TPC-Digest-Vol-3-Iss-2-FINAL31

TPC D igest Using Pair Counseling to Improve the Cost-Effectiveness of College Career Counseling– DIGEST Mary-Catherine McClain is a predoctoral intern at Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center. James P. Sampson, NCC, NCCC is the Mode L. Stone Distinguished Professor of Counseling and Career Development, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Administration, and Co-Direc- tor, Center for the Study of Technology in Counseling and Career Development, College of Edu- cation at Florida State University. Correspondence can be addressed to Mary-Catherine McClain, 3003 North Charles Street, Suite S-200, Baltimore, MD 21218, mcmmcclain@gmail.com . A u t h o r s C areer counseling provides individuals with critical tools for improving self-understanding, fostering career exploration, and setting vocational goals, as well as helping them identify a sense of purpose and direction in life. Career theory plays an important role in improving the overall practice of career counseling, as it provides practitioners with a basis for selecting and delivering appropriate interventions. Additionally, career theories and counseling roles have expanded from a strictly vocational emphasis toward a more holistic picture—a perspective addressing not only career issues, but also personal, family, academic, emotional and social problems in order to meet the diverse and cultural needs of all clientele. Presently, practitioners within the field of career counseling are struggling to find more cost-effective interventions that are accessible to all clients while simultaneously dealing with budget cuts and increasing demands for accountability. The nature of interventions (e.g., group counseling versus workshops) and the nature of practitioners facilitating these interventions (e.g., teacher versus counselor) are two key factors associated with cost. While specialized resources and individual counseling may be necessary for clients lacking readiness for decision-making, it is important to consider alternatives when assisting clients with higher levels of readiness. When this gap is resolved, accessibility will be maximized and costs minimized, and practitioners will be better prepared to meet the strong demand for services. 18