Reflecting Guindon and Hanna

     I have a difficult time putting full belief in Guindon and Hanna's (2002) concepts of synchronicity because I feel most of it is coincidence and people putting meaning to ideas or concepts where there might not necessarily be any. I think, as humans, we strive to put meaning into every event and occurrence in our lives because we fear the unknown and sometimes use this meaning to make excuses for ourselves. I do believe that "aha" moments exist, but it is because we recognize what has been an underlying thought all along. I feel individuals often suppress their true yearning for a certain career path because it is not what others, such as family, might want them to do or they do not believe it is attainable due to several reasons such as money, education, etc. 

     I do believe, however, that if a client believes in synchronicity then, as a counselor, we should accept this and encourage it. I feel that if a client believes in these reasons then it helps them come to terms to their 'true calling.' It might give the client the extra push to open up and gain insight into themselves. I also believe that the postmodern approach is a useful one, but I do feel that it would be best mixed with the modern traditionist approach because the interaction of the two realities and causalities are important in how career development works. I do not think that one approach is superior to the other, but the interaction of the two is ideal.

     The interesting thing I found in the article was the recognition that all three clients had self-imposed limitations. I feel individuals do this often to avoid getting hurt, but in reality, these limitations they put on themselves is what is doing the most harm. I feel that the self-imposed limitations should be recognized in career counseling and the counselor can assist the client in finding ways to overcome the limitations they believe they have. I think this is also a result of low self-esteem and fear that they will not be good enough. Self-esteem is a major issue that many counselors encounter and I feel that in career counseling it is just as important. This self-esteem problem being solved can allow the limitations to be overcome.

     It is quite possible that I need to be more open-minded in regards to the concepts of synchronicity and the postmodern view, but I do recognize that they are important and can be effective if utilized appropriately. I hope to learn more in regards to combining the modern traditionist and postmodern approach because, as I mentioned previously, I believe that this would be most effective in assisting a client in their career development process. I do still take issue in dream analyzation but can see the value in a client self-analyzing a dream because this allows the client to have their own insight to their true inner thoughts and gives the counselor information as well.