Client expectations change during counseling. Counselors who experience frequent changes in client expectations have higher levels of stress and frustration. Generally, counselors report that their own stress and frustration levels are a barrier to client progress. Counselors report that their clients also have other barriers. It will become increasingly important for counselors to address the obvious career-related problem within the context of the client's life if the career outcomes are to be realized.
Clients know what they want from counseling.
Counselors report that their clients know what they want from counseling but that their initial expectations change after a few sessions. All of the above expectations decreased in importance after one or two sessions, presumably because these expectations had been met. On the other hand, some client expectations that were low priorities initially, later increased in importance. These findings provide further evidence of the increased complexity of career and employment counseling. Once clients' initial information needs are met, they move on to wanting to take action on the information they have received.