review of the earlier session.
2. Developing positive self-regard and self-worth.
Brief about the session-
This session began with the review and summary of the last sessions. The session was centered
on various stages of life. An activity was planned where the client was asked to list down five
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major past achievements and accomplishments, challenging stages of her life and how she have
overcome challenges. Further she was also asked to practice 3 positive affirmations daily before
sleeping and after waking up in the morning. The importance and benefits of positive affirmation
(it helps to increase motivation level, encourage positive change in life, boost self-esteem, it
replace the negative thoughts with more adaptive narratives) was shared with the client. Further
importance of developing positive self regard and valuing the self for all activities and
accomplishments was discussed as, individual who has high self-worth, has confidence and
positive feeling about himself/herself; they face challenges in their life in more adaptive way,
accept failures and unhappiness at times, and is open with people. Where as positive self-regard
means a person has respect, liking and warmth towards themselves but in a way that is not
conditional on meeting the exceptions of others.
Conclusion-
The session was aimed on developing positive self-regard and self-worth. The session ended
with the reflecting and sharing the client’s thoughts on what was discussed during the session.
She was asked to list down past achievements and accomplishments. Further the importance of
positive affirmations, positive self-regard and self-worth was discussed.
Overall the sessions were equipped by sharing ideas and activities that would help her in setting
her future goals.
Techniques used-
1. Discussion.
2. Activity.
OVERALL PROGRESS-
The sessions were set around the concern areas of the client related to Time Management issue.
The main focus areas were making day schedule, improving diet and developing positive self-
regard and self-worth. The sessions were conducted in a shorter duration and hence significant
changes could not be observed during the duration of it. However, she reported of setting day
schedule, trying to improve her diet and practicing positive affirmations daily before sleeping
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and after waking up in the morning daily. She observed change in her behavior and thought
pattern to some extent. Through the over techniques, currently she is able to focus on her work
and feels more confident.
FUTURE SUGGESTIONS-
1. Maintaining consistency on her diet plan and daily schedule.
2. Practicing positive affirmations to increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
3. Being aware of one’s own strength & weaknesses and setting goals accordingly.
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