How can you use a systemic and ecological perspective in career counseling?

1 What is a systemic and ecological perspective?

A systemic and ecological perspective is a way of viewing career development as a dynamic and interactive process that involves multiple systems and levels of influence. Systems are interrelated and interdependent groups or entities that affect and are affected by each other, such as family, community, culture, education, economy, and environment. Ecological refers to the relationships and interactions between individuals and their systems, and how they shape and are shaped by each other. A systemic and ecological perspective recognizes the diversity and complexity of career development, and the importance of considering the whole person and their context.

2 How does it differ from other approaches?

Other approaches to career counseling may focus more on individual factors, such as personality, interests, values, skills, and preferences, and less on contextual factors, such as opportunities, barriers, expectations, and norms. They may also assume that career development is a linear and predictable process, and that clients have a high degree of control and choice over their career paths. A systemic and ecological perspective, on the other hand, acknowledges that career development is a nonlinear and uncertain process, and that clients have varying degrees of agency and constraint depending on their systems and environments. It also emphasizes the role of social justice and advocacy in addressing the systemic and ecological challenges that clients face.

3 How can you apply it in your career counseling practice?

Incorporating a systemic and ecological perspective in career counseling can be done through comprehensive assessment of clients' systems and ecological factors. This can include family background, cultural identity, social network, educational history, work experience, economic status, and environmental conditions. You can utilize genograms, ecomaps, lifelines, or career stories to help visualize and explore these elements. Moreover, it is important to identify strengths, resources, needs, challenges, and goals within a client's systems and ecological factors. Solution-focused, narrative, or strengths-based counseling can be used to construct positive and meaningful stories about career development. Additionally, goal-setting, decision-making, problem-solving or action research can help plan and implement career-related actions. Furthermore, feedback, reflection or evaluation should be used to monitor and review career-related actions and results. Lastly, assertiveness, communication, negotiation or collaboration skills can help express needs for social justice and equity in career development.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?