During the initial phase of career counseling, which of the following activities should the counselor NOT engage in?

During the initial phase of career counseling, it's crucial for the counselor to facilitate a collaborative environment where the client's perspectives, goals, and expectations are valued. Engaging in telling the client what the goals for counseling will be undermines the client-centered approach that is fundamental to effective counseling practices. This phase is about exploration and understanding the client's unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to their career aspirations.

Choosing to clarify clients' expectations, establish a working relationship, and gather information about the client fosters an open exchange and helps the counselor tailor their approach to meet the client’s specific needs. In contrast, prescribing goals without client input can lead to disengagement and a lack of ownership in the counseling process, potentially hindering the client's motivation and growth. Focusing on collaboration empowers clients and encourages them to take an active role in their career development journey.