DIPLOMA IN TECHNICAL TRAINER EDUCATION (COMPUTER STUDIES)

DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER STUDIES

CLASS: CSCS (B) – APRIL 2023

UNIT CODE: ED 7303

UNIT TITLE: Guiding and counselling

Question
Discuss Emerging issues in Guidance & counselling as indicated in the course outline and any other two.
A. Career choice and employment
B. Online counselling
C. Diversity and inclusion

A. Career choice and employment

Career choice and employment have always been central themes in guidance and counselling. However, the
21st century presents several emerging issues that counsellors need to address to effectively support their
clients. We address issues, drawing on relevant research in the field.
1. The changing world of work
Automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming industries, displacing some jobs and creating
new ones with different skill sets [National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017].
Counsellors need to equip clients with future-proof skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and
adaptability (OECD, 2018).
The rise of the gig economy and freelance work arrangements presents both opportunities and challenges.
Counsellors can help clients navigate this new work landscape, develop entrepreneurial skills, and manage
financial security (Cullivan & Arthur, 2020).

2. Evolving career paths

Traditional career paths with a single progression are becoming less common. Counsellors can help clients
develop transferable skills, embrace lifelong learning, and manage career transitions (Pryor & Hesketh,
2017).

Technical skills remain important, but soft skills like communication, collaboration, and emotional
intelligence are increasingly valued by employers (World Economic Forum, 2016). Counsellors can help
clients identify and develop these essential soft skills.

3. Mental health and career development

Studies show a correlation between mental health challenges and career difficulties (American
Psychological Association, 2017). Counsellors can integrate strategies for managing mental health into
career counselling, promoting overall well-being.

The fast-paced work environment can lead to stress and burnout. Counsellors can equip clients with coping
mechanisms and self-care strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance (Schaufeli & Enzmann, 1998).

4. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Unequal opportunities and discrimination persist in the workplace. Counsellors can support clients from
marginalized backgrounds in developing strategies to advocate for themselves and navigate workplace
challenges (Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. W., 2013).

Counsellors with cultural competence can better understand and address the needs of clients from diverse
backgrounds (Sue & Ard Jr., 2015).
B. Online counselling
The rise of the internet and digital communication technologies has led to the emergence of online
counseling as a significant trend in the field of guidance and counseling. While traditional face-to-face
counseling remains the gold standard, online counseling offers distinct advantages and presents new
challenges for counselors.

Benefits of online counseling

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 Increased accessibility: Online counseling removes geographical barriers, allowing individuals in remote
areas or with limited mobility to access mental health services (National Board for Certified Counselors,
2014).
 Reduced stigma: The anonymity and convenience of online counseling can encourage individuals who
may be hesitant to seek traditional in-person counseling due to stigma or privacy concerns (Ebert et al.,
2010).
 Flexible scheduling: Online platforms offer clients more flexibility in scheduling appointments, catering
to busy lifestyles or individuals with limited time (Schoenborn et al., 2017).
 Cost-effectiveness: Online counseling can be more affordable than traditional therapy due to reduced
overhead costs for counselors (American Psychological Association, 2013).

Challenges of online counseling

 Ethical considerations: Counselors need to adapt their ethical codes to the online environment,
addressing issues like confidentiality, informed consent, and technological limitations (American
Counseling Association, 2014).
 Building rapport: Establishing a strong therapeutic rapport can be more challenging in online settings
compared to face-to-face interactions (Norcross & Rusch, 2018).
 Technological barriers: Access to technology, reliable internet connection, and digital literacy can be
obstacles for some clients (Liu et al., 2019).
 Assessment and diagnosis: Online platforms may pose limitations in conducting comprehensive
assessments and diagnosing certain mental health conditions (Gutheil & Groth-Marnat, 2014)

Future of online counseling

 Integration with technology: The future of online counseling likely involves integrating new
technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enhance the therapeutic experience (Liu et
al., 2019).
 Standardization of practices: Developing ethical guidelines and best practices for online counseling will
be crucial for ensuring quality and effectiveness (International Society for Technology in Education,
2019).
 Blended approaches: Hybrid models combining online and face-to-face sessions may offer a more
comprehensive approach for certain clients (Schoenborn et al., 2017).

In conclusion, online counseling is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to transform how guidance and
counseling services are delivered. Counselors need to be aware of both the benefits and challenges
associated with online counseling to best serve their clients in the digital age. Further research is needed to
explore the long-term efficacy of online interventions and develop evidence-based best practices.

