Talking about the massive changes in the employment market and society, this book aims to help careers counselors in modernizing their practice in line with a more holistic 'constructivist' approach. It provides a theoretical background to constructivism and also outlines a range of constructivist approaches to career counseling.

In a changing employment climate and with the growth of demand for careers guidance at all stages of life, careers guidance practice has moved from its positivist world view, with the counselor as expert and client as passive responder, to more holistic 'constructivist' approaches. In essence, these approaches view the career as a holistic concept in which work and personal life are inextricably intertwined, and individuals are experts in their own lives, actively constructing their careers. The first to fully explore the constructivist approach, this book: provides a theoretical background to constructivism; outlines a range of constructivist approaches to career counseling; and gives examples of the practical application of constructivism. Essential for anyone involved in career guidance wishing to learn more about this vital new approach, this book combines theory with practicable guidance, and represents a new direction for career counseling.

Part 1 Overview of Constructivism
Chapter 1
Constructivism: What does it mean for career counselling?
Wendy Patton (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) and Mary McMahon
Chapter 2
Career Counselling Theory, Culture and Constructivism
Mark Watson (University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
Chapter 3
Usefulness and truthfulness: the limitations and benefits of constructivist
approaches for career education, guidance and counselling
Hazel L Reid (Canterbury Christ Church University College, England)
Part 2 Constructivism, Culture and Career Counselling
Chapter 4
The Systems Theory Framework: A conceptual and practical map for career counselling
Mary McMahon and Wendy Patton (Queensland University of Technology, Australia)
Chapter 5
Active Engagement and the Influence of Constructivism
Norman E. Amundson (University of British Columbia, Canada)
Chapter 6
The use of narratives in cross-cultural career counselling
Kobus Maree and Jacobus Molepo (University of Pretoria, South Africa)
Part 3 -- Constructivist Approaches to Career Counselling
Chapter 7
Career narratives
Elizabeth M. Grant and Joseph A. Johnston (University of Missouri, USA)
Chapter 8
Using a solution-building approach in career counselling
Judi Miller (University of Canterbury, New Zealand)
Chapter 9
Sociodynamic counselling
Timo Spangar, Finland
Chapter 10
Working with storytellers: A metaphor for career counselling
Mary McMahon
Chapter 11
Creative approaches to career counselling
Mary McMahon
Chapter 12
Constructivist career assessment
Mary McMahon and Wendy Patton (Queensland University of Technology, Australia)
Part 4 -- Constructivist Career Assessment
Chapter 13
Card Sorts: Constructivist Assessment Tools
Polly Parker (The University of Auckland, New Zealand)
Chapter 14
Constructivist tools on the Web
Heidi Viljamaa (Careerstorm, Finland)