| Abstract: |
This paper was written for career guidance counselors and practitioners who work in the field of career planning and placement. It presents a method to help career guidance practitioners assess counselee leisure interests, attitudes, needs, and skills, and to integrate that information into their guidance, thereby improving, broadening, and modernizing their service. A brief explanation of terms is provided, and the rationale for the paper is explained. Preliminary preparation for a career guidance and placement center with a leisure component as part of its program is discussed. A general three-step career/leisure counseling process, adaptable to both individuals and groups, is presented. In preparation for this process, suggestions are given for the building of a leisure activity information file, for finding information on community leisure activities, and for starting a publicity campaign. The three steps discussed include: (1) combined leisure and career information gathering through the use of interviews, questionnaires, and/or tests; (2) assessment in which counselees assess whether their interests and needs are being met; and (3) referral, which gives counselees specific advice to help them reach their career and leisure goals. The appendices list leisure awareness programs on U.S. campuses and existing instruments for leisure counseling. Eighteen references are included. (NB) |