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C. Diversity and inclusion
Technology and digital well-being have emerged as critical issues in the field of guidance and counseling, as
the pervasive use of digital devices and online platforms increasingly impacts individuals' mental health and
overall well-being (Elhai et al., 2020). With the proliferation of smartphones, social media, and digital
communication tools, counsellors are facing new challenges in addressing the potential negative effects of
technology on clients' psychological and emotional health.

One of the primary concerns related to technology and digital well-being is the phenomenon of excessive
screen time and its impact on mental health. Research has shown a strong association between prolonged
screen use and various mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
(Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Counselors are increasingly encountering clients who struggle with addiction
to digital devices, compulsive social media use, and difficulty disconnecting from technology, leading to
feelings of isolation and disconnection from real-life relationships.

Moreover, the rise of cyberbullying and online harassment has become a significant concern for counselors
working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technologies
to intimidate, harass, or humiliate others, often leading to adverse psychological outcomes such as low self-
esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation (Patchin & Hinduja, 2018). Counselors play a crucial role in
supporting victims of cyberbullying, educating clients about online safety measures, and promoting digital
citizenship and responsible online behavior.

Additionally, the constant exposure to curated and idealized representations of life on social media platforms
can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and negative self-image among individuals. Research
has shown a link between excessive social media use and increased feelings of loneliness, envy, and
depression (Kross et al., 2013). Counselors are working to help clients develop healthy digital habits,
cultivate self-awareness, and engage in meaningful offline activities to enhance their overall well-being.

In response to these emerging challenges, guidance and counseling professionals are incorporating
technology-focused interventions and digital well-being education into their practice. This may include
teaching mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to manage digital distractions, promoting digital detox
strategies to reduce screen time, and providing psychoeducation on the psychological impact of technology
use (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017).

In conclusion, technology and digital well-being have become prominent issues in guidance and counseling,
requiring counselors to adapt their approaches to address the unique challenges posed by the digital age. By
integrating technology-focused interventions and promoting healthy digital habits, counselors can support
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clients in navigating the complexities of the digital world while promoting their mental health and overall
well-being.

References
 American Psychological Association. (2017, February). Stress in America: Coping with
Change. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2016/coping-with-change.pdf
 American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics.
 American Psychological Association. (2013). Telehealth and Teletherapy.
 Ebert, D. D., Hahn, K. S., & McBride, L. D. (2010). The use of telehealth for mental health services in
rural areas: Opportunities and challenges. The Journal of Rural Health, 26(4), 370-378.
 Elhai, J. D., Levine, J. C., Dvorak, R. D., & Hall, B. J. (2020). Problematic smartphone use: A
conceptual overview and systematic review of relations with anxiety and depression psychopathology.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 270, 131-140.
 Gutheil, T. G., & Groth-Marnat, G. (2014). Online and internet mental health interventions: A practical
guide. Guilford Publications.
 International Society for Technology in Education. (2019). ISTE Standards for Students, Educators, and
Administrators.
 Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, D. S., Lin, N., ... & Ybarra, O. (2013). Facebook use
predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PloS one, 8(8), e69841.
 Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.
 Liu, X., Zhang, Q., Lemon, C., & Wang, W. (2019). Online mental health services and interventions for
depression and anxiety: A systematic review. JMIR Mental Health, 6(1), e10224.
 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and the
Future of Work. The National Academies Press. https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/artificial-
intelligence-and-machine-learning-to-accelerate-translational-research
 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2018). The Future of Work:
Education and Skills. https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/

 Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2018). Digital self-harm among adolescents. Journal of Adolescent
Health, 63(4), 459-464.
 Pryor, J. P., & Hesketh, B. (2017). Career Development in the 21st Century. SAGE Publications.
 Schaufeli, W. B., & Enzmann, D. (1998). The two components of burnout: A review and analysis.
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 3(2), 167-182.
 Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. W. (2013). Culturally competent counseling: Theory and practice. John Wiley &
Sons.

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 Sue, D. W., & Ard, J. S. Jr. (2015). Multicultural counseling competencies: Cultural identity
competence. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(4), 483-521.
 Sullivan, A., & Arthur, M. B. (2020). The gig economy: Definition and research perspectives.
International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(9), 1155-1178.
 Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological
well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive
Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283.
 World Economic Forum. (2016). The Future of Jobs Report
2016. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-2016/

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