Career Counseling: A Holistic Approach

Providing the most current, comprehensive coverage available, CAREER COUNSELING: A HOLISTIC APPROACH, 8e equips readers with a solid understanding of the theoretical models of career counseling as well as practical techniques on how to effectively counsel clients. The text's innovative holistic or "whole person" approach demonstrates how to consider a client's values, temperament, talents, and passions when trying to determine his or her best career fit. Thoroughly revised and updated, the cutting-edge new Eighth Edition includes all-new chapters on integrating career and personal counseling, job loss and transitions, adult career development, and career-related programs in middle schools. In addition, diversity issues are integrated throughout, while relevant case studies bring chapter concepts to life.

Customer Reviews:

Endless Citations: Millions of trees but no forest.

By C. M. Nina - March 8, 2010

I have been teaching Career Counseling for years and finally decided to try the Zunker text. What a mistake. Yes, it is comprehensive. But it is written like a bad lit review. Endless citations of research with little synthesis. It is hard for students to see the big picture! I will stick with the Niles/Harris-Bowlsbey text (Career Development Interventions in the 21st Century) for my Career Counseling course, and the Sharf text (Applying Career Development Theory to Counseling) for more advanced courses in Vocational Theory.

"Painful" is an Understatement...

By K. Silva - August 28, 2008

This is the worst textbook I have ever had to read. The information is poorly presented. The language and writing style cloud meaning instead of making the theories clear and useful. It is difficult to believe that counseling students were Zunker's intended audience. I am only reading this book because I have to for a class, but I haven't learned anything from this book at all so far. Do not buy this book unless you have to.

Painful, Editor's pen needed, Hard to believe this is 8th edition

By Ally - November 23, 2011

Zunker's chapters on theories and models are wordy, dense and hard to get through. I have noticed that Zunker repeats himself frequently instead of writing concisely and clearly. I wish an editor would take a heavy hand on his writing! Even the layout of the book: black and white text, fine print and vague outlines are less than optimal instructional practice. I have read mathematics text-books that are more engaging and reader-friendly.

Please do not buy this book unless you have to. Teachers, choose a book that will help your students learn. Zunker sounds like a professor rambling in a lecture hall while the students are snoring in the back. Complicated language and running around in circles may make someone sound smart, but it's not ideal for teaching